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Afarak Group — Annual Report 2020
Mar 31, 2021
3302_rns_2021-03-31_4a81bd05-829b-495f-a20f-3753ea682b2e.pdf
Annual Report
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AFARAK GROUP PLC
The Board of Directors Report 2020 and the Annual Financial Statements 1 January-31 December 2020
Domicile: Helsinki
Company number: 0618181-8
Contents
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT 3
SAFETY, HEALTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 3
THE FERROCHROME AND CHROME ORE MARKET 5
GROUP OPERATIONAL REVIEW 6
GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 7
SEGMENTS REVIEW 9
SPECIALITY ALLOYS SEGMENT 9
FERROALLOYS SEGMENT 10
RISK MANAGEMENT 11
SHARE INFORMATION 12
KEY FIGURES 16
SHARE-RELATED KEY INDICATORS 17
EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD 19
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 20
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, IFRS 21
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 21
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 22
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 23
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 25
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 26
- NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 27
1.1 COMPANY INFORMATION 27
1.2 ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES 27
1.3 GOING CONCERN 40
1.4 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUISITION OF NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 40
1.5 IMPAIRMENT TESTING 41
1.6 OPERATING SEGMENTS 45
1.7 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 49
1.8 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 55
1.9 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES 75
1.10 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 78
1.11 EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD 78
PARENT COMPANY'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FAS) 80
INCOME STATEMENT (FAS) 80
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (FAS) 81
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (FAS) 83
- NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY (FAS) 84
2.1 Accounting Policies 84
2.2 Notes to the income statement 85
2.3 Notes to assets 87
2.4 Notes to equity and liabilities 89
2.5 Pledges and contingent liabilities 91
2.6 Other notes 91
SIGNATURES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 94
THE AUDITOR'S NOTE 95
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT
2020 in review
2020 was another bad year for the complete Ferro-Chrome industry. The pandemic led to world-wide collapse of demand with low prices. The South African energy prices made it impossible for Afarak to continue operations and the decision had to be taken to put Mogale into business rescue. Our Specialty Alloys segment also had to cope with falling market prices and reduced demand therefore underperformed, when compared to previous years. We have widely continued to temporarily stop mining operations in all mines. Some sites like Stellite and Zeerust continue to treat tailings, and/or toll-treat for third parties.
Outlook
In recent months, we saw improving market prices and demand in the specialty segment. Our top priority remains the protection of our colleagues' health and the preservation of our assets. Even if we have reduced the losses compared to 2019, the general status of the company has certainly not improved during 2020. Chrome Ore prices, Ferrochrome benchmark and Low Carbon Ferrochrome prices have seriously improved recently, but it will take time before these developments can translate into positive cash flows for the company.
Growth strategy
We have further enhanced the PGM recovery in the Stellite mine and are in production at present. We are back to full production in Germany since beginning of 2021. The Business rescue of Mogale resulted in a sale of the asset. The consequences on our balance sheet will be positive. Our Magnesia project in Serbia is another asset with very big potential. Our focus today resides in raising the capital to start creating positive returns there.
SAFETY, HEALTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Sustainability
Afarak understands that sustainability is critical to any business and industry. We want to proceed in the right way at all levels of our business. Our sustainability initiatives are built around four main pillars that are integrated in our decision-making.
Our employee's safety is our top priority. It comes before anything else and we do not make any shortcuts. In this regard, we are constantly focusing on improving the health and well-being of our co-workers and care for the communities around our operation facilities. As a primary sector company, we feel committed to gradually minimising our ecological footprint.
The communities that host our operations are important stakeholders and we are proud of the reputation that we have built in the years of our co-operation.
During 2020, the world has encountered very difficult times due to the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, consequently Afarak has implemented measures to have the main part of the office based employees working from home. Thanks to all the precautions implemented in all Afarak Group units a very limited amount of cases has been reported which did not materially impact the production.
Our commitment
Afarak vows to deliver its contribution to environmental and social sustainability through its production processes. We believe that our efforts will support several United Nations' resolutions on sustainability, such as decreasing poverty and hunger, but also increasing gender equality, education and access to clean water.
Our most significant impact on local host communities lies in providing direct and indirect employment. We support local communities in their needs related to education and infrastructure whilst supporting social causes.
Safety
Afarak strives to achieve what we call “Zero Harm Policy” at all levels of our operations and provides its employees and contractors a safe and healthy work environment.
Afarak holds regular Board committees dedicated to health and safety with the aim of integrating the Group operations to address the social, environmental, health and safety position of all stakeholders. The programme focusing on pro-active safety and environmental measurements continued in 2020 aiming to achieve “Zero Harm”.
During 2020, the Group’s employees contributed approximately 1,598,153 working hours during which the company suffered 30 (44) accidents that caused loss of time. Lost Time Injury (LTI) is defined as any work-related injury or illness which prevents a person from doing any work the day after the accident.
We are proud that no fatalities happened on our sites.
Going forward, management remains focused on further improving the safety performance at Afarak through various initiatives and investments.
Health
In 2020, Afarak has taken several safety measures to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to protect people and minimise the effect on operations, while always keeping as top priority a safe and healthy working environment.
Thanks to these decisive and well-timed actions, very limited number of cases has been reported which did not materially impact the production.
In our factories we continuously assess, monitor and control the risks of our workers.
To help achieve this goal, we conduct routine health checks on all sites. These checks include drug and alcohol testing. We are also reviewing the role of organising shifts in the mines to minimise any fatigue-related injuries.
Afarak is and will remain committed to investing in the health of its workforce and local community.
Environment
We aim to demonstrate our environmental responsibility by minimising our environmental impact. Our environmental intervention rests on four main pillars.
Water management
We intend to minimise the waste our activity produces. Most of the waste our activity generates is tailings from mining. Tailings are usually a big concern for mining companies. However, through our beneficiation stages, Afarak is able to recycle and yield more chrome content from mined goods, thus reducing the amount of tailings too. The culture to minimize and recycle tailings is a constant focus in our Group.
Land rehabilitation
We aim to manage our land responsibly throughout the lifecycle of our assets.
To this end, we are working on projects to rehabilitate mines we currently work in. We recognise that our activities impact the grounds on which we work. By reestablishing land, managing its biodiversity and considering the needs of locals, we can reduce the level of our environmental impact.
Air emissions
Our activity carries an influence on air quality and CO2 emissions. Our dependence on electricity is also a source for CO2 emissions, which we would like to decrease by shifting toward alternative sources of energy.
Communities & human rights
We bring economic benefits to the countries we work in by employing people, buying goods and services, paying taxes and royalties, and investing in infrastructure and healthcare. We are firm believers that through our operations we deliver socio-economic benefits to our host communities.
We are committed to building and maintaining constructive, long-lasting relationships with our stakeholders, including our host communities. Speaking openly and transparently with all our stakeholders is vital for our future and maintaining good relationships with the host community.
We uphold values of mutual respect, social cohesion and human rights within our staff, communities, and contractors.
Finally, we take pride in creating social value through:
Employment
By providing direct and indirect employment, we believe that we are making a tangible contribution to our host communities.
Community initiatives
We continue to support local communities with various assistance programs that are of a social and educational nature.
Procurement
In our procurement, we work closely with local enterprises to support the local economy.
Looking ahead
Afarak will remain committed to upholding and raising the value of sustainability in its operations. Health and safety remain a key priority for the Board and a review of safety policies & procedures is a constant focus. With the goal of improving safety at all plants. Environmental investments are important to Afarak and initiatives will continue throughout 2021 to further minimise the impact of our operations on nature. Also, community investments will be maintained.
THE FERROCHROME AND CHROME ORE MARKET
Afarak Group operates primarily in the chrome ore market.
Globally, most of the chrome ore is used in metallurgical applications. However, chrome ore is also used, though to a much lesser extent, in refractories, as foundry sands and as a chemical grade as shown below. Afarak produces ferrochrome which is the main type of chrome used in metallurgical applications, in turn mainly driven by the demand for stainless steel.
Therefore, chrome ore and ferrochrome are very much correlated to the developments of the stainless-steel industry.
2020 Review
The Global Economy has been affected by the Pandemic which have generated general lockdowns, with many mines and plants closing, giving to all the markets very heavy hard times and giving signs of necessary changes to the World. IMF sees the World Economy shrinking by 4,4%.
The vaccines approvals and distribution will be one of the key factors for a change in the marketplace.
Stainless steel
The Global crude Stainless steel production decreased by almost 3%, to 50.7 million tonnes, which was lower than what was projected earlier in the year.
This is the first reduction in the world output after four years of continuous growth with the exception of China growth of 2.5%, due to the very rapid economic recovery post pandemic, and Indonesia of 15.5% which was marginally affected by the Pandemic and had a strong demand from export markets.
The productions in USA and Japan registered a reduction of more than 18%, with Europe showing a lower reduction at 7%.
In the main part of the stainless-steel producing Countries the output is reaching now the pre-pandemic outputs and the global production is expected to grow up to 55 million tonnes in 2021.
The aerospace industry reached its bottom in 2020, and 2021 is expected to be better in terms of number of flights and aircrafts orders.
Ferrochrome
The Chrome market was in a downtrend for almost four years, mainly due to an oversupply factor. In 2020, the Chrome Ore and Ferrochrome prices have been under sharp downward pressure which started than to soften slowly by the end of the year. This has been triggered by the demand, which has not been stable during all year, with a rollercoaster trend from the Automotive sector and consumer goods markets in combination with a general destocking trend during Q2 and Q3. China's Chrome ore stocks increased to over four million tonnes in mid 2020.
The Ferrochrome market have entered the 2021 with a fast increase in prices reflected across the major products including Low Carbon and Ultra Low Carbon Ferrochrome. This is basically triggered by robust demand from many different sectors which are fuelled by economic stimulus packages implemented by the major economies.
The price for Ore could be influenced by a South Africa's export tax decision, and the heavy dependence of the Chinese Ferrochrome producers might be an additional factor to be taken into consideration during 2021.
The general expectation in the industry is that prices will recover during 2021, however this could be impacted by the Pandemic incidence and the relevant influence on the supply and demand resultants.
In view of this uncertainty, to keep building resilience is a key goal for Afarak which will continue to allow to deal with extremely variable market conditions.
The Group has taken a conservative view for 2021 and is prepared also for weak market.
GROUP OPERATIONAL REVIEW
Operationally, 2020 presented lower sales and lower production for the Group which was mainly driven by the negative impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Both the Speciality Alloys segment and the FerroAlloys recorded lower production compared to a year earlier, due to lower demand. In addition, within the FerroAlloys segment, Mogale was put in business rescue during 2020 and is now reported as discontinued operation, and COVID-19 also restricted the Group to move material out of South Africa during the second quarter. Sales volumes contracted from a year earlier in both the Speciality Alloys and FerroAlloys segments.
Sales
Sales volumes dropped in both the Speciality Alloys and FerroAlloys segments. The Group processing sales stood at 34,256 (2019: 81,802) tonnes, representing a contraction of 58.1% when compared to a year earlier. Sales of Speciality Alloys processed material contracted by 9,610 tonnes on account of lower demand. In the FerroAlloys segment, sale of processed material decreased significantly from a year earlier due to lower demand and sales are only accounted up to the demerge of Mogale business from Afarak Group.
Group mining
Group mining activity decreased by 48.3% to 184,779 (2019: 357,557) tonnes, when compared to a year earlier, with marginal decrease in the Turkish mines and significantly lower mining activity in South African mines.
Annual mining levels in the Speciality Alloys segment decreased marginally by 2.6% to 73,306 (75,251) tonnes. In the FerroAlloys segment, the mines in South Africa recorded lower mining activity during 2020 of 60.5% to 111,472 (2019: 282,306) tonnes due to minimal mining activity at the South African mines.
Group processing
Group processing for 2020 decreased by 56.7% to 29,997 (2019: 69,217) tonnes in both the Speciality Alloys and FerroAlloys segments.
The contraction in Group processing was driven by lower activity in both the Speciality Alloys and FerroAlloys segments. During 2020, processing levels in the Speciality Alloys segment contracted by 35.7% to 16,409 (2019: 25,515) tonnes to address lower demand. Processing levels in the FerroAlloys decreased by 68.9% to 13,588 (2019: 43,702) tonnes and are only accounted up to the demerge of Mogale business from Afarak Group.
Human resources
At the end of 2020, Afarak had 621 (905) employees. The average number of employees during the 2020 was 747 (1,022).
GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic negatively affected the Group results of 2020. The lower demand for low carbon ferrochrome and the weaker selling prices led to lower margins to the Group results when compared to 2019.
Afarak Group has restated its figures for 2019 due to the loss of control and the end of the consolidation of Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd. Afarak Group reclassified Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd’s previously reported income statement figures as discontinued operations. There is no change to the previously reported balance sheet figures.
The adverse selling prices and the higher unabsorbed costs as a result of lower production during 2020 negatively affected EBITDA to EUR -4.1 (2019: -5.4) million, however margins were kept at the same level as prior year. Results were also negatively impacted by an impairment write-down on long term assets in Stellite amounting to EUR 21.5 million less deferred tax of EUR 6.0 million. The result of the discontinued operation was EUR 6.1 (2019: -52.8) million, consisting of the result of the Mogale business no longer being consolidated in Afarak Group.
At the beginning of 2020, market started to recover and as a result both segments performed better than prior year during the first quarter of 2020, with margins being better than same period last year. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic impacted heavily on the recovery and margins deteriorated throughout the year.
2020 performance
Afarak Group faced a challenging year. The Group revenue for the year decreased significantly by 38.9% and stood at EUR 59.8 (2019: 97.9) million. Revenues in both segments were lower when compared to prior year. In the Speciality Alloys segment revenue decreased by 35.5% and in the FerroAlloys segment revenue dropped by 58.6%.
In the Speciality Alloys segment, the adverse low carbon ferrochrome selling prices, together with lower sales volumes throughout 2020 resulted in a decrease in revenue for the full year by 35.5%, to EUR 53.2 (2019: 82.5) million. In the FerroAlloys segment, revenue decreased significantly in 2020 to EUR 6.1 (2019: 14.8) million, when compared to prior year, mainly due to lower availability of saleable material, lower sales prices, as well as
the impact of COVID-19 which restricted the Group to move material out of South Africa during the second quarter.
During 2020, Mogale has been reclassified to discontinued operation due to the loss of control and both the reported first half of 2020 and prior year has been restated and reclassified to discontinued operation
The positive EBITDA recorded during the first half of 2020 in the Speciality Alloys segment was offset by the losses incurred during the second half of 2020, due to the above factors and the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic throughout the year, resulting in an EBITDA of EUR 0.3 (2019: 6.8) million. The lower Ferrochrome production to address lower demand, has led to higher unabsorbed costs. At the same time production within the FerroAlloys segment decreased significantly due to minimal mining activity at the South African mines. Despite profitability being negatively affected by lower revenue and lower production, EBITDA margins improved when compared to previous year as a result of the cost cutting initiative that have been implemented. Results were also negatively impacted by an impairment write-down on long term assets in Stellite mine amounting to EUR 21.5 million less deferred tax of EUR 6.0 million.
The full year EBITDA from unallocated items was EUR -3.1 (2019: -7.0) million.
| EUR million | H1/20 Restated | H2/20 | FY20 | FY19 Restated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 35.5 | 24.3 | 59.8 | 97.9 |
| EBITDA | -2.8 | -3.7 | -4.1 | -5.4 |
| EBITDA margin | -7.9 | -15.2 | -6.8 | -5.5 |
| EBIT | -9.6 | -18.6 | -28.2 | -9.1 |
| EBIT margin | -27.0 | -76.5 | -47.2 | -9.2 |
| Profit from continuing operations | -4.6 | -23.0 | -27.6 | -6.1 |
| Profit from discontinued operations | -11.5 | 17.6 | 6.1 | -52.8 |
| Profit for the period | -16.2 | -5.4 | -21.6 | -58.9 |
Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Financing
The Group's total assets on 31 December 2020 stood at EUR 142.6 (223.6) (30 June 2020: 195.9) million and net assets totalled EUR 29.8 (74.5) (30 June 2020: 50.3) million. During the second half, the translation differences on conversion of foreign denominated subsidiaries was adjusted by EUR 13.7 million, which is the circulation of Mogale's translation reserve to discontinued operation. The Group's cash and cash equivalents, as at 31 December 2020, totalled EUR 1.1 (5.4) million (30 June 2020: 6.1). Operating cash flow in the second half was negative, standing at EUR -2.2 (3.1) million.
The equity ratio stood at $20.9\%$ (33.3%) (30 June 2020: 25.7%). Afarak's gearing at the end of the year decreased to $161.8\%$ (74.0%) (30 June 2020: 108.7%), due to lower interest-bearing debt of EUR 49.3 (60.5) (30 June 2020: 60.8) million.
Major changes in Balance sheet during the year related to the write off Mogale Balance sheet to discontinuing operation, as a result of Afarak Group loss of control in Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd.
Investments, Acquisitions and Divestments
Capital expenditure for the full year of 2020 totalled EUR 1.1 (5.0) million. Capital Expenditure was mainly incurred to sustain Group operations.
SEGMENTS REVIEW
SPECIALITY ALLOYS SEGMENT
2020 in Review
Speciality Alloys segment started the year to perform in a satisfactory way, however the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic impacted heavily on the recovery. Low Carbon ferrochrome prices which resulted in lower revenue and lower Ferrochrome production to address lower demand, has led to additional unabsorbed costs.
| Revenue
€53.2mln
(€82.5mln) | EBITDA
€0.3mln
(€6.8mln) | EBIT
€-1.3mln
(€4.5mln) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mining production
73,306mt
(75,251mt) | Processing production
16,409mt
(25,515mt) | Sales of processed material
16,999mt
(26,609mt) |
| Personnel
516
(534) | | |
Production
Total production levels during 2020 decreased by 11% to 89,715 (2019: 100,765) tonnes, mainly in the second half of the year, were it was driven by a slight decrease in mining tonnages and a larger decrease in the production of processed material to address lower demand.
The mining activity at both Turkish mines for the full year of 2020 decreased marginally by 2.6% during the year when compared to prior year.
The production of processed material decreased by 35.7% following various temporary shutdowns during the year to manage lower demand.
Sales
The unfavourable low carbon ferrochrome selling prices, together with lower sales volumes throughout 2020 resulted in a decrease in revenue for the full year.
Financial performance
The unfavourable low carbon ferrochrome selling prices, together with lower sales volumes throughout 2020 resulted in a decrease in revenue for the full year by 35.5%, to EUR 53.2 (2019: 82.5) million. The lower Ferrochrome production to address lower demand, has led to additional unabsorbed costs of EUR 3.4 (2.1) million in 2020. The positive EBITDA recorded during the first half of 2020 was offset by the losses incurred during the second half of 2020, due to the above factors and the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic throughout the year, resulting in an EBITDA of EUR 0.3 (2019: 6.8) million.
| EUR million | H1/20 | H2/20 | FY20 | FY19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 31.6 | 21.7 | 53.2 | 82.5 |
| EBITDA | 1.7 | -1.4 | 0.3 | 6.8 |
| EBITDA margin | 5.3% | -6.3% | 0.6% | 8.3% |
| EBIT | 0.7 | -2.0 | -1.3 | 4.5 |
| EBIT margin | 2.1% | -9.2% | -2.5% | 5.4% |
Looking ahead
Positive news on the vaccines, should trigger a recovery in the demand of Stainless Steel and hence of Chrome, with China as the main contributor.
The expectation is based on the tangible signals of recovery from the automotive market.
The bottoming of the aerospace industry in 2020, can only lead to a better 2021 in terms of aircrafts orderbooks and number of flights sold.
Last but not least, the household and housing market will also play an important role in demand growth.
The expectation to the trend has been given by the rise of the European ferro-chrome benchmark to $1.175/lb for Q1 2021 with an increase of 3.1% from the fourth quarter of 2020. The first 2 months of 2021 show improved demand and prices for LC Ferro-Chrome already.
FERROALLOYS SEGMENT
2020 in Review
The lower ferrochrome benchmark prices and a contraction in sales volumes led to a weakened financial performance of the segment compared to a year earlier.
The inability of Afarak to export, and the lack of sales price recovery despite increase in benchmark, created additional challenges during the first half of the year that led to Afarak Mogale being put in business rescue.
Afarak Group has restated its figures for 2019 due to the loss of control and the end of the consolidation of Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd. Afarak Group reclassified Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd’s previously reported income statement figures as discontinued operations. There is no change to the previously reported balance sheet figures.
| Revenue
€6.1mln
(€14.8mln) | EBITDA
€-1.3mln
(€-5.3mln) | EBIT
€-23.8mln
(€-6.2mln) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mining production
111,472mt
(282,306mt) | Processing production
13,588mt
(43,702mt) | Sales of processed material
13,588mt
(43,702mt) |
| Personnel
83
(307) | | |
Production
Operationally, the segment registered a decrease in total production by 61.6% to 125,060 (326,008) tonnes.
Production within the FerroAlloys segment decreased significantly due to minimal mining activity at the South African mines.
Production of processed material in the first half of 2020 was significantly lower when compared to same period last year and during the second half of 2020 Mogale business was demerged from Afarak Group.
Sales
The sales of processed material from the FerroAlloys segment declined by 37,936 tonnes throughout the year with a significant contraction as from the second quarter of 2020. Sales volume of processed material in the second half of 2020 are only accounted up to the demerge of Mogale business from Afarak Group
Financial performance
| EUR million | H1/20 Restated | H2/20 | FY20 | FY19 Restated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 3.7 | 2.4 | 6.1 | 14.8 |
| EBITDA | -0.5 | -0.8 | -1.3 | -5.3 |
| EBITDA margin | -13.5% | -31.2% | -20.5% | -35.6% |
| EBIT | -0.9 | -22.9 | -23.8 | -6.2 |
| EBIT margin | -24.3% | -954.2% | -388.1% | -42.2% |
The South African mines were disrupted due to COVID regulations but were allowed to restart with reduced complements and the implementation of infection mitigation controls.
Revenue decreased significantly in 2020 when compared to prior year, mainly due to lower availability of saleable material, lower sales prices, as well as the impact of COVID-19 which restricted the Group to move material out of South Africa during the second quarter. Despite profitability being negatively affected by lower revenue and higher unabsorbed cost due to lower production, EBITDA margins improved when compared to previous year as a result of the cost cutting initiative that have been implemented. Results were also negatively impacted by an impairment write-down on long term assets in Stellite mine amounting to EUR 21.5 million less deferred tax of EUR 6.0 million.
Looking ahead
The Group is responding to these challenging circumstances and is prepared for a longer period of subdued markets. We have cut maximum cost in the loss-making assets in South African mines.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Afarak’s prudent approach to risk management is a crucial component of our continued success and is present in managing all aspects of our performance.
By understanding and managing risk, we provide greater certainty and confidence for our shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers and host communities. In fact, we believe that successful risk management can be a source of competitive advantage.
Our risks are viewed and managed on a Group-wide basis. As a truly global operation, managing diversity in our operations, portfolio of products, geographies, economies and currencies is a key characteristic of our risk management approach.
Risk management is one of the key responsibilities of the Board and its Audit and Health & Safety Committees.
2020 Developments
2020 was a tough year for Afarak. The Audit and Risk Management Committee played a key role in monitoring the risk management function of the Group.
The Audit Committee, together with management, continued improving internal processes and procedures to mitigate critical risks. Certain production decisions were also taken in view of the lower prices and demand.
