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Socfinaf

Annual Report Apr 13, 2023

2277_iss_2023-04-13_c85ba5dc-a6b2-4349-9433-27023f639991.pdf

Annual Report

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GROUP PROFILE 5
1. OVERVIEW OF THE GROUP 5
2. HISTORY 5
3. GROUP STRUCTURE 6
4. INFORMATION ON SOCFINAF'S HOLDINGS 7
SOCFIN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY "SAC" LTD 8
LIBERIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY "LAC" 9
SALALA RUBBER CORPORATION "SRC" 10
BEREBY-FINANCES "BEFIN" 10
SOCIETE DES CAOUTCHOUC DU GRAND BEREBY "SOGB" 11
SUD COMOË CAOUTCHOUC "SCC" 12
PLANTATIONS SOCFINAF GHANA "PSG" 13
OKOMU OIL PALM COMPANY 14
SOCAPALM 15
SOCIETE ANONYME FORESTIERE ET AGRICOLE "SAFA" 16
SAFACAM 16
SOCIETE DES PALMERAIES DE LA FERME SUISSE "SPFS" 17
AGRIPALMA 18
BRABANTA 19
SOGESCOL FR 20
SOCFINCO FR 21
INTERNATIONAL MARKET FOR RUBBER AND PALM OIL 22
1.
RUBBER 22
The international market in 2022 23
Outlook 2023 23
2.
PALM OIL 24
The international market in 2022 26
Outlook 2023 26
ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 28
KEY FIGURES 29
1. ACTIVITY INDICATORS 29
2. KEY FIGURES IN THE CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT AND THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT 30
3. KEY FIGURES IN THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 30
STOCK MARKET DATA 31
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 31
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 32
1. INTRODUCTION 32
2. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CHART 32
3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 32
Composition of the Board of Directors 32
Other mandates held by the Directors in listed companies 32
Appointments of Directors 34
Role and powers of the Board of Directors 34
Activity report of the Board of Directors 34
4. COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 35
4.1. Audit Committee 35
4.2. Appointment and Remuneration Committee 35
5. REMUNERATIONS 35
6. SHAREHOLDING STATUS 36
7. FINANCIAL CALENDAR 36
8. EXTERNAL AUDIT 36
9. CORPORATE, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY 37
10. OTHER INFORMATION 37
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE 38
CONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORT 39
1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 39
2. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 40
3. OUTLOOK 2023 40
4. POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 40
5. EVENTS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE 41
6. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 41
7. GENERAL INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM ADAPTED TO THE GROUP'S SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES 41
8. ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 42
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 43
1. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 43
2. CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 45
3. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 46
4. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 47
5. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 48
6. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 49
Note 1. Overview and accounting policies 49
Note 2. Subsidiaries and associates 62
Note 3. Leases 65
Note 4. Intangible assets 67
Note 5. Property, plant and equipment 68
Note 6. Biological assets 69
Note 7. Depreciation and impairment 70
Note 8. Impairment of assets 70
Note 9. Non-wholly owned subsidiaries in which non-controlling interests are significant 72
Note 10. Investments in associates 74
Note 11. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 77
Note 12. Deferred taxes 77
Note 13. Current tax assets and liabilities 78
Note 14. Income tax expense 78
Note 15. Inventories 80
Note 16. Trade receivables (current assets) 81
Note 17. Other receivables (current assets) 81
Note 18. Cash and cash equivalents 81
Note 19. Share capital and share premium 82
Note 20. Legal reserves 82
Note 21. Pension obligations 83
Note 22. Financial debts 85
Note 23. Trade and other payables 88
Note 24. Financial instruments 89
Note 25. Staff costs and average number of staff 91
Note 26. Other financial income 91
Note 27. Financial expenses 91
Note 28. Net earnings per share 91
Note 29. Dividends and Directors' fees 92
Note 30. Information on related party 92
Note 31. Off balance sheet commitments 94
Note 32. Segment information 94
Note 33. Risk management 101
Note 34. Contingent liabilities 105
Note 35. Political and economic environment 106
Note 36. Events after the closing date 106
Note 37. Auditor's fees 106
COMPANY'S MANAGEMENT REPORT 107
ACTIVITIES 107
RESULT FOR THE PERIOD 107
BALANCE SHEET 108
PORTFOLIO 108
COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 113
1.
BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST DECEMBER 2022 113
2.
INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022 115
Proposed distribution of profits 115
3.
NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE 2022 FINANCIAL YEAR 116
Note 1. Overview 116
Note 2. Accounting principles, rules and methods 116
Note 3. Financial fixed assets 119
Note 3. Financial fixed assets (continued) 120
Note 3. Financial fixed assets (continued) 121
Note 4. Equity 122
Note 5. Amounts owed to affiliated undertakings 123
interests: 123
Note 7. Income from participating interests 124
Note 8. Income from other investments and loans forming part of the fixed assets 124
Note 9. Taxation 124
Note 10. Remuneration of the Board of Directors 124
Note 11. Political and economic environment 124
Note 12. Significant events after the year end 124

Group profile

1. Overview of the Group

Socfinaf is a Luxembourg company and its registered address is 4, Avenue Guillaume, L-1650, Luxembourg. It was incorporated on 22nd October 1961 and is listed on the Stock Exchange of Luxembourg.

The principal activity of Socfinaf is to manage a portfolio of shares mainly focused on the operation of more than 138,000 hectares of tropical palm oil and rubber plantations in Africa. Socfinaf employs 25,453 people and has achieved a consolidated turnover of EUR 637 million in 2022.

2. History

  • 22/10/1961 : Incorporation of Compagnie Internationale de Cultures (Intercultures) as a Luxembourg holding company.
  • 31/12/1961 : Intercultures invests in two Congolese plantations named "La Compagnie Congolaise de l'Hévéa" and "Cultures Equatoriales".
  • 18/04/1966 : The shares of Intercultures have been listed on the Stock Exchange of Luxembourg.
  • 31/12/1974 : Nationalisation measures of industrial enterprises by the State of Zaire.
  • 31/12/1976 : Progress of negotiations with Zaire exit of Zairian holdings from the portfolio and accounting for Zaire claim.
  • 19/05/1995 : Increase of the share capital of Intercultures in order to relaunch the Company's activity in the field of tropical plantations.
  • 30/06/1995 : Acquisition of 65% of Société des Caoutchoucs du Grand Bereby "SOGB" in Côte d'Ivoire via Bereby Finances "Befin", a Côte d'Ivoire holding company.
  • 30/06/1997 : Acquision of 5% of Palmci, a Côte d'Ivoire company producing palm oils.
  • 30/06/1998 : Increase of share capital and investment in Kenya in 70.8% of Red Lands Roses, producer of roses and Socfinaf Company, coffee producer.

In addition, Intercultures acquired through its Luxembourg subsidiary (Indufina Luxembourg) 54% of an oil palm plantation in Nigeria, Okomu Oil Palm Company.

  • 31/03/1999 : Intercultures continues the expansion of its investments in Africa and more specifically in Liberia : acquisition of 70% of Weala Rubber Company, owner of a rubber factory and 75% of Liberian Agricultural Company "LAC" which has a rubber concession.
  • 31/03/2000 : Acquisition of 89.64% of Société des Palmeraies de la Ferme Suisse "SPFS", a Cameroon company active in the production, processing and refining of palm oil.
  • 31/12/2000 : Through a Cameroon holding Palmcam, Intercultures continues its investments in Cameroon in Socapalm, a company active in the production and processing of palm oil.
  • 31/12/2001 : Further increase in share capital which allowed Intercultures to increase its stake in Okomu Oil Palm Company and in Befin (parent company of SOGB).
  • 31/12/2006 : Restructuring of Socfinal Group's holdings, including the distribution of Intercultures shares by Socfinasia (spin-off) and repositioning of the Group's operating companies.
  • 31/12/2007 : Intercultures acquired 99.8% of Brabanta, a company developing a palm oil plantation in Congo (DRC).

On the other hand, Intercultures sold its holdings Weala Rubber Company (Liberia) and Palmci (Côte d'Ivoire).

  • 31/12/2008 : Constitution of Sud Comoë Caoutchouc "SCC" (Côte d'Ivoire) via the Ivorian holding Befin. Intercultures sold 60% of Red Lands Roses (Kenya).
  • 31/12/2009 : Capital increase in Brabanta (DRC).

Increased participation in Salala Rubber Corporation "SRC" (Liberia).

  • 17/03/2010 : Sale of Socfinaf Company (Kenya).
  • 10/01/2011 : Extraordinary General Meeting which ratified abandon of the holding 29 status and change of the denomination to Socfinaf.
  • 01/07/2011 : Share split by 10.

  • 06/10/2011 : Acquisition of 32.9% of Palmcam's shares which is totally owned by Socfinaf.

  • 31/12/2012 : Acquisition of 3.4% of Okomu Oil Palm Company's shares. Incorporation of Plantations Socfinaf Ghana "PSG".
  • 23/10/2013 : Acquisition of 100% of STP Invest's shares, a Belgium company which owns 88% of Agripalma, benefitting from a grant of 5,000 hectares concession on the island of São Tomé.
  • 31/12/2014 : Capital increase with the issue of 1,474,200 new shares subscribed by Socfin in exchange for 100% of the shares of Société Anonyme Forestière et Agricole "SAFA". It owns 68.93% of Safacam (Cameroon).
  • 01/01/2015 : Beginning of Sogescol Cameroon and Camseeds, which were formed in 2014 by Sogescol FR and Socfin Research.
  • 05/10/2015 : Acquisition of shares in Socapalm to increase the percentage holding to 4.57%.
  • 04/11/2015 : Constitution of Sodimex FR and Induservices FR.
  • 01/02/2016 : Liquidation of Palmcam (Cameroon).

3. Group structure

4. Information on Socfinaf's holdings

Portfolio Number of shares Direct %
Sierra Leone
SAC 119,970,000 93.00%
Liberia
LAC 25,000 100.00%
SRC 516 64.91%
Côte d'Ivoire
Befin 739,995 87.06%
Ghana
PSG 750,000 100.00%
Nigeria
Okomu 633,172,834 66.38%
Cameroon
Socapalm 3,086,886 67.46%
Democratic Republic of Congo
Brabanta 5,000 100.00%
France
SAFA 577,200 100.00%
Belgium
Socfinco 8,750 50.00%
Centrages 7,500 50.00%
Pépinière 3,333 50.00%
Sodimex 70,000 50.00%
STP Invest 1,800 100.00%
Luxembourg
Socfinde 50,000 20.00%
Terrasia 3,328 33.28%
Induservices 3,000 30.00%
Management Associates 1,500 15.00%
Switzerland
Sogescol FR 2,650 50.00%
Socfinco FR 650 50.00%
Induservices FR 700 50.00%
Sodimex FR 650 50.00%

The following pages contain a summary of the activity and comments on the financial information for the past two financial years in which Socfinaf holds a direct or indirect participation.

Unless indicated otherwise, equity includes capital, reserves and the results brought forward before allocation of current year results.

Corporate data refers to consolidated data.

The balance sheet figures are presented in the functional currency of the respective entities.

SOCFIN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY "SAC" LTD

Share capital : USD 30,000,000

SAC is active in Sierra Leone in the production of palm oil.

Key data

Area (hectares) Planted area
At 31st December 2022 Mature Immature Total
Palm 12,349 0 12,349
Concessions : 18,473 ha
Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 4,182
Production and turnover 2022 2021
At 31st December
Production (tons)
Palm oil 51,919 52,307
Turnover (EUR 000) 58,554 46,760
Result (EUR 000) 16,516 16,405
Average sale price (EUR / kg)
Palm oil 1.13 0.89
Average rate EUR / USD 1.05 1.18
Closing rate EUR / USD 1.07 1.13
Key figures (USD 000) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 131,376 137,598
Current assets 7,315 13,214
Equity (*) 33,684 16,376
Debts, provisions and third parties (*) 105,007 134,435
Profit / (loss) for the period 17,307 19,372
Socfinaf's holding (%) 93.00 93.00

LIBERIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY "LAC"

Share capital : USD 31,105,561

LAC is active in Liberia in the field of rubber cultivation and industrial rubber processing.

Key data

Area (hectares) Planted area
At 31st December 2022 Mature Immature Total
Rubber 10,555 1,781 12,336
Concessions : 121,407 ha
Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 2,052
Production and turnover 2022 2021
At 31st December
Production (tons)
Rubber 27,401 26,872
Turnover (EUR 000) 40,757 36,783
Result (EUR 000) 3,509 4,018
Average sale price (EUR / kg)
Rubber 1.49 1.37
Average rate EUR / USD 1.05 1.18
Closing rate EUR / USD 1.07 1.13
Key figures (USD 000) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 83,995 85,048
Current assets 23,589 20,297
Equity (*) 60,817 57,140
Debts, provisions and third parties (*) 46,767 48,204
Profit / (loss) for the period 3,677 4,745
Socfinaf's holding (%) 100.00 100.00

SALALA RUBBER CORPORATION "SRC"

Share capital : USD 49,656,328

SRC is active in Liberia in the rubber sector.

Key data

Area (hectares) Planted area
At 31st December 2022 Mature Immature Total
Rubber plantation 3,204 1,241 4,445
Concessions : 8,000 ha
Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 850
Production and turnover 2022 2021
As at 31st December
Production (tons) (*)
Rubber 4,563 3,710
Turnover (EUR 000) 4,469 3,296
Result (EUR 000) -2,229 -357
Average sale price (EUR / kg)
Rubber 0.98 0.89
Average rate EUR / USD 1.05 1.18
Closing rate EUR / USD 1.07 1.13
Key figures (USD 000) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 46,130 47,962
Current assets 2,686 2,870
Equity (**) 526 2,861
Debts, provisions and third parties (**) 48,291 47,970
Profit / (loss) for the period -2,335 -421
Socfinaf's holding (%) 64.91 64.91

(*) Agricultural production fully sold to LAC.