The Group is looking into restructuring a short-term commercial debt into a longer-term arrangement and is also actively pursuing new funding opportunities via some divesting. In case of failure to achieve these goals cast significant risk on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Afarak’s processing operations in Germany and South African mines are intensive users of energy, primarily electricity. Fuel and energy prices globally have been characterised by volatility and cost inflation. In South Africa the majority of the electricity supply, price and availability are controlled by one entity, Eskom.
Increased electricity prices and/or reduced, or uncertain electricity supply, or allocation may negatively impact Afarak’s current operations, which could have an impact on the Group’s financial performance.
In case the availability and effectiveness of the vaccines will not keep under control the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, significant disruptions in production and lower demand will continue to negatively affect the business as a whole. In this respect Afarak is continuously evaluating the situation in order to mitigate its current exposures.
Management continued to work closely with the Units to provide continuous monitoring and oversight in accordance with the Group’s risk management policy. Health & safety and the stated aim of ‘Zero-Harm’ will continue to be a central pillar of the Company’s risk management strategy.
Principal risks
While a number of different risks may have an effect on the results and operations to various degrees, the following describes the key types of risks faced by Afarak in the normal course of business.
SHARE INFORMATION
Afarak Group Plc's shares are listed on NASDAQ Helsinki (AFAGR) and on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (AFRK).
On 31 December 2020, the registered number of Afarak Group Plc shares was 252,041,814 (252,041,814) and the share capital was EUR 23,642,049.60 (23,642,049.60).
On 31 December 2020, the Company had 13,162,599 (13,677,599) own shares in treasury, which was equivalent to 5.22% (5.43%) of the issued share capital. The total number of shares outstanding, excluding the treasury shares held by the Company on 31 December 2020, was 238,879,215 (238,634,215).
At the beginning of the period under review, the Company’s share price was EUR 0.53 on NASDAQ Helsinki and GBP 0.38 on the London Stock Exchange. At the end of the review period as at December 2020, the share price was EUR 0.23 and GBP 0.20 respectively. During 2020, the Company’s share price on NASDAQ Helsinki ranged from EUR 0.15 to 0.98 per share and the market capitalisation, as at 31 December 2020, was EUR 56.96 (1 January 2020: 133.83) million. For the same period on the London Stock Exchange, the share ranged from GBP 0.05 to 0.75 per share and the market capitalisation was GBP 50.4 (1 January 2020: 94.52) million, as at 31 December 2020.
On 28 January 2020, the company announced changes regarding Afarak Group Plc’s treasury shares, where a total of 115,000 treasury shares has been transferred to subscribers. On 16 December 2020, the company announced changes regarding Afarak Group Plc’s treasury shares, where a total of 400,000 shares has been transferred to the CEO Guy Konsbruck, which form part of the remuneration package under the CEO agreement.
Flagging notifications
There were no flagging notifications during the year.
Trading information
Afarak Group Plc’s shares are listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange and on NASDAQ Helsinki. Afarak shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange under the trading code AFRK and on the NASDAQ Helsinki under code AFAGR. The ISIN code is FI0009800098 and the trading takes place in Pound Sterling (GBP) and in Euros (EUR).
Share performance and Trading
During the financial year 2020, the price of Afarak Group’s share in London Stock Exchange varied between GBP 0.05 (2019: 0.38) and GBP 0.75 (2019: 0.78) and in NASDAQ Helsinki between EUR 0.147 (2019: 0.40) and EUR0.978 (2019: 0.97). Afarak’s share closed in London at the end of the financial year at GBP 0.20 (2019: 0.38) and Helsinki at EUR 0.226 (2019: 0.53). The closing price on 31 December gives the Company a market capitalisation of the entire capital stock 252,041,814 (2019: 252,041,814) shares of GBP 50.4 (2019: 94.5) million and EUR 57.0 (2019: 133.8) million.
A total of 335,874 (2019: 248,862) Afarak shares were traded in London and 47,131,285 (2019: 42,304,860) shares in Helsinki during the financial year, representing 0.13% (2019: 0.10%) of stock in London and 18.7% (2019: 16.78%) in Helsinki.
Shareholders
On 31 December 2020, the Company had a total of 6,238 shareholders (5,952 shareholders on 31 December 2019), of which eight were nominee-registered. The registered number of shares on 31 December 2020 was 252,041,814 (2019: 252,041,814).
LARGEST SHAREHOLDERS ON 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Shareholder | Shares | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB | 144,013,036 | 57.14% |
| 2 | Hino Resources Co. Ltd | 36,991,903 | 14.68% |
| 3 | Afarak Group Plc | 13,162,599 | 5.22% |
| 4 | Hanwa Company Limited | 9,000,000 | 3.57% |
| 5 | Joensuun Kauppa ja Kone Oy | 5,746,777 | 2.28% |
| 6 | Nordea Bank ABP | 3,245,735 | 1.29% |
| 7 | Kankaala Markku Olavi | 2,921,314 | 1.16% |
| 8 | Hukkanen Esa Veikko | 1,908,108 | 0.76% |
| 9 | Saxo Bank A/S | 1,720,379 | 0.68% |
| 10 | Osuusasunnot Oy | 1,700,000 | 0.67% |
| Total | 220,409,851 | 87.45% | |
| Other Shareholders | 31,631,963 | 12.55% | |
| Total shares registered | 252,041,814 | 100.00% |
Afarak Group Plc's Board members and Chief Executive Officer owned in total 1,550,000 (2019: 1,150,000) Afarak Group Plc shares on 31 December 2020, including shares owned either directly, through persons closely associated with them or through controlled companies. This corresponds to 0.6% (2019: 0.5%) of the total number of registered shares on 31 December 2020.
SHAREHOLDERS BY CATEGORY 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Number of shares | Number of shareholders | % share of shareholder | Number of shares held | % of shares held |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 100 | 1,134 | 18.1% | 57,830 | 0.0% |
| 101 - 1000 | 2,596 | 41.5% | 1,250,095 | 0.5% |
| 1001 - 10000 | 1,978 | 31.7% | 6,903,606 | 2.7% |
| 10001 - 100000 | 475 | 7.6% | 12,935,193 | 5.1% |
| 100001 - 1000000 | 44 | 0.7% | 9,175,239 | 3.6% |
| 1000001 - 1000000 | 8 | 0.1% | 27,552,313 | 10.9% |
| 10000001 - | 3 | 0.0% | 194,167,538 | 77.0% |
| Total | 6,238 | 100% | 252,041,814 | 100% |
| of which nominee-registered | 11 | 0.18% | 149,803,858 | 59.44% |
| Total outstanding | 252,041,814 | 100% |
SHAREHOLDERS BY SHAREHOLDER TYPE ON 31 DECEMBER 2020
| % of share | |
|---|---|
| Finnish shareholders of which: | 22.07% |
| Companies and business enterprises | 10.33% |
| Banking and insurance companies | 0.34% |
| Non-profit organisations | 0.00% |
| Households | 11.40% |
| Foreign shareholders | 77.93% |
| Total of which nominee-registered | 100.00% |
| 59.44% |
RESOLUTIONS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Company’s Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) was held on 22 Jun 2020. The AGM adopted the financial statements and the consolidated financial statements and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability for the financial period 2019.
The AGM resolved that no dividend would be paid for 2019.
The AGM resolved that the Chairman of the Board shall be paid EUR 4,500 per month, the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Management Committee shall be paid EUR 5,550 per month and all Non-Executive Board Members are paid EUR 3,500 per month. Non-Executive Board Members who serve on the Board's Committees shall be paid additional EUR 1,500 per month for committee work. Those members of the Board of Directors that are executives of the Company are not entitled to receive any remuneration for Board membership. Board Members shall be compensated for travel and accommodation expenses as well as other costs directly related to Board and Committee work in accordance with the company's travel rules.
The AGM resolved that the Board of Directors would comprise of three (3) members: Dr Jelena Manojlovic (UK citizen), Mr Thorstein Abrahamsen (Norwegian citizen) and Mr Guy Konsbruck (Luxembourg citizen) were re-elected as Board members.
The AGM resolved that authorised public accountant firm Ernst & Young Oy is re-elected as the Auditor of the Company for the year 2020.
The AGM resolved to authorize the Board of Directors to issue shares and stock options and other special rights that entitle to shares in one or more tranches up to a maximum of 50,000,000 new shares or shares owned by the Company. This equates to approximately 19.8% of the Company's currently registered shares.
The authorization may be used among other things to raise additional finance and enabling corporate and business acquisitions or other arrangements and investments of business activity or for employee incentive and commitment schemes. By virtue of the authorization, the Board of Directors can decide both on share issues against payment and on share issues without payment. The payment of the subscription price can also be made with consideration other than money. The authorization contains the right to decide on derogating from shareholders' pre-emptive right to share subscriptions provided that the conditions set in the Finnish Companies' Act are fulfilled. The authorization replaces all previous authorizations and is valid two (2) years from the decision of the Annual General Meeting.
2020 Annual General Meeting
Afarak’s 2020 Annual General Meeting will be held within the time stipulated in the Finnish Companies Act.
Distribution proposal
The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting that no distribution would be paid in 2021.
Information presented by reference
The Group's key financial figures, related party disclosures, information on share capital and option rights are presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The share ownership of the parent company's Board members and Chief Executive Officer is presented in the notes to the parent company's financial statements.
The Corporate Governance Statement and the Remuneration Report are presented as separate reports in this Annual Report.
For the purposes of United Kingdom Listing Authority listing rules ("LR") 9.8.4C R, the information required to be disclosed by LR 9.8.4 R can be found in the following locations:
| Sector | Topic | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Interest capitalised | 1.8. Notes to the statement of financial position, 9. Property, plant and equipment. |
| 2 | Publication of unaudited financial information | Not applicable |
| 4 | Details of long-term incentive schemes | 1.8. Notes to the statement of financial position, 18. Share-based payments |
| 5 | Waiver of emoluments by a director | Not applicable |
| 6 | Waiver of future emoluments by a director | Not applicable |
| 7 | Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash | Not applicable |
| 8 | Item (7) in relation to major subsidiary undertakings | Not applicable |
| 9 | Parent participation in a placing by a listed subsidiary | Not applicable |
| 10 | Contracts of significance | 1.8. Notes to the statement of financial position, 1.9.2 Related party transactions |
| 11 | Provision of services by a controlling shareholder | Not applicable |
| 12 | Shareholder waivers of dividends | Not applicable |
| 13 | Shareholder waivers of future dividends | Not applicable |
| 14 | Agreements with controlling shareholders | Not applicable |
All the information cross-referenced above is hereby incorporated by reference into this Board of Directors report.
KEY FIGURES
FINANCIAL INDICATORS
Continuing operations
| 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | ||||
| Revenue | EUR '000 | 59,805 | 97,894 | 194,013 |
| EBITDA | EUR '000 | -4,050 | -5,432 | -1,017 |
| % of revenue | -6.8 % | -5.5 % | -0.5 % | |
| Operating (loss) / profit (EBIT) | EUR '000 | -28,192 | -9,050 | -14,092 |
| % of revenue | -47.1 % | -9.2 % | -7.3 % | |
| (Loss) / profit before taxes | EUR '000 | -32,447 | -5,756 | -18,541 |
| % of revenue | -54.3 % | -5.9 % | -9.6 % | |
| Return on equity | % | -53.0 % | -5.4 % | -11.5 % |
| Return on capital employed | % | -18.3 % | 0.9 % | -6.0 % |
| Equity ratio | % | 20.9 % | 33.3 % | -58.3 % |
| Gearing | % | 161.8 % | 74.0 % | 8.2 % |
| Personnel at the end of the accounting period | 621 | 905 | 942 |
SHARE-RELATED KEY INDICATORS
| 2020 | 2019 Restated | 2018 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group | Continuing operations | Group | Continuing operations | Group | Continuing operations | ||
| Earnings per share, basic | EUR | -0.07 | -0.10 | -0.23 | -0.02 | -0.07 | -0.07 |
| Earnings per share, diluted | EUR | -0.07 | -0.10 | -0.23 | -0.02 | -0.07 | -0.07 |
| Equity per share | EUR | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.58 | 0.58 |
| Price to earnings | EUR | neg. | neg. | neg. | |||
| Average number of shares | 1,000 | 238,488 | 251,785 | 260,080 | |||
| Average number of shares, diluted | 1,000 | 241,403 | 254,374 | 260,702 | |||
| Number of shares at the end of the period | 1,000 | 252,042 | 252,042 | 263,040 | |||
| Share price information (NASDAQ Helsinki) | |||||||
| Average share price | EUR | 0.33 | 0.90 | 0.94 | |||
| Lowest share price | EUR | 0.15 | 0.40 | 0.67 | |||
| Highest share price | EUR | 0.98 | 0.97 | 1.2 | |||
| Market capitalisation | EUR '000 | 56,961 | 133,834 | 190,968 | |||
| Share turnover | EUR '000 | 15,687 | 37,961 | 27,594 | |||
| Share turnover | % | 18.7 % | 16.8 % | 11.1 % | |||
| Share price information (London Stock Exchange) | |||||||
| Average share price | EUR | 0.32 | 0.72 | 1.00 | |||
| GBP | 0.28 | 0.63 | 0.89 | ||||
| Lowest share price | EUR | 0.06 | 0.43 | 0.82 | |||
| GBP | 0.05 | 0.38 | 0.73 | ||||
| Highest share price | EUR | 0.84 | 0.88 | 1.05 | |||
| GBP | 0.75 | 0.78 | 0.93 | ||||
| Market capitalisation | EUR '000 | 56,070 | 111,090 | 213,190 | |||
| GBP '000 | 50,408 | 94,516 | 190,705 | ||||
| Share turnover | EUR '000 | 96 | 167 | 28 | |||
| Share turnover | GBP '000 | 85 | 146 | 25 | |||
| Share turnover | % | 0.1 % | 0.1 % | 0.0 % |
From the financial year 2019 and 2020 the company did not distribute capital redemption. In 2020 the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that no distribution would be paid from the financial year 2020.
FORMULAS FOR CALCULATION OF INDICATORS
Financial indicators
Return on equity
(Loss) / profit for the period / Total equity (average for the period) * 100
Return on capital employed
((Loss) / profit before taxes + financing expenses) / (Total assets – Interest-free liabilities) average * 100
Equity ratio
Total equity / (Total assets - prepayments received) * 100
Gearing
(Interest-bearing debt - liquid funds) / Total equity * 100
EBITDA
Operating (loss) / profit + depreciation + amortisation + impairment losses
Operating (loss) / profit
Operating (loss) / profit is the net of revenue plus other operating income, plus gain/loss on finished goods inventory change, minus employee benefits expense, minus depreciation, amortisation and impairment and minus other operating expense. Foreign exchange gains or losses are included in operating profit when generated from ordinary activities. Exchange gains or losses related to financing activities are recognised as financial income or expense.
Share-related key indicators
Earnings per share, basic
(Loss) / profit attributable to owners of the parent company / Average number of shares during the period.
Earnings per share, diluted
(Loss) / profit attributable to owners of the parent company / Average number of shares during the period, diluted.
Equity per share
Equity attributable to owners of the parent / Average number of shares during the period.
Distribution per share
Distribution / Number of shares at the end of the period. In the attached table of share related key indicators, the dividend and capital redemptions are presented in that year's column on which results the pay-out are based; hence the actual payment takes place during next year.
Price to earnings
Share price at the end of the period / Earnings per share
Average share price
Total value of shares traded in currency / Number of shares traded during the period.
Market capitalisation
Number of shares * Share price at the end of the period.
EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
On 07 January 2021, the Company published the financial calendar for 2021.
On 26 January 2021, the Company announced that Helsinki Administrative Court did not amend the FIN-FSA decision to impose a penalty payment on the company.
On 25 February 2021, the Company published that it has filed the application for a permission to appeal and an appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court on the decision of the Helsinki Administrative Court
On 12 March 2021, the Company published that it has resolved on a directed share issue without consideration that will result in additional ownership of mining assets in South Africa.
On 23 March 2021, the company announced changes regarding Afarak Group Plc’s treasury shares, where a total of 7,088,608 treasury shares has been transferred to subscribers. Afarak entered into an agreement during 2019 to acquire the remaining interest of 26% in Chromex Mining Company (Pty) Ltd. This was executed after year end on 23 March 2021.
Flagging notification after the reporting period
On 24 March 2021, Afarak Group Plc made a flagging notification to FIN-FSA pursuant to Chapter 9, Section 5 of the Finnish Securities Markets Act. According to the flagging notification Afarak’s portion of the Company’s shares has fallen below the threshold of 5 per cent.
According to the notification, Afarak holds 6,073,991 treasury shares in Afarak, which corresponds to approximately 2.41% of the total shares in Afarak as a result of the transaction that was executed on 23 March 2021 whereby Afarak transferred its treasury shares.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1 January-31 December 2020
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, IFRS
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Afarak Group has restated its figures for 2019 due to the loss of control and the end of the consolidation of Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd. Afarak Group reclassified Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd’s previously reported income statement figures as discontinued operations. There is no change to the previously reported balance sheet figures.
| 1.1.-31.12.2020 | 1.1.-31.12.2019 Restated | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR '000 | Note | ||
| Revenue | 1 | 59,805 | 97,894 |
| Other operating income | 2 | 1,333 | 1,216 |
| Materials and supplies | -43,514 | -73,282 | |
| Employee benefits expense | 3 | -15,432 | -19,474 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | 4 | -2,626 | -3,618 |
| Impairment | 4 | -21,515 | 0 |
| Other operating expenses | 5 | -6,243 | -10,917 |
| Share of profit from joint ventures | 12 | 0 | -868 |
| Operating (loss)/profit | -28,192 | -9,050 | |
| Acquisition of Synergy Africa Ltd | 0 | 7,069 | |
| Finance income | 6 | 8,548 | 3,437 |
| Finance expense | 6 | -12,804 | -7,213 |
| (Loss)/profit before taxes | -32,448 | -5,756 | |
| Income taxes | 7 | 4,804 | -309 |
| (Loss)/profit from continuing operations | -27,644 | -6,065 | |
| (Loss)/profit on discontinued operations | 8 | 6,073 | -52,812 |
| (Loss)/profit for the year | -21,571 | -58,878 | |
| (Loss)/profit attributable to: | |||
| Owners of the parent | -17,672 | -57,577 | |
| Non-controlling interests | -3,899 | -1,301 | |
| -21,571 | -58,878 | ||
| Earnings per share (counted from profit / (loss) attributable to owners of the parent): | 9 | ||
| basic (EUR), Group total | -0.07 | -0.23 | |
| diluted (EUR), Group total | -0.07 | -0.23 | |
| basic (EUR), continuing operations | -0.10 | -0.02 | |
| diluted (EUR), continuing operations | -0.10 | -0.02 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
| EUR '000 | Note | 1.1.-31.12.2020 | 1.1.-31.12.2019Restated |
|---|---|---|---|
| (Loss)/profit for the year from continuing operations | -27,644 | -6,065 | |
| Other comprehensive (loss)/income | |||
| Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss | |||
| Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans | -1,308 | -2,740 | |
| Items that may be reclassified to profit and loss | |||
| Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations - Group | -8,264 | 2,166 | |
| Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax | -9,572 | -574 | |
| Total comprehensive (loss)/income from continuing operations | -37,216 | -6,639 | |
| Total comprehensive (loss)/income from continuing operations attributable to: | |||
| Owners of the parent | -32,256 | -5,311 | |
| Non-controlling interests | -4,960 | -1,328 | |
| -37,216 | -6,639 | ||
| (Loss)/profit for the year from discontinuing operations | 6,073 | -52,812 | |
| Other comprehensive (loss)/income | |||
| Items that may be reclassified to profit and loss | |||
| Loss of control of subsidiary (Circulation of translation difference) | 8 | -13,719 | 0 |
| Other comprehensive (loss) / income, net of tax | -13,719 | 0 | |
| Total comprehensive (loss)/income from discontinued operations | -7,646 | -52,812 | |
| Total comprehensive (loss)/income from discontinued operations attributable to: | |||
| Owners of the parent | -7,646 | -52,812 | |
| Non-controlling interests | 0 | 0 | |
| -7,646 | -52,812 | ||
| Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year | -44,863 | -59,451 | |
| Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to: | |||
| Owners of the parent | -39,903 | -58,123 | |
| Non-controlling interests | -4,960 | -1,328 | |
| -44,863 | -59,451 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
| EUR '000 | Note | 31.12.2020 | 31.12.2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| Non-current assets | |||
| Property, plant and equipment | 10 | 61,617 | 110,798 |
| Goodwill | 11 | 42,105 | 45,414 |
| Other intangible assets | 11 | 6,232 | 7,010 |
| Other financial assets | 14 | 260 | 1,048 |
| Deferred tax assets | 20 | 2,916 | 3,419 |
| 113,130 | 167,689 | ||
| Current assets | |||
| Inventories | 15 | 13,464 | 29,964 |
| Trade and other receivables | 16 | 14,901 | 20,556 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 17 | 1,098 | 5,389 |
| 29,463 | 55,909 | ||
| Total assets | 142,593 | 223,598 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONT.)