BEREBY-FINANCES "BEFIN"

Share capital : CFA 8,500,000,000

This Côte d'Ivoire holding company holds 73.16% of SOGB and 70.01% of SCC.

SOCIETE DES CAOUTCHOUC DU GRAND BEREBY "SOGB"

Share capital : CFA 21,601,840,000

SOGB is active in Côte d'Ivoire in the production and processing of palm oil and rubber.

Key data

Area (hectares) Planted area
At 31st December 2022 Mature Immature Total
Palm 7,471 0 7,471
Rubber 12,746 3,116 15,862
20,217 3,116 23,333

Concessions : 34,712 ha

Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 5,973

Production and turnover 2022 2021
At 31st December
Production (tons)
Rubber 65,815 67,727
Palm oil 35,301 38,935
Turnover (EUR 000) 143,125 126,646
Result (EUR 000) 23,863 22,453
Average selling price (EUR / kg)
Rubber 1.52 1.30
Palm oil 1.13 0.93
Rate EUR / CFA 655.957 655.957
Key figures (CFA million) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 64,408 66,133
Current assets 27,065 30,876
Equity (*) 68,879 66,231
Debts, provisions and third parties (*) 22,594 30,778
Profit / (loss) for the period 15,653 14,728
Distribution 8,000 13,000
Socfinaf's indirect holding (%) 63.69 63.69

SUD COMOË CAOUTCHOUC "SCC"

Share capital : CFA 964,160,000

SCC is active in Côte d'Ivoire in the industrial rubber processing sector.

Key data

Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 410

Production and turnover 2022 2021
At 31st December
Production (tons)
Rubber 39,554 39,273
Turnover (EUR 000) 57,479 49,859
Result (EUR 000) 4,858 5,340
Average selling price (EUR / kg)
Rubber 1.45 1.26
Rate EUR / CFA 655.957 655.957
Key figures (CFA million) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 3,977 4,102
Current assets 11,978 11,123
Equity (*) 7,987 7,800
Debts, provisions and third parties (*) 7,968 7,426
Profit / (loss) for the period 3,187 3,503
Distribution 2,500 2,500
Socfinaf's indirect holding (%) 60.95 60.95

PLANTATIONS SOCFINAF GHANA "PSG"

Share capital : GHS 150,000,000

PSG is active in Ghana in the production of palm oil and rubber.

Key data

Area (hectares) Planted area
At 31st December 2022 Mature Immature Total
Rubber 627 315 942
Palm 6,140 0 6,140
6,767 315 7,082

Concessions : 18,304 ha Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 2,314

At 31st December
Production (tons)
Rubber
814
347
Palm oil
25,375
27,538
Turnover (EUR 000)
33,083
26,378
Result (EUR 000)
5,808
11,249
Average selling price (EUR / kg)
Rubber
1.19
1.13
Palm oil
1.26
0.93
Average rate EUR / GHS
8.42
6.87
Closing rate EUR / GHS
9.15
6.80
Key figures (GHS 000)
2022
2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets
465,946
475,665
Current assets
65,401
62,178
Equity (*)
274,059
225,168
Debts, provisions and third parties (*)
257,288
312,675
Profit / (loss) for the period
48,891
77,289
Socfinaf's holding (%)
100
100

OKOMU OIL PALM COMPANY

Share capital : NGN 476,955,000

Okomu is active in Nigeria in the production and processing of palm oil and rubber.

Key data

Area (hectares) Planted area
At 31st December 2022 Mature Immature Total
Rubber 6,025 1,310 7,335
Palm 19,061 0 19,061
25,086 1,310 26,396

Concessions : 33,113 ha

Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 1,388

Production and turnover 2022 2021
At 31st December
Production (tons)
Rubber 8,124 9,285
Palm oil 54,091 46,429
Turnover (EUR 000) 133,280 79,363
Result (EUR 000) 38,963 23,977
Average selling price (EUR / kg)
Rubber 1.52 1.27
Palm oil 2.23 1.45
Average rate EUR / NGN 445 472
Closing rate EUR / NGN 479 468
Key figures (NGN 000) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 55,902,697 49,665,596
Current assets 13,717,176 15,674,442
Equity (*) 42,017,150 39,416,748
Debts, provisions and third parties (*) 27,602,722 25,923,291
Profit / (loss) for the period 17,342,677 11,316,334
Distribution 14,000,000 7,631,280
Gross dividend per share (NGN) 14.68 8.00
Socfinaf's holding (%) 66.38 65.23

SOCAPALM

Share capital : CFA 45,757,890,000

Socapalm is active in Cameroon in the production and processing of palm oil and the cultivation of rubber trees.

Key data

Area (hectares) Planted area
At 31st December 2022 Mature Immature Total
Rubber 2,075 0 2,075
Palm 29,197 3,263 32,460
31,272 3,263 34,535

Concessions : 58,063 ha

Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 2,591

Production and turnover 2022 2021
At 31st December
Production (tons)
Palm oil 146,232 152,323
Rubber (*) 1,734 2,030
Turnover (EUR 000) 112,852 114,731
Result (EUR 000) 16,269 20,617
Average selling price (EUR / kg)
Palm oil 0.75 0.74
Rubber 0.82 1.14
Rate EUR / CFA 655.957 655.957
Key figures (CFA million) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 74,493 72,086
Current assets 20,762 17,580
Equity (**) 66,234 71,120
Debts, provisions and third parties (**) 29,022 18,546
Profit / (loss) for the period 10,672 13,524
Distribution 9,450 15,600

Socfinaf's holding (%) 67.46 67.46

(*) Agricultural production fully sold to SAFACAM.

SOCIETE ANONYME FORESTIERE ET AGRICOLE "SAFA"

Share capital : EUR 4,040,400

This French company owns 68.93% of Safacam.

SAFACAM

Share capital : CFA 6,210,000,000

Safacam is active in Cameroon in the production and processing of palm oil and the cultivation of rubber trees.

Key data

Area (hectares) Planted area
At 31st December 2022 Mature Immature Total
Rubber 5,230 76 5,306
Palm 3,420 864 4,284
8,650 940 9,590

Concessions and land owned : 17,690 ha Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 2,444

Production and turnover 2022 2021
At 31st December
Production (tons)
Palm oil 16,526 16,945
Palm kernel oil 8,531 10,197
Rubber 6,377 6,919
Turnover (EUR 000) 35,406 32,790
Result (EUR 000) 4,189 3,778
Average selling price (EUR / kg)
Palm Products 1.50 1.39
Rubber 1.66 1.33
Rate EUR / CFA 655.957 655.957
Key figures (CFA million) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 21,901 22,633
Current assets 8,251 9,184
Equity (*) 21,374 21,105
Debts, provisions and third parties (*) 8,778 10,712
Profit / (loss) for the period 2,748 2,478
Distribution 2,484 2,479
Socfinaf's indirect holding (%) 69.05 69.05

SOCIETE DES PALMERAIES DE LA FERME SUISSE "SPFS"

Share capital : CFA 2,601,690,000

SPFS is a 100% subsidiary of Socapalm. SPFS is a palm oil refining company.

Key data

Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 29

Production and turnovers 2022 2021
At 31st December
Production (tons)
RBD 7,719 8,431
Turnover (EUR 000) 10,648 9,445
Result (EUR 000) 1,986 500
Average selling price (EUR / kg)
Refined packaged oil 1.33 1.44
Refined oil in bulk 1.54 1.23
Rate EUR / CFA 655.957 655.957
Key figures (CFA million) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 938 1,087
Current assets 4,308 2,462
Equity 4,137 2,834
Debts, provisions and third parties 1,108 715
Profit / (loss) for the period 1,303 328
Socfinaf's indirect holding (%) 67.46 67.46

AGRIPALMA

Share capital : STN 156,094,090

Agripalma is a company active in the production of palm oil on the island of São Tomé and Principe.

Key data

Area (hectares) Planted area
At 31st December 2022 Mature Immature Total
Palm 2,100 0 2,100
Concessions and land owned : 4,917 ha
Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 848
Production and turnover 2022 2021
At 31st December
Production (tons)
Palm oil 6,430 5,636
Turnover (EUR 000) 7,782 4,777
Result (EUR 000) 849 -1,878
Average selling price (EUR / kg)
Palm oil 1.21 0.85
Average rate EUR / STN 24.50 24.50
Closing rate EUR / STN 24.50 24.50
Key figures (STN million) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 691 728
Current assets 103 58
Equity 44 24
Debts, provisions and third parties 750 762
Profit / (loss) for the period 21 -46
Socfinaf's indirect holding (%) 88.00 88.00

BRABANTA

Share capital : CDF 34,243,622,100

Brabanta is a Congolese company (DRC) active in the production of palm oil.

Key data

Area (hectares) Planted area
At 31st December 2022 Mature Immature Total
Palm 6,072 0 6,072
Concessions : 8,380 ha
Permanent staff at 31st December 2022 : 2,259
Production and turnover 2022 2021
At 31st December
Production (tons)
Palm oil 13,769 15,993
Turnover (EUR 000) 16,366 13,117
Result (EUR 000) -672 -2,202
Average selling price (EUR / kg)
Palm oil 1.19 0.82
Average rate EUR / CDF 2,103 2,351
Closing rate EUR / CDF 2,151 2,265
Key figures (CDF million) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 133,043 140,846
Current assets 115,053 113,578
Equity (*) 69,634 71,047
Debts, provisions and third parties (*) 178,463 183,377
Profit / (loss) for the period -1,413 -5,175
Socfinaf's holding (%) 100.00 99.80

SOGESCOL FR

Share capital : CHF 5,300,000

Sogescol FR is a Swiss company that sells rubber and palm oil.

The financial year ended on 31st December 2022 with a profit of USD 8,864,552. The Board of Directors will propose to the General Meeting of Shareholders a profit distribution of USD 8,000,000.

2022 2021
Average rate EUR / USD 1.05 1.18
Closing rate EUR / USD 1.07 1.13
Key figures (USD 000) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 773 1,034
Current assets 50,991 51,544
Equity (*) 17,955 14,940
Debts, provision and third parties (*) 33,809 37,637
Profit / (loss) for the period 8,865 6,057
Distribution 8,000 6,000
Gross dividend per share (USD) 1,509 1,132
Socfinaf's holding (%) 50.00 50.00

SOCFINCO FR

Share capital : CHF 1,300,000

Socfinco FR is a Swiss company, which provides services, studies and management of agro-industrial plantations. Socfinco FR covers the agro-industrial sector of palm oil and rubber.

The financial year ended 31st December 2022 shows a profit of EUR 8,833,675. The Board of Directors will propose to the General Meeting of Shareholders a profit distribution of EUR 8,000,000.

Key figures (EUR 000) 2022 2021
At 31st December
Fixed assets 4,309 5,974
Current assets 22,133 19,609
Equity (*) 16,432 15,598
Debts, provisions and third parties (*) 10,010 9,985
Sales and services 30,293 25,179
Profit / (loss) for the period 8,834 6,288
Distribution 8,000 8,000
Gross dividend per share (EUR) 6,154 6,154
Socfinaf's holding (%) 50.00 50.00

International market for rubber and palm oil

1. Rubber

The international market in 2022

The average natural rubber price (TSR20 1st position on SGX) for the year 2022 is USD 1,548/T FOB Singapore compared to USD 1,677/T in 2021, i.e. a decrease of USD 129/T (-7.7%).

On the other hand, converted into Euro, the average for the year 2022 is EUR 1,469/T against EUR 1,417/T for the year 2021, i.e. an increase of 3.7% thanks to a strengthening of the dollar against the Euro.

After their strong increase in 2021 linked to the global economic recovery, natural rubber prices have remained sustained with monthly averages above USD 1,700/T over the first 4 months of 2022.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the end of February had a positive impact on natural rubber prices, which moved slightly above USD 1,800/T in the wake of soaring crude oil and other commodity prices.

Market sentiment turned bearish as from April onwards because of the Chinese government's "zero Covid" policy measures. These measures have severely affected the economy and mobility, reducing demand from the world's largest consumer of natural rubber.

At the same time, European sanctions against Russia, a major producer of synthetic rubber and tyre components, have led to production slowdowns in tyre factories, resulting in a de facto drop in demand for natural rubber.

In the summer of 2022, the energy crisis in Europe due to the effects of sanctions against Russia has had a negative impact on rubber demand for tyre manufacturers. The level of inflation in Europe and the US is also a concern for consumers who prefer to postpone their decision to buy new cars.

At the end of 2022 the tyre manufacturers, facing a slowdown in production in their factories and therefore an increase in stocks, requested their suppliers to reduce the long term contracts or to postpone shipments to the following months.

This slowdown in demand from the tyre industry has strongly affected natural rubber prices, which bottomed out at USD 1,151/T in October 2022.

The lifting of restrictions following the end of China's "zero-covid" policy in December 2022 allowed natural rubber prices to recover to around USD 1,400/T at the end of the year.

The situation in global logistics, which was severely disrupted in 2021 until the first half of 2022 by the lack of space on ships, significantly improved in the last quarter of the year.

In the latest figures published by the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) in February 2023, the world natural rubber production in 2022 is estimated at 14.57 million tons, up 5.8% in 2021, while the world consumption is forecasted at 14.31 million tons, up 1.7% in 2021, resulting in a surplus of 264,000 tons at the end of 2022.

The TSR20 1st FOB Singapore position on SGX settled on 30 December 2022 at USD 1,302/T.

Outlook 2023

Natural rubber prices are expected to remain under pressure amidst conflict on the Ukrainian front, high global inflation and uncertain developments on Chinese growth.