| EUR '000 | Note | 31.12.2020 | 31.12.2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Equity attributable to owners of the parent | |||
| Share capital | 18 | 23,642 | 23,642 |
| Share premium reserve | 25,223 | 25,223 | |
| Legal Reserve | 65 | 89 | |
| Paid-up unrestricted equity fund | 208,005 | 207,850 | |
| Translation reserve | -40,540 | -19,618 | |
| Retained Earnings | -188,860 | -169,880 | |
| 27,536 | 67,306 | ||
| Non-controlling interests | 2,269 | 7,230 | |
| Total equity | 29,806 | 74,536 | |
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 20 | 11,437 | 21,573 |
| Interest-bearing debt | 14 | 34,589 | 18,290 |
| Pension liabilities | 22 | 23,359 | 22,475 |
| Other non-current debt | 23 | 33 | 2,668 |
| Provisions | 21 | 11,390 | 19,052 |
| 80,808 | 84,058 | ||
| Current liabilities | |||
| Trade and other payables | 23 | 14,529 | 19,853 |
| Provisions | 21 | 179 | 177 |
| Tax liabilities | 23 | 2,545 | 2,754 |
| Interest-bearing debt | 14 | 14,725 | 42,220 |
| 31,978 | 65,004 | ||
| Total liabilities | 112,786 | 149,062 | |
| Total equity and liabilities | 142,593 | 223,598 |
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR '000 | Notes | 1.1.-31.12.2020 | 1.1.-31.12.2019 Restated |
| Operating activities | |||
| (Loss) / profit from continuing operation | -27,644 | -6,065 | |
| Adjustments to net profit: | |||
| Non-cash items | |||
| Depreciation, amortisation and impairment | 4 | 23,773 | 3,619 |
| Acquisition of Synergy Africa Ltd | 0 | -7,069 | |
| Finance income and cost | 6 | 4,047 | 3,632 |
| Income from associates | 13 | 0 | 868 |
| Income taxes | 7 | -4,803 | -2,546 |
| Share-based payments | 19 | 60 | 605 |
| Proceeds from non-current assets | 6,244 | -3,325 | |
| Working capital changes: | |||
| Change in trade receivables and other receivables | 2,134 | 16,079 | |
| Change in inventories | 7,191 | 18,124 | |
| Change in trade payables and other debt | 1,616 | -7,289 | |
| Change in provisions | 585 | 9,007 | |
| Interests paid | -2,939 | -2,492 | |
| Interests received | -85 | -66 | |
| Other financing items | -1,701 | -14,354 | |
| Income taxes paid | -1,702 | -657 | |
| Discontinued operations | 8 | -11,189 | -10,386 |
| Net cash from operating activities | -4,415 | -2,315 | |
| Investing activities | |||
| Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | 0 | 684 | |
| Capital expenditure on non-current assets, net | -958 | -1,684 | |
| Other investments, net | 47 | -193 | |
| Repayments of loan receivables and loans given, net | 48 | 398 | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | -863 | -795 | |
| Financing activities | |||
| Acquisition of own shares | 18 | 0 | -26,389 |
| Proceeds from borrowings | 3,215 | 33,155 | |
| Repayments of borrowings | -3,749 | -6,902 | |
| Payment of principal portion of lease liabilities | -193 | -222 | |
| Movement in short term financing activities | 2,002 | -3,457 | |
| Net cash used in financing activities | 1,275 | -3,815 | |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | -4,002 | -6,926 | |
| Cash at beginning of period | 5,389 | 12,132 | |
| Exchange rate differences | -289 | 182 | |
| Cash at end of period | 1,098 | 5,389 | |
| Change in the statement of financial position | 17 | -4,002 | -6,926 |
| Discontinued operations’ cash flows are described in more detail in the Note 8. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
EUR '000
A = Share capital
B = Share premium reserve
C = Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve
D = Translation reserve
E = Retained earnings
F = Legal reserve
G = Equity attributable to owners of the parent, total
H = Non-controlling interests
I = Total equity
| EUR '000 | Notes | Attributable to owners of the parent | I | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | |||
| Equity at 31.12.2018 | 23,642 | 25,223 | 231,292 | -21,811 | -107,968 | 98 | 150,476 | 372 | 150,848 | |
| (Loss) / profit for the period 1-12/2019 | -57,576 | -57,576 | -1,301 | -58,877 | ||||||
| Other Comprehensive income | 2,193 | -2,740 | -547 | -27 | -574 | |||||
| Total comprehensive income | 2,193 | -60,316 | -58,123 | -1,328 | -59,451 | |||||
| 19 | ||||||||||
| Share-based payments | 605 | 605 | 605 | |||||||
| Share issue | 18 | 783 | 783 | 783 | ||||||
| Acquisition of own shares | 18 | -26,389 | -26,389 | -26,389 | ||||||
| Acquisition of non-controlling interest | 18 | 1,559 | -1,596 | -37 | 8,186 | 8,149 | ||||
| Other changes in equity | -9 | -9 | -9 | |||||||
| Equity at 31.12.2019 | 23,642 | 25,223 | 207,850 | -19,618 | -169,880 | 89 | 67,306 | 7,230 | 74,536 | |
| (Loss) / profit for the period 1-12/2020 | -17,672 | -17,672 | -3,899 | -21,571 | ||||||
| Other Comprehensive income | -7,203 | -1,308 | -8,511 | -1,061 | -9,572 | |||||
| Loss of control of subsidiary (Circulation of translation difference) | 8 | -13,719 | -13,719 | -13,719 | ||||||
| Total comprehensive income | -20,922 | -18,980 | -39,902 | -4,961 | -44,863 | |||||
| Share-based payments | 19 | 60 | 60 | 60 | ||||||
| Acquisition of non-controlling interest | 18 | 95 | 95 | 95 | ||||||
| Other changes in equity | -24 | -24 | -24 | |||||||
| Equity at 31.12.2020 | 23,642 | 25,223 | 208,005 | -40,540 | -188,860 | 65 | 27,536 | 2,269 | 29,806 |
1. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.1 COMPANY INFORMATION
Afarak Group is a chrome mining and minerals producer focused on delivering sustainable growth with a speciality alloys business in southern Europe and a ferro alloys business in southern Africa. The Group's parent company is Afarak Group Plc (business ID: 0618181-8). The parent company is domiciled in Helsinki, and its registered address is Kaisaniemenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki, Finland. Copies of the consolidated financial statements are available at Afarak Group Plc's head office or at the Company's website: www.afarak.com.
Afarak Group Plc is quoted on the NASDAQ Helsinki Oy (trading code: AFAGR) in the industrials group, in the small-cap category, and on the main market of the London Stock Exchange (AFRK).
1.2 ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
Basis of preparation
These consolidated financial statements of Afarak Group have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and in conformity with the IAS and IFRS standards as well as the SIC and IFRIC interpretations in force on 31 December 2020. In the Finnish Accounting Act and the regulations issued on the basis thereof, International Financial Reporting Standards refer to the standards and their interpretations that have been approved for application within the EU in accordance with the procedure prescribed in the EU regulation (EC) 1606/2002. Notes to the consolidated financial statements also meet the requirements set forth in the Finnish accounting and company legislation.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, unless otherwise explicitly stated. All values are rounded to the nearest thousand (€ 000), unless otherwise explicitly stated.
Afarak Group Plc's Board of Directors resolved on 31 March 2021 that these financial statements are to be published. According to the Finnish Companies Act, shareholders shall endorse the financial statements in the Annual General Meeting convening after the financial statements have been published.
Presentation of financial statements
The consolidated financial statements provide comparative information in respect of the previous period. In addition, the Group presents an additional statement of financial position at the beginning of the earliest period presented when there is: a retrospective application of an accounting policy; a retrospective restatement; or a reclassification of items in financial statements that has a material impact on the Group.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the parent company Afarak Group Plc, its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies. Subsidiaries refer to companies controlled by the Group. The Group gains control of a company when it holds more than half of the voting rights or otherwise exercises control. The existence of potential voting rights has been taken into account in assessing the requirements for control in cases where the instruments entitling their holder to potential voting rights can be exercised at the time of assessment. Control refers to the right to govern the financial and operating policies of an enterprise so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
Acquired subsidiaries are consolidated from the time when the Group gained control, and divested subsidiaries until the time when control ceased. All intra-group transactions, receivables, debts, and unrealised profits, as well as internal distribution of profits, are eliminated when the consolidated financial statements are prepared. The distribution of profits between parent company owners and non-controlling owners is shown in the statement of comprehensive income, and the non-controlling interest of equity is shown as a separate item in the statement of financial position under shareholders' equity.
Joint ventures are entities in which each venturer has an interest and there is a contractual arrangement establishing joint control over the economic activity of the entity.
As at 31 March 2019, the Group held 51% of shares of Synergy Africa Ltd, which the shareholders of Synergy Africa Ltd had entered into a joint venture agreement with joint control over the company. On 1 April 2019, Afarak acquired the 49% balance of Synergy Africa Ltd, and the Joint Venture agreement was terminated. Therefore Afarak now holds 100% of Synergy Africa Ltd. As at 31 March 2019, the company and its subsidiaries were not consolidated into the Group as subsidiaries but as joint ventures. The Group's share of net profit or loss of the Joint venture during the period January to March 2019 is shown on one line in the income statement. As from 1 April 2019, Synergy Africa Ltd and its subsidiaries were consolidated into the Group as subsidiaries.
Associates are companies in which Afarak Group exercises significant influence. The Group exercises significant influence if it holds more than 20% of the target company's voting rights, or if the Group in other ways exercises significant influence but not control. Associates have been consolidated in the Group's financial statements using the equity method. If the Group's share of the associate's losses exceeds the carrying amount of the investment, the investment is recognised at zero value on the statement of financial position, and losses exceeding the carrying amount are not consolidated unless the Group has made a commitment to fulfil the associates' obligations. Investment in an associate includes the goodwill arising from its acquisition.
Translation of foreign currency items
Amounts indicating the profit or loss and financial position of Group entities are measured in the currency of each entity's main operating environment ('functional currency'). Figures in the consolidated financial statements are presented in euro, the functional and presentation currency of the Group's parent company, Afarak Group Plc.
Transactions in foreign currencies have been recorded at the functional currency using the exchange rate on the date of the transaction or mid reference rates of central banks. Monetary items denominated in foreign currencies have been translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the end of each reporting period. Exchange rate gains and losses are included in the revenue, operational costs or financial items, corresponding to their respective origin. Hedge accounting has not been applied.
In the Group accounts, foreign subsidiaries' income statements and statements of cash flows are converted into euro by using average exchange rates for the period, and the statement of financial position is converted by using the period-end exchange rate. The translation differences arising from this are recognised in other comprehensive income. Translation differences arising from the elimination of the acquisition cost and post-acquisition equity changes are also recognised in other comprehensive income. If and when the foreign subsidiary is partially or fully divested, these accrued translation differences will be taken into account in adjusting the sales gain or sales loss.
Goodwill, other assets and liabilities arising from acquisitions of subsidiaries are recognised in the Group accounts using the functional currency of each acquired subsidiary. The balances in that functional currency have then been translated into euro using the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period.
In accordance with IAS 21, any foreign exchange difference arising from Intra-group loans for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future is, in substance, a part of the entity's net investment in that foreign operation. This is recognised in the group's other comprehensive income and reclassified from equity to profit or loss on disposal of the net investment.
Operating profit
IAS 1 Presentation of financial statements does not define the concept of operating profit. Afarak Group has defined it as follows: Operating profit is the net amount derived by adding to revenue other operating income, less materials and supplies, and expenses from work performed by the enterprise and capitalised, less costs from employee benefits, depreciation and impairment losses, and other expenses. Shares of associated companies' and joint venture companies' profit or loss are included in the operating profit to the extent to which they relate to the Group's core businesses. Exchange differences arising from operational transactions with third parties are included in operating profit; otherwise they are recorded under financial items.
All other items of the income statement are excluded from operating profit.
IAS 1 amendment introduced the requirement for grouping of items presented in Other Comprehensive Income. Items that are reclassified (or 'recycled') to profit or loss at a future point in time will be presented separately
from items which will never be reclassified. The amendment affected the presentation of Other Comprehensive Income.
Revenue recognition
The Group applies IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with customers standard. Income from the sale of goods is recognised once the control of goods have been transferred to the buyer. Control is transferred either over time or at a point in time. The transfer of control depends on, terms of delivery (Incoterms) and some of which have transfer of risk to the customer before material is delivered to the final customer. The freight in conjunction with these delivery terms may be regarded as a separate performance obligation, however as they are limited in number, the Group does not consider the freight as being separate from the sale.
The most often used terms are FCA, CIF or FOB, under which the revenue is recognised when the goods are assigned to the buyer's carrier or loaded on board the vessel nominated by the buyer.
Generally, the Group receives short-term advances or cash against documents (CAD) from its customers. The payment terms are usually up to 60 days from end of month or after consignment report for customers with consignment agreement. The transaction price is based on official publications with premiums or discounts, while spot business is done based on negotiations. Performance obligations are satisfied at delivery of the goods and revenue is recognised based on the incoterms transfer of risk.
As typical in the business, preliminary invoices are issued for the mineral concentrates at the time of delivery. Final invoices are issued when quantity, mineral content and pricing have been defined for the delivery lot.
Income not generated by the Group's main businesses is accounted for as other operating income. The expenses incurred from disposals of non-current assets or a disposal group of assets are deducted from the gain on disposal.
Pension liabilities
Pension arrangements in Afarak Group are classified as defined contribution plans or defined benefit plans (Germany and Turkey). Payments for defined contribution plans are recognised as expenses for the relevant period. The present value of obligation for the defined benefit plans has been estimated applying the Projected Unit Credit Method and recognised as a non-current liability on the statement of financial position. The actuarial gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income when they occur and the net defined benefit liability or asset are presented in full on the statement of financial position.
Share-based payments
Option rights are measured at fair value at the time they were granted and recorded as expenses on a straight-line basis during the vesting period. The expenses at the time the options were granted are determined according to the Group's estimate of the number of options expected to vest at the end of the vesting period. Fair value is determined on the basis of an applicable option pricing model (e.g. Black-Scholes). The effects of non-market-based terms and conditions are not included in the fair value of the option; instead, they are taken into account in the estimated number of options expected to vest at the end of the vesting period. The Group updates the estimated final number of options at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the estimates are recorded in the statement of comprehensive income. When the option rights are exercised, the cash payments received from the subscriptions adjusted with potential transaction costs are recorded under paid-up unrestricted equity reserve.
The Group from time to time directs free issues of shares to the members of the Board of Directors or key executives, as approved by the AGM. The compensation is settled in shares and is accordingly recognised as share-based payment in the Group's financial statements. The fair value of the granted shares is determined based on the market price of the Afarak Group share at the grant date. The total fair value is therefore the amount of granted shares multiplied by the share market price at grant date. The cost is recognised as expense in personnel costs over the vesting periods and credited to equity (retained earnings).
Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) transactions
The purpose of South African Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) regulation is to enable previously disadvantaged people meaningfully to participate in the South African economy. The Group is committed to making a positive contribution towards the objectives of BBBEE. Where the Group disposes of a
portion of a South African based subsidiary or operation to a BBBEE company at a discount to fair value, the transaction is considered to be a share-based payment (in line with the principle contained in South Africa interpretation AC 503 Accounting for Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Transactions). The discount provided or value given is calculated in accordance with IFRS 2 and recognised as an expense. Where the BBBEE transaction includes service conditions, the expense is recognised over the vesting period. Otherwise the expense is recognised immediately on the grant date.
Lease agreements (the Group as the lessee)
Leases of tangible assets where the Group possesses a material portion of the risks and benefits of ownership are classified as financial leases. An asset acquired through a financial lease agreement is recognised at the fair value of the leased object at the beginning of the lease period, or at a lower current value of minimum lease. An asset obtained through a finance lease is depreciated over the useful life of the asset or the lease term, whichever is shorter. The leases payable are divided into financial expenses and loan repayment during the lease term so that the interest rate for the remaining loan is roughly the same each financial year. Leasing obligations are included in interest-bearing liabilities. Lease agreements in which the risks and benefits typical of ownership remain with the lessor are recognised in the statement of financial position as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability at the date at which the lease asset is available for the use by the Group. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance cost. The finance cost is recognised in the income statement over the lease period. The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis.
Impairment
At the end of each reporting period, the Group makes an assessment of whether there are any indications of asset impairment. If such indications exist, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated. In addition, goodwill is assessed annually for its recoverable amount regardless of whether there are any signs of impairment. Impairment is examined at the cash-generating unit level; in other words, the lowest level of entity that is primarily independent of other entities and whose cash flows can be separated from other cash flows. Impairment related to associates and other assets are tested on a company/asset basis.
The recoverable amount is the fair value of an asset less divestment costs, or the higher value in use. Value in use means the present value of estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the asset or cash-generating unit. Value in use is forecast on the basis of circumstances and expectations at the time of testing. The discount rate takes into account the time value of money as well as the special risks involved for each asset, different industry-specific capital structures in different lines of business, and the investors' return expectations for similar investments. An impairment loss is recorded when the carrying amount of an asset is greater than its recoverable amount. If the impairment loss is allocable to a cash-flow-generating unit, it is allocated first to reduce the goodwill of the unit and subsequently to reduce other assets of the unit. An impairment loss is reversed if a change has occurred in circumstances and the recoverable amount of the asset has changed since the impairment loss was recognised. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed in any circumstances.
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at year end; for the 2020 financial year, testing took place on 30 June 2020 for the Speciality Alloys business and the South African minerals processing business and on 31 December 2020 for all cash generating units. Impairment testing and the methods used are discussed in more detail in section 1.5 in the 'Notes to the consolidated financial statements'.
Financial income and expense
Interest income and expense is recognised using the effective interest method, and dividends are recognised when the right to dividends is established. Unrealised changes in value of items measured at fair value are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. These items relate to currency forward contracts. Exchange rate gains or losses that arise from intercompany loans that are considered as part of the net investment in the foreign entity are included, net of any deferred tax effects, in the translation reserve within the equity. These exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income while accumulated exchange differences are presented in the translation reserves in the equity.
Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset forming part of the cost of that asset, are capitalised if it is likely that they will provide future economic benefit and can be measured in a reliable manner. Other borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.
Income taxes
Tax expenses in the statement of comprehensive income consist of the tax based on taxable income for the year and deferred taxes. Taxes based on taxable income for the year are calculated using the applicable tax rates. Taxes are adjusted with any taxes arising from previous years. Maltese companies' income taxes are recognised and paid applying the nominal income tax rate which is 35%. Six sevenths of this tax is refunded when the company pays a dividend. Consequently the effective tax rate is 5%. The tax refund is recognised when the dividend is declared. Taxes arising from items recognised directly in equity are presented as income tax relating to other comprehensive income.
Deferred taxes have been calculated for all temporary differences between the carrying amount and taxable amount. Deferred taxes have been calculated using the tax rates set at the end of the reporting period. Deferred tax assets arising from taxable losses carried forward have been recognised up to the amount for which there is likely to be taxable income in the future, and against which the temporary difference can be used.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets have been measured at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The initial cost of an asset comprises its purchase price, costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into operation and the initial estimate of the rehabilitation and decommissioning obligation. Heavy production machinery often contains components with different useful lives, and therefore the component approach is applied. Material component replacements and repairs are capitalised. The repair and maintenance of lighter machinery and other intangible items are recognised as an expense when incurred.
Interest expenses are capitalised as part of the tangible asset's value if and when the Group acquires or constructs assets that satisfy the required terms and conditions.
Assets are depreciated over their useful lives using the straight-line method, except for the mineral resources and ore reserves which are depreciated based on estimated or reported consumption. Land areas are not depreciated. The estimated useful lives of assets are as follows:
| Buildings | 15–50 years |
|---|---|
| Machinery and equipment | 3–15 years |
| Other tangible assets | 5–10 years |
| Mines and mineral assets | Units-of-production method |
The residual value of assets and their useful life are reviewed in connection with each financial statement and, if necessary, they will be adjusted to reflect the changes that have occurred in the expected financial benefit. The sales gains or losses arising from the decommissioning or divestment of tangible assets are included in other operating income or expenses.
Mines and mineral assets
Measurement of mineral resources and ore reserves in business combinations
Mineral resources and ore reserves acquired in business combinations are recognised as separate assets. In the recognition and measurement of mineral resources and ore reserves the Group utilises available third party reports of the quantities, mineral content, estimated production costs and exploitation potential of the resource. The probability of the ore reserve is also an essential factor. In the mining and minerals business, the probability is commonly described by classifying a mineral resource into categories such as 'proven', 'probable', 'inferred' and 'hypothetical'. There are also generally accepted standards for the classification of mineral resources in the business, such as the standards of the South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves ('SAMREC'). The measurement of ore reserves is based on estimated market
prices, estimated production costs and quantities. In the Group’s statement of financial position, mineral resources and ore reserves are presented as tangible assets. Rehabilitation liabilities related to mines are included in their cost of acquisition, and corresponding provision is recognised on the statement of financial position.
Exploration and evaluation expenses of mineral resources
Exploration and evaluation expenditure relates to costs incurred on the exploration and evaluation of potential mineral reserves and resources when new potential ore reserves are sought, for example by exploratory drilling. Exploration and evaluation expenditure is carried forward as an asset if the Group expects such costs to be recouped in full through the successful development of the area of interest; or alternatively by its sale; or if exploration and evaluation activities in the area of interest have not yet reached a stage which permits the reasonable assessment of the existence of economically recoverable reserves and active and significant operations in relation to the area are either continuing or planned for the future. Exploration and evaluation expenditure includes material and other direct costs incurred, for instance, by exploratory drilling and surveys. Overheads are included in the exploration and evaluation asset to the degree to which they can be associated with finding and evaluating a specific mineral resource. Exploration and evaluation assets are measured at cost and are transferred to mine development assets when utilisation of the mine begins. The asset is then depreciated using the units-of-production method. Assets are written off when it is determined that the costs will not lead to economic benefits or expensed when incurred if the outcome is uncertain.
Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment if and when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. In particular, the impairment tests are carried out if the period for which the Group has right to explore the specific area expires or will expire in the near future and future exploration and evaluation activities are not planned for the area.
Exploration and evaluation assets acquired in conjunction with business combinations are accounted for at fair value in accordance with the principles of IFRS 3.
Mine establishment costs
Mine establishment costs are capitalised as part of the mine’s acquisition cost and depreciated using the units-of-production method when the production of the mine begins. The costs arising from changes in mining plan after the production has begun are expensed as incurred.
Impairment
The value of mineral resources and ore reserves acquired in business combinations is tested for impairment if there are indications of deterioration in the long-term ability to utilise the asset economically. In the test the cash flows generated by the asset are assessed based on most recent information on the technical and economic utilisation of the asset.
Goodwill and intangible assets identified at acquisition
Goodwill represents the portion of acquisition cost that exceeds the Group’s share of the fair value at the time of acquisition of the net assets of the acquired company. Instead of regular amortisation, goodwill is tested annually for potential impairment. For this purpose, goodwill has been allocated to cash-generating units or, in the case of an associated company, is included in the acquisition cost of the associate in question. Goodwill is measured at original acquisition cost less impairment losses. Changes in purchase considerations, for example due to earn-out arrangements, relating to acquisitions carried out before 2010 have been recognised against goodwill in accordance with the earlier IFRS 3.
The net assets of an entity acquired in a business combination are measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. In connection with business combinations, the Group also identifies intangible assets that are not necessarily recorded on the statement of financial position of the acquired entity. These assets include, for instance, customer relationships, trademarks and technology. The assets are recognised at fair value and amortised over their useful lives on a straight-line basis. The amortisation periods for these intangible assets are as follows:
- Customer relationships: 2-5 years depending on contractual circumstances
- Technology: 5-15 years
- Trademarks: 1 year
Research and development costs
Research costs are always recognised as expenses. Mine development costs are capitalised as part of mining assets and depreciated on a unit of production basis. The development costs, which primarily relate to the development of existing products, are expensed as incurred.
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets are initially recognised on the statement of financial position at cost when the costs can be reliably determined and it is probable that the expected financial benefits of those assets will be reaped by the Group. Other intangible assets mainly relate to IT software utilised in support of the Group’s business operations and they are amortised over 3-5 years on a straight-line basis.
Inventories
Inventories are measured at acquisition cost or a lower probable net realisable value. Acquisition costs are determined using the average cost method. The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises raw materials, direct labour expenses, other direct expenses, and an appropriate share of fixed and variable production overheads based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. In open pit mining operations, the removal costs of overburden and waste material (stripping costs) are included in the cost of inventory. The net realisable value is the estimated selling price that is obtainable, less the estimated costs incurred in completing the product and the selling expenses.
Financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, and subsequently measured at amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (OCI), and fair value through profit or loss in accordance with IFRS 9: Financial Instruments.
The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group’s business model for managing them. With the exception of trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient, the Group initially measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs. See note 14, in section 1.8. Notes to the Statement Of Financial Position, for tabular presentation of financial instruments.
Trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient are measured at the transaction price determined under IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
In order for a financial asset to be classified and measured at amortised cost or fair value through OCI, it needs to give rise to cash flows that are ‘solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI)’ on the principal amount outstanding. This assessment is referred to as the SPPI test and is performed at an instrument level.
The Group’s business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its financial assets in order to generate cash flows. The business model determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the financial assets, or both.
Purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within a time frame established by regulation or convention in the market place (regular way trades) are recognised on the trade date, i.e., the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.
Subsequent measurement
For purposes of subsequent measurement, financial assets are classified in four categories: 1. Financial assets at amortised cost (debt instruments); 2. Financial assets at fair value through OCI with recycling of cumulative gains and losses (debt instruments); 3. Financial assets designated at fair value through OCI with no recycling of cumulative gains and losses upon derecognition (equity instruments); and 4. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.
There have been no transfers of financial assets between fair value categories during the financial period. Afarak has not changed its recognition or fair valuation methods during the financial period.
- Financial assets at amortised cost (debt instruments)
This category financial assets are measured at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are met:
- The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and
- The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
For debt instruments at fair value through OCI, interest income, foreign exchange revaluation and impairment losses or reversals are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and computed in the same manner as for financial assets measured at amortised cost.
The remaining fair value changes are recognised in OCI. Upon derecognition, the cumulative fair value change recognised in OCI is recycled to profit or loss.
The Group held loans receivable and trade receivables which were classified as being financial assets at amortised cost.
- Financial assets at fair value through OCI (debt instruments)
This category of debt instruments are measured at fair value through OCI if both of the following conditions are met:
- The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective of both holding to collect contractual cash flows and selling; and
- The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
For debt instruments at fair value through OCI, interest income, foreign exchange revaluation and impairment losses or reversals are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and computed in the same manner as for financial assets measured at amortised cost. The remaining fair value changes are recognised in OCI.
Upon derecognition, the cumulative fair value change recognised in OCI is recycled to profit or loss.
The Group did not hold any debt instruments classified as being financial assets at fair value through OCI.
- Financial assets designated at fair value through OCI (equity instruments)
Upon initial recognition, the Group can elect to classify irrevocably its equity investments as equity instruments designated at fair value through OCI when they meet the definition of equity under IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and are not held for trading. The classification is determined on an instrument-by-instrument basis.
Gains and losses on these financial assets are never recycled to profit or loss. Dividends are recognised as other income in the statement of profit or loss when the right of payment has been established, except when the Group benefits from such proceeds as a recovery of part of the cost of the financial asset, in which case, such gains are recorded in OCI. Equity instruments designated at fair value through OCI are not subject to impairment assessment.
The Group elected to classify irrevocably its non-listed equity investments under this category.
- Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial assets held for trading, financial assets designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss, or financial assets mandatorily required to be measured at fair value. Financial assets are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the nearterm.
Derivatives, including separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Financial assets with cash flows that are not solely payments of principal and interest are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss, irrespective of the business model. Notwithstanding the criteria for debt instruments to be classified at amortised cost or at fair value
through OCI, as described above, debt instruments may be designated at fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition if doing so eliminates, or significantly reduces, an accounting mismatch.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value recognised in the statement of profit or loss.
The Group did not hold any debt instruments classified as being financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.
Derecognition
A financial asset is primarily derecognised when:
- The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or
- The Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; and either (a) the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.
When the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or has entered into a passthrough arrangement, it evaluates if, and to what extent, it has retained the risks and rewards of ownership.
When it has neither transferred nor retained substantially all of the risks and rewards of the asset, nor transferred control of the asset, the Group continues to recognise the transferred asset to the extent of its continuing involvement. In that case, the Group also recognises an associated liability. The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Group has retained.
Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at the lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and the maximum amount of consideration that the Group could be required to repay.
Impairment of financial assets
Further disclosures relating to impairment of financial assets are also provided in the following notes:
- Disclosures for significant assumptions
- Debt instruments at fair value through OCI
- Trade receivables, including contract assets
The Group recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or loss. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The expected cash flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to the contractual terms.
ECLs are recognised in two stages. For credit exposures for which there has not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, ECLs are provided for credit losses that result from default events that are possible within the next 12-months (a 12-month ECL). For those credit exposures for which there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance is required for credit losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure, irrespective of the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL).
For trade receivables and should the Group have any contract assets, the Group applies a simplified approach in calculating ECLs. Therefore, the Group does not track changes in credit risk, but instead recognises a loss allowance based on lifetime ECLs at each reporting date. The Group has established a provision matrix that is based on its historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment.
For debt instruments at fair value through OCI, the Group applies the low credit risk simplification. At every reporting date, the Group evaluates whether the debt instrument is considered to have low credit risk using all reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort. In making that evaluation, the Group reassesses the internal credit rating of the debt instrument. In addition, the Group considers that there has been a significant increase in credit risk when contractual payments are more than 30 days past due.
The Group considers a financial asset in default when contractual payments are 120 days past due. However, in certain cases, the Group may also consider a financial asset to be in default when internal or external information indicates that the Group is unlikely to receive the outstanding contractual amounts in full before taking into account any credit enhancements held by the Group. A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows.
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
When necessary, the Group utilises derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts and interest rate swaps, to hedge its foreign currency risks and interest rate risks. Such derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative. Any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value on derivatives are recognised on the income statement. The Group did not have currency hedged at year end.
Treasury shares
Own equity instruments, which are reacquired (treasury shares), are recognised at cost and deducted from the paid-up unrestricted equity reserve. No gain or loss is recognised on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Group's own equity instruments.
Financial liabilities
Liabilities are classified as current and non-current, and include both interest-bearing and interest-free liabilities. Interest-bearing liabilities are liabilities that either include a contractual interest component, or are discounted to reflect the fair value of the liability. In the earlier financial years discounted non-current liabilities have included acquisition-related deferred conditional and unconditional liabilities. Certain conditional liabilities have included an earn-out component that needed to be met to make the liability unconditional and fix the amount of the future payment. Acquisition-related conditional purchase considerations that were payable in the Company's shares were presented as interest-free liabilities.
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, payables, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate.
All financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly attributable transaction costs.
The company's financial liabilities include trade and other payables and loans and borrowings including bank overdrafts.
Subsequent measurement
The measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, as described below:
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss.
Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are incurred for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term.
Gains or losses on liabilities held for trading are recognised in the statement of profit or loss. Financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss are designated at the initial date of recognition, and only if the criteria in IFRS 9 are satisfied. The company has not designated any financial liability as at fair value through profit or loss.
Loans and borrowings
This is the category most relevant to the company. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the liabilities are derecognised as well as through the EIR amortisation process.
Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR. The EIR amortisation is included as finance costs in the statement of profit or loss.
This category generally applies to interest-bearing loans and borrowings. For more information, refer to note 14, in 1.8 Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
Derecognition
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the statement of profit or loss.
Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the consolidated statement of financial position if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive), as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
The provision for rehabilitation and decommissioning costs has arisen on operating mines and minerals' processing facilities. These costs are provided at the present value of expected costs to settle the obligation using estimated cash flows. The cash flows are discounted at a current pre-tax rate that reflects the risks specific to the rehabilitation and decommissioning liability. The estimated future costs of decommissioning are reviewed annually and adjusted as appropriate. Changes in the estimated future costs of or in the discount rate applied to the rehabilitation obligation are added or deducted from the profit or loss or, respectively, decommissioning obligation adjusted to the carrying value of the asset dismantled.
Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations
The standard IFRS 5 requires that an entity must classify a non-current asset or a disposal group as assets held for sale if the amount equivalent to its carrying amount is accumulated primarily from the sale of the item rather than from its continued use. In this case, the asset or disposal group must be available for immediate sale in its present condition under general and standard terms for the sale of such assets, and the sale must be highly probable.
Discontinued operation is a component of the entity with operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the entity, that is either held for sale or already disposed of; and
- represents a major line of business or geographical area of operations,
- is part of a single-coordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations, or
- is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale and the disposal involves loss of control.
Accounting policies requiring management discretion and key uncertainty factors for estimates
Preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates, assumptions and forecasts regarding the future. Future developments may deviate significantly from the assumptions made if changes occur in the business environment and/or business operations. In addition, management is required to use its discretion in the application of the financial statements' preparation principles.
The scope of the financial statements
The consolidated financial statements include the parent company Afarak Group Plc, its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies. Subsidiaries refer to companies in which the Group has control. The Group gains control of a company when it holds more than half of the voting rights or otherwise exercises control. The assessment of whether control is exercised requires management discretion.
As at 31 March 2019, the Group held 51% of shares of Synergy Africa Ltd, which the shareholders of Synergy Africa Ltd had entered into a joint venture agreement with joint control over the company. On 1 April 2019, Afarak acquired the 49% balance of Synergy Africa Ltd, and the Joint Venture agreement was terminated. Therefore Afarak now holds 100% of Synergy Africa Ltd. As at 31 March 2019, the company and its subsidiaries were not consolidated into the Group as subsidiaries but as joint ventures. The Group's share of net profit or loss of the Joint venture during the period January to March 2019 is shown on one line in the income statement. As from 1 April 2019, Synergy Africa Ltd and its subsidiaries were consolidated into the Group as subsidiaries.
Allocation of the cost of a business combination
In accordance with IFRS 3, the acquisition cost of an acquired company is allocated to the assets of the acquired company. The management has to use estimates when determining the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities. Determining a value for intangible assets, such as trademarks and customer relationships, requires estimation and discretion because in most cases, no market value can be assigned to these assets. Determining fair value for tangible assets requires particular judgment as well, since there are seldom active markets for them where the fair value could be obtained. In these cases, the management has to select an appropriate method for determining the value and must estimate future cash flows.
Impairment testing
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, and assessments of whether there are indications of any other asset impairment are made at end of reporting period, and more often if needed. The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined by means of calculations based on value in use. Preparation of these calculations requires the use of estimates to predict future developments.
The forecasts used in the testing are based on the budgets and projections of the operative units, which strive to identify any expansion investments and rearrangements. To prepare the estimates, efforts have been made to collect background information from the operative business area management as well as from different sources describing general market activity. The risk associated with the estimates is taken into account in the discount rate used. The definition of components of discount rates applied in impairment testing requires discretion, such as estimating the asset or business related risk premiums and average capital structure for each business segment.
Tangible and intangible assets
Afarak Group management is required to use its discretion when determining the useful lives of various tangible and intangible assets, which affects the amount of depreciation and thereby the carrying amount of the assets concerned. The capitalising of mine development assets and exploration and evaluation expenditure, in particular, requires the use of discretion. Similarly, management is required to use its discretion in determining the useful lives of intangible assets identified in accordance with IFRS 3, and in determining the amortisation period. This affects the financial result for the period through depreciation and change in deferred taxes.
Measurement of mineral resources and ore reserves
In the Group's mining operations, estimates have to be applied in recognising mineral resources acquired in business combinations as assets. In the recognition and measurement of mineral resources and ore reserves, the Group utilises available third party analyses of the quantities, mineral content, estimated production costs and exploitation potential of the resource. The probability of the ore reserve is also a key consideration. In the mining and minerals business, the probability is commonly described by classifying a mineral resource into categories such as 'proven', 'probable', 'inferred' and 'hypothetical'. The measurement of ore reserves is based on estimated market prices, estimated production costs and on the probability classification of the mineral resource and quantities. Therefore, the Group's management has to use its discretion in applying recognition and measurement principles for mineral resources.
Rehabilitation provisions
The Group assesses the rehabilitation liabilities associated with its mines and production facilities annually. The amount of provision reflects the management’s best estimate of the rehabilitation costs. In determining the fair value of the provision, assumptions and estimates are made in relation to discount rates, the expected cost to rehabilitate the area and remove or cover the contaminated soil from the site, the expected timing of those costs, and whether the obligations stem from past activity. These uncertainties may cause the actual costs to differ from the provision which has been made.
Standards and interpretations effective and adopted in the current year
The Group applied, for the first time, certain amendments to the standards, which are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020. The Group has not early adopted any standards, interpretations or amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective.
Several other amendments apply for the first time in 2020. However, they do not impact the annual consolidated financial statements of the Group or the interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Group and, hence, have not been disclosed.
The nature and the effect of these changes are disclosed below. Although the new standards and amendments applied for the first time in 2020, they did not have a material impact on the annual consolidated financial statements of the Group. Other than the changes described below, the accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year.
In 2020, the Group has adopted the following amended standards issued by the IASB.
- Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations – definition of business combination or as an asset acquisition.
- Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates - Definition of ‘material’.
- Amendments to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments - IBOR reform
- Amendment to IFRS 16 Leases Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions
The above changes did not have an impact on the 2020 consolidated financial statements and they are not expected to have any impact in the 2021 consolidated financial statements.
Standards and interpretations not yet effective
The standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the Group’s financial statements that the Group reasonably expects will have an impact on its disclosures, financial position or performance when applied at a future date, are disclosed below. The Group intends to adopt these standards when they become effective. Of the other standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective, as these are not expected to impact the Group, they have not been listed.
- Amendments to IAS 1: Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current. The amendments to IAS 1 to specify the requirements for classifying liabilities as current or non-current.
- Amendments to IAS 16: Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use. Under the amendment, proceeds from selling items before the related item of PPE is available for use should be recognized in profit or loss, together with the costs of producing those items.
- Amendments to IAS 37: Onerous Contracts – Costs of Fulfilling a Contract. Under the amendment, when assessing whether a contract is onerous or loss-making, an entity needs to include both the direct costs as well as incremental costs and an allocation of costs directly related to contract activities.
- Amendments to IFRS 9: Fees in the '10 per cent' test for derecognition of financial liabilities. The amendment to IFRS 9 clarifies the fees that an entity includes when assessing whether the terms of a new or modified financial liability are substantially different from the terms of the original financial liability to determine whether to derecognise the existing financial liability.
- Interest Rate Benchmark Reform - Phase 2 - Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16. The amendment provides temporary reliefs related to financial reporting effects when an interbank offered rate (IBOR) is replaced with an alternative nearly risk-free rate (RFR).
- Amendments to IFRS 3: Reference to the Conceptual Framework. The amendments are intended to replace a reference to the Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements, issued in 1989, to an updated version issued in 2018 without significantly changing its requirements.
- Additionally IFRS 17 Insurance contracts and amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 41 have been issued but they will not have an impact on Afarak Group financial statements.
The new and amended standards that become effective of 1 January 2021 or later are not expected to have an impact on Afarak Group Oyj consolidated financial statements.
1.3 GOING CONCERN
Price and market recovery seems to be finally happening. As long as no major obstacles arise with a wide spread vaccination of the global population, both stainless steel and special steel producers seem to be filling up their order books LC FeCr prices have increased by 15% already, and Chrome Ore prices by more than 25% since beginning of the year. However, the chrome market had traditionally been highly volatile and there is no certainty that the chrome price level will remain at the same level as in January – March 2021.
The Specialty Alloys segment performance should gain from this improved situation and return to profits. The unprofitable operations in South Africa have been discontinued, and our mining activity is still at a reduced level.
We are in the process of restructuring a short-term commercial debt into a longer-term arrangement. This would provide the Company the funding needed to be able to continue its operations. If management is not successful in restructuring the debt as planned, there may be significant uncertainty concerning the continuity of the Group's operations.
The Company is also actively pursuing new funding via certain asset divestments. The additional funding through asset divestments would provide opportunity to increase working capital. Restructuring of the debt together with funding from asset divestments should lead to balanced cash flows in the foreseeable future.
Whereas the management is positive about successfully executing the debt restructuring and asset divestments, there is no certainty that the Company will be successful in these matters. It must be noted that a failure to achieve one or both of these goals may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
The COVID-19 epidemic could create further damage that cannot be forecasted at this moment. The company is presently doing all efforts to manage the situation.
1.4 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUISITION OF NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
1.4.1 Financial Year 2020
Afarak did not carry out any acquisitions during the financial year 2020.
1.4.2 Financial Year 2019
Afarak acquired 49% balance of Synergy Africa Ltd previously a joint venture. Afarak now holds 100% of Synergy Africa Ltd and the Joint Venture agreement was terminated. Afarak acquired full control over its mining assets and is now consolidating Synergy Africa as a subsidiary as from 1st April 2019.
The purchase price allocation of the acquisition is presented below. The figures on the table represent the 100% of the assets and liabilities of Synergy Africa which is consolidated into Afarak Group's financial statements.
| EUR million | Book value | Fair Value adjustments | Fair Value / Contribution paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current assets | 7.6 | 69.7 | 77.3 |
| Net working capital | -5.5 | 0.0 | -5.5 |
| Deferred tax | 0.0 | -19.5 | -19.5 |
| Provision | -6.8 | 0.0 | -6.8 |
| Loans | -37.2 | 0.0 | -37.2 |
| Non-controlling interest | 3.0 | -11.4 | -8.4 |
| Net Assets | -38.8 | 38.8 | 0.0 |
| Cost of acquisition | 0.0 | ||
| Net assets acquired | 0.0 | ||
| Cash flow effect | |||
| Cash consideration paid | 0.0 | ||
| Cash acquired | 0.7 | ||
| Net cash | 0.7 |
Intercompany Loans are now eliminated and external loans are now consolidated.
Fair valuation of former Synergy Africa joint venture resulted in a EUR 7.1 million accounting gain.
During the second quarter, Afarak also acquired a further 49% of the shares in Zeerust Chrome Mine, in exchange for total consideration of two million shares in Afarak Group Plc, amounting to Eur 1,654,000. Of which 26% are to be transferred to a prospective BEE partner and therefore Afarak holds and consolidate 74% interest in the company.
Afarak entered into an agreement during 2019 to acquire the remaining interest of 26% in Chromex Mining Company (Pty) Ltd. This was approved by South Africa Reserve bank and it was executed after year end on 23 March 2021.
1.5 IMPAIRMENT TESTING
General principles of impairment testing
Afarak Group has carried out impairment testing on goodwill and other assets as of 31 December 2020. The following cash generating units were defined for the impairment testing:
- Speciality Alloys business (Türk Maadin Sirketi and Elektrowerk Weisweiler) with a vertically integrated mining-beneficiation-smelting-sales operation in the specialty grade ferrochrome business;
- South African mining business (Mecklenburg, Stellite, Valkpoort and Zeerust);
The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is any indication that assets may be impaired. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of these assets is estimated. Moreover, the recoverable amount of any goodwill and unfinished investment projects will be estimated annually, irrespective of whether there is an indication of impairment. The South African mining business did not have any goodwill at the end of the financial year 2020.
During 2020, there were no indication of impairment at the Speciality Alloys business, while an impairment amounting to EUR 21.5 million less deferred tax of EUR 6.0 million was recognised at the Stellite mine on long term assets.
The Vlakpoort mine and Zeerust mine were not tested for impairment as there were no indication of impairment.
Changes in goodwill during 2020
During the financial year 2020, the total goodwill of the Group decreased by EUR 3.3 million to a total of EUR 42.1 million. The decrease was attributable to an exchange rate movement of EUR 3.3 million related to Goodwill.
In 2014, the synergy goodwill identified in the Mogale acquisition, related to Afarak Trading acting as a global sales entity for the whole Group, was initially allocated to Speciality Alloys segment. Afarak Trading contribution is divided to both segments to reflect the nature of serving the whole Group. It is allocated to both segments based on their relative revenue, reflecting the volume of Afarak Trading related benefits enjoyed by the CGU. The changes are described below:
| EUR '000 | Speciality Alloys Business | FerroAlloys Business | Group Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill 1.1.2020 | 45,414 | 0.0 | 45,414 |
| Exchange rate movement | -3,310 | 0.0 | -3,310 |
| Goodwill 31.12.2020 | 42,105 | 0.0 | 42,105 |
The changes in goodwill during 2019 are presented below:
| EUR '000 | Speciality Alloys Business | FerroAlloys Business | Group Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill 1.1.2019 | 44,001 | 12,244 | 56,245 |
| Impairment | 0 | -12,459 | -12,459 |
| Exchange rate movement | 1,412 | 215 | 1,627 |
| Goodwill 31.12.2019 | 45,414 | 0.0 | 45,414 |
Goodwill as a ratio of the Group's equity on 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019 was as follows:
| EUR '000 | 31.12.2020 | 31.12.2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Goodwill | 42,105 | 45,414 |
| Equity | 29,806 | 74,536 |
| Goodwill/Equity, % | 141.3% | 60.9% |
Impairment on long term assets
In 2020, an impairment write down on other long term assets in the South African mining business amounted to EUR 21.5 million less deferred tax of EUR 6.0 million. The impairment of other long term assets is disclosed in note 10 in the notes the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
Methodology applied in impairment testing
For the cash generating units that were tested, the test was carried out by calculating their value in use. Value in use has been calculated by discounting estimated future net cash flows based on the conditions and assumptions prevailing at the time of the testing. Future cash flows for the Speciality Alloys minerals processing have been projected for a five-year period, after which a growth rate equaling projected long-term inflation has been applied (Speciality Alloys: 2%). For the terminal year after the five-year estimation period, the essential assumptions (e.g. revenue, variable costs and fixed costs) have been based at the estimation period's previous year's figures. Future cash flows for the South African mining business have been projected for the life of mine with a 6.5% growth rate equaling projected long-term inflation has been applied.
The weighted average cost of capital (WACC) has been calculated separately for each cash generating unit and assets being tested, taking into account each business's typical capital structures, investors' average required rate of return for similar investments and company size and operational location related factors, as well as risk-free interest rates and margins for debt financing. The Group has used publicly available information on the peer group companies' capital structure, risk premium and other factors. The market interest rates reflect the rates applicable on 31 December 2020.
The information used in the 31 December 2020 impairment testing is based on business units' management future forecasts, on general third-party industry expert or analyst reports where available, and to the extent possible on the current business and asset base excluding any non-committed expansion plans. Forecasted sales volumes and profitability are based on the management's view on future development while also taking past performance into account. Price forecasts are based on independent market forecasts for all cash generating units, but South African mining business USD-based price forecast was adjusted for assumed Rand devaluation. The management's approach in preparing cash flow forecasts has not changed significantly from the previous impairment testing.
The underground production in the models of the South African mining business does not solely come from reserves, as some come from resources that are not yet converted to reserves. This increases the risk that some of the grades may differ, and tonnes could possibly not be economically extractable. There is also the risk that costs could be different than anticipated even though due care was taken in the cost evaluation.
The recoverable amount of the Stellite mine was values at fair value less costs of disposal.
These pre-tax discount rates applied in 2020 impairment testing were the following:
| Cash Generating Unit | Pre-tax discount rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2019 | |
| Speciality Alloys | 11.7% | 15.2% |
| South African mines | ||
| - Stellite mine | - | 26.4% |
| - Mecklenburg mine | 33.1% | 27.7% |
The key reasons for the changes in the discount rates compared to 2019 were the changes in risk-free interest rates in both cash-generating units.
The cash flows in the Stellite mine impairment test review in 2019 included both opencast and recycling of tailing dam by way of using the shaking table technology, while in 2020, Stellite mine was valued at fair value less costs of disposal. The cash flows in the Mecklenburg mine impairment test review includes both opencast and underground operation. The Stellite mine model has a life of mine of 23 years and the Mecklenburg model has a life of mine of 10 years.
The results of impairment testing have been evaluated by comparing the cash generating units' recoverable amount to the corresponding carrying amount based on the following judgment rules:
Recoverable amount divided by the carrying amount:
< 100%
101-120%
121-150%
> 150%
Conclusion:
Impairment
Slightly above
Clearly above
Significantly above
Test results 31 December 2020
The impairment test results were as follows:
| Cash generating unit | Goodwill (MEUR), pre-testing | Goodwill (MEUR), post-testing | Carrying amount (MEUR), pre-testing | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speciality Alloys | 42.1 | 42.1 | 48.7 | Slightly above |
| South African Mines | ||||
| - Stellite | 0.0 | 0.0 | 27.8 | Impairment |
| - Mecklenburg | 0.0 | 0.0 | 16.9 | Significantly above |
The testable asset base (carrying amount) includes goodwill, intangible and tangible assets and net working capital less provisions and deferred tax liabilities (in relation to purchase price allocation entries).