Indeed, inflationary pressure from prolonged supply chain disruptions and high-energy costs will continue to threaten the global economic growth.

At the end of 2022 and this is expected to continue during the first half of 2023, the slowdown in global economic activity has had a strong impact on demand from tyre manufacturers. Faced with a drop in production in their factories, they have accumulated significant stocks, forcing them to reduce their long-term contracts and postpone shipments to the following months.

The evolution of China's economic growth in 2023 will be decisive for natural rubber prices, which are expected to fluctuate according to the indicators of the industrial health of the world's largest natural rubber consumer.

The major uncertainty related to the evolution of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis is expected to continue to influence the evolution of rubber prices; the latter being impacted by the rise in crude oil and energy prices.

Because of a slowdown in global economic growth and the arrival on the market of new large capacity vessels, freight rates have fallen sharply, particularly from South East Asian countries, making Asian rubbers more attractive than in 2021 and 2022, to the detriment of African rubber. Freight rates out of Africa are also expected to fall, but with a time lag.

For 2023, the IRSG estimates world production at 14.74 million tons (up 1.1%) and world demand at 14.61 million tons (up 2.1%), resulting in a rubber surplus of 129,000 tons, which would be half the surplus in 2022.

Rubber consumption would therefore be lower than production, supported by an expansion of volumes in several countries such as Côte d'Ivoire, Cambodia, Laos and Burma. By 2022, Côte d'Ivoire would be the world's third largest producer with 1.3 million tons, behind Thailand and Indonesia and ahead of Vietnam.

The TSR20 1st position FOB Singapore on SGX settled on 28 February 2023 at USD 1,362/T.

2. Palm oil

World palm oil production in million tons (source: Oil World)

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2015 2005 1995
(*)
Indonesia 47.9 46.5 44.7 42.8 44.2 41.6 36.8 33.4 14.1 4.2
Malaysia 18.7 18.3 18.1 19.1 19.9 19.5 19.9 20.0 15.0 7.8
Other 14.2 13.8 13.1 12.2 12.4 11.9 11.2 9.1 4.8 3.2
TOTAL 80.8 78.6 75.9 74.1 76.5 73.0 67.9 62.5 33.9 15.2

(*) Estimated (December 2022).

Production of the main oils in million tons (source: Oil World)

Oct 2022
to Sep
2023 (*)
2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2015 2005 1995
Palm 80.3 78.6 75.9 74.1 76.5 73.0 67.9 62.5 33.9 15.2
Soya 61.2 59.8 60.1 58.6 56.8 56.8 53.9 48.8 33.6 20.2
Rape 28.7 26.6 26.9 25.3 24.9 25.6 25.4 26.3 16.2 10.8
Sunflower 20.9 20.1 18.9 21.3 20.7 19.0 19.0 15.1 9.7 8.7
Palm kernel 8.41 8.22 8.0 7.8 8.1 7.7 7.2 6.8 4.0 2.0
Cotton 4.51 4.35 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.7 4.2 4.7 5.0 3.9
Peanut 4.65 4.70 4.4 4.2 3.7 4.0 4.2 3.7 4.5 4.3
Copra 2.91 3.15 2.8 2.6 2.9 2.9 2.4 2.9 3.2 3.3
TOTAL 211.6 205.5 201.4 198.5 198.2 193.7 184.2 170.8 110.1 68.4

(*) Estimated (December 2022).

The international market in 2022

The average price for CIF Rotterdam crude palm oil in 2022 is USD 1,352/T compared to USD 1,195/T in 2021.

The year 2021 was marked by an almost uninterrupted rise in palm oil prices due to a much lower than expected supply. This contraction in supply, combined with a massive return in demand following the end of the containment measures, led to a very significant rise in palm oil prices in 2021.

This price increase continued into 2022. Indeed, the uncertainties regarding the global supply of vegetable oils were further accentuated during the first quarter. Firstly, in Malaysia, where the effects of the plan to accelerate the return of foreign workers to the plantations were slow to be felt. Then in Indonesia, which, worried about its domestic market, decided to restrict its palm oil exports at the end of January while global demand continued to rise.

At the end of February, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict put the vegetable oil market on edge. Ukraine alone traditionally supplied over 50% of the world's sunflower oil production. Buyers were forced to turn to alternative vegetable oils (soya, palm, rapeseed, etc.) whose prices soared. At the beginning of March, the CIF Rotterdam CPO broke through the historic USD 2,000/T threshold, i.e. an increase of almost 50% since the beginning of the year.

In April 2022, tensions rose again with Indonesia's decision to suspend palm oil exports in an already tight market.

The rationing of the overall supply of vegetable oils in a context where demand remained strong contributed to maintaining high price levels throughout most of the first half. The surge in oil prices, with a barrel of oil breaking the USD 120 mark on several occasions, also helped to support palm oil prices during this period.

The price surge ended in May with the easing of export restrictions in Indonesia. The level of palm oil stocks in the country was then close to 9 million tons. The world's largest producer therefore had no choice but to supply the international market by massively opening the floodgates for exports, thus creating strong downward pressure on prices.

The loosening of the grip on sunflower seed exports from the Black Sea has also helped to alleviate concerns about the overall supply of vegetable oils.

Prices thus fell back below the USD 1,000/T mark in September.

During the last quarter of 2022, despite abundant supply and high stock levels, palm oil prices held up well thanks to continued strong demand, particularly in Asia. At the end of December 2022, the CIF Rotterdam CPO was trading at around USD 1,030/T.

Outlook 2023

After an unprecedented decline at the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020, palm oil production increased in 2021 and 2022. The increase is expected to continue in 2023 with production exceeding 80 million tons.

However, several uncertainties weigh on palm oil production. Malaysia, the world's second largest producer, is facing a structural labour problem that could negatively affect its production figures. In addition, soaring fertiliser prices could lead growers to restrict their use, which would limit the expected increase in yields.

Indonesia, for its part, is increasing the number of announcements aimed at limiting the volumes of palm oil exported in order to satisfy its domestic market first. Palm oil consumption for the Indonesian biodiesel industry is also expected to increase as the country plans to move from the B30 mandate to the B35 mandate (i.e. 35% palm oil in biodiesel composition).

The area harvested for soybeans for the 2023 marketing year is expected to increase, and production forecasts for other oilseeds (rapeseed, sunflower, etc.) are also favourable, suggesting an abundant supply of vegetable oils on the markets in 2023.

Against the backdrop of the global economic slowdown, demand could show signs of weakening even though the main importing countries, led by India and China, are not expected to see a significant drop in consumption. In addition, demand should also be supported by the biofuel industry, thus preventing prices from falling too sharply.

The evolution of oil prices, the purchasing policies of importing countries, the implementation of tax incentives or customs barriers, will also play a determining role in the evolution of palm oil prices.

On 28 February 2023, the CIF Rotterdam CPO quotes at around USD 1,005/T.

Environment and social responsibility

The responsible management policy is based on the Group's three pillars of commitment, alongside its specific commitment to transparency: rural development, workers and local communities, and environment. These commitments form the basis of key initiatives aimed at improving long-term economic performance, social wellbeing, health, safety and natural resource management.

An implementation plan for this policy has been defined and implemented throughout 2022.

The efforts and actions undertaken by the Socfin Group in this area are detailed in a regularly updated dashboard as well as in a separate annual report ("Sustainable Development Report").

The responsible management policy, the dashboard and the annual sustainable development report are available on the Group's website.

Key figures

1. Activity indicators

Area (hectares) Rubber Palm
At 31st December 2022
Immatures (by year of planting)
2022 391 755
2021 935 1,480
2020 1,300 1,105
2019 1,425 0
2018 1,795 0
2017 2,110 0
2016 606 0
2015 31 0
2014 13 0
2013 21 0
Total immatures 8,627 3,339
Young (from 8 to 11 years) 12,683 (from 4 to 7 years) 19,851
Prime (from 12 to 22 years) 17,554 (from 8 to 18 years) 41,073
Old (above 22 years) 8,414 (above 18 years) 26,696
Total in production 38,651 87,620
TOTAL 47,278 90,959
Area (hectares) 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
Palm 90,959 91,004 91,207 91,220 91,099
Rubber 47,278 47,940 48,146 48,361 48,071
TOTAL 138,237 138,944 139,353 139,581 139,170
Production 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
Palm oil (tons) 349,644 355,924 321,348 278,979 262,075
Own production 308,544 309,149 285,726 244,551 231,522
Third party purchases 41,100 46,775 35,623 34,428 30,554
Rubber (tons) 147,271 151,848 144,456 147,851 129,703
Own production 59,027 55,450 48,972 53,749 47,753
Third party purchases 88,243 96,397 95,484 94,102 81,950
Seeds (thousands) 4,495 3,362 1,413
Own production 4,495 3,362 1,413
Turnover (EUR million) 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
Palm 408 328 241 210 206
Rubber 222 196 157 164 135
Other agricultural products 0 1 1 0 0
Other 7 3 4 3 3
TOTAL 637 527 403 376 345
Staff 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
Average workforce 25,453 24,596 23,291 24,166 22,707

2. Key figures in the consolidated income statement and the cash flow statement

(EUR million) 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
Turnover 637 527 403 376 345
Operating income 175 143 56 47 42
Profit / (loss) for the period
attributable to the Group
76 72 -4 4 5
Net cash flows from operating
activities
190 154 91 65 91
Free cash flows (*) 136 93 30 9 6

(*) Free cash flows = cash flows from operating activities + cash flows from investing activities.

3. Key figures in the consolidated statement of financial position

(EUR million) 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
Bearer biological assets 350 366 364 405 405
Other non-current assets 324 316 290 304 302
Current assets 230 209 171 169 140
Total equity 509 436 334 385 383
Non-current liabilities 196 274 182 197 142
Current liabilities 199 180 310 298 323

Stock market data

(EUR) 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
Number of shares 17,836,650 17,836,650 17,836,650 17,836,650 17,836,650
Equity attributable to the owners
of the Company
384,444,515 315,276,676 224,895,450 272,328,282 272,815,410
Undiluted net profit per share 4.24 4.04 -0.22 0.22 0.27
Dividend per share 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Share price
Minimum 11.30 8.10 7.00 8.2 10.90
Maximum 15.80 12.40 12.60 12.2 16.90
Closing 12.10 12.00 11.10 12 11.40
Market capitalisation (*) 215,823,465 214,039,800 197,986,815 214,039,800 203,337,810
Dividend paid / net profit
attributable to the owners of the
Company
N.a. N.a. N.a. N.a. N.a.
Dividends / market capitalisation N.a. N.a. N.a. N.a. N.a.
Market price / undiluted net profit
per share
2.86 2.97 -51.03 55.60 42.68

(*) Market capitalisation is calculated by multiplying the number of shares by the closing share price.

Financial highlights of the year

Liquidation of Sodimex.

Sale of 5% of Management Associates to Socfin.

Corporate governance statement

1. Introduction

Socfinaf pays close attention to the evolution of the ten principles of corporate governance of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. It commits to provide the necessary explanations for a comprehensive understanding on how the Company functions.

Corporate governance is a set of principles and rules whose main objective is to contribute to long-term value creation. It allows the Board to promote the interests of the Company and its shareholders while putting in place effective control systems, management of risks and conflicts of interests.

2. Corporate governance chart

The Board of Directors adopted the Corporate Governance Chart on 21st November 2018. It was updated on 29th March 2023 and is available on the Group's website.

3. Board of Directors

Composition of the Board of Directors

Name Nationality Year of
Birth
Position First
nomination
Term of
office
Mr. Hubert Fabri
Mr. Vincent Bolloré
Belgian
French
1952
1952
Chairman (a)
Director (a)
AGM 1981
AGM 1993
AGM 2028
AGM 2023
Bolloré Participations SE
represented by Mr. Cyrille
Bolloré
French 1985 Director (a) AGM 2018 AGM 2024
Mr. Gbenga Oyebode Nigerian 1959 Director (a) AGM 2011 AGM 2023
Mr. François Fabri Belgian 1984 Managing Director (b) AGM 2014 AGM 2026
Mr. Philippe Fabri Belgian 1988 Director (b) AGO 2020 AGO 2026
Mr. Frédéric Lemaire Belgian 1970 Director (c) AGM 2019 AGM 2025

(a) Non-Executive Non-Independent Director

(b) Executive Non-Independent Director

(c) Independent Director

The term served as director by Mr. Vincent Bolloré expires this year. It will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting to renew this mandate for six years until the Annual General Meeting of 2029.

The term served as director by Mr. Gbenga Oyebode expires this year. It will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting to renew this mandate for six years until the Annual General Meeting of 2029.

Other mandates held by the Directors in listed companies

Hubert Fabri Chairman

Positions and offices held in Luxembourg companies

• Chairman and director of the Board of Directors of Société Financière des Caoutchoucs "Socfin", Socfinaf and Socfinasia.

Positions and offices held in foreign companies

  • Chairman and Director of the Board of Directors of Palmeraies de Mopoli;
  • Vice-Chairman of Société des Caoutchoucs du Grand Bereby "SOGB";
  • Vice-Chairman and member of the Supervisory Board of Compagnie du Cambodge;
  • Director of Compagnie de l'Odet, Financière Moncey, Okomu Oil Palm Company, S.A.F.A. Cameroon "Safacam", Société Industrielle et Financière de l'Artois and La Forestière Equatoriale;
  • Permanent representative of Administration and Finance Corporation "AFICO" at the Board of Société Camerounaise de Palmeraies "Socapalm".

Vincent Bolloré

Director

Positions and offices held in Luxembourg companies

• Director of Société Financière des Caoutchoucs "Socfin", Socfinaf and Socfinasia.