Key background and assumptions used in the cash flow forecasts of the impairment testing process are summarised in the following table:
| Cash generating unit | Sales volume | Sales prices | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speciality Alloys business | FeCr: 23,000 t/a Cr ore: 13,000 t/a | LC/ULC ferrochrome with average Cr content of 70 %, based on external experts (Roskill) price forecasts | Raw material costs generally change in line with sales price; other costs growing at inflation rate |
| South African mining business: Mecklenburg mine | ROM: Underground mining of 20,000t in 2022; 177,000t om 2023; and is planned to increase to an average of 539,000t/a as from 2024 to 2031 | SA Concentrate & SA Lumpy prices are based on external experts (Roskill) price forecasts adjusted for Rand devaluation | The costs for underground are based on past experiences of our mining team in underground operations adjusted for inflation rate. The cost over the life of mine excluding inflation is estimated to be ZAR 678 per saleable ton of chrome. |
Moreover, the USD/ZAR foreign exchange rate affects significantly the testing of the South African mining business. The foreign exchange rate used in the test was 16.8 for the year 2020.
Sensitivity analysis of the impairment tests
The Group has analysed the sensitivity of the impairment test results by estimating how the essential assumptions should change in order for the recoverable amount to be equal to the carrying amount. The results of this sensitivity analysis as of 31 December 2020 are given below:
| Cash generating unit | Change in pre-tax discount rate (compared to the level used in testing) | Change in free cash flow (annual average) | Change in CGU's average EBITDA margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speciality Alloys | 1.5% - points | -14.2% | -1.1% - points |
| South African minerals processing | -% - points | -% | -% - points |
| South African mining business: | |||
| - Stellite mine | -% - points | -% | -% - points |
| - Mecklenburg mine | -21.9% - points | -55.0% | -33.9% - points |
1.6 OPERATING SEGMENTS
Afarak Group has two operating segments, FerroAlloys and Speciality Alloys, which are also the reporting segments. The operating segments are organised based on their products and production processes. The current reporting structure was adopted in 2011. The Group's executive management reviews the operating results of the segments for the purpose of making decisions on resource allocation and performance assessment. Segment performance is measured based on revenue as well as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) as included in the internal management reports and defined consistently with the consolidated EBITDA.
The FerroAlloys business consists of the Vlakpoort mine, Zeerust mine, Stellite mine and Mecklenburg mine in South Africa. The business produces chrome ore for sale to global markets.
The Speciality Alloys business consists of Türk Maadin Şirketi A.S ("TMS"), the mining and beneficiation operation in Turkey, and Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbH ("EWW"), the chromite concentrate processing plant in Germany. TMS supplies EWW with high quality chromite concentrate which produces speciality products including specialised low carbon and ultra low carbon ferrochrome. Chrome ore from TMS that is not utilised for the production of specialised low carbon ferrochrome is sold to the market.
The revenue and costs of the Group's sales and marketing arm Afarak Trading Ltd ("ATL") is allocated to the segments in proportion to their sales. Afarak's other operations, including the Group's headquarters and other Group companies that do not have significant operations, are presented as unallocated items.
Intercompany transactions are carried out on an arm's length basis. The transactions between the segments have been limited but the parent company has provided funding and administrative services to the Group's subsidiaries.
The accounting policies applied in the operating segment information are the same as those in the consolidated financial statements.
Operating segment information 2020
| Year ended 31.12.2020 EUR '000 | Speciality Alloys | Ferro Alloys | Segments total | Unallocated items | Eliminations | Consolidated Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| External revenue | ||||||
| Rendering of services | 0 | 98 | 98 | 445 | 0 | 543 |
| Sale of goods | 53,234 | 6,028 | 59,262 | 0 | 0 | 59,262 |
| Total external revenue | 53,234 | 6,126 | 59,360 | 445 | 0 | 59,805 |
| Inter-segment revenue | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,479 | -1,479 | 0 |
| Total revenue | 53,234 | 6,126 | 59,360 | 1,924 | -1,479 | 59,805 |
| Segment EBITDA | 306 | -1,257 | -951 | -3,099 | 0 | -4,050 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | -1,641 | -1,004 | -2,644 | 19 | 0 | -2,626 |
| Impairment | -21,515 | -21,515 | 0 | 0 | -21,515 | |
| Segment operating profit / (loss) | -1,335 | -23,776 | -25,110 | -3,080 | 0 | -28,192 |
| Finance income | 8,548 | |||||
| Finance cost | -12,804 |
Income taxes
4,804
(Loss)/profit for the period from continuing operations
-27,644
(Loss)/profit for the period from discontinued operations
6,073
(Loss)/profit for the period
-21,571
Segment's assets
2
126,262
57,474
183,736
15,811
-56,954
142,593
Segment's liabilities
2
78,548
53,447
131,995
38,374
-57,583
112,786
Other disclosures
Capital expenditure
3
684
472
1,153
1
0
1,155
Provisions
4
1,413
8,706
10,119
1,450
0
11,569
- Inter-segment items are eliminated on consolidation.
- The assets and liabilities of the segments represent items that these segments use in their activities or that can be reasonably allocated to them.
- Investments consist of increases in tangible and intangible assets whose life is longer than one financial year.
- Balance sheet values.
Operating segment information 2019
Afarak Group has restated Figures in 2019 due to the loss of control and the end of the consolidation of Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd. Afarak Group reclassified Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd’s previously reported income statement figures as discontinued operations. There is no change to the previously reported balance sheet figures.
| Year ended 31.12.2019 EUR '000 | Speciality Alloys | Ferro Alloys | Segments total | Unallotted items | Eliminations | Consolidated Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | Restated | ||||
| External revenue | ||||||
| Rendering of services | 0 | 96 | 96 | 625 | 0 | 21 |
| Sale of goods | 82,464 | 14,689 | 97,153 | 20 | 0 | 97,173 |
| Total external revenue | 82,464 | 14,785 | 97,249 | 645 | 0 | 97,894 |
| Inter-segment revenue | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,479 | -1,479 | 0 |
| Total revenue | 82,464 | 14,785 | 97,249 | 2,124 | -1,479 | 97,894 |
| Items related to joint ventures (core) | 0 | -868 | -868 | 0 | 0 | -868 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment EBITDA | 6,846 | -5,258 | 1,588 | -7,020 | 0 | -5,432 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | -2,368 | -980 | -3,348 | -270 | 0 | -3,618 |
| Impairment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Segment operating profit / (loss) | 4,478 | -6,238 | -1,760 | -7,290 | 0 | -9,050 |
| Acquisition of Synergy Africa Ltd | 7,069 | |||||
| Finance income | 3,437 | |||||
| Finance cost | -7,213 | |||||
| Income taxes | -309 | |||||
| (Loss)/profit for the period from continuing operations | -6,065 | |||||
| (Loss)/profit for the period from discontinued operations | -52,812 | |||||
| (Loss)/profit for the period | -58,878 | |||||
| Segment's assets2 | 166,670 | 115,023 | 281,693 | 17,409 | -75,504 | 223,597 |
| Segment's liabilities2 | 82,786 | 107,856 | 190,642 | 33,403 | -74,984 | 149,061 |
| Other disclosures | ||||||
| Capital expenditure3 | 2,651 | 1,814 | 4,465 | 150 | 0 | 4,615 |
| Provisions4 | 1,528 | 16,251 | 17,778 | 1,450 | 0 | 19,228 |
- Inter-segment items are eliminated on consolidation.
- The assets and liabilities of the segments represent items that these segments use in their activities or that can be reasonably allocated to them.
- Investments consist of increases in tangible and intangible assets whose life is longer than one financial year.
- Balance sheet values.
Geographical information
Revenues from external customers
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 Restated |
|---|---|---|
| Other EU countries | 30,389 | 45,352 |
| United States | 18,341 | 28,442 |
| China | 455 | 0 |
| Africa | 5,671 | 12,374 |
| Finland | 494 | 1 |
| Other countries | 4,455 | 11,725 |
| Total revenue | 59,805 | 97,894 |
Revenue figures are based on the location of the customers.
The largest customer of the Group is in the Speciality Alloys business segment and represents approximately 6.4% (3.6%) of the Group’s revenue in 2020.
Non-current assets
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | 54,703 | 101,889 |
| Other EU countries | 7,975 | 8,548 |
| Other countries | 5,171 | 7,370 |
| Total | 67,849 | 117,808 |
In presenting geographical information, assets are based on the location of the assets. Non-current assets consist of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and exclude Goodwill.
1.7 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
- Revenue
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Restated | ||
| Sale of goods | 59,262 | 97,193 |
| Rendering of services | 543 | 721 |
| Total | 59,805 | 97,894 |
- Other operating income
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Restated | ||
| Gain on disposal of tangible and intangible assets | 206 | 26 |
| Rental income | 203 | 240 |
| Other | 924 | 950 |
| Total | 1,333 | 1,216 |
- Employee benefits
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Restated | ||
| Salaries and wages | -13,710 | -16,731 |
| Share-based payments | -60 | -605 |
| Pensions costs | -99 | -11 |
| Other employee related costs | -1,563 | -2,127 |
| Total | -15,432 | -19,474 |
| Average personnel during the accounting period | 2020 | 2019 |
| Restated | ||
| Speciality Alloys business | 529 | 528 |
| FerroAlloys business | 179 | 406 |
| Group Management | 5 | 7 |
| Other operations * | 34 | 81 |
| Total | 747 | 1,022 |
| Personnel at the end of the accounting period | 2020 | 2019 |
| Restated | ||
| Speciality Alloys business | 516 | 534 |
| FerroAlloys business | 83 | 307 |
| Group Management | 5 | 5 |
| Other operations * | 17 | 59 |
| Total | 621 | 905 |
- Other operations mainly relate to Magnohrom, in Serbia
4. Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 Restated |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation / amortisation by asset category | ||
| Intangible assets | ||
| Other intangible assets | -100 | -171 |
| Total | -100 | -171 |
| Property, plant and equipment | ||
| Buildings and constructions | -30 | -243 |
| Machinery and equipment | -1,389 | -1,648 |
| Other tangible assets | -1,000 | -1,454 |
| Right-of-use assets | -107 | -102 |
| Total | -2,526 | -3,447 |
| Impairment by asset category | ||
| Impairment write-down on long term assets | -21,515 | 0 |
| Total | -21,515 | 0 |
5. Other operating expenses
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 Restated |
|---|---|---|
| Rental costs | -173 | -325 |
| External services^{1} | -2,574 | -3,799 |
| Travel expenses | -159 | -505 |
| Other operating expenses^{2} | -3,337 | -6,287 |
| Total | -6,243 | -10,917 |
- Audit fees paid to EY totalled EUR 878 (2019: 794) thousand in the financial year. The fees for non-audit services totalled EUR 67 (2019: 36) thousand.
- Other operating expenses in the prior year 2019 include a provision of EUR 1,450 thousand for a penalty payment imposed by FIN-FSA relating to a delay in opening an insider register.
6. Financial income and expense
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 Restated |
|---|---|---|
| Finance income | ||
| Interest income on loans and trade receivables | 73 | 244 |
| Foreign exchange gains | 8,466 | 3,172 |
| Other finance income | 9 | 21 |
| Total | 8,548 | 3,437 |
| Finance expense | ||
| Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | -1,624 | -1,178 |
| Foreign exchange losses | -9,238 | -4,186 |
| Unwinding of discount, provisions | -1,315 | -1,322 |
| Other finance expenses | -626 | -527 |
The interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost in both 2020 and 2019, include an accrual for interest on prepayment received in relation to the off-take agreement.
7. Income taxes
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 Restated |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax for the period | -1,826 | -705 |
| Deferred taxes | 6,630 | 394 |
| Total | 4,804 | -309 |
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 Restated |
| Profit / (loss) before taxes | -32,448 | -5,756 |
| Income tax calculated at parent company income tax rate | 6,490 | 1,151 |
| Difference between domestic and foreign tax rates | 6,781 | -599 |
| Tax credit | 0 | 48 |
| Items recognised only for taxation purposes | 1,153 | 1,014 |
| Income tax for previous years | -1,281 | -215 |
| Income from JV and associates | 0 | 1,240 |
| Impairment losses | -4,303 | 0 |
| Deferred tax asset write-offs | -740 | 0 |
| Tax losses not recognised as deferred tax assets | -5,540 | -5,891 |
| Non-tax deductible expenses | -839 | -818 |
| Previously unrecognised tax losses now recognised | 3,083 | 3,760 |
| Total adjustments | -1,686 | -1,460 |
| Income tax recognised | 4,804 | -309 |
On 31 December 2020 the Group companies had unused tax losses totalling EUR 47.6 (2019: 76.8) million for which the Group has not recognised deferred tax assets. A tax audit at TMS covering years 2013-2015 resulted in a tax increase of Eur 903 thousand. The company has appealed the decision.
8. Discontinuing operation
On 16th September 2020 the Business Rescue Plan which provided the plan for the disposal of the assets of Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd was approved. This led to Afarak Group loss of control on its subsidiary Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd, and as a result the Mogale business was reclassified to discontinued operation in the consolidated financial statements of Afarak Group.
Afarak Group reclassified Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd’s previously reported income statement figures as discontinued operations. As from September 2020 Afarak Group is no longer consolidating Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd.
In the consolidated income statement, continuing and discontinued operations are presented separately. Discontinued operations are presented as their own line item and comparative information has been adjusted accordingly.
Profit from discontinued operations in 2020, amounted to EUR 6.1 (-52.8) million arising from the transaction.
Financial information related to the result of the discontinued operation until Afarak’s loss of control of Mogale is presented below.
| EUR '000 | 1.1.-31.12.2020 | 1.1.-31.12.2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 16,628 | 51,768 |
| Other operating income | 228 | 1,225 |
| Operating expenses | -17,810 | -71,316 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | -975 | -3,831 |
| Impairment | -4,537 | -31,951 |
| Operating loss | -6,466 | -54,104 |
| Financial income and expense | -5,625 | -722 |
| Loss before tax | -12,091 | -54,827 |
| Income tax | 145 | 2,014 |
| Loss on discontinued operations, restated | -11,946 | -52,812 |
| Net balance sheet impact of discontinued operation | 6,385 | 0 |
| Impact of internal items | -2,086 | 0 |
| Circulation of translation difference | 13,719 | 0 |
| Results of the discontinued operation | 6,073 | -52,812 |
| Earnings per share calculated from the review period profit for owners of the Company | ||
| Basic earnings per share (EUR) | 0.03 | -0.21 |
| Diluted earnings per share (EUR) | 0.03 | -0.21 |
Net assets of discontinued operation
| ASSETS | EUR '000 |
|---|---|
| Non-current assets | |
| Property, plant and equipment | 5,118 |
| Other intangible assets | 286 |
| Receivables | 536 |
| Deferred tax assets | 13 |
| 5,953 | |
| Current assets | |
| Inventories | 4,839 |
| Trade and other receivables | 2,404 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,201 |
| 8,444 | |
| Total assets | 14,397 |
LIABILITIES
| Non-current liabilities | |
|---|---|
| Deferred tax liabilities | 13 |
| Interest-bearing debt (non-current) | 3,793 |
| 3,806 | |
| Current liabilities | |
| Trade and other payables | 8,923 |
| Provisions | 6,469 |
| Interest-bearing debt | 1,584 |
| 16,976 | |
| Total liabilities | 20,782 |
| Net assets and liabilities | -6,385 |
Cash flows from discontinued operations
| EUR '000 | 1.1.-31.12.2020 | 1.1.-31.12.2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Net cash flow from operating activities | -10,904 | -10,180 |
| Net cash flow from investing activities | -7 | -782 |
| Net cash flow from financing activities | -278 | 575 |
| Net cash flow for the period | -11,189 | -10,386 |
- Earnings per share
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing operations | Discontinued operations | Total | Continuing operations | Discontinued operations | Total | |
| Profit attributable to owners of the parent company (EUR '000) | -23,745 | 6,073 | -17,672 | -4,765 | -52,812 | -57,577 |
| Weighted average number of shares, basic (1 000) | 238,488 | 238,488 | 238,488 | 251,785 | 251,785 | 251,785 |
| Basic earnings per share (EUR) total | -0.10 | 0.03 | -0.07 | -0.02 | -0.21 | -0.23 |
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||
| Continuing operations | Discontinued operations | Total | Continuing operations | Discontinued operations | Total | |
| Profit attributable to owners of the parent company (EUR '000) | -23,745 | 6,073 | -17,672 | -4,765 | -52,812 | -57,577 |
| Weighted average number of shares, basic (1 000) | 238,488 | 238,488 | 238,488 | 251,785 | 251,785 | 251,785 |
| Effect of share options on issue (1 000) | 2,915 | 2,915 | 2,915 | 2,589 | 2,589 | 2,589 |
| Weighted average number of shares, diluted (1 000) | 241,403 | 241,403 | 241,403 | 254,374 | 254,374 | 254,374 |
| Diluted earnings per share (EUR) total | -0.10 | 0.03 | -0.07 | -0.02 | -0.21 | -0.23 |
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing profit attributable to the owners of the parent company by weighted average number of shares during the financial year.
When calculating the diluted earnings per share, all convertible securities with a potential dilutive effect are assumed to be converted into shares. Share options have a dilutive effect if the exercise price is lower than the share price. The diluted number of shares is the number of shares that will be issued free of charge when share options are exercised since with the funds received from exercising options, the Company is not able to issue the same number of shares at fair value. The fair value of shares is based on average share price of the period.
1.8 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
10. Property, plant and equipment
| EUR '000 | Land and water property | Buildings and constructions | Machinery and equipment | Mines and mineral assets | Other tangible assets | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1.1.2020 | 2,303 | 8,386 | 73,974 | 80,959 | 5,163 | 170,785 |
| Additions | 0 | 0 | 746 | 243 | 0 | 989 |
| Discontinued operation | -139 | -2,572 | -24,567 | 0 | -2,141 | -29,419 |
| Disposals | -4 | -14 | -414 | 0 | -6 | -438 |
| Reclass between items | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -237 | -237 |
| Effect of movements in exchange rates | -193 | -984 | -9,094 | -11,216 | -626 | -22,113 |
| Balance at 31.12.2020 | 1,967 | 4,816 | 40,645 | 69,986 | 2,153 | 119,567 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 1.1.2020 | 0 | -4,531 | -46,350 | -6,453 | -2,653 | -59,987 |
| Depreciation | 0 | -170 | -2,264 | -980 | -78 | -3,492 |
| Impairment | 0 | 0 | 0 | -21,515 | 0 | -21,515 |
| Discontinued operation | 0 | 1,249 | 15,926 | 0 | 1,961 | 19,136 |
| Disposals | 0 | 4 | 317 | 0 | 6 | 327 |
| Effect of movements in exchange rates | 0 | 463 | 5,653 | 880 | 585 | 7,581 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment at 31.12.2020 | 0 | -2,985 | -26,718 | -28,068 | -179 | -57,950 |
| Carrying amount at 1.1.2020 | 2,303 | 3,855 | 27,624 | 74,506 | 2,510 | 110,798 |
| Carrying amount at 31.12.2020 | 1,967 | 1,831 | 13,927 | 41,918 | 1,974 | 61,617 |
| Balance at 1.1.2019 | 2,219 | 7,669 | 60,006 | 8,013 | 4,649 | 82,556 |
| Additions | 20 | 86 | 3,277 | 1,070 | 57 | 4,510 |
| Business combinations | 0 | 527 | 9,400 | 72,575 | 96 | 82,598 |
| Right-of-use assets (IFRS 16) | 0 | 272 | 227 | 0 | 0 | 499 |
| Disposals | 0 | -83 | -389 | 0 | -18 | -490 |
| Reclass between items | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 262 | 262 |
| Effect of movements in exchange rates | 64 | -85 | 1,453 | -699 | 117 | 849 |
| Balance at 31.12.2019 | 2,303 | 8,386 | 73,974 | 80,959 | 5,163 | 170,785 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 1.1.2019 | 0 | -3,941 | -25,771 | -5,624 | -2,237 | 37,573 |
| Depreciation | 0 | -510 | -4,239 | -1,416 | -200 | -6,365 |
| Impairment | 0 | 0 | -10,793 | 0 | -82 | -10,875 |
| Business combinations | 0 | -135 | -4,497 | 0 | -46 | -4,678 |
| Disposals | 0 | 0 | 33 | 0 | 18 | 51 |
| Effect of movements in exchange rates | 0 | 55 | -1,083 | 587 | -106 | -547 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment at 31.12.2019 | 0 | -4,531 | -46,350 | -6,453 | -2,653 | -59,987 |
| Carrying amount at 1.1.2019 | 2,219 | 3,728 | 34,236 | 2,388 | 2,412 | 44,984 |
| Carrying amount at 31.12.2019 | 2,303 | 3,855 | 27,624 | 74,506 | 2,510 | 110,798 |
Machinery and equipment include the prepayments made for them.
Property, plant and equipment include right of use asset EUR 0.4 (2019: 0.5) and a depreciation of EUR 0.1 (2019: 0.1) million.
11. Intangible assets
| EUR '000 | Goodwill | Intangible assets identified in acquisitions | Other intangible assets | Exploration and evaluation assets | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1.1.2020 | 100,918 | 106,224 | 8,644 | 1,770 | 217,556 |
| Additions | 0 | 0 | 118 | 48 | 166 |
| Disposals | 0 | 0 | -2 | 0 | -2 |
| Effect of movements in exchange rates | -7,588 | -9,818 | -1,128 | -245 | -18,779 |
| Balance at 31.12.2020 | 93,330 | 96,406 | 7,632 | 1,573 | 198,941 |
| Accumulated amortisation and impairment at 1.1.2020 | -55,504 | -106,224 | -3,220 | -185 | -165,133 |
| Amortisation | 0 | 0 | -82 | -25 | -107 |
| Disposals | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Effect of movements in exchange rates | 4,279 | 9,818 | 512 | 26 | 14,635 |
| Accumulated amortisation and impairment at 31.12.2020 | -51,225 | -96,406 | -2,789 | -184 | -150,604 |
| Carrying amount at 1.1.2020 | 45,414 | 0 | 5,424 | 1,585 | 52,423 |
| Carrying amount at 31.12.2020 | 42,105 | 0 | 4,843 | 1,389 | 48,337 |
| Balance at 1.1.2019 | 103,616 | 103,585 | 4,408 | 1,560 | 213,169 |
| Additions | 0 | 0 | 327 | 140 | 467 |
| Disposals | 0 | 0 | -27 | 0 | -27 |
| Business combinations | 0 | 0 | 3,958 | 0 | 3,958 |
| Effect of movements in exchange rates | -2,698 | 2,639 | -22 | 70 | -11 |
| Balance at 31.12.2019 | 100,918 | 106,224 | 8,644 | 1,770 | 217,556 |
| Accumulated amortisation and impairment at 1.1.2019 | -47,371 | -94,226 | -1,765 | -87 | -143,449 |
| Amortisation | 0 | -906 | -84 | -94 | -1,084 |
| Impairment | -12,459 | -8,617 | 0 | 0 | -21,076 |
| Reclass between items | 0 | 0 | -1486 | 0 | -1,486 |
| Effect of movements in exchange rates | 4,326 | -2,475 | 115 | -4 | 1,962 |
| Accumulated amortisation and impairment at 31.12.2019 | -55,504 | -106,224 | -3,220 | -185 | -165,133 |
| Carrying amount at 1.1.2019 | 56,245 | 9,359 | 2,643 | 1,473 | 69,720 |
| Carrying amount at 31.12.2019 | 45,414 | 0 | 5,424 | 1,585 | 52,423 |
Other intangible assets include the prepayments made for them. Exploration and evaluation assets consist of mine projects in various mining projects in Turkey and South Africa.