Positions and offices held in foreign companies

  • Chairman and chief Executive officer of Compagnie de l'Odet;
  • Vice-Chairman of Société des Caoutchoucs du Grand Bereby "SOGB";
  • Director of Compagnie de l'Odet;
  • Permanent representative of Bolloré Participations SE on the Boards of Directors of S.A.F.A. Cameroon "Safacam", Société des Caoutchoucs du Grand Bereby "SOGB" and Société Camerounaise de Palmeraies "Socapalm".

Bolloré Participations

Director

Positions and offices held in Luxembourg companies

• Director of Socfinaf.

Positions and offices held in foreign companies

  • Member of the Supervisory Board of Compagnie du Cambodge;
  • Director of Bolloré SE, Compagnie des Tramways de Rouen, Société des Chemins de Fer et Tramways du Var et du Gard, Société des Caoutchoucs du Grand Bereby "SOGB", Société Industrielle et Financière de l'Artois, Financière Moncey, S.A.F.A. Cameroun "Safacam" and Société Camerounaise de Palmeraies "Socapalm".

Gbenga Oyebode

Director

Positions and offices held in Luxembourg companies

• Director of Socfinaf.

Positions and offices held in foreign companies

  • Chairman of Okomu Oil Palm Company;
  • Director of Nestlé Nigeria and Lafarge Africa.

François Fabri Managing Director

Positions and offices held in Luxembourg companies

  • Director of Société Financière des Caoutchoucs "Socfin", Socfinaf and Socfinasia;
  • Executive Director of Socfinaf.

Positions and offices held in foreign companies

  • Permanent Representative of Administration and Finance Corporation "AFICO" on the Board of Société des Caoutchoucs du Grand Bereby "SOGB" and Société Industrielle et Financière de l'Artois;
  • Managing Director of Palmeraies de Mopoli;
  • Director of S.A.F.A. Cameroon "Safacam" and Société Camerounaise de Palmeraies "Socapalm".

Philippe Fabri

Director

Positions and offices held in Luxembourg companies

  • Director of Société Financière des Caoutchoucs "Socfin", Socfinaf and Socfinasia;
  • Executive Director of Société Financière des Caoutchoucs "Socfin".

Positions and offices held in foreign companies

  • Member of the Supervisory Board of Palmeraies de Mopoli;
  • Permanent representative of Société Anonyme Forestière et Agricole "SAFA" on the board of S.A.F.A. Cameroon "Safacam".

Frédéric Lemaire

Director

Positions and offices held in Luxembourg companies

• Director of Socfinaf.

Appointments of Directors

The Board of Directors proposes the appointment of the Directors at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders. It specifies the term of service and verifies that the Director meets the criteria for independence.

In the event of a vacancy due to death or following the resignation of one or more Directors, the remaining Directors will proceed to temporary co-optations. These co-optations will be subject to the approval of the Annual General Meeting at its next meeting. The Director appointed to replace another Director will complete the term of his predecessor.

Role and powers of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the body responsible for the management of the Company and the control of day-today management. It acts in the interest of the Company.

The Board of Directors ensures that all financial and human resources are available and ensures that all the necessary structures are in place to achieve its objectives and ensure long-term value creation.

The Articles of Association empower the Board of Directors the power to perform all actions necessary to achieve the corporate purpose.

Activity report of the Board of Directors

Number of meetings

At least two for the year-end and mid-year evaluations. During the 2022 financial year, the Board of Directors met 4 times.

Topics generally discussed

Periodic accounting situations; Portfolio movements; Inventory and valuation of the portfolio; Evolution of significant holdings; Management report; Investment projects; Corporate, social and environmental responsibility.

Average attendance rate of Directors

  • 2022: 83%
  • 2021: 83%
  • 2020: 85%
  • 2019: 71%
  • 2018: 84%

4. Committees of the Board of Directors

4.1. Audit Committee

The Committee is composed of three members, of which 2 are independents and one of them assigned as President of the Audit Committee. The members of the Audit Committee are appointed for one year and are eligible for re-election. This Audit Committee is effective as of 1st January 2023 and has been in charge of the supervision of the preparation of the financial information for the year 2022.

The Board of Directors has proposed that it will be constituted as follows:

  • Mr. Frédéric Lemaire (Independent Director) Chairman
  • Mrs. Valérie Hortefeux (Independent member)
  • Mr. Philippe Fabri (Director)

The appointment of the non-executive members will be confirmed at the General Meeting of Shareholders on 30 th May 2023.

The Audit Committee will assist the Board of Directors in its supervisory function and is responsible of the monitoring of the financial reporting, the audit process, the analysis and control of financial risks.

The Audit Committee shall meet three times a year.

4.2. Appointment and Remuneration Committee

The remuneration of the operational management of Socfinaf is set by the principal shareholders. The Board of Directors does not consider it necessary to set up a Remuneration Committee. Similarly, for practical reasons and due to the size of the Company, the Board of Directors has chosen not to set up a Nomination Committee.

5. Remunerations

The remuneration allocated to the members of the Board of Directors of Socfinaf for the financial year 2022 amounts to EUR 356,995 compared to EUR 863,648 for the financial year 2021.

The Directors of Socfinaf did not receive any other payment in shares (stock options).

6. Shareholding status

On 31st December 2014, Socfinaf issued 1,474,200 new shares which brings to a total of 17,854,200 number of shares issued. All statements filed between 1st July 2011 and 31st December 2014 relate to the previous number of shares in place and the previous number of voting rights, i.e. 16,380,000.

At 31st December 2022, the share capital is represented by 17,836,650 shares.

Shareholder Number of shares held =
Number of voting rights
Percentage
holding
Date of
notification
Socfin
L-1650 Luxembourg
10,497,046 58.85 01/02/2017
Bolloré (a)
F-29500 Ergué Gaberic
80,642 0.49 (b) 03/09/2014
Compagnie du Cambodge (a)
F-92800 Puteaux
1,157,929 7.07 (b) 03/09/2014
Société Industrielle et Financière de l'Artois (a)
F-92800 Puteaux
176,636 1.08 (b) 03/09/2014
Compagnie des Glénans (a)
F-29500 Ergué Gaberic
58,993 0.36 (b) 03/09/2014
Total Bolloré (all categories combined, based on
aggregate voting rights)
1,474,200 9.00 (b)

(a) = entities controlled by Vincent Bolloré.

(b) = before increase in share capital on 31st December 2014

7. Financial calendar

th May 2023
30
Annual General Meeting at 10 a.m.
End of September 2023 Half year stand alone and consolidated results at 30th June 2023
Mid-November 2023 Interim Management statement for 3rd quarter of 2023
End of March 2024 Annual stand alone results at 31st December 2023
Mid-April 2024 Consolidated annual results at 31st December 2023
Mid-May 2024 Interim Management statement for the 1st quarter of 2024
28th May 2024 Annual General Meeting at 10 a.m.

The results of the Company are published on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange www.bourse.lu under the heading "OAM" and on the website of the Company www.socfin.com.

8. External audit

Independent statutory auditor (Réviseur d'entreprises agréé) Ernst & Young "EY" 35E Avenue John F. Kennedy L-1855 Luxembourg.

In 2022, the audit fees amounted to EUR 758,845 VAT included.

The audit fees include all fees paid to the independent statutory auditor of the Group namely EY as well as those paid to member firms within EY network for the relevant years. No consulting work or other non-audit services have been performed by this firm in 2022 or in 2021.

9. Corporate, social and environmental responsibility

The responsible management policy is based on the Group's three pillars of commitment, alongside its specific commitment to transparency: rural development, workers and local communities, and environment. These commitments form the basis of key initiatives aimed at improving long-term economic performance, social wellbeing, health, safety and natural resource management.

An implementation plan for this policy has been defined and implemented throughout 2022.

The efforts and actions undertaken by the Socfin Group in this area are detailed in a regularly updated dashboard as well as in a separate annual report ("Sustainable Development Report").

10. Other information

Pursuant to the Regulation 2016/347 of the European Commission of 10th March 2016 specifying the modalities for updating insider lists, a list of insiders has been drawn up and is updated continuously. The persons concerned have been informed of their inclusion on this list.

Statement of compliance

  • Mr. Philippe Fabri, Director and Mr. Daniel Haas, Chief Financial Officer, indicate that, to their knowledge:
  • (a) the consolidated financial statements prepared for the year ended at 31st December 2022, in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, provide a true and fair view of the assets and liabilities, the financial position and the profits or losses attributable to Socfinaf and all of the entities included in consolidation, and
  • (b) the management report fairly presents the evolution and results of the Company, the financial position of the Group and all the entities included in the consolidation and a description of the main risks and uncertainties they face.

Consolidated management report

Directors' report on the consolidated financial statements presented by the Board of Directors to the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of 30th May 2023

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Consolidated financial statements

The consolidated financial statements at 31st December 2022 include the financial statements of Socfinaf, all subsidiaries and direct and indirect associate companies, the details of which are given in Note 2 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

As stated in Note 1 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements, the consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards or IFRS as adopted by the European Union. Socfinaf (the Group) adopted IFRS standards for the first time in 2005 and all the standards applicable to the Group at 31st December 2022 have been implemented.

Consolidated results

For the 2022 financial year, the result attributable to the Group of the parent company amounted to EUR 75.6 million compared to EUR 72.0 million in 2021. This results in earnings per share of EUR 4.24 compared to EUR 4.04 in 2021.

Consolidated revenue amounted to EUR 637.3 million in 2022 compared to EUR 526.7 million in 2021 (increase of EUR 110.6 million). This increase in revenue is mainly due to the increase in prices for EUR 98.5 million and by variation of transactional currency versus Euro for EUR 13.0 million.

Likewise, the operating profit increased to EUR 175.3 million, compared to EUR 142.9 million in 2021.

Other financial income amounted to EUR 8.7 million compared to EUR 6.3 million in 2021 and consisted mainly of foreign exchange gains of EUR 8.0 million compared to EUR 3.7 million in 2021.

Financial expenses amounted to EUR 41.2 million compared to EUR 22.4 million in 2021 and consisted mainly of interest expense for EUR 15.9 million (EUR 14.9 million in 2021) and foreign exchange losses of EUR 24.6 million (EUR 6.9 million in 2021).

The tax expense increased. Income taxes amounted to EUR 39.8 million compared to EUR 28.9 million in 2021.

Profit for the period from associates attributable to the Group increased to EUR 11.3 million compared to EUR 7.3 million in 2021.

Consolidated statement of financial position

The assets of Socfinaf consist of:

  • Non-current assets of EUR 673.8 million compared to EUR 681.6 million in 2021, a decrease of EUR 7.8 million mainly due to the decrease of biological assets for EUR -15.7 million and the increase of property, plant and equipment for EUR +7.9 million;
  • Current assets amounted to EUR 229.8 million compared to EUR 208.9 million in 2021, an increase of EUR 20.9 million, mainly due to the increase in the value of inventory for EUR 12.9 million and in other receivables for EUR 12.4 million.

Shareholders' equity amounted to EUR 384.4 million compared to EUR 315.3 million in 2021. This increase in shareholder's equity of EUR 69.2 million is mainly due to the profit for the period: EUR 75.6 million (2021: EUR 72.0 million) and to the change in the translation reserve for EUR -7.6 million.

On the basis of consolidated shareholders' equity, the net value per share attributable to the Group was EUR 21.55 compared to EUR 17.68 a year earlier. At 31st December 2022, the share price stood at EUR 12.10.

Current and non-current liabilities decreased to EUR 394.4 million compared to EUR 454.0 million a year earlier.

Financial debts decreased to EUR 202.7 million in 2022 compared to EUR 270.3 million in 2021. This mainly consist of loans to Socfinaf from Socfin for EUR 134.5 million, as well as the non current and current portion of bank loans for an amount of EUR 62.2 million.

Deferred tax liabilities decreased to EUR 9.2 million compared to EUR 11.4 million in 2021. Current tax liabilities increased to EUR 40.7 million compared to EUR 30.4 million in 2021.

Other liabilities include short-term advances from shareholders amounting to EUR 40.4 million.

Consolidated cash flows

At 31st December 2022, cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 52.9 million, a decrease of EUR 3.1 million for the year compared to an increase of EUR 24.7 million in the previous financial year.

Net cash flows from operating activities amounted to EUR 189.5 million during the financial year 2022 (EUR 154.3 million in 2021). It resulted mainly from self-financing capacity of EUR 208.4 million (EUR 175.4 million in 2021), EUR 39.8 million of income tax paid and EUR +5.3 million change in working capital.

Net cash flows from investing activities amounted to EUR -53.4 million (EUR -61.4 million in 2021). These activities are largely influenced by acquisitions of tangible fixed assets amounting to EUR 55.1 million (EUR 62.9 million in 2021).

Cash flows from financing activities amounted EUR 138.8 million (EUR 68.7 million in 2021), mainly due to net reimbursement of borrowings for EUR 92.6 million (compared to a net reimbursement in 2021 for EUR 33.8 million) and to the dividends paid for EUR 28.9 million (EUR 18.6 million in 2021).

2. Financial instruments

Financial risk management policies are described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company (see Notes 24 and 33).

3. Outlook 2023

The results for the next financial year will depend, to a large extent, on factors which are external to the Group management, namely the political and economic conditions in the countries where the subsidiaries are established, the changes in the price of rubber and palm oil, and the price of the US dollar against the Euro. The Group, for its part, pursues its policy of keeping cost prices as low as possible and improving its production capacity.

4. Political and economic environment

The Company holds interests in subsidiaries operating in Africa.

Given the economic and political instability in some of the African countries (Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, São Tomé and DRC), these holdings present a risk in terms of exposure to political and economic changes.

Russia – Ukrain conflict

In February 2022, a number of countries (including the US, UK and EU) imposed sanctions against certain entities and individuals in Russia as a result of the official recognition of the Donetsk People Republic and Lugansk People Republic by the Russian Federation. Announcements of potential additional sanctions have been made following military operations initiated by Russia against the Ukraine on 24th February 2022.

Due to these geopolitical tensions, there has been a significant increase in volatility on the securities and currency markets in 2022, as well as a significant depreciation of the ruble against the US dollar and the euro.

Although neither the company's performance and going concern nor operations, have been significantly impacted by the above during 2022, the Board of Directors continues to monitor the evolving situation and its impact on the financial position and results of the company.

5. Events after the closing date

On 24th February 2023, Socfinaf early repaid an amount of USD 14,750,000 i.e. EUR 13,828,989 to Socfin as a final reimbursement of the loan in USD.

6. Corporate governance

The Board of Directors implements the corporate governance rules applicable in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in the Group's financial structure and reports.

Further information on how the rules are implemented is available in the corporate governance statement in the annual report and in the management report on the Company's stand alone financial statements.

7. General internal control system adapted to the group's specific activities

Segregation of functions

The segregation of operational, commercial and financial functions implemented at each level of the Group reinforces the independence of internal control.

These different functions ensure the completeness and reliability of the information which is within their areas of responsibility. They provide regular updates of the completeness of information to local managers and to the Group's headquarters (agricultural and industrial production, trade, human resources, finance, etc).

Autonomy and accountability of subsidiaries

The operational entities have a large degree of autonomy in their management due to geographical distances. They are, in particular, responsible for the implementation of an internal control system adapted to the nature and extent of their activity, the optimisation of their operations and financial performances, the protection of their assets and management of their risks.

This autonomy makes it possible for the entities to be more accountable and to ensure the adequacy between their practices and the legal framework of their host country.

Centralised control

The Human Resources Management policy of the top management of the entities within the Group is centralised at the Group's headquarters. It contributes to the smooth running of an effective internal control system through the independence of recruitment, the harmonisation of the segregated functions, annual evaluations and training programs.

The operational, commercial and financial functions centrally define a set of standard reports which ensure the homogeneity of the presentation of information originating from the subsidiaries.

Treasury reporting process

The treasury department organises, supervises and controls the reporting of daily information and weekly indicators of the subsidiaries and, in particular, the cash flow position, the evolution of net debt and the expenses related to the investments.

Financial reporting process

The financial department organises, supervises and controls the reporting of monthly accounting, budgetary and financial information and distributes condensed reports for use by the Group's operational management.

Twice per year, it includes this information in the long-term development plan of the subsidiaries. It also ensures the implementation of the financial decisions taken by the Board of Directors of the subsidiaries.

Preparation of consolidated accounts

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a half-yearly basis. They are audited annually by the external auditors as part of a financial audit of subsidiaries, which covers both the statutory accounts of the entities in the scope of consolidation and the consolidated financial statements.

Once approved by the Board of Directors, they are published.

The consolidation department of the Group guarantees homogeneity and treatment monitoring for all companies within the scope of consolidation. It strictly adheres to the accounting standards in force relating to consolidation operations. It uses a standard consolidation tool to ensure the secure processing of information feedback from subsidiaries, the transparency and relevance of automatic consolidation processes and the consistency of presentation of accounting aggregates in the annual report. Lastly, due to the complexity of the accounting standards in force and the many specificities related to their implementation, the consolidation service centralises the adjustments specific to the valuation rules applicable to the consolidated financial statements.

8. Environment and social responsibility

The responsible management policy is based on the Group's three pillars of commitment, alongside its specific commitment to transparency: rural development, workers and local communities, and environment. These commitments form the basis of key initiatives aimed at improving long-term economic performance, social wellbeing, health, safety and natural resource management.

An implementation plan for this policy has been defined and implemented throughout 2022.

The efforts and actions undertaken by the Socfin Group in this area are detailed in a regularly updated dashboard as well as in a separate annual report ("Sustainable Development Report").

The responsible management policy, the dashboard and the annual sustainable development report are available on the Group's website.

The Board of Directors

Consolidated financial statements

1. Consolidated statement of financial position

EUR Note 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
ASSETS
Non-Current Assets
Right-of-use assets 3 8,169,573 7,484,998
Intangible assets 4 1,449,899 1,958,916
Property, plant and equipment 5 277,533,909 269,676,822
Biological assets 6 350,244,763 365,903,978
Investments in associates 10 27,288,358 23,619,982
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 11 300,038 38
Long-term advances 1,664,769 1,745,719
Deferred tax assets 12 4,513,651 9,421,066
Other non-current assets 2,619,576 1,743,807
673,784,536 681,555,326
Current Assets
Inventories 15 105,769,814 92,844,873
Current biological assets 6 3,005,618 2,423,966
Trade receivables 16 23,519,223 28,185,332
Other receivables 17 21,440,996 8,995,522
Current tax assets 13 12,438,610 13,378,526
Cash and cash equivalents 18 63,638,033 63,091,772
229,812,294 208,919,991
TOTAL ASSETS 903,596,830 890,475,317
EUR Note 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to the owners of the Parent
Share capital 19 35,673,300 35,673,300
Share premium 19 87,453,866 87,453,866
Legal reserve 20 3,567,330 3,567,330
Consolidated reserves 253,235,800 180,034,758
Translation reserves -71,070,327 -63,481,543
Profit / (loss) for the period 75,584,548 72,028,965
384,444,517 315,276,676
Non-controlling interests 9 124,791,747 121,205,286
Total Equity 509,236,264 436,481,962
Non-Current Liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities 12 9,219,942 11,408,890
Employee Benefits Obligations 21 12,366,549 12,054,536
Long-term debt, net of current portion 22 159,582,281 234,679,480
Long-term lease liabilities 3 8,674,141 8,285,305
Other payables 23 6,005,420 7,401,155
195,848,333 273,829,366
Current Liabilities
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt 22 43,071,845 35,588,183
Short-term lease liabilities 3 1,532,064 1,105,090
Trade payables 23 50,186,437 43,847,861
Current tax liabilities 13 40,651,438 30,408,824
Provisions 622,480 337,462
Other payables 23 62,447,969 68,876,569
198,512,233 180,163,989
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 903,596,830 890,475,317

2. Consolidated income statement

EUR Note 2022 2021
Revenue 32 637,341,934 526,702,437
Work performed by entity and capitalised 9,969,880 11,960,180
Change in inventories of finished products and work in progress -5,109,712 753,008
Other operational income 5,844,939 5,393,496
Raw materials and consumables used 32 -182,873,108 -145,224,395
Other expenses 32 -132,268,074 -114,534,558
Staff costs 25 -74,266,738 -69,886,384
Depreciation and impairment expense 7 -58,213,723 -55,738,718
Other operating expenses 32 -25,095,805 -16,546,165
Operating profit / (loss) 175,329,593 142,878,901
Other financial income 26 8,653,915 6,324,778
Gain on disposals 76,466 803,432
Loss on disposals -1,833,410 -3,604,256
Financial expenses 27 -41,163,373 -22,363,108
Profit / (loss) before taxes 141,063,191 124,039,747
Income tax expense 14 -39,796,407 -28,856,992
Deferred tax (expense) / income 14 -2,914,673 -718,754
Share of the Group in the result from associates 10 11,297,778 7,264,011
Profit / (loss) for the period 109,649,889 101,728,012
Profit / (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests 34,065,341 29,699,047
Profit / (loss) attributable to the owners of the Parent 75,584,548 72,028,965
Basic earnings per share undiluted 28 4.24 4.04
Number of Socfinaf shares 17,836,650 17,836,650
Basic earnings per share 4.24 4.04
Diluted earnings per share 4.24 4.04

3. Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

EUR Note 2022 2021
Profit / (loss) for the period 109,649,889 101,728,012
Other comprehensive income
Actuarial gains / (losses) 21 902,556 2,011,089
Deferred tax on actuarial losses and gains -187,624 -568,972
Subtotal of items that cannot be reclassified to profit or
loss
714,932 1,442,117
Gains / (losses) on exchange differences on translation of
subsidiaries
-7,801,046 18,221,626
Share of other comprehensive income related to associates 443,736 296,273
Subtotal of items eligible for reclassification to profit or
loss
-7,357,310 18,517,899
Total other comprehensive income -6,642,378 19,960,016
Comprehensive income 103,007,511 121,688,028
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling
interests
33,205,681 31,337,419
Comprehensive income attributable to the owners of the
Parent
69,801,829 90,350,609

4. Consolidated statement of cash flows

EUR Note 2022 2021
Operating activities
Profit / (loss) attributable to the owners of the Parent
Profit / (loss) attributable to non-controlling shareholders
75,584,548
34,065,341
72,028,965
29,699,047
Income from associates 10 -11,297,777 -7,264,009
Dividends received from associates 10 7,126,982 3,383,509
Fair value of agricultural production -5,789,099 -8,090,073
Other adjustments having no impact on cash position -1,202,239 -1,352,609
Depreciation and impairment expense 7 58,213,722 55,738,719
Provisions and allowances 7,278,229 -1,120,117
Net loss on disposals of assets 1,758,494 2,799,747
Income tax expense and deferred tax 14 42,711,079 29,575,745
Cash flows from operating activities 208,449,280 175,398,924
Interest expense 26, 27 15,590,970 14,683,522
Income tax paid 14 -39,796,406 -28,856,992
Change in inventory -8,943,177 -3,417,054
Change in trade and other receivables -13,221,521 6,878,991
Change in trade and other payables 29,213,136 -10,288,803
Change in accruals and prepayments -1,758,263 -118,044
Change in working capital requirement 5,290,175 -6,944,910
Net cash flows from operating activities 189,534,019 154,280,544
Investing activities
Acquisitions / disposals of intangible assets
-32,003 -3,696
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and biological assets 5, 6 -55,144,750 -62,916,100
Disposals of property, plant and equipment 1,655,010 1,375,153
Acquisitions / disposals of financial assets 134,933 142,451
Net cash flows from investing activities -53,386,810 -61,402,192
Financing activities
Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders
Proceeds from borrowings
9
22
-28,941,422
7,030,288
-18,586,503
22,778,375
Repayment of borrowings 22 -99,581,546 -56,595,266
Repayment of lease liabilities 22 -1,737,556 -1,595,202
Interest paid 26, 27 -15,590,970 -14,683,522
Net cash flows from financing activities -138,821,206 -68,682,118
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations -446,315 551,541
Net cash flow -3,120,312 24,747,775
Cash and cash equivalents at 1st January 18 56,062,445 31,314,670
Cash and cash equivalents at 31st December 18 52,942,133 56,062,445
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents -3,120,312 24,747,775

5. Consolidated statement of changes in equity

EUR Share
capital
Share
premium
Legal
reserve
Translation
reserves
Consolidated
reserves
Equity
attributable
to the
owners of
the Parent
Non
controlling
interests
TOTAL
EQUITY
Balance at 1st January 2021 35,673,300 87,453,866 3,567,330 -80,401,590 178,602,545 224,895,451 109,141,208 334,036,659
Profit / (loss) for the period 72,028,965 72,028,965 29,699,047 101,728,012
Actuarial (losses) / gains 1,105,324 1,105,324 336,793 1,442,117
Foreign currency translation adjustments 16,920,047 0 16,920,047 1,301,579 18,221,626
Share in other comprehensive income from associates 296,273 296,273 0 296,273
Other comprehensive income 16,920,047 73,430,562 90,350,609 31,337,419 121,688,028
Dividends 0 0 -19,207,377 -19,207,377
Interim dividends 0 0 -147,164 -147,164
Other movements 0 30,617 30,617 81,200 111,817
Transactions with shareholders 0 30,617 30,617 -19,273,341 -19,242,724
Balance at 31st December 2021 35,673,300 87,453,866 3,567,330 -63,481,543 252,063,723 315,276,676 121,205,286 436,481,962
Balance at 1st January 2022 35,673,300 87,453,866 3,567,330 -63,481,543 252,063,723 315,276,676 121,205,286 436,481,962
Profit / (loss) for the period 75,584,548 75,584,548 34,065,341 109,649,889
Actuarial (losses) / gains 620,360 620,360 94,572 714,932
Foreign currency translation adjustments -6,846,814 0 -6,846,814 -954,232 -7,801,046
Share in other comprehensive income from associates 443,736 443,736 0 443,736
Other comprehensive income -6,846,814 76,648,644 69,801,830 33,205,681 103,007,511
Dividends 0 0 -22,312,967 -22,312,967
Interim dividends 0 0 -6,485,266 -6,485,266
Other movements
(Notes 2, 9)
-741,970 107,981 -633,989 -820,987 -1,454,976
Transactions with shareholders -741,970 107,981 -633,989 -29,619,220 -30,253,209
Balance at 31st December 2022 35,673,300 87,453,866 3,567,330 -71,070,327 328,820,348 384,444,517 124,791,747 509,236,264

6. Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Note 1. Overview and accounting policies

1.1. Overview

Socfinaf S.A. (the "Company") was incorporated on 22nd October 1961. Its corporate purpose qualifies it as a holding company "soparfi" since the Annual General Meeting of 10th January 2011. The registered office is established at 4, avenue Guillaume, L-1650 in Luxembourg.

The main activity of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Group") is the management of a portfolio of holdings mainly focused on the exploitation of tropical oil palm and rubber plantations in Africa.

Socfinaf is controlled by Société Financière des Caoutchoucs, abbreviated as "Socfin" which is the largest entity that consolidates. The registered office of the latter company is also located at 4, avenue Guillaume, L-1650 in Luxembourg.

The Company is listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange under ISIN code: LU0056569402 and is registered in the commercial register under the number B6225.