- Investments in associates
Afarak has an investment of 8.99% (2019: 8.99%) in Valtimo Components Oyj.
During the financial year 2020 and 2019, Afarak did not acquire or dispose holdings in associates.
- Investments in joint ventures
As at 31 March 2019, before the acquisition of 49% balance of Synergy Africa Ltd, the Group had joint control over one jointly controlled entity, Synergy Africa Ltd, in which the Group has a 51% interest. The acquisition of Chromex Mining Ltd, a UK company with mining operations and prospecting rights in southern Africa, was carried out by this joint venture company. Synergy Africa Group has been consolidated as a joint venture company in the financial reporting of the Group starting at 31 December 2010. Following the 2012 changes in the accounting standards the company changed the accounting method from proportionate consolidation method to equity method.
In 2019, Afarak acquired 49% balance of Synergy Africa Ltd. Afarak now holds 100% of Synergy Africa Ltd and the Joint Venture agreement was terminated. Afarak acquired full control over its mining assets and is now consolidating Synergy Africa as a subsidiary as from 1 April 2019.
Summarised financial statement information (100% share) of the joint venture, based on its IFRS financial statements, and reconciliation with the carrying amount of the investment in the Group’s consolidated financial statements for the period January to March 2019 are set out below:
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 1.1-31.3.2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 0 | 4,677 |
| Other operating income | 0 | 35 |
| Materials and supplies | 0 | -3,068 |
| Employee benefits expense | 0 | -617 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 0 | -311 |
| Other operating expenses | 0 | -1,442 |
| Operating profit | 0 | -726 |
| Finance income | 0 | 25 |
| Finance expense | 0 | -524 |
| Profit before taxes | 0 | -1,225 |
| Income taxes | 0 | -477 |
| Profit for the year | 0 | -1,702 |
| Group's share of (loss)/profit for the year | 0 | -868 |
| Profit attributable to: | ||
| Joint venture owners | 0 | -727 |
| Non-controlling interests | 0 | -141 |
| 0 | -868 |
14. Financial assets and liabilities
| 31.12.2020, EUR '000 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current financial assets | At fair value through profit and loss | At fair value through other comprehensive income | At amortised cost | Carrying value | Fair value |
| Non-current interest-bearing receivables | 232 | 232 | 232 | ||
| Trade and other receivables * | 29 | 29 | 29 | ||
| Current financial assets | |||||
| Trade and other receivables * | 9,758 | 9,758 | 9,758 | ||
| Other financial assets | 412 | 412 | 412 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,098 | 1,098 | 1,098 | ||
| Total financial assets | 11,528 | 11,528 | 11,528 | ||
| Non-current financial liabilities | |||||
| Non-current interest-bearing liabilities | 34,589 | 34,589 | 34,589 | ||
| Other non-current liabilities | 33 | 33 | 33 | ||
| Current financial liabilities | |||||
| Current interest-bearing liabilities | 14,725 | 14,725 | 14,725 | ||
| Trade and other payables * | 9,814 | 9,814 | 9,814 | ||
| Total financial liabilities | 59,161 | 59,161 | 59,161 |
- Non-financial assets and liabilities are not included in the figures.
| 31.12.2019, EUR '000 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current financial assets | At fair value through profit and loss | At fair value through other comprehensive income | At amortised cost | Carrying value | Fair value |
| Non-current interest-bearing receivables | 372 | 372 | 372 | ||
| Trade and other receivables * | 676 | 676 | 676 | ||
| Current financial assets | |||||
| Trade and other receivables * | 14,168 | 14,168 | 14,168 | ||
| Other financial assets | 528 | 528 | 528 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 5,389 | 5,389 | 5,389 | ||
| Total financial assets | 21,133 | 21,133 | 21,133 |
40
Non-current financial liabilities
| Non-current interest-bearing liabilities | 18,290 | 18,290 | 18,290 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other non-current liabilities | 2,667 | 2,667 | 2,667 |
Current financial liabilities
| Current interest-bearing liabilities | 42,176 | 42,176 | 42,176 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade and other payables * | 13,041 | 13,041 | 13,041 |
Total financial liabilities 76,175 76,175 76,175
- Non-financial assets and liabilities are not included in the figures.
Fair value hierarchy
| 31.12.2020, EUR '000 | Carrying amounts at the end of the reporting period | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets at fair value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Derivatives | |||
| Other financial assets | |||
| Total | |||
| Available-for-sale financial assets | |||
| Other financial assets | |||
| Financial liabilities at fair value | |||
| Derivatives | |||
| Total | |||
| 31.12.2019, EUR '000 | Carrying amounts at the end of the reporting period | ||
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Financial assets at | |||
| Financial assets at fair value | Level 1 | fair value | Level 1 |
| Derivatives | |||
| Other financial assets | |||
| Total | |||
| Available-for-sale financial assets | |||
| Other financial assets | |||
| Financial liabilities at fair value | |||
| Derivatives | |||
| Total | |||
| 31.12.2020, EUR '000 | |||
| --- | |||
| Level 3 reconciliation | |||
| Acquisition cost at 1.1.2020 | |||
| Acquisition cost at 31.12.2020 | |||
| Accumulated impairment losses at 1.1.2020 | |||
| Accumulated impairment losses at 31.12.2020 | |||
| Carrying amount at 31.12.2020 | |||
| 31.12.2019, EUR '000 | |||
| Level 3 reconciliation | |||
| Acquisition cost at 1.1.2019 |
Acquisition cost at 31.12.2019
40
Accumulated impairment losses at 1.1.2019
-40
Accumulated impairment losses at 31.12.2019
-40
Carrying amount at 31.12.2019
0
Interest-bearing debt
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current | ||
| Acquisition of NCI liability | 0 | 1,847 |
| Finance lease liabilities | 319 | 488 |
| Other interest-bearing liabilities | 34,270 | 15,956 |
| Total | 34,589 | 18,290 |
| Current | ||
| Bank loans | 2,928 | 6,021 |
| Finance lease liabilities | 50 | 196 |
| Cheque account with overdraft facility | 4,162 | 8,961 |
| Other interest-bearing liabilities | 7,586 | 27,041 |
| Total | 14,725 | 42,220 |
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Finance lease liabilities, minimum lease payments | ||
| No later than 1 year | 50 | 196 |
| Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years | 319 | 488 |
| 369 | 684 | |
| Finance lease liabilities, present value of minimum lease payments | ||
| No later than 1 year | 50 | 196 |
| Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years | 319 | 488 |
| 369 | 684 |
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
| 1 January 2020 EUR '000 | Cash flows EUR '000 | Acquisition EUR '000 | Foreign exchange movement EUR '000 | Reclassification EUR '000 | Discontinued operation EUR '000 | Other EUR '000 | 31 December 2020 EUR '000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current borrowings | 17,803 | - | - | -1,086 | 17,454 | - | 100 | 34,270 |
| Current borrowings | 41,980 | -440 | - | -4,476 | -17,454 | -4,061 | -874 | 14,675 |
| Lease liabilities | 684 | -193 | 93 | -71 | - | - | -145 | 369 |
| Total liabilities from financing activities | 60,466 | -632 | 93 | -5,633 | 0 | -4,061 | -919 | 49,314 |
| 1 January 2019 | Cash flows | Acquisition | Foreign exchange movement | Other | 31 December 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR '000 | EUR '000 | EUR '000 | EUR '000 | EUR '000 | EUR '000 | |
| Non-current borrowings | 2,027 | -408 | 15,956 | 88 | 140 | 17,803 |
| Current borrowings | 22,135 | -2,610 | - | -4,210 | 26,705 | 41,980 |
| Lease liabilities | 271 | -222 | 653 | -18 | - | 684 |
| Total liabilities from financing activities | 24,433 | -3,240 | 16,608 | -4,181 | 26,845 | 60,466 |
The 'Other' column includes the effect on unwinding interest on the acquisition of non-controlling interest in non-current borrowings.
Financial risks and risk management
The Board of Directors of Afarak Group Plc has outlined the key risks of the Group in the Board of Directors' Report. In the following section, the financial and commodity risks are presented in more detail with the related sensitivity analyses.
Summary of financial assets and loan arrangements
Financial assets 31 December 2020
In addition to the operating result and the cash flow generated from it, the factors described below have most significantly affected the year-on-year change in the Group's financial assets at the 2020 closing date:
On 31 December 2020, the cash and cash equivalents were invested mainly in interest-bearing EUR, ZAR and USD denominated bank accounts. Other financial assets comprise interest-bearing loans and other receivables.
In 2017, the Group has given a corporate guarantee amounting to ZAR 75.0 (2019: 75.0) million as collateral for a lending facility of South African Subsidiary which has now been discontinued.
One of the Group's Turkish subsidiaries has been granted various short term loans in 2020. The loans amount as at end of 2020 was of EUR 2.2 (2019: 3.6) million.
Interest-bearing debt 31 December 2020
- Floating rate loans from financial institutions total EUR 2.2 (2019: 14.2) million. Fixed rate loans total EUR 0.7 (2019: 0.8) million.
- The interest rate of the Turkish bank loan facility is tied to the market rate of EURIBOR. The interest rate on 31 December 2020, based on market interest rates at that date, was 1.20% (2019: 1.50%). The interest rate margin for the fixed rate notes was 0.50% (2019: 0.65%) p.a.
Capital Management
The Group's capital management objective is to maintain the ability to continue as a going concern and to optimise the cost of capital in order to enhance value to shareholders. As part of this objective, the Group seeks to maintain access to loan and capital markets at all times. The Board of Directors reviews the capital structure of the Group on a regular basis.
Capital structure and debt capacity are taken into account when deciding on new investments. Practical tools to manage capital include the application of dividend policy, capital redemption, share buybacks and share issues. Debt capital is managed considering the requirement to secure liquidity. The Group's internal capital structure is reviewed on a regular basis with the aim of optimising the structure by applying measures such as internal dividends and equity adjustments.
The Group's long term target for capital structure is to keep the equity ratio above 50%. At the end of the reporting period, the Group's equity ratio stood at 25.3% (2019: 33.3%).
Financial Risk Management
In its normal operations, the Group is exposed to various financial risks. The main financial risks are liquidity risk, foreign exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and commodity price risk. The objective of the Group's risk management is to identify and, to as far as reasonably possible, mitigate the adverse effects of changes in the financial markets on the Group's results. The general risk management principles are accepted by Afarak Group Plc's Board of Directors and monitored by its Audit and Risk Management Committee. The managements of the Group and its subsidiaries' are responsible for the implementation of risk management policies and procedures. Group management monitors risk positions and risk management procedures on a regular basis, and supervises that the Group's policies and risk management principles are followed in all day-to-day operations. Risks and risk management are regularly reported to the Audit and Risk Management Committee.
The Group's significant financial instruments comprise bank loans and overdrafts, off-take agreement, finance leases, other long-term liabilities, cash and short-term deposits and money market investments. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to finance the Group's acquisitions and ongoing operations. The Group also has various other financial assets and liabilities such as trade receivables and trade payables, which arise directly from its operations.
(i) Liquidity risk
The Group regularly assesses and monitors its investment and working capital needs and financing, so that it has enough liquidity to serve and finance its operations and pay back loans. The availability and flexibility of financing are targeted to be guaranteed by using multiple financial institutions in the financing and financial instruments, and to agree on financial limit arrangements.
If the liquidity risks were to be realised, it would probably result in overdue interest expenses and damage the relations with suppliers. Consequently, the pricing and other terms for input goods and services and for financing could be affected.
The maturity distribution of the Group debt at the end of the financial year was as follows:
31.12.2020, EUR '000
| Financial liabilities | Carrying amount | Contractual cash flows | 6 months or less | 6-12 months | 1-2 years | 2-5 years | More than 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secured bank loans | 2,928 | -2,972 | -2,972 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Finance lease liabilities | 369 | -369 | -25 | -25 | -319 | 0 | 0 |
| Trade and other payables | 50,010 | -50,651 | -12,478 | -3,615 | -25,021 | 0 | -9,538 |
| Bank overdraft | 4,162 | -4,162 | -4,162 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Acquisition of NCI liability | 1,717 | -1,717 | -143 | -143 | -286 | -858 | -286 |
| Total | 59,186 | -59,870 | -19,779 | -3,783 | -25,626 | -858 | -9,824 |
31.12.2019, EUR '000
| Financial liabilities | Carrying amount | Contractual cash flows | 6 months or less | 6-12 months | 1-2 years | 2-5 years | More than 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secured bank loans | 6,314 | -6,411 | -6,370 | -40 | -2 | 0 | 0 |
| Finance lease liabilities | 684 | -684 | -98 | -98 | -488 | 0 | 0 |
| Trade and other payables | 61,084 | -62,472 | -31,566 | -14,047 | -6,781 | 0 | -10,079 |
| Bank overdraft | 8,961 | -8,961 | -8,961 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Acquisition of NCI liability | 1,847 | -1,847 | -154 | -154 | -308 | -924 | -308 |
| Total | 78,890 | -80,376 | -47,149 | -14,339 | -7,579 | -924 | -10,387 |
(ii) Foreign exchange rate risk
The Group operates internationally, including in Turkey, Malta and South Africa, and is therefore exposed to foreign exchange rate risks. The risks arise both directly from the outstanding commercial cash flows and currency positions, and indirectly from changes in competitiveness between various competitors. The foreign exchange differences arising from inter-company loans designated as net investments in foreign subsidiaries have been recognised in the translation reserve in the equity.
The Group is exposed to currency-derived risks that affect its financial results, financial position and cash flows. In particular the exchange rates of US Dollar and South African Rand against the Euro have a significant impact on the Euro-denominated profitability of the Group. The cash inflows of the business are denominated in US Dollars, whereas a significant portion of the costs are denominated in the South African Rand. The fluctuation of the South African Rand has a significant impact on the Group's profit and loss as well as on the Group's assets and liabilities. In its risk management, the Group aims to match its cash inflows and outflows as well as receivables and liabilities in terms of the currency in which these items are denominated.
The following tables present the currency composition of receivables and debt, and changes thereby relative to the previous year-end.
| EUR | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| exchange | ||||||
| 31.12.2020, EUR '000 | rate | 1 | 1.2271 | 0.89903 | 9.1131 | 18.0219 |
| EUR | USD | GBP | TRY | ZAR | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents (EUR) | 342 | 172 | 24 | 250 | 255 | |
| Trade and other receivables (EUR) | 447 | 7,101 | 0 | 745 | 1,871 | |
| Loans and other financial assets (EUR) | -8 | 0 | 0 | 261 | 7 | |
| Trade and other current payables (EUR) | 3,957 | -1,895 | 0 | -621 | -3,339 | |
| Loans and other liabilities (EUR) | -4,464 | -25,040 | -15,100 | -2,290 | -1,751 | |
| Currency exposure, net (EUR) | -7,639 | -19,663 | -15,076 | -1,655 | -2,957 | |
| Currency exposure, net in currency ('000) | -7,639 | -24,129 | -13,553 | -15,080 | -53,288 | |
| EUR | ||||||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| exchange | ||||||
| 31.12.2019, EUR '000 | rate | 1 | 1.1234 | 0.8508 | 6.6843 | 15.7773 |
| EUR | USD | GBP | TRY | ZAR | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents (EUR) | 509 | 3,699 | 18 | 198 | 900 | |
| Trade and other receivables (EUR) | 626 | 13,047 | 0 | 590 | 430 | |
| Loans and other financial assets (EUR) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 411 | 637 | |
| Trade and other current payables (EUR) | -1,924 | -610 | 0 | -651 | -9,840 | |
| Loans and other liabilities (EUR) | -406 | -28,350 | -15,956 | -3,826 | -13,872 | |
| Currency exposure, net (EUR) | -1,195 | -12,215 | -15,938 | -3,278 | -21,745 | |
| Currency exposure, net in currency ('000) | -1,195 | -13,722 | -13,560 | -21,909 | -343,070 |
The effect on the 31 December 2020 currency denominated net assets which would be caused by changes in foreign exchange rates compared with the rates used in the Group consolidation is presented below. Due to the high market volatility of the exchange rates, the range of change was kept at $+/- 20\%$.
31 December 2020
| USD | GBP | TRY | ZAR | RSD | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | strengthening | -4,916 | -3,769 | -414 | -739 | -161 |
| 15% | strengthening | -3,470 | -2,660 | -292 | -522 | -114 |
| 10% | strengthening | -2,185 | -1,675 | -184 | -329 | -72 |
| 5% | strengthening | -1,035 | -793 | -87 | -156 | -34 |
| 0% | no change | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| -5% | weakening | 936 | 718 | 79 | 141 | 31 |
| -10% | weakening | 1,788 | 1,371 | 150 | 269 | 59 |
| -15% | weakening | 2,565 | 1,966 | 216 | 386 | 84 |
| -20% | weakening | 3,277 | 2,513 | 276 | 493 | 107 |
31 December 2019
| USD | GBP | TRY | ZAR | RSD | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 % | strengthening | -3,054 | -3,984 | -819 | -5,436 | -179 |
| 15 % | strengthening | -2,156 | -2,813 | -578 | -3,837 | -126 |
| 10 % | strengthening | -1,357 | -1,771 | -364 | -2,416 | -80 |
| 5 % | strengthening | -643 | -839 | -173 | -1,144 | -38 |
| 0 % | no change | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| -5 % | weakening | 582 | 759 | 156 | 1,035 | 34 |
| -10 % | weakening | 1,110 | 1,449 | 298 | 1,977 | 65 |
| -15 % | weakening | 1,593 | 2,079 | 428 | 2,836 | 93 |
| -20 % | weakening | 2,036 | 2,656 | 546 | 3,624 | 119 |
Derivatives
The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates relates primarily to the Group’s operating activities (when revenue or expense is denominated in a foreign currency).
Operative foreign currency derivatives that are valued at fair value on the reporting date cause timing differences between the changes in the derivative’s fair values and hedged operative transactions. Changes in fair values for derivatives designated to hedge future cash flow but are not accounted for according to the principles of hedge accounting impact the Group’s operating profit for the financial year. The underlying foreign currency transactions will realise in future periods.
(iii) Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk when Group companies take loans, or make other financing agreements or deposits and investments related to liquidity management. In addition, changes in interest rates can alter the fair values of the Group’s assets. The Group’s revenue and operative cash flows are mainly independent of the changes in market interest rates.
To manage interest rate risks, the Group has used both fixed and floating rate debt instruments and derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps, when needed. At the end of 2020, the Group’s interest-bearing debt was mainly based on floating interest rates; and there were no interest rate swaps in place. The Group aims to match the loan maturities with the businesses’ needs and to have the maturities spread over various periods so that the Group’s interest rate risks are somewhat diversified. Floating rate financing is mainly tied to the market rates of different countries (United Kingdom, South Africa), changes to which will then influence the Group’s total financing cost and cash flows.
The short-term interest-bearing receivables of the Group are mainly loan receivables and receivables on past asset disposals. The Group’s interest-bearing liabilities have been discussed above. The effects of credit risks for loan receivables are explained in more detail in section 1.8. (iv) credit risk.
The split of interest-bearing debt and receivables, also classified into fixed rate and floating rate instruments on 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019 was as follows:
Interest rate profile of interest-bearing financial instruments (EUR '000)
| Fixed rate instruments | 31.12.2020 | 31.12.2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Financial assets | 0 | 0 |
| Financial liabilities | 0 | 0 |
| Fixed rate instruments, net | 0 | 0 |
| Variable rate instruments | ||
| Financial assets | 232 | 372 |
| Financial liabilities | -32,179 | -42,176 |
| Variable rate instruments, net | -31,947 | -41,804 |
| Interest-bearing net debt | -31,947 | -41,804 |
The following table presents the approximate effect of changes in market interest rates on the Group's income statement should the deposits' and loans' interest rates change. The analysis includes floating rate financial assets and liabilities. The sensitivity analysis is illustrative in nature and applicable for the forthcoming 12 month period if the period's asset and liability structure were to be equal to that of 31 December 2020, and if there were no changes in exchange rates.
31 December 2020
| Interest rate change | Change in interest income | Change in interest expense | Net effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| -2.00% | -5 | 644 | 639 |
| -1.50% | -3 | 483 | 479 |
| -1.00% | -2 | 322 | 319 |
| -0.50% | -1 | 161 | 160 |
| 0.00% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0.50% | 1 | -161 | -160 |
| 1.00% | 2 | -322 | -319 |
| 1.50% | 3 | -483 | -479 |
| 2.00% | 5 | -644 | -639 |
31 December 2019
| Interest rate change | Change in interest income | Change in interest expense | Net effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| -2.00% | -7 | 844 | 836 |
| -1.50% | -6 | 633 | 627 |
| -1.00% | -4 | 422 | 418 |
| -0.50% | -2 | 211 | 209 |
| 0.00% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0.50% | 2 | -211 | -209 |
| 1.00% | 4 | -422 | -418 |
| 1.50% | 6 | -633 | -627 |
| 2.00% | 7 | -844 | -836 |
(iv) Credit risk
Credit risk can be realised when the counterparties in commercial, financial or other agreements cannot take care of their obligations and thus cause financial damage to the Group. The Group’s operational policies define the creditworthiness requirements for customers and for counterparties in financial and derivative transactions, as well as the principles followed when investing liquidity. In the case of major sales agreements, the counterparty’s credit rating is checked.
The Group’s key customers are major international stainless steel companies, and a number of specialist agents selling to the steel sector, with typically long and successful business histories. Since the customers represent one sector of industry, major changes in that industry’s profitability could increase the credit risk. In order to mitigate credit risk, the Group credit insure its trade receivables.
The trade receivables and loan receivables form a major share of the assets, which are exposed to the credit risk. Afarak did not present the expected credit losses in tabular format due to minimal credit losses in the historical data and including the future credit loss expectations. Additionally, the group collect prepayments from sales from its customers.
As presented in the section 1.8. note 15. The Group’s trade receivables total EUR 7.7 million for financial period end 31 December 2020 (2019: 12.3). The Group did not record any loss allowance on trade receivables during 2020 and during 2019. The portion of prepaid revenues or portion under trade financing amounts to EUR 3.3 million on 31.12.2020 (2019: 1.6). The prepaid portion of the trade receivables does not include any potential losses.
The loan receivables amounted to EUR 0.4 million on 31.12.2020 (2019: 0.5). The total potential credit risk for the loan receivables is higher than for the trade receivables as the potential risk of default is more concentrated with only few lenders. The group estimates the potential credit risk in relation to the loan receivables frequently and reports any changes at each reporting period and estimates the possibility for default on a per lender basis.
In 2020 and in 2019, the Group did not recognise a provision on other receivables.
The credit risk assessment and the method of calculation has remained the same between the financial period ending 31.12.2020 and the previous financial period.
The trade receivables do not pose a credit risk due to concentration, as the sales are diversified to several customers.
Further information about the expected credit loss can be found in the basis of preparation in section 1.2 Accounting Principles under “Financial Assets” and “Impairment of financial assets”.