1.2. Statement of compliance

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and the consolidated financial statements are presented in euros and rounded to the nearest whole number, the euro being the functional currency of the parent company Socfinaf and of the Group's presentation currency.

On 29th March 2023, the Board of Directors approved the consolidated financial statements.

In conformity with the current legislation existing in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the financial statements will be approved by the shareholders during the Annual General Meeting. The official version of the accounts is the ESEF version available with the Officially Appointed Mechanism (OAM) tool.

New standards and amendments issued but not yet effective on 1st January 2022:

The Group does not expect the adoption of the standards and amendments described below to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements, nor anticipate early adoption of new accounting standards, amendments and interpretations.

  • On 18th May 2017, the IASB issued IFRS 17 "Insurance Contracts", which establishes principles for the recognition, measurement and presentation of insurance contracts. Under IFRS 17, insurance performance should be measured at its current execution value and provide a more consistent measurement and presentation method for all types of insurance contracts. IFRS 17 replaces IFRS 4 "Insurance contracts" and its interpretations. It is effective as of 1 st January 2023 and early adoption is permitted if IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" have been applied. On 9th December 2021, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 17, aimed at helping entities to avoid temporary accounting mismatches between financial assets and insurance contract liabilities.

  • On 7th May 2021, the IASB published amendments to IAS 12 "Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction". The amendments narrowed the scope of the recognition exemption in paragraphs 15 and 24 of IAS 12 (recognition exemption) so that it no longer applies to transactions that, on initial recognition, give rise to equal taxable and deductible temporary differences. They are effective for financial years beginning on or after 1st January 2023 and are to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted.

  • On 12th February 2021, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1, IFRS Practice Statement 2 "Making Judgments about Materiality" and IAS 8. The amendments are intended to assist preparers in determining the accounting policies to be presented in their financial statements, to further enhance the importance in determining the accounting policies, and to distinguish changes in accounting estimates from changes in accounting policies. They are effective for financial years beginning on or after 1st January 2023 and are to be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted.

New IFRS standards, amendments and interpretations not yet endorsed by the European Union:

  • On 23rd January 2020, the IASB published amendments to IAS 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements" on the classification of liabilities as current and non-current in order to establish a more general approach to the classification of liabilities under IAS 1, based on an analysis of contracts existing at the balance sheet date. The amendments include clarification of the requirements for classifying liabilities that a company could settle by converting them into equity. On 15th July 2020, the IASB deferred the effective date of the amendments. On 31st October 2022, the IASB issued "Non-current Liabilities with Covenants" to clarify how conditions with which an entity must comply within twelve months after the reporting period affect the classification of a liability. The amendments are effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2024. The Group does not expect the adoption of these amendments to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

  • On 22nd September 2022, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 16 "Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback", that clarify how a seller-lessee subsequently measures sale and leaseback transactions that satisfy the requirements in IFRS 15 to be accounted for a sale. The amendment does not change the accounting for leases unrelated to sale and leaseback transactions. The amendment applies retrospectively to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Group does not expect the adoption of these amendments to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

1.3. Presentation of the consolidated financial statements

The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros (EUR or €). They are prepared on the basis of historical cost with the exception of the following assets:

  • Biological assets (current) (IAS 2, IAS 41), derivative instruments and securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are recognised at fair value;

  • Property, plant and equipment acquired as part of a business combination (IFRS 3) are measured initially at their fair value at the date of acquisition.

The accounting principles and rules are applied in a consistent and permanent way within the Group. The consolidated financial statements are prepared for the accounting year ending 31st December 2022 and are presented before the Annual General Meeting of shareholders approving the allocation of the parent company's income.

As of 1st January 2022, the Group adopted the following amendments without any material impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements:

  • Amendment to IFRS 3 Business Combinations - reference to the Conceptual Framework: the amendments updated the reference to the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting, added a reference to IAS 37 or IFRIC 21 when a company identifies the liabilities assumed in a business combination, and stated that an acquirer should not recognise contingent assets acquired in a business combination.

  • Amendment IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment: the amendments prohibit a company from deducting from the cost of property, plant and equipment amounts received from selling items produced while the company is preparing the asset for its intended use. Instead, a company should recognise such sales proceeds and related cost in profit or loss.

  • Amendments to IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets: Onerous Contracts — Cost of Fulfilling a Contract: these amendments specify which costs a company includes when assessing whether a contract will be loss-making.

  • Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018–2020. These amendments concern IFRS 1, IFRS 9, IFRS 16 and IAS 41:

• IFRS 1 (1st time adopter): allows a subsidiary to measure translation differences using the amounts reported by its parent, based on the parent's date of transition to IFRS

• IFRS 16: removal from the illustrative examples of the illustration of the reimbursement of leasehold improvements by the lessor

• IFRS 9: the amendment clarifies which fees an entity includes when it applies the "10 per cent" test in paragraph B3.3.6 of IFRS 9 in assessing whether to derecognise a financial liability

• IAS 41: the amendment removes the requirement in IAS 41.22 for entities to exclude taxation cash flows when measuring the fair value of a biological asset using a present value technique.

1.4. Consolidation principles

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the parent company Socfinaf as well as those of the companies controlled by the parent ("subsidiaries") and those of the companies in which Socfinaf has exercised significant influence ("associates"), all of which constitute the "Group".

All companies included in the scope of consolidation as at 31st December 2022 close their accounts on 31st December.

a) Subsidiaries

In accordance with IFRS 10, an investor has control when three conditions are fulfilled:

  • 1) it holds power over the entity;
  • 2) it is entitled to or is exposed to variable returns from its involvement;
  • 3) it has the ability to use its power over the entity to affect returns.

Currently, the Group holds the majority of the voting rights in the entities.

Income and expenses from subsidiaries acquired or sold during the year are included in the consolidated income statement, respectively, from the date of acquisition to the date of disposal.

Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income are attributed to the equity holders of the parent of the Group and to the non-controlling interests, even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

Where appropriate, restatements are made to the financial statements of the subsidiaries to align the accounting principles used with those of other companies in the scope of consolidation.

All intra-group balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.

If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the related assets (including goodwill), liabilities, non-controlling interest and other components of equity, while any residual gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss. Any investment retained is recognised at fair value.

b) Investments in associates and joint ventures

An associate is a company over which the Group exercises significant influence through its participation in the financial and operational decisions of this company, but over which it has no control nor joint control. Significant influence is presumed when the Group holds, directly or indirectly through its subsidiaries, between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement (i.e. decisions require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control).

Associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Under this method, the Group's interest in the associate and joint venture is initially recognised at cost in the statement of financial position and subsequently adjusted to recognise the Group's share of movements in profit and loss and other comprehensive income.

The statement of profit or loss reflects the Group's share of the results of operations of the associate or joint venture. Any change in other comprehensive income of those investees is presented as part of the Group's other comprehensive income. Unrealised gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Group and the associate or joint venture are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the associate or joint venture.

Investments in associates and joint ventures are included in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method from the date on which significant influence begins until the date when this influence ceases. The carrying amount of positive goodwill that results from the acquisition of associates and joint ventures is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is not tested for impairment separately. An impairment test is performed if an objective index of impairment is identified. Impairment is recognised, if necessary, in the income statement under the heading "Share of the Group in the result from associates".

The list of subsidiaries and associated companies (including joint ventures) of the Group is presented in Note 2.

1.5. Changes in accounting policies, errors and changes in estimates

A change in accounting policy is applied only if it meets the requirements of a standard or interpretation or permits more reliable and relevant information. Changes in accounting policies are accounted for retrospectively, except in the case of transitional provisions specific to the standard or interpretation. A material error, when discovered, is also adjusted retrospectively.

Uncertainties inherent in the activity require the use of estimates when preparing financial statements. The estimates are based on judgments intended to give a reasonable assessment of the latest reliable information available. An estimate is revised to reflect changes in circumstances, new information available and the effects of experience.

1.6. Business combinations

IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" provides the accounting basis for recognising business combinations and changes in interests in subsidiaries after obtaining control.

For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure the non-controlling interests in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree's identifiable net assets.

Changes in interest in a subsidiary that do not result in loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.

1.7. Goodwill

Goodwill is the difference on the date of acquisition between the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for taking control, the value of non-controlling interests, the fair value of previous equity investments and the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree.

When disposing of a subsidiary, the residual amount of goodwill attributable to the subsidiary is included in the calculation of the result of disposal.

1.8. Gain on a bargain purchase

Gain on a bargain purchase represents the excess of the Group's interest in the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities and the contingent liabilities of a subsidiary or associate on the cost of acquisition on the acquisition date.

To the extent that gain on a bargain purchase remains after considering and reassessing the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities of a subsidiary or associate, it is recognised directly as an income in the income statement.

1.9. Foreign currency conversion

In the financial statements of Socfinaf and of each subsidiary, transactions in foreign currency are recorded, upon initial recognition, in the functional currency of the company concerned by applying the exchange rate in force on the transaction date. At closing, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are converted on the last day of the year. Gains and losses arising from the realisation or translation of monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in the income statement for the year.

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of companies whose accounts are held in a currency other than the euro are translated into euros at the exchange rate prevailing on the closing date. Income and expenses are converted into euros at the average exchange rate for the year. Any exchange differences are classified as equity under "Translation reserves". In the event of a disposal, the translation reserves relating to the company concerned are recognised in the income statement for the year in which the sale occurred.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate.

The following exchange rates have been used for the conversion of the consolidated financial statements:

1 euro equals to: Closing rate Average rate
31/12/2022 31/12/2021 2022 2021
Euro 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
CFA franc 655.957 655.957 655.957 655.957
Ghanaian cedi 9.1472 6.8025 8.4184 6.8705
Nigerian naira 478.92 467.50 445.11 471.97
Dobra of São Tomé 24.50 24.50 24.50 24.50
Congolese franc 2,151 2,265 2,103 2,351
American dollar 1.0666 1.1326 1.0479 1.1809

1.10. Intangible assets

Intangible assets are stated at their acquisition cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses.

Amortisation is applied on a straight-line basis based on an estimate of the useful life of the asset in question. Intangible assets are not subject to revaluation. When the recoverable value of an asset is lower than its book value, the latter is reduced to reflect this loss in value.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Patents 3 to 5 years
Other intangible assets 3 to 5 years
Software 3 to 5 years
Concessions Length of the concessions

Amortisation starts from the date of bringing the asset into use.

Gains or losses arising on derecognition of assets (difference between the disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) are included in the income statement when assets are derecognised.

1.11. Property, plant, equipment

Tangible fixed assets are recorded at their acquisition cost less accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses.

Property, plant and equipment in progress is carried at cost less any identified impairment.

Depreciation is applied on a straight-line basis based on an estimate of the useful life for each significant component of the asset in question. When the recoverable value of an asset is lower than its book value, the latter is reduced to reflect this loss in value.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Buildings 20 to 50 years
Technical installations 3 to 20 years
Furniture, vehicles and others 3 to 20 years

Depreciation starting from the date that the assets are brought into use.

Land is not subject to depreciation.

Gains or losses arising on derecognition of assets (difference between the disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) are included in the income statement when assets are derecognised.

1.12. Bearer biological assets

The Group has biological assets in Africa. Bearer plants, mainly consisting of palm oil and rubber plantations, are valued by using the cost model, according to the principles defined in IAS 16 "Tangible fixed assets".

Biological assets at the time of harvest, in particular for palm bunches, palm oil and rubber, are evaluated according to the principles defined by IAS 41 "Agriculture".

Bearer biological assets

Producer biological assets are recorded at acquisition cost, less accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is applied according to the straight-line method based on an estimate of the useful life. When the recoverable amount of an asset is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to reflect that impairment.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Bearer plants – Palm 20 to 26 years
Bearer plants - Rubber 20 to 33 years

Depreciation starting date is the date of transfer of biological assets in production (asset being mature). This transfer takes place in the fourth year after palm oil tree planting and in the seventh year after rubber tree planting. For each entity, the operating period can be adapted according to the particular circumstances.

Agricultural production

Agricultural production at harvest is valued at fair value less estimated costs necessary to complete the sale.

There are no observable data for agricultural production (palm harvest, latex). The World Bank publishes price forecasts for dry rubber (finished product). These forecasts are based on the RSS3 grade (smoked sheet) that is not produced by the Group. Lastly, and even more so, there are no observable prospective data relating to the Group's agricultural production. The price of a standard product in a global market is not sufficiently representative of the economic reality in which the various entities of the Group intervene. This price cannot be used as a reference for valuation.

As a result, each entity determines the fair value of agricultural production based on actual market prices obtained over the past year.

The Group considers produce that grows on mature plantations (oil in the palm fruits and produce of rubber) as biological assets, in accordance with IAS 41 principles. This produce is measured at fair value until the point of harvest. Any resultant gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are recognised in the income statement.

1.13. Leases

The Group assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. That is, if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

The Group applies a single recognition and measurement approach for all leases, except for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets (mainly IT equipment), for which payments associated are recognised as an expense in the income statement. The Group recognises lease liabilities to make lease payments and right-ofuse assets representing the right to use the underlying assets.

The Group leases offices and agricultural land for terms ranging from 1 to 99 years, as well as vehicles and equipment for terms ranging from 1 month to 5 years.

The Group's lease contracts are standard contracts that do not include additional non-leasing components, except for some vehicle lease contracts that include a maintenance service. The Group has used the practical expedient that allows not separating the lease component from the non-lease component for these contracts.

Assets and liabilities related to lease contracts are initially measured at the present value of the fixed payments including in-substance fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable. Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement of the liability. To this purpose, management considers all facts and circumstances that may create an incentive to exercise a renewal option or not to exercise an early termination option. The lease liability is remeasured if there is a change in the lease term, in the lease payment or in the assessment of an option to purchase the underlying asset.

As the implicit interest rate is not known for all the Group's contracts, the incremental borrowing rate was used to discount the lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate that the lessee would have to pay to borrow, for a similar term and with a similar guarantee, the funds necessary to acquire an asset of similar value to the asset under the right-of-use in a similar economic environment.

In determining the incremental borrowing rate, the Group:

  • where possible, uses the most recent financing received by the lessee as a starting point, adjusted to reflect the change in financing conditions since the financing was received;

  • uses a build-up approach starting with a risk-free rate adjusted for credit risk for leases for entities with no recent external financing;

  • makes lease specific adjustments (such as term, country, currency and collateral).

The discount rates used by the Group range between 1.75% and 19.9%.

Lease payments are allocated between the repayment of the principal amount of the lease liabilities and interest expense. Interest expense is recognised in the income statement for the period over the term of the lease. Rightof-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life and the lease term.

The Group applies IAS 36 to determine whether a right-of-use asset is impaired and recognises any impairment loss as described in Note 8: Impairment of assets.

1.14. Impairment of assets

Goodwill is not amortised but is tested for impairment at least once a year and whenever there is an indication of impairment.

In addition, at each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its intangible and tangible assets, including its organic producing assets, in order to assess whether there is any indication that its assets may have lost value. If there is such an indication, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated to determine, if applicable, the amount of the loss or impairment. The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell the asset and the value in use.

The fair value of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets is the present value of estimated future cash flows expected from the use of an asset or cash-generating unit. When it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an isolated asset, the Group determines the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or a cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are immediately recognised as expenses in the income statement.

When an impairment loss recognised in a prior period no longer exists or needs to be written down, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is increased to the extent of the revised estimate of its recoverable amount. However, this increased carrying amount may not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined if no impairment loss had been recognised for the asset (cash-generating unit) in prior years. The reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in income in the income statement.

An impairment loss recorded on goodwill cannot be subsequently reversed.

1.15. Inventories

Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes direct material costs and, if applicable, direct labour costs and directly attributable overhead costs.

Where specific identification is not possible, the cost is determined on the basis of the weighted average cost method. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to complete the sale (primarily selling expenses).

Impairment or loss on inventory to net realisable value is recognised as an expense in the period in which the impairment or loss occurred.

As explained in Note 1.12. Bearer biological assets, agricultural production is measured at fair value less estimated costs necessary to make the sale.

1.16. Trade receivables

Trade receivables are valued at their nominal value and do not bear interest. The Group applies a simplified approach and records a provision for expected losses over the life of the receivables. This provision for losses is an amount that the Group considers a reliable estimate of the inability of its customers to make the required payments (refer to Note 33).

1.17. Cash and cash equivalents

This item includes cash, demand deposits, short-term deposits of less than 3 months, as well as investments easily convertible into a known amount of cash, having a maturity of three months or less, and which are subject to a negligible risk of change in value.

1.18. Financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial instruments derivatives

Financial instruments derivatives are measured at fair value at each reporting date. The accounting treatment depends on the qualification of the instrument concerned:

- Hedging instruments:

The Group refers to certain hedging instruments, including foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk derivatives, as cash flow hedges. Foreign currency hedges related to firm commitments are accounted for as cash flow hedges.

At the inception of the hedging relationship, the entity prepares documentation describing the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for performing various hedging transactions. In addition, when the hedge is created and regularly thereafter, the Group indicates whether the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges and qualify for such designation is recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the hedging reserve, cash flow. The gain or loss related to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in profit or loss, in other gains and losses.

Amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to net income in the periods in which the hedged item affects net income, to the same account as the recognised hedged item. However, if a hedged forecast transaction results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or liability, the gains and losses that were previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are taken out of equity to be recognised in the initial measurement of the cost of the non-financial asset or liability.

For the periods 2021 and 2022, no hedging instruments were used by the Group.

- Other instruments:

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the income statement when they occur.

To hedge its exposure to certain foreign exchange risks, the Group uses forward exchange contracts: for the periods 2021 and 2022, forward exchange contracts were used by the Group.

Loans and borrowings

Loans bearing interest are recorded for the amounts given, net of direct costs of issue. Financial income is added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that it is not received in the period in which it occurs. Interest is calculated using the effective interest rate method.

The Group's business model for financial assets management refers to the way it manages its financial assets in order to generate cash flows. The business model determines whether cash flows will result from the collection of contractual cash flows, the disposal of financial assets or both. Financial assets classified and measured at amortised cost are held in a business model with the objective of holding financial assets to collect contractual cash flows. Long-term advances and other receivables are held for the sole purpose of collecting principal and interest. They comply with the "Solely Payments of Principal and Interest" (SPPI) model. They are accounted for using the amortised cost method.

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.

Interest-bearing borrowings and overdrafts are recorded for amounts received, net of direct issue costs, at amortised cost. Financial expenses are recognised in income statement and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they are unpaid in the year in which they occur.

The carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value in the case of financial instruments such as borrowings and debts with short-term maturity.

The fair value measurement of borrowings and debts with financial institutions, other than in the short-term, depends both on the specifics of the loans and on current market conditions. The fair value was calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows at the re-estimated interest rates prevailing at the balance sheet date over the remaining term of repayment of the loans (Refer to Note 24).

The Group relied on the evolution of the interest rate of the European Central Bank adjusted for the specific risk inherent in each financial instrument, as a reasonable benchmark for estimating the fair value of such borrowings (see Note 24).

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.

Other financial assets and liabilities

Other financial assets (trade receivables, other receivables, ...) and l liabilities (trade payables, other payables, ...) are recorded at their acquisition cost. The fair value of other financial assets and liabilities is estimated to be close to the carrying amount.

The receivables are valued at their nominal value (at cost) less any write-downs covering amounts considered as non-recoverable if the Group deems it necessary. Impairment of assets is recognised in the income statement under "Other operating income/expenses". The Group has established a provision matrix based on its historical credit loss experience (average default over several years), adjusted for prospective factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of a provision account and the amount of the loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement. The Board of Directors of each subsidiary evaluates the receivables individually. Value adjustments are determined taking into account the local economic reality of each country. They are reviewed at the reception of new events and at least annually.

1.19. Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) resulting from a past event which will probably lead to an outflow of economic benefits that can be reasonably estimated.

Restructuring provisions are recognised when the Group has a formal and detailed plan for the restructuring that has been notified to the affected parties.

1.20. Pension obligations

Defined contribution plans

These plans designate the post-employment benefit plans under which the Group pays defined contributions to external insurance companies for certain categories of employees. Payments made under these pension plans are recognised in the income statement in the year in which they are due.

As these plans do not generate future commitments for the Group, they do not give rise to provisions.

Defined benefit plans

These plans refer to post-employment benefit plans that provide additional income to certain categories of employees for services rendered during the year and prior years.

This guarantee of additional resources is a future expenditure for the Group for which a commitment is calculated by independent actuaries at the end of each financial year.

The actuarial assumptions used to determine the liabilities vary according to the economic conditions prevailing in the country in which the plan is located.

The discount rates applicable to discount post-employment benefit obligations should be determined by reference to the market yields on high quality corporate bonds that are appropriate to the estimated timing of benefit payments at the balance sheet date.

The Group decided to calculate discount rates using an economic approach for high-quality corporate bonds corresponding to the terms of the employee benefits in the countries concerned. In the countries where there is no active market for such obligation, the Group refers to the market yields (at the end of the reporting period) of government bonds. The currency and duration of these corporate or government bonds must correspond to the currency and estimated duration of the post-employment benefit obligations.

The cost of corresponding commitments is determined using the projected unit credit method, with a discounted value calculation at the balance sheet date in accordance with the principles of IAS 19 "Employee Benefits".

All changes in the amount of defined benefit pension obligations are recognised as they occur.

Remeasurements of defined benefit pension obligations, including actuarial gains and losses, should be recognised immediately in "Other comprehensive income".

The costs of services rendered during the period, past service costs (plan amendment) and net interest are recognised as an expense immediately.

The amount recognised in the statement of financial position is the present value of the pension obligations of the defined benefit plans adjusted for actuarial gains and losses and less the fair value of plan assets.

1.21. Revenue recognition

The Group's revenues derive from the performance obligation of transferring control of products under arrangements. According to these arrangements, the transfer of control and the fulfilment of the performance obligation occur at the same time.

The point of control of the asset by the customer depends on when the goods are made available to the carrier or when the buyer takes possession of the goods, depending on the delivery conditions. With regards to the Group's activities, the recognition criteria are generally met:

(a) for export sales, where the time of the transfer of deed based on the incoterms;

(b) for local sales, depending on the delivery conditions, either when the goods leave the premises or when the customer takes possession of the goods.

This is the moment when the Group has fulfilled its performance obligations.

Revenues are valued at the transaction price of the consideration received or receivable, which the company expects to be entitled to.

The selling price is determined at the market price and in a few cases the selling price is contractually determined on a provisional basis, based on a reliable estimate of the selling price. In the latter case, price adjustments can then take place depending on the movements between the reference price and the final price, as recognised.

The Group considers being the principal in its revenue arrangements, because it controls the goods sold before transferring them to the customers.

At 31st December 2022, revenue from the major Group customer accounted for approximately EUR 247.5 million (2021: EUR 215.3 million) of total Group revenue.

1.22. Taxes

Current tax is the amount of tax payable or recoverable on the profit or loss of a financial year.

Temporary differences between the book values of assets and liabilities and their tax bases give rise to the recognition of a deferred tax using the tax rates whose application is provided for when reversing the temporary differences, as adopted on the closing date.

Deferred taxes are recognised for all temporary differences unless the deferred tax is generated by goodwill or by the initial recognition of an asset or a liability that is not acquired through a business combination and does not affect the accounting profit or the taxable profit on the transaction date.

A deferred tax liability is recognised for all taxable temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries and associates, unless the date on which the temporary difference will be reversed can be checked and it is likely that it will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

A deferred tax asset is recognised to carry forward unused tax losses and tax credits to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available on which these unused tax losses and tax credits can be charged.

Deferred tax is recognised in the income statement unless it relates to items that have been directly recognised, either in equity or in other comprehensive income.

1.23. Segment information

IFRS 8 "Operating Segments" requires operating segments to be identified based on the internal reporting analysed by the entity's chief operating decision-maker to assess performance and make resource decisions for the segments.

The identification of these operational sectors follows from the information analysed by the management which is based on the geographic distribution of political and economic risks and on the analysis of individual social accounts at historical cost.

1.24. Use of estimates

For the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS, Group management has had to make assumptions based on its best estimates that affect the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, information on assets and liabilities, contingent liabilities and the carrying amount of income and expenses recorded during the period. Depending on the evolution of these assumptions or different economic conditions, the amounts that will appear in the Group's future consolidated financial statements may differ from current estimates. Significant accounting policies, for which the Group has made estimates, mainly concern the application of IAS 19 (Note 21), IAS 41 / IAS 2 (Notes 6 and 15), IAS 16 (Note 5), IAS 36 (Notes 5, 6 and 8), IFRS 9 (Note 24) and IFRS 16 (Note 3).

In the absence of observable data within the scope of IFRS 13, the Group makes use of a model developed to assess the fair value of agricultural production based on local production costs and conditions and local sales (Refer to Note 1.12).

This method is inherently more volatile than assessment at historical cost.

1.25. Going concern

At 31st December 2022, liabilities due within 12 months (EUR 198,512,233) do not exceed assets due within 12 months (EUR 229,812,294).

1.26. Climate effect

The Group considered the potential impact of the climate change, which may affect positively and negatively the Group's biological assets thus the financial performance of the Group, the distribution of rainfall and sunshine being the most important factors.

The Group considered climatic events such as severe wind or fires in the valuation of the biological assets, however and given the actual level of knowledge, distinguishing impacts of natural climate variations apart from climate impacts related to anthropic activity remain difficult.

The effects of the climate change on the Group's financial statements as at 2022 year-end remain uncertain. The Management Board considered various documentation in its assessment of the impact, such as the last Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, that do not link the climate change to a negative impact on oil palm plantations.

The Management Board will continue to consider the potential impacts of the climate change in its judgements, and will integrate any new potential impact if this could lead to a material change in the Group's financial statements.

1.27. Russia – Ukrain conflict

In February 2022, a number of countries (including the US, UK and EU) imposed sanctions against certain entities and individuals in Russia as a result of the official recognition of the Donetsk People Republic and Lugansk People Republic by the Russian Federation. Announcements of potential additional sanctions have been made following military operations initiated by Russia against the Ukraine on 24th February 2022.

Due to the geopolitical tensions since February 2022, there has been a significant increase in volatility on the securities and currency markets, as well as a significant depreciation of the ruble against the US dollar and the euro.

Although neither the company's performance and going concern nor operations, have been significantly impacted by the above during 2022, the Board of Directors continues to monitor the evolving situation and its impact on the financial position and results of the company.