Other financial assets in prior year were mainly loans receivable from the joint venture. These loans are now eliminated at Group level as these companies are now subsidiary companies.
The Board of Directors of Afarak Group Plc has determined a cash management policy for the Group’s parent company, according to which the excess cash reserves are deposited for a short-term only and with sound financial institutions with which the Group has established business relations. The credit rating of all significant counterparties is analysed from time to time.
The maximum credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the receivables as of 31 December, and is split as follows:
| Category | EUR 000's 31.12.2020 | EUR 000's 31.12.2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest-bearing | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,098 | 5,389 |
| Other interest bearing receivables | 232 | 372 |
| Interest-bearing, total | 1,329 | 5,760 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest-free | ||
| Trade receivables | 7,656 | 12,325 |
| Other short-term receivables | 2,514 | 2,372 |
| Long-term receivables | 29 | 676 |
| Interest-free, total | 10,199 | 15,373 |
| Total | 11,528 | 21,133 |
(v) Commodity risks
The Group is exposed to price risks on various output and input products, materials and commodities, energy costs and disruptive availability of electricity. Also, securing the availability of raw materials without any serious disruptions is vital to its businesses.
The price risks on input materials and commodities are managed by pricing policies so that changes in input materials and commodities can be moved into sales prices. This, however, is not always possible or there may be delays as a result of contractual or competitive reasons.
The Group's units that have production operations are exposed to availability, quality and price fluctuations in raw materials and commodities. To diminish these risks, the Group's business units seek to enter into long-term agreements with known counterparties; although this is not always possible due to the tradition and practice of the business. For the most part, because it is not possible or economically feasible to hedge commodity price risks in the Group's business sectors with derivative contracts, the Group did not have any commodity derivative contracts in place as of 31 December 2020.
Sensitivity Analysis - Speciality Alloys business
The effect of changes in the sales price of special grade ferrochrome, produced by the Group's Speciality Alloys business, to the Group's operating profit and equity is illustrated below, assuming that the EUR/USD rate were constant. The analysis is based on December 2020 price level. Since the products are priced in USD, the exchange rate changes could have a major effect on the Group's profitability in EUR. Full capacity is of 36,000 t/a, and for simulation purposes is set at 2020 production of 16,409 t/a. It is also assumed that only one ferrochrome quality is produced. Various raw materials are used in ferrochrome production, including chrome concentrate and ferrosilicochrome. The purchase prices of the main raw materials typically move in the same direction as the sales prices, although the correlation is not perfect and the timing may differ. In practice, therefore the net effect on the Group's profitability most probably would be lower than shown below. Electricity usage is also substantial, and hence changes in electricity prices have a significant effect on profitability; electricity prices do not correlate with changes in commodity prices.
Financial year 2020
| Change in Sales price (USD / lb Cr) | Change in Operating Profit | Change in Group's Equity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR 000's | EUR 000's | ||
| 2.36 | 20% | 8,110 | 7,704 |
| 2.26 | 15% | 6,082 | 5,778 |
| 2.16 | 10% | 4,055 | 3,852 |
| 2.06 | 5% | 2,027 | 1,926 |
| 1.97 | 0% | 0 | 0 |
| 1.87 | -5% | -2,027 | -1,926 |
| 1.77 | -10% | -4,055 | -3,852 |
| 1.67 | -15% | -6,082 | -5,778 |
| 1.57 | -20% | -8,110 | -7,704 |
Financial year 2019
| Change in Sales price (USD / lb Cr) | Change in Operating Profit | Change in Group's Equity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR 000's | EUR 000's | ||
| 2.08 | 20% | 12,162 | 11,554 |
| 2.00 | 15% | 9,122 | 8,666 |
| 1.91 | 10% | 6,081 | 5,777 |
| 1.82 | 5% | 3,041 | 2,889 |
| 1.74 | 0% | 0 | 0 |
| 1.65 | -5% | -3,041 | -2,889 |
| 1.56 | -10% | -6,081 | -5,777 |
| 1.47 | -15% | -9,122 | -8,666 |
| 1.39 | -20% | -12,162 | -11,554 |
Sensitivity Analysis – Mining business
As a general rule, the Group sells its concentrate production and chrome ore at market prices and normally does not enter into forward sales, derivatives or other hedging arrangements to establish a price in advance for the sale of its future production. The Group is exposed to the risk of fluctuations in prevailing market commodity prices on the mineral products it produces.
Assuming, for simplicity, an average annual mining activity of 324,111 t/a, and the average 2020 sales price for Chrome Ore, the following table represents a rough proxy of the sales price sensitivities. It should also be taken into account that the profitability of the mining operations can be substantially impacted by changes in the USD and ZAR exchange rates, electricity prices and availability of electricity, as well as changes in market prices.
In practice, therefore the net effect on the Group’s profitability most probably would be lower than shown below. Due to the high market volatility the range of change was kept at +/- 20%.
Financial Year 2020
| Change in Sales price (USD/t) | Change in Operating Profit | Change in Group's Equity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201.82 | 20% | 10,902 | 7,849 |
| 193.41 | 15% | 8,176 | 5,887 |
| 185.00 | 10% | 5,451 | 3,925 |
| 176.59 | 5% | 2,725 | 1,962 |
| 168.18 | 0% | 0 | 0 |
| 159.77 | -5% | -2,725 | -1,962 |
| 151.36 | -10% | -5,451 | -3,925 |
| 142.95 | -15% | -8,176 | -5,887 |
| 134.55 | -20% | -10,902 | -7,849 |
Financial Year 2019
| Change in Sales price (USD/t) | Change in Operating Profit | Change in Group's Equity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189.82 | 20% | 15,342 | 11,046 |
| 181.91 | 15% | 11,507 | 8,285 |
| 174.00 | 10% | 7,671 | 5,523 |
| 166.09 | 5% | 3,836 | 2,762 |
| 158.18 | 0% | 0 | 0 |
| 150.27 | -5% | -3,836 | -2,762 |
| 142.36 | -10% | -7,671 | -5,523 |
| 134.45 | -15% | -11,507 | -8,285 |
| 126.55 | -20% | -15,342 | -11,046 |
15. Inventories
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Goods and supplies | 3,063 | 7,719 |
| Unfinished products | 361 | 347 |
| Finished products | 10,040 | 21,898 |
| Total | 13,464 | 29,964 |
16. Trade and other current receivables
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade receivables | 7,656 | 12,325 |
| Loan receivables | 412 | 528 |
| Prepaid expenses and accrued income | 2,955 | 3,929 |
| Income tax receivables | 1,776 | 1,930 |
| Other receivables | 2,102 | 1,844 |
| Total | 14,901 | 20,556 |
Prepaid expenses and accruals mainly relate to rental contracts, personnel expenses, VAT receivables and accrued interest for loans. The values of receivables at the end of the reporting period closely correspond to the monetary value of maximum credit risk in the potential case where the counterparties cannot fulfil their commitments.
The ageing of trade receivables at the end of the reporting period
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Not past due | 1,560 | 5,753 |
| Past due 0-30 days | 2,697 | 5,674 |
| Past due 31-60 days | 568 | 1,070 |
| Past due 61-90 days | 1,141 | 198 |
| Past due more than 90 days | 1,690 | -370 |
| Trade receivables total | 7,656 | 12,325 |
The expected credit losses have historically been minimal. Thus the expected credit loss is not material and no separate credit loss reserve has been recorded.
17. Cash and cash equivalents
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and bank balances | 888 | 5,004 |
Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated cash flow statement:
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and bank balances | 888 | 5,004 |
| Short-term money market investments | 210 | 385 |
| Total | 1,098 | 5,389 |
18. Notes to equity
| Number of registered shares | Number of shares on issue | Share capital, EUR '000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.12.2018 | 263,040,695 | 260,653,201 | 23,642 |
| Subscriptions based on share based payment | 500,000 | ||
| Acquisition of NCI | 3,209,895 | ||
| Cancellations of acquired share | -25,998,881 | -25,998,881 | |
| Share issue | 15,000,000 | ||
| 31.12.2019 | 252,041,814 | 238,364,215 | 23,642 |
| Share based on payments | 400,000 | ||
| Acquisition of NCI | 115,000 | ||
| 31.12.2020 | 252,041,814 | 238,879,215 | 23,642 |
There is no nominal value for the Company's share.
The equity reserves are described below:
Share premium reserve
Related to the old Finnish Companies Act, the Company has a share premium reserve in relation to old share issues, where the premium in excess of the par value of the shares subscribed has been recognised in the share premium reserve.
Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve
Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve comprises other equity investments and subscription price of shares to the extent that it is not recognised in the share capital based on a specific decision.
Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of financial statements of foreign operations.
Treasury shares
On 31 December 2020, the Company had 13,162,599 (2019: 13,677,599) own shares in treasury, which was equivalent to 5.22% (2019: 5.43%) of the issued share capital. The total number of shares outstanding, excluding the treasury shares held by the Company on 31 December 2020 was 238,879,215 (2019: 238,364,215).
The Company’s subsidiaries do not hold any of Afarak Group Plc's shares.
As at 31 December 2020, the Company had 2,123,343 shares pending to be transferred to the subscribers, which related to the acquisition of additional ownership in South African mining assets.
Share Issue Authorisations given to the Board of Directors
Based on the resolution at the AGM on 22 June 2020, the Board is authorised to issue shares and stock options and other special rights that entitle to shares in one or more tranches up to a maximum of 50,000,000 new shares or shares owned by the Company. This equates to approximately 19.8% of the Company's currently registered shares.
The authorization may be used among other things to raise additional finance and enabling corporate and business acquisitions or other arrangements and investments of business activity or for employee incentive and commitment schemes. By virtue of the authorization, the Board of Directors can decide both on share issues against payment and on share issues without payment. The payment of the subscription price can also be made with consideration other than money. The authorization contains the right to decide on derogating from shareholders' pre-emptive right to share subscriptions provided that the conditions set in the Finnish Companies' Act are fulfilled. The authorization replaces all previous authorizations and is valid two (2) years from the decision of the Annual General Meeting.
The board resolved on 29 May 2019, based on authorisation granted by the EGM held on 12 November 2018, that the Company repurchases 26 million of its own shares at a price of EUR 1.015 by means of voluntary public tender offer made to all shareholders. On 31 July 2019, the Company completed the public tender offer of purchasing own shares amounting to 25,998,881 shares. Such shares were then cancelled by Afarak on 8 August 2019. On 26 August 2019, the Company announced an issue of 15,000,000 new shares.
- Share-based payments
In December 2016 the Group granted the new CEO, Guy Konsbruck 1,000,000 shares in the Company. These have been awarded in two tranches and vested based on completed year of service. The first 500,000 Company shares have effectively been received on 11 May 2018. The second 500,000 Company shares have effectively been received on 12 February 2019. These shares have a lock-up period of two years from subscription date. The fair value of the granted shares is determined based on the market price of Afarak Group share at the grant date which was EUR 0.81 per share. The expense recognized in the income statement in the comparative period 2019 was EUR 8,321.92.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Group extended for another two years the CEO contract and granted another 1,000,000 shares in the Company. These were due to be awarded in two tranches and vested based on completed year of service, and which were self-reduced by 20% to two tranches of 400,000 Company shares for each year of service in 2020. The first 400,000 Company shares have effectively been received on 16 December 2020. The second 400,000 Company shares were due to be received in January 2021 after completing his fourth year of service. These will be granted after the AGM when a new board is formed. These shares have a lock-up period of two years from subscription date. The fair value of the granted shares is determined based on the market price of Afarak Group share at the grant date which was EUR 0.83 per share. The expense recognized in the income statement during the year was EUR 60,260.27 (2019: EUR 596,917.81) which included a correction of the self reduced shares expense recognised in 2019.
20. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Movements in deferred taxes in 2020
| EUR '000 | 31.12.2019 | Exchange rate differences | Recognised in income statement | Discontinued operation | 31.12.2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets: | |||||
| Unrealised expenses | 2,671 | -113 | -149 | -13 | 2,396 |
| Pension liabilities | 396 | -84 | 313 | ||
| From translation difference | -69 | 0 | 0 | -69 | |
| Group eliminations | 421 | -50 | -94 | 277 | |
| Total | 3,419 | -164 | -326 | -13 | 2,916 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | |||||
| Assets at fair value in acquisitions | 20,222 | -2,811 | -6,095 | -145 | 11,171 |
| Translation difference | 80 | 80 | |||
| Other timing differences | 1,272 | -212 | -861 | -13 | 186 |
| Total | 21,573 | -3,023 | -6,956 | -158 | 11,437 |
Movements in deferred taxes in 2019
| EUR '000 | 31.12.2018 | Exchange rate differences | Recognised in income statement | Business combinations and divestments | Recognised in equity | 31.12.2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets: | ||||||
| Unrealised expenses | 3,014 | 32 | -376 | 2,671 | ||
| Pension liabilities | 459 | -62 | 396 | |||
| From translation difference | -69 | -69 | ||||
| Group eliminations | 532 | -4 | -106 | 421 | ||
| Total | 3,935 | 28 | -544 | 3,419 | ||
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||||||
| Assets at fair value in acquisitions | 3,014 | -842 | -2,919 | 20,969 | 20,222 | |
| Translation difference | 80 | 80 | ||||
| Other timing differences | 421 | 886 | -36 | 1,272 | ||
| Total | 3,435 | 44 | -2,955 | 80 | 20,969 | 21,573 |
21. Provisions
| EUR '000 | Environmental and rehabilitation provisions | Other provisions | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1.1.2020 | 16,836 | 2,392 | 19,229 |
| Additions | 458 | 381 | 839 |
| Discontinued operations | -6,377 | 0 | -6,377 |
| Releases and reversals | -213 | -223 | -436 |
| Unwinding of discount | 622 | 0 | 622 |
| Exchange differences | -2,178 | -130 | -2,307 |
| Balance at 31.12.2020 | 9,148 | 2,421 | 11,569 |
The long-term provisions in the statement of financial position relate to environmental and rehabilitation provisions of the Group’s production facilities and mines. The provisions are based on expected liability.
Provisions include a FIN-FSA penalty amounting to Eur 1,450 thousand which was provided for in 2019. On 25th February 2021, Afarak filed an application for a permission to appeal and an appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court on the decision of the Helsinki Administrative Court.
22. Pension liabilities
Defined benefit pension plans
The majority of the Group’s pension plans are defined contribution plans for which a total expense of EUR 0.7 (2019: 0.7) million has been recognised on the 2020 statement of comprehensive income. In addition, the Group’s German subsidiary has defined benefit plans. The amount of defined benefit obligations of the plan is based on actuarial calculations made by authorized actuaries. The pension scheme is arranged by recognising a provision on the statement of financial position. The present value of the obligation less fair value of plan assets totalled EUR 23.4 (2019: 22.5) million on 31 December 2020. The Group has considered that the value on 31 December also corresponds with the amount of net obligation at the end of the reporting period. The assets of the pension plans are kept separate from the Group’s assets.
| Retirement benefit obligation | ||
|---|---|---|
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Present value of funded obligation | 30,584 | 29,353 |
| Fair value of plan assets | -7,225 | -6,878 |
| Net liability | 23,359 | 22,475 |
| Movements in defined benefit obligation | ||
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Defined benefit obligations at 1.1. | 29,353 | 26,569 |
| Benefits paid | -868 | -883 |
| Current service costs | 430 | 373 |
| Interest expense | 301 | 462 |
| Actuarial losses / (gains) | 1,369 | 2,832 |
| Closing balance at 31.12. | 30,584 | 29,353 |
| Movements in the fair value of the plan assets | ||
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Fair value of the plan assets at 1.1. | 6,878 | 6,164 |
| Expected return on plan assets | 73 | 116 |
The benefits of the defined benefit plan are insured with an insurance company. The corresponding assets are the responsibility of the insurance company and a part of the insurance company’s investment assets. The distribution in categories is not possible to provide.
Expense recognised in statement of comprehensive income
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Current service cost | -430 | -373 |
| Net interest on net defined benefit liability/(asset) | -228 | -346 |
| -658 | -719 |
Expense recognised in other comprehensive income (OCI)
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Actuarial (gains)/losses due to liability experience | -447 | -554 |
| Return on plan assets (greater)/less than discount rate | -61 | -91 |
| Actuarial (gains)/losses – demographic assumptions | 1,816 | 3,385 |
| Actuarial (gains)/losses – financial assumptions | 0 | 0 |
| 1,308 | 2,740 |
Actual return on plan assets totalled EUR 0.06 (2019: 0.09) million in 2020.
| Principal actuarial assumptions | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Discount rate | 0.69% | 1.04% |
| Expected retirement age | 65 | 65 |
| Expected rate of salary increase | 3.00% | 3.00% |
| Inflation | 2.25% | 2.25% |
The expected retirement age has been assumed to be in accordance with German legislation (RVAGAnpG 2007). Similarly, the expected pension increases have been assumed to be in line with the German legislation, and mortality expectancy in accordance with the German "Richttafeln 2005 G" has been applied in the valuations.
Provision for retirement pay liability in Turkey
In accordance with existing social legislation in Turkey, the Turkish subsidiary of the Group is required to make lump-sum payments to employees whose employment is terminated due to retirement or for reasons other than resignation or misconduct. The computation of the liability was based on the retirement pay ceiling announced by the Turkish government. On 31 December 2020, the employee severance indemnity recognised in accordance with IAS 19 totalled EUR 0.5 (2019: 0.5) million.
- Trade payables and other interest-free liabilities
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current | ||
| Other liabilities | 33 | 2,668 |
| Total non-current | 33 | 2,668 |
| Current | ||
| Current liabilities to related parties | 5 | 6 |
| Trade payables | 8,705 | 12,538 |
| Accrued expenses and deferred income | 4,715 | 6,811 |
| Current advances received | 1 | 10 |
| Income tax liability | 2,545 | 2,754 |
| Other liabilities | 1,103 | 488 |
| Total current | 17,075 | 22,607 |
At end of 2020, Trade payables included a liability to supplier in relation to financing of material amounting to Eur 1.4 million.
1.9 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
1.9.1 Group structure on 31 December 2020
Subsidiaries
| Name | Country of incorporation | Group's ownership and share of votes (%) | Afarak Group Plc's direct ownership and share of votes (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afarak doo Belgrade | Serbia | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Holdings Ltd | Malta | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Investments Ltd | Malta | 100.00 | 99.99 |
| Afarak Mining (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Mining Investments (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Platinum (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Processing Technologies (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Processing Technologies 2 (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Services Sagl | Switzerland | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak South Africa (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Trading Ltd | Malta | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Auburn Avenue Trading 88 (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 74.00 | 0.00 |
| Chromex Mining Company (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 74.00 | 0.00 |
| Chromex Mining Ltd | United Kingdom | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Destiny Spring Investments 11 (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 73.30 | 0.00 |
| Destiny Spring Investments 12 (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Duoflex (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 74.00 | 0,00 |
| Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbH | Germany | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Ilitha Mining (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 80.00 | 0.00 |
| Intermetal Madencilik ve Ticaret A.S. | Turkey | 99.00 | 0.00 |
| Magnohrom doo Kraljevo | Serbia | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Rekylator Oy | Finland | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Synergy Africa Ltd | United Kingdom | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Türk Maadin Sirketi A.S. | Turkey | 98.75 | 98.75 |
| ZCM Holdco One (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 74.00 | 23.00 |
| Zeerust Chrome Mine Ltd | South Africa | 74.00 | 0.00 |
As at 31 March 2019, the Group held 51% of shares of Synergy Africa Ltd, which the shareholders of Synergy Africa Ltd had entered into a joint venture agreement with joint control over the company. On 1 April 2019, Afarak acquired the 49% balance of Synergy Africa Ltd, and the Joint Venture agreement was terminated. Therefore Afarak now holds 100% of Synergy Africa Ltd. As at 31 March 2019, the company and its subsidiaries were not consolidated into the Group as subsidiaries but as joint ventures. The Group's share of net profit or loss of the Joint venture during the period January to March 2019 is shown on one line in the income statement. As from 1 April 2019, Synergy Africa Ltd and its subsidiaries were consolidated into the Group as subsidiaries.
Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd entered into an agreement in December 2016, to buy back 100 ordinary shares currently held by the trustees as part of the Mogale Alloys Trust. These shares constitute an effective 10% of the issued share capital of the company and will be bought back in a series of buy backs over a period of 8 years. During the current year Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd repurchased 11 (11) ordinary shares held by the Mogale Alloys Trust, hence Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd has repurchased 45 ordinary shares in total and 55 ordinary shares still to be repurchased. However, in Afarak Group, 100% of Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd is being consolidated.
Rekylator Yhtiöt Oy was merged with Afarak Group Oyj during the year 2019.
During 2019, Afarak also acquired a further 49% of the shares in Zeerust Chrome Mine, in exchange for total consideration of two million shares in Afarak Group Plc, amounting to Eur 1,654,000. Of which 26% are to be transferred to a prospective BEE partner and therefore Afarak holds and consolidate 74% interest in the company.
Afarak entered into an agreement during 2019 to acquire the remaining interest of 26% in Chromex Mining Company (Pty) Ltd. This was executed after year end on 23 March 2021.
The companies Afarak Commodities Ltd, Afarak Participation Ltd, LP Kunnanharju and Mkhombi Stellite (Pty) Ltd were liquidated during 2020.
On 16th September 2020 Afarak Group lost control on its subsidiary Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd, and as a result the Mogale business was reclassified to discontinued operation in the consolidated financial statements of Afarak Group.
For the year ended 31 December 2020 Chromex Mining Limited (registration number 05566992) and Synergy Africa Limited (registration number 07382978) were entitled to an exemption from audit under section 479A of the Companies Act 2006 relating to subsidiary companies.
1.9.2 Related party transactions
Afarak Group Plc defines the related parties as:
- companies, entities or persons having common control or considerable voting power in Afarak Group
- subsidiaries
- joint ventures
- associates
- Afarak Group Plc's and the above mentioned entities' top management
Related party transactions with persons belonging to the Group's Board and management
Finnish accounting legislation, KPA 2:8 § 4 paragraph disclosure requirement
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salaries | Fees | Share-based remuneration | Salaries | Fees | Share-based remuneration | ||
| CEO | |||||||
| Konsbruck Guy | Board member 05.2.2018 onwards, CEO 15.1.2017 onwards | 288 | 60 | 294 | 605 | ||
| Board members | |||||||
| Abrahamsen Thorstein | Board member 23.5.2017 onwards, Chairman11.11.2019 onwards | 84 | 63 | ||||
| Manojlovic Jelena | Board member 11.7.2008 onwards, Chairperson 23.5.2017 – 25.6.2019 | 60 | 66 | ||||
| Rourke Barry | Board member 8.5.2015 – 11.11.2019, Chairman 25.06.2019 – 11.11.2019 | 0 | 73 | ||||
| Bolleurs Yolanda | Board member 25.6.2019 – 11.11.2019 | 0 | 25 | ||||
| Total | 0 | 432 | 60 | 0 | 521 | 605 |
As some of the Board members have also had executive management roles, both the Board fees and the salaries in relation to the executive role have been presented above.
The CEO self-reduced his salary by 20% during 2019, and the fees for his service during 2020 were EUR 288,000 (2019: EUR 294,000) for his service. On 11 May 2018 he received 500,000 Company Shares as an incentive for the first year of service acting as the Chief Executive Officer. The second 500,000 Company shares received on 12 February 2019.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Group extended for another two years the CEO contract and granted another 1,000,000 shares in the Company. These were self reduced by 20% to 800,000 shares in the Company. These will be awarded in two tranches and vested based on completed year of service. The first 400,000 Company shares were received on 16 December 2020. The second 400,000 Company shares were due to be received by the employee on 15 January 2021. These will be granted after the AGM when a new board is formed.
Management remuneration
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed salaries and fees | 338 | 591 |
| Total | 338 | 591 |
The table includes the Executive Management Team remuneration excluding the CEO and including salary of Danko Koncar, COO amounting to Eur 240,000. The CEO and Board members compensation has been presented separately.
In addition, the shareholders Aida Djakov (director ATL) and Milan Djakov (sales and marketing manager ATL) and the related party Misha Djakov (technical and commercial advisor Specialty Alloys) received remuneration for their activities for a total amount of Eur 198,000.
Financing arrangement with related parties
The Joint venture became a subsidiary as of 1 April 2019, hence balance was zero as at end of 2019. During the period from January to March 2019, interest income from a joint venture company totalled EUR 0.1 (2018: 1.0) million.
Other related party transactions
During the period from January to March 2019, the Group has rendered services to joint ventures for a total value of EUR 0.1 (2018: 1.3) million. The Group has also made raw material purchases from a joint venture amounting to EUR 1.3 million.
Dividends received from associated companies totalled EUR 0.0 (2019: 0.0) million.
During 2019, Afarak acquired the 49% of Synergy Africa Ltd from a related party.
During 2019, Afarak made an addition of an intangible assets from a related party of EUR 0.1 million.
1.10 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
1.10.1 Mortgages and guarantees pledged as security
On 31 December 2020 the Group had loans from financial institutions totalling EUR 2.9 (2019: 15.0) million. The Group has provided real estate mortgages and other assets as collaterals for total carrying value of EUR 4.5 (2019: 7.0) million. Moreover, the Group companies have given cash deposits totalling EUR 0.9 (2019: 0.9) million as security for their commitments. The value of other collaterals totalled EUR 4.2 (2019: 17.4) million as at 31 December 2020.
1.10.2 Covenants included in the Group’s financing agreements
During the year 2020 and the prior year, the Group did not have loan facilities subject to financial covenants that if breached might have a negative effect on the financial position of the Group.
1.10.3 Rental agreements
Liabilities associated with rental and operating lease agreements totalled some EUR 0.2 (2019: 0.3) million for the period. Typically, the rental agreements maturity varies between two to five years, and normally there is a possibility to continue these agreements beyond the original maturity date. For these contacts, their price indexing, renewal and other terms differ contract by contract. As guarantees for these rental agreements, the Group companies have made cash deposits of approximately EUR 0.0 (0.0) million as at 31 December 2020.
1.11 EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
On 07 January 2021, the Company published the financial calendar for 2021.
On 26 January 2021, the Company announced that Helsinki Administrative Court did not amend the FIN-FSA decision to impose a penalty payment on the company.
On 25 February 2021, the Company published that it has filed the application for a permission to appeal and an appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court on the decision of the Helsinki Administrative Court
On 12 March 2021, the Company published that it has resolved on a directed share issue without consideration that will result in additional ownership of mining assets in South Africa.
On 23 March 2021, the company announced changes regarding Afarak Group Plc’s treasury shares, where a total of 7,088,608 treasury shares has been transferred to subscribers. Afarak entered into an agreement during 2019 to acquire the remaining interest of 26% in Chromex Mining Company (Pty) Ltd. This was executed after year end on 23 March 2021.
Flagging notification after the reporting period
On 24 March 2021, Afarak Group Plc made a flagging notification to FIN-FSA pursuant to Chapter 9, Section 5 of the Finnish Securities Markets Act. According to the flagging notification Afarak’s portion of the Company’s shares has fallen below the threshold of 5 per cent.
According to the notification, Afarak holds 6,073,991 treasury shares in Afarak, which corresponds to approximately $2.41\%$ of the total shares in Afarak as a result of the transaction that was executed on 23 March 2021 whereby Afarak transferred its treasury shares.
PARENT COMPANY'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FAS)
INCOME STATEMENT (FAS)
| 1.1.2020 | 1.1.2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| -31.12.2020 | -31.12.2019 | ||
| EUR '000 | Note | ||
| Revenue | 1 | 1,480 | 1,481 |
| Personnel expenses | |||
| Salaries and wages | -430 | -1,021 | |
| Pension expenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Social security expenses total | 2 | 2 | |
| Personnel expenses total | -428 | -1,019 | |
| Depreciation, amortisation and impairment | 2 | ||
| Impairment of investment in subsidiaries | -48,296 | -139,526 | |
| Depreciation, amortisation and impairment total | -48,296 | -139,526 | |
| Other operating expenses | 3 | -2,029 | -4,867 |
| OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS) | -49,273 | -143,931 | |
| Financial income and expenses: | 4 | ||
| Impairment of non-current investments | -6,574 | 0 | |
| Other financial income | |||
| From Group companies | 30 | 26 | |
| From others | 3,841 | 1,300 | |
| Interests and other financial expenses | |||
| To Group companies | -898 | -556 | |
| To others | -1,605 | -993 | |
| Impairment of intra-group receivable | -8,356 | 0 | |
| Financial income and expenses total | -13,562 | -223 | |
| (LOSS) / PROFIT BEFORE TAXES | -62,835 | -144,154 | |
| Income taxes | 5 | ||
| (LOSS) / PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD | -62,835 | -144,154 |
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (FAS)
EUR '000
| Note | 31/12/2020 | 31/12/2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| NON-CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Investments | 6 | ||
| Shares in Group companies | 64,644 | 114,959 | |
| Total investments | 64,644 | 114,959 | |
| Non-current receivables | 7 | ||
| Receivables from Group companies | 5 | 5 | |
| Total non-current receivables | 5 | 5 | |
| Total non-current assets | 64,649 | 114,964 | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Current receivables | 7 | ||
| Trade receivables | 1 | 1 | |
| Receivables from Group companies | 4,523 | 13,993 | |
| Other interest-bearing receivables | 54 | 0 | |
| Other non interest-bearing receivables | 13 | 69 | |
| Prepaid expenses and accrued income | 56 | 41 | |
| Total current receivables | 4,646 | 14,104 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 54 | 118 | |
| Total current assets | 4,700 | 14,221 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 69,349 | 129,185 |
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (FAS) (CONT.)
EUR '000
| Note | 31/12/2020 | 31/12/2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 8 | ||
| Share capital | 23,642 | 23,642 | |
| Share premium reserve | 25,223 | 25,223 | |
| Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve | 212,119 | 212,024 | |
| Retained earnings | -164,730 | -20,576 | |
| (Loss) / profit for the period | -62,835 | -144,154 | |
| Total shareholders' equity | 33,419 | 96,159 | |
| LIABILITIES | |||
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Liabilities to Group companies | 23,831 | 28,229 | |
| Provisions | 1,450 | 1,450 | |
| Total non-current liabilities | 25,281 | 29,679 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Liabilities to Group companies | 220 | 462 | |
| Liabilities to others | 4,161 | 0 | |
| Accounts payable | 204 | 60 | |
| Accounts payable to Group companies | 5,709 | 2,531 | |
| Other liabilities | 17 | 119 | |
| Accrued expenses and deferred income | 338 | 176 | |
| Total current liabilities | 10,649 | 3,347 | |
| Total liabilities | 35,930 | 33,026 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 69,349 | 129,185 |
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (FAS)
EUR '000
| Operating activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| (Loss) / profit for the period | -62,835 | -144,154 |
| Adjustments for: | ||
| Impairment, net | 54,870 | 139,526 |
| Unrealised foreign exchange gains and losses | -2,235 | -306 |
| Financial revenue and expense excluding impairment | 3,708 | 831 |
| Other adjustments | 1,914 | 1,501 |
| Cash flow before working capital changes | -4,578 | -2,602 |
| Working capital changes: | ||
| Change in current trade receivables | 789 | 779 |
| Change in current trade payables | 286 | 105 |
| Cash flow before financing items and taxes | -3,503 | -1,718 |
| Interests received from Group companies | 3,841 | 1,303 |
| Interests received and other financing items | 31 | 27 |
| Interests paid and other financing items | -1,127 | -908 |
| Net cash used in operating activities | -758 | -1,296 |
| Investing activities | ||
| Proceeds from sale of tangible and intangible assets | 0 | 1 |
| Net cash from investing activities | 0 | 1 |
| Financing activities | ||
| Acquisition of own shares | 0 | -26,389 |
| Repayments of current borrowings | 0 | -44 |
| Non-current loans from Group companies | 0 | 26,031 |
| Repayments of current borrowings | -4 | 1,623 |
| Non-current loans from Group companies | 699 | 0 |
| Repayments of current loan receivables | 0 | 8 |
| Net cash from financing activities | 695 | 1,229 |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | -64 | -66 |
| Cash at beginning of period | 118 | 184 |
| Cash at end of period | 54 | 118 |
| Change in the statement of financial position | -64 | -66 |
2. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY (FAS)
2.1 Accounting Policies
Scope of financial statements and accounting policies
The parent company has prepared its separate financial statements in accordance with Finnish Accounting Standards. Consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Consolidated financial statements are presented separately as a part of these financial statements.
Information on holdings in subsidiaries and associated companies and information on their consolidation is presented in the notes to the financial statements.
All figures are presented in thousand Euros, unless otherwise explicitly stated.
Valuation principles and methods
Investments in associated companies and debt instruments are valued at acquisition cost, less eventual impairment. Dividends received from Group companies and associates have been recorded as financial income.
The value of property, plant and equipment in the statement of financial position is stated at acquisition cost, less accumulated depreciation. Other assets have been stated in the statement of financial position at the lower of acquisition cost or their likely realisable value. Debt items are valued at acquisition cost. Loan receivables from subsidiaries and Group companies have been valued at acquisition cost.
Depreciation methods
Acquisition costs of property, plant and equipment are depreciated over their useful lives according to plan. Depreciation plans have been defined based on practice and experience.
| Asset | Depreciation method and period |
|---|---|
| Intangible rights | 5 years straight line |
| IT equipment | 2 years straight line |
| Other machinery and equipment | 5 years straight line |
Translations of foreign currency items
Items in the statement of financial position denominated in foreign currency are translated into functional currency using the exchange rates as at the end of the reporting year. Income statement items are translated applying the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction.
Comparability of the reported financial year and the previous year
The reported financial year and the previous year were both calendar years and are thus comparable. The Company has been actively restructuring its business, which has required various ownership and financial arrangements. The transactions have had significant non-recurring effects on the Company's income statement and statement of financial position, which make comparison of financial statements and estimating the future more difficult.
2.2 Notes to the income statement
1. Revenue
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| By business line: | ||
| Services | 1,480 | 1,481 |
| Total | 1,480 | 1,481 |
| By geography: | ||
| Finland | 1 | 1 |
| EU countries | 1312 | 1,065 |
| Other countries | 167 | 415 |
| Total | 1,480 | 1,481 |
2. Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Impairment | ||
| Impairment on investment in subsidiaries | -48,296 | -139,526 |
| Total | -48,296 | -139,526 |
3. Other operating expenses
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Premise expenses | -14 | -16 |
| Machinery and equipment expenses | -19 | -19 |
| Travelling expenses | -58 | -152 |
| Administration expenses | -1,662 | -3,126 |
| Other operating expenses | -276 | -1,554 |
| Total | -2,029 | -4,867 |
- Financial income and expense
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Other financial income | ||
| From Group companies | 30 | 26 |
| From others | 3,841 | 1,300 |
| Other financial expense | ||
| To Group companies | -898 | -556 |
| To others | -1,605 | -993 |
| Impairment on Intra-group receivables | -8,356 | 0 |
| Total | -13,562 | -223 |
- Income taxes
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| (Loss) / profit before taxes | -55,590 | -144,154 |
| (Loss) / profit for the period | -55,590 | -144,154 |
2.3 Notes to assets
6. Investments
| Shares in Group companies | Shares in associated companies | Receivables from Group companies | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition cost 1.1.2020 | 324,533 | 8,153 | 17,614 | 350,300 |
| Disposal of investment | -2,019 | -2,019 | ||
| Acquisition cost 31.12.2020 | 322,514 | 8,153 | 17,614 | 348,281 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 1.1.2020 | -209,574 | -8,153 | -17,614 | -235,341 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Impairment of investment in subsidiaries | -48,296 | 0 | 0 | -48,296 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 31.12.2020 | -257,870 | -8,153 | -17,614 | -283,637 |
Book value 31.12.2020 64,644 0 0 64,644
Holdings in Group and other companies
| Name | Country of incorporation | Group's ownership and share of votes (%) | Afarak Group Plc's direct ownership and share of votes (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afarak doo Belgrade | Serbia | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Holdings Ltd | Malta | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Investments Ltd | Malta | 100.00 | 99.99 |
| Afarak Mining Investments (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Mining (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Services Sagl | Switzerland | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak South Africa (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Trading Ltd | Malta | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Magnohrom doo Kraljevo | Serbia | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Auburn Avenue Trading 88 (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 74.00 | 0.00 |
| Destiny Spring Investments 11 (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 73.30 | 0.00 |
| Destiny Spring Investments 12 (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Duoflex (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 74.00 | 0.00 |
| Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbH | Germany | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Intermetal Madencilik ve Ticaret A.S. | Turkey | 99.00 | 0.00 |
| Rekylator Oy | Finland | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Türk Maadin Sirketi A.S. | Turkey | 98.75 | 98.75 |
| ZCM Holdco One (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 74.00 | 23.00 |
| Zeerust Chrome Mine Ltd | South Africa | 74.00 | 0.00 |
| Synergy Africa Ltd | United Kingdom | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Chromex Mining Ltd | United Kingdom | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Chromex Mining Company (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 74.00 | 0.00 |
| Ilitha Mining (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 80.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Processing Technologies (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Processing Technologies 2 (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| Afarak Platinum (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | 100.00 | 0.00 |
As at 31 March 2019, the Group held 51% of shares of Synergy Africa Ltd, which the shareholders of Synergy Africa Ltd had entered into a joint venture agreement with joint control over the company. On 1 April 2019, Afarak acquired the 49% balance of Synergy Africa Ltd, and the Joint Venture agreement was terminated. Therefore Afarak now holds 100% of Synergy Africa Ltd. As at 31 March 2019, the company and its subsidiaries were not consolidated into the Group as subsidiaries but as joint ventures. The Group's share of net profit or loss of the Joint venture during the period January to March 2019 is shown on one line in the income statement. As from 1 April 2019, Synergy Africa Ltd and its subsidiaries were consolidated into the Group as subsidiaries.
Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd entered into an agreement in December 2016, to buy back 100 ordinary shares currently held by the trustees as part of the Mogale Alloys Trust. These shares constitute an effective 10% of the issued share capital of the company and will be bought back in a series of buy backs over a period of 8 years. During the current year Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd repurchased 11 (11) ordinary shares held by the Mogale Alloys Trust, hence Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd has repurchased 45 ordinary shares in total and 55 ordinary shares still to be repurchased. However, in Afarak Group, 100% of Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd is being consolidated.
Rekylator Yhtiöt Oy was merged with Afarak Group Oyj during the year 2019.
During 2019, Afarak also acquired a further 49% of the shares in Zeerust Chrome Mine, in exchange for total consideration of two million shares in Afarak Group Plc, amounting to Eur 1,654,000. Of which 26% are to be transferred to a prospective BEE partner and therefore Afarak holds and consolidate 74% interest in the company.
Afarak entered into an agreement during 2019 to acquire the remaining interest of 26% in Chromex Mining Company (Pty) Ltd. This was executed after year end on 23 March 2021.
The companies Afarak Commodities Ltd, Afarak Participation Ltd, LP Kunnanharju and Mkhombi Stellite (Pty) Ltd were liquidated during 2020.
On 16th September 2020 Afarak Group lost control on its subsidiary Afarak Mogale (Pty) Ltd, and as a result the Mogale business was reclassified to discontinued operation in the consolidated financial statements of Afarak Group.
For the year ended 31 December 2020 Chromex Mining Limited (registration number 05566992) and Synergy Africa Limited (registration number 07382978) were entitled to an exemption from audit under section 479A of the Companies Act 2006 relating to subsidiary companies.
7. Receivables
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current | ||
| Loan and other receivables | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 5 | 5 |
| Current | ||
| Loan receivables | 719 | 7,424 |
| Trade receivables | 2,938 | 4,915 |
| Interest receivables | 44 | 822 |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 822 | 832 |
| Total | 4,523 | 13,993 |
Other interest-bearing receivables
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Current | ||
| VAT receivable | 54 | 3 |
| Total | 54 | 3 |
| Other interest-free receivables | ||
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Current | ||
| Trade receivables | 1 | 1 |
| Other receivables | 13 | 4 |
| Total | 13 | 5 |
| Prepaid expenses and accrued income | 2020 | 2019 |
| Other prepaid expenses and accrued income | 56 | 103 |
| Total | 56 | 103 |
2.4 Notes to equity and liabilities
8. Shareholders' equity
EUR '000
| Share capital | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Share capital 1.1. | 23,642 | 23,642 |
| Share capital 31.12. | 23,642 | 23,642 |
| Share premium reserve | 2020 | 2019 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Share premium reserve 1.1. | 25,223 | 25,223 |
| Share premium reserve 31.12. | 25,223 | 25,223 |
| Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve | 2020 | 2019 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve 1.1. | 212,024 | 236,071 |
| Issue of shares | 95 | 2,341 |
| Acquisition of own shares | 0 | -26,389 |
| Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve 31.12. | 212,119 | 212,024 |
| Retained earnings | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Retained earnings 1.1. | -20,575 | -19,206 |
| (Loss) / profit for the period | -144,154 | -1,370 |
| Retained earnings 31.12. | -164,730 | -20,576 |
| (Loss) / profit for the period | -62,835 | -144,154 |
| Total shareholders' equity | 33,419 | 96,159 |
| Distributable funds | 2020 | 2019 |
| Retained earnings 1.1. | -164,730 | -20,576 |
| (Loss) / profit for the period | -62,835 | -144,154 |
| Retained earnings 31.12. | -227,565 | -164,730 |
| Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve | 212,119 | 212,024 |
| Distributable funds 31.12. | 0 | 47,294 |
9. Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
EUR '000
| Non-current interest bearing debt | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Loans from Group companies | 23,831 | 27,279 |
| Total | 23,831 | 27,279 |
| Non-current interest-free debt | 2020 | 2019 |
| Capital loans | 0 | 950 |
| Total | 0 | 950 |
Current liabilities
EUR '000
| Current interest bearing debt | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Other debt to Group companies | 0 | 50 |
| Total | 0 | 50 |
| Current interest-free debt | 2020 | 2019 |
| Accounts payable | 204 | 60 |
| Payables to Group companies | 5,709 | 2,531 |
2.5 Pledges and contingent liabilities
| EUR million | 31.12.2020 | 31.12.2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Commitments on behalf of subsidiaries | ||
| Guarantees | 4.2 | 17.4 |
| Commitments and contingent liabilities total | 4.2 | 17.4 |
Pension liabilities
The Company's pension liabilities are directly in accordance with the statutory TyEL-system.
2.6 Other notes
Related party loans
The Company has short-term loan receivables from the members and past members of the Board amounting to EUR 0 (8) thousand.
Information on the personnel
| Personnel, annual average (all employees) | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Employees | 3 | 3 |
| Management remuneration (EUR '000) | 2020 | 2019 |
| Chief Executive Officer | 288 | 294 |
| Board members | 144 | 227 |
The CEO fees for his service during 2020 were EUR 288,000.
In December 2016 the Group granted the new CEO, Guy Konsbruck 1,000,000 shares in the Company. These have been awarded in two tranches and vested based on completed year of service. The first 500,000 Company shares have effectively been received on 11 May 2018. The second 500,000 Company shares have effectively been received on 12 February 2019. These shares have a lock-up period of two years from subscription date. The fair value of the granted shares is determined based on the market price of Afarak Group share at the grant date which was EUR 0.81 per share. The expense recognized in the income statement in the comparative period 2019 was EUR 8,321.92.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Group extended for another two years the CEO contract and granted another 1,000,000 shares in the Company. These were due to be awarded in two tranches and vested based on completed year of service, and which were self-reduced by 20% to two tranches of 400,000 Company shares for each year of service in 2020. The first 400,000 Company shares have effectively been received on 16 December 2020. The second 400,000 Company shares were due to be received in January 2021 after completing his fourth year of service. These will be granted after the AGM when a new board is formed. These shares have a lock-up period of two years from subscription date. The fair value of the granted shares is determined based on the market price
of Afarak Group share at the grant date which was EUR 0.83 per share. The expense recognized in the income statement during the year was EUR 60,260.27 (2019: EUR 596,917.81) which included a correction of the self reduced shares expense recognised in 2019.
Information on shares and shareholders
Changes in the number of shares and share capital
On 31 December 2020, the registered number of Afarak Group Plc shares was 252,041,814 (2019: 252,041,814) and the share capital was EUR 23,642,049.60 (2019: 23,642,049.60).
On 31 December 2020, the Company had 13,162,599 (2019: 13,677,599) own shares in treasury, which was equivalent to 5.22% (2019: 5.43%) of the issued shares. The total number of shares outstanding, excluding the treasury shares held by the Company on 31 December 2020, was 238,879,215 (2019: 238,364,215).
On 28 January 2020, Afarak Group Plc has transferred a total of 115,000 Company shares from treasury in relation to additional ownership in certain South African mining assets.
On 16 December 2020, the company transferred 400,000 Company Shares from the treasury to Guy Konsbruck, CEO.
More information on shares, share capital and shareholders has been presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Information obligated to a Group company
The Company is the Group's parent company.
Afarak Group Plc, domicile Helsinki (address: Kaisaniemenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki, Finland)
Board members' and Chief Executive Officer's ownership
Afarak Group Plc's Board members and Chief Executive Officer owned in total 1,550,000 (2019: 1,150,000) Afarak Group Plc shares on 31 December 2020 when including shares owned either directly, through persons closely associated with them or through controlled companies. This corresponds to 0.6% (2019: 0.5%) of all outstanding shares that were registered in the Trade Register on 31 December 2020.
31.12.2020
Board and CEO total:
Thorstein Abrahamsen
Jelena Manojlovic
Guy Konsbruck
Board and CEO total
All shares outstanding
Proportion of all shares
Chairman & Non-Executive
Director
Dependent Non-Executive
Director
Chief Executive Officer &
Executive Director
| shares | options |
|---|---|
| 0 | 0 |
| 150,000 | 0 |
| 1,400,000 | 0 |
| 1,550,000 | 0 |
| 252,041,814 | |
| 0.6 % |
On 31 December 2020 the total number of registered shares was 252,041,814 and the Board and CEO's ownership corresponded to 0.6% of the total number of registered shares.
Auditor's fees
| EUR '000 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Ernst & Young Oy | ||
| audit | 581 | 320 |
| other services | 67 | 36 |
| Total | 648 | 356 |
Board's dividend proposal
The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that no distribution would be paid in 2021.
SIGNATURES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Helsinki 31 March 2021
Thorstein Abrahamsen
Chairman
Guy Konsbruck
CEO
Jelena Manojlovic
Member of the Board
THE AUDITOR'S NOTE
Our auditor’s report has been issued today.
Helsinki 31 March 2021
Ernst & Young Oy
Erkka Talvinko
Authorised Public Accountant