Note 2. Subsidiaries and associates

%
Group
Interest
%
Group
Control
Consolidation
Method (*)
%
Group
Interest
%
Group
Control
Consolidation
Method (*)
2022 2022 2022 2021 2021 2021
AFRICA
Rubber and palm
SOCIETE DES CAOUTCHOUCS DE GRAND-BEREBY "SOGB" S.A. 63.69 73.16 FI 63.69 73.16 FI
PLANTATIONS SOCFINAF GHANA "PSG" LTD 100.00 100.00 FI 100.00 100.00 FI
OKOMU OIL PALM COMPANY PLC 66.38 66.38 FI 65.23 65.23 FI
SOCIETE AFRICAINE FORESTIERE ET AGRICOLE DU
CAMEROUN "SAFACAM" S.A.
69.05 69.05 FI 69.05 69.05 FI
SOCIETE CAMEROUNAISE DE PALMERAIES "SOCAPALM" S.A. 67.46 67.46 FI 67.46 67.46 FI
Rubber
LIBERIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY "LAC" 100.00 100.00 FI 100.00 100.00 FI
SALALA RUBBER CORPORATION "SRC" 100.00 100.00 FI 100.00 100.00 FI
SUD COMOË CAOUTCHOUC "SCC" S.A. 60.95 70.01 FI 60.95 70.01 FI
Palm
SOCFIN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY "SAC" LTD 93.00 93.00 FI 93.00 93.00 FI
SOCIETE DES PALMERAIES DE LA FERME SUISSE "SPFS" S.A. 67.46 100.00 FI 67.46 100.00 FI
AGRIPALMA LDA 88.00 88.00 FI 88.00 88.00 FI
BRABANTA S.A. 100.00 100.00 FI 99.80 99.80 FI
Other activities
BEREBY-FINANCES "BEFIN" S.A. 87.06 87.06 FI 87.06 87.06 FI
CAMSEEDS S.A. 67.61 100.00 FI 67.61 100.00 FI
EUROPE
Other activities
CENTRAGES S.A. 50.00 50.00 EM 50.00 50.00 EM
IMMOBILIERE DE LA PEPINIERE S.A. 50.00 50.00 EM 50.00 50.00 EM
INDUSERVICES S.A. 30.00 30.00 EM 30.00 30.00 EM
INDUSERVICES FR S.A. 50.00 50.00 EM 50.00 50.00 EM
MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES S.A. 15.00 15.00 NC 20.00 20.00 EM
SOCIETE ANONYME FORESTIERE AGRICOLE "SAFA" S.A.S. 100.00 100.00 FI 100.00 100.00 FI
SOCFINCO S.A. 50.00 50.00 EM 50.00 50.00 EM
SOCFINCO FR S.A. 50.00 50.00 EM 50.00 50.00 EM
SOCFINDE S.A. 20.00 20.00 EM 20.00 20.00 EM
SODIMEX S.A. - - NC 50.00 50.00 EM
SODIMEX FR S.A. 50.00 50.00 EM 50.00 50.00 EM
SOGESCOL FR S.A. 50.00 50.00 EM 50.00 50.00 EM
STP INVEST S.A. 100.00 100.00 FI 100.00 100.00 FI
TERRASIA S.A. 33.28 33.28 EM 33.28 33.28 EM

(*) Consolidation method: FI: Full Integration - EM: Equity Method – NC: Not Consolidated

List of subsidiaries and associated companies

  • * AGRIPALMA LDA is a company located on the island of São Tomé and Principe specialised in the production of palm oil.
  • * BEREBY-FINANCES "BEFIN" S.A. is a holding company under Ivorian law owning the Ivorian companies SOGB S.A. and SCC.
  • * BRABANTA S.A. is a company under Congolese law specialised in the production of palm oil.
  • * CAMSEEDS S.A. is a company under Cameroon law specialised in research, development and production of seeds (palm).
  • * CENTRAGES S.A. is a company under Belgian law providing administrative and accounting services and owning three floors of office space in Brussels.
  • * IMMOBILIERE DE LA PEPINIERE "PEPINIERE" S.A. is a company under Belgian law owning three floors of office space in Brussels.
  • * INDUSERVICES S.A. is a company under Luxembourg law whose purpose is to provide all administrative services to all companies and organisations, including all services relating to documentation, bookkeeping and register services, as well as all representation, study, consultation activities and assistance.
  • * INDUSERVICES FR S.A. is a company under Swiss law whose purpose is to provide all administrative services to all companies, organisations and companies, including all services relating to documentation, bookkeeping and register services, as well as all representation, study, consultation activities and assistance. In addition, it provides all Group companies with access to the common IT platform.
  • * LIBERIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY "LAC" is a company under Liberian law specialising in the production of rubber.
  • * MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES S.A. has been removed from the consolidation scope in 2022.
  • * OKOMU OIL PALM COMPANY "OKOMU" PLC is a company under Nigerian law specialised in the production of palm and rubber products.
  • * PLANTATIONS SOCFINAF GHANA "PSG" LTD is a company under Ghanaian law specialised in the production of palm and rubber products.
  • * SOCIETE AFRICAINE FORESTIERE ET AGRICOLE DU CAMEROUN "SAFACAM" S.A. is a company under Cameroon law active in the production of palm oil and the cultivation of rubber trees.
  • * SALALA RUBBER CORPORATION "SRC" is a company under Liberian law active in the cultivation of rubber trees.
  • * SOCIETE CAMEROUNAISE DE PALMERAIES "SOCAPALM S.A." is active in Cameroon in the production of palm oil and rubber cultivation.
  • * SOCFIN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY "SAC" LTD is a company located in Sierra Leone specialised in the production of palm oil.
  • * SOCFIN CONSULTANT SERVICES "SOCFINCO" S.A. is a company established in Belgium providing technical assistance, agronomic and financial services.
  • * SOCFINCO FR S.A. is a Swiss company providing services, studies and management of agro-industrial plantations.
  • * SOCIETE ANONYME FORESTIERE AGRICOLE "SAFA" is a company under French law holding a stake in a plantation in Cameroon, Safacam S.A.
  • * SOCFINDE S.A. is a finance holding company under Luxembourg law.

  • * SOCIETE DES PALMERAIES DE LA FERME SUISSE "SPFS" S.A. is active in Cameroon in the production, processing and marketing of palm oil.

  • * SODIMEX S.A. has been removed from the consolidation scope in 2022, as it was liquidated during the period.
  • * SODIMEX FR S.A. is a company under Swiss law active in the field of purchase and sale of planting material.
  • * SOCIETE DES CAOUTCHOUCS DE GRAND-BEREBY "SOGB" S.A. is a company under Ivorian law specialised in the production of palm and rubber products.
  • * SOGESCOL FR S.A. is a Swiss company active in the tropical products trade.
  • * STP INVEST S.A. is a company under Belgian law with a stake in Agripalma LDA.
  • * SUD COMOË CAOUTCHOUC "SCC" S.A. is a company under Ivorian law whose activity is the processing and marketing of rubber.
  • * TERRASIA S.A. is a company under Luxembourg law owning office spaces.

Note 3. Leases

The amounts recognised in the balance sheet related to leases are as follows:

* Right-of-use assets:

EUR Furniture,
vehicles and
other
Buildings Land and
concession
of
agricultural
area
TOTAL
Gross value at 1st January 2021 7,337,888 535,431 7,120,294 14,993,613
Additions 988,351 136,739 197,754 1,322,844
Foreign exchange differences 8,302 -6 119,922 128,218
Gross value at 31st December 2021 8,334,541 672,164 7,437,970 16,444,675
Accumulated depreciation at 1st January
2021
-4,668,641 -404,013 -2,124,702 -7,197,356
Depreciation -1,496,461 -24,728 -153,860 -1,675,049
Foreign exchange differences -8,125 -40,979 -38,174 -87,278
Accumulated depreciation at 31st
December 2021
-6,173,227 -469,720 -2,316,736 -8,959,683
Net book value at 31st December 2021 2,161,314 202,444 5,121,234 7,484,992
Gross value at 1st January 2022 8,334,541 672,164 7,437,970 16,444,675
Additions 2,517,377 0 58,191 2,575,568
Disposals 0 -136,602 0 -136,602
Foreign exchange differences -32,383 -39 86,597 54,175
Gross value at 31st December 2022 10,819,535 535,523 7,582,758 18,937,816
Accumulated depreciation at 1st January
2022
-6,173,227 -469,720 -2,316,736 -8,959,683
Depreciation -1,666,422 -36,367 -158,987 -1,861,776
Depreciation reversals 0 40,980 0 40,980
Foreign exchange differences 40,887 11 -28,669 12,229
Accumulated depreciation at 31st
December 2022
-7,798,762 -465,096 -2,504,392 -10,768,250
Net book value at 31st December 2022 3,020,773 70,427 5,078,366 8,169,566

* Lease liabilities:

EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Long-term lease liabilities 8,674,141 8,285,305
Short-term lease liabilities 1,532,064 1,105,090
TOTAL 10,206,205 9,390,395

The amounts recognised in the income statement in relation with the lease contracts are detailed as follows:

EUR 2022 2021
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 1,861,776 1,675,049
Expenses related to short-term leases and leases of low-value assets 1,529,868 1,707,351
Interest expense (included in the financial expenses) 1,041,390 954,891
TOTAL 4,433,034 4,337,291

* Agricultural land and concessions

The Group does not own all of the land on which its biological-based assets are planted. In general, these lands are subject to very long-term concessions from the local public authority. These concessions are renewable.

Company Date of initial lease or
renewal extension
Duration of
the initial
lease
Area conceded
SOCFIN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY "SAC" 2013/2014 50 years 18,473 ha (1)
LIBERIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY "LAC" 1959 77 years 121,407 ha
SALALA RUBBER CORPORATION "SRC" 1960 70 years 8,000 ha (3)
SOGB 1995 99 years 34,712 ha
PLANTATIONS SOCFINAF GHANA "PSG" 2013/2016 50 years 18,304 ha
OKOMU OIL PALM COMPANY PLC 1986/2001/2013 92 to 99 years 33,113 ha
SOCAPALM 2000 60 years 58,063 ha
SAFACAM 2019 3 years 2,161 ha (4)
AGRIPALMA 2009 25 years 4,252 ha (2)(5)
BRABANTA 2015/2018/2019 25 years 8,380 ha

(1) Renewable concessions for a term of 25 years

(2) Concessions renewable tacitly for periods of 25 years

(3) Extensible concessions up to 40,000 ha

(4) Safacam owns 15,529 ha

(5) Agripalma owns 665 ha

Note 4. Intangible assets

EUR Concessions
and
patents
Softwares Other
intangible
assets
TOTAL
Cost at 1st January 2021 2,107,973 729,897 765,068 3,602,938
Additions 0 915 2,752 3,667
Disposals 0 0 30 30
Foreign exchange differences 81,607 21,500 -178 102,929
Cost at 31st December 2021 2,189,580 752,312 767,672 3,709,564
Accumulated depreciation at 1st January 2021 -228,518 -488,164 -709,644 -1,426,326
Depreciation -42,968 -247,697 -12,857 -303,522
Foreign exchange differences -8,590 -12,388 178 -20,800
Accumulated depreciation at 31st December 2021 -280,076 -748,249 -722,323 -1,750,648
Net book value at 31st December 2021 1,909,504 4,063 45,349 1,958,916
Cost at 1st January 2022 2,189,580 752,312 767,672 3,709,564
Additions 0 0 32,003 32,003
Disposals 0 -348,205 -167,660 -515,865
Foreign exchange differences -556,198 1,454 -1,205 -555,949
Cost at 31st December 2022 1,633,382 405,561 630,810 2,669,753
Accumulated depreciation at 1st January 2022 -280,076 -748,249 -722,323 -1,750,648
Depreciation -35,068 -3,938 -15,628 -54,634
Depreciation reversals 0 348,480 167,660 516,140
Foreign exchange differences 69,538 -1,454 1,205 69,289
Accumulated depreciation at 31st December 2022 -245,606 -405,161 -569,086 -1,219,853
Net book value at 31st December 2022 1,387,776 400 61,724 1,449,900

Note 5. Property, plant and equipment

EUR Land and
nurseries
Buildings Technical
installations
Furniture,
vehicles and
Work in
progress
Advances
and
TOTAL
others prepayments
Cost at 1st January 2021
Additions (*)
8,833,566
470,766
218,513,900
6,994,838
119,868,659
22,299,730
200,171,674
10,310,803
26,777,402
9,533,518
248,868
406,203
574,414,069
50,015,858
Disposals -24,592 -107,278 -242,806 -4,059,360 0 0 -4,434,036
Transfer -1,051,159 13,867,215 4,565,872 2,225,091 -19,174,963 0 432,056
Foreign exchange differences 38,115 5,519,899 1,992,688 2,769,275 618,290 3,025 10,941,292
Cost at 31st December 2021 8,266,696 244,788,574 148,484,143 211,417,483 17,754,247 658,096 631,369,239
Accumulated depreciation at 1st
January 2021
-1,163,542 -113,954,942 -59,339,090 -152,965,029 0 0 -327,422,603
Depreciation -23,629 -9,607,730 -7,760,055 -14,583,288 0 0 -31,974,702
Depreciation reversals 10,437 634,753 249,229 3,637,700 0 0 4,532,119
Transfer 2,470 -191,384 2,768 186,146 0 0 0
Foreign exchange differences -1,308 -2,051,412 -519,958 -2,344,224 0 0 -4,916,902
Accumulated depreciation at
31st December 2021
-1,175,572 -125,170,715 -67,367,106 -166,068,695 0 0 -359,782,088
Accumulated impairment at 1st
January 2021
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Impairment 0 0 -1,728,058 -182,271 0 0 -1,910,329
Accumulated impairment at 31st
December 2021
0 0 -1,728,058 -182,271 0 0 -1,910,329
Net book value at 31st
December 2021
7,091,124 119,617,859 79,388,979 45,166,517 17,754,247 658,096 269,676,822
Cost at 1st January 2022 8,266,696 244,788,574 148,484,143 211,417,483 17,754,247 658,096 631,369,239
Additions (*) 409,617 6,398,548 15,373,975 11,600,420 12,514,036 583,322 46,879,918
Disposals 0 -1,914,426 -343,416 -7,501,440 0 0 -9,759,282
Transfer 870,068 2,235,911 7,830,695 5,329,369 -16,185,586 -314,457 -234,000
Foreign exchange differences -178,502 1,423,572 -3,654,409 530,620 178,014 -61,378 -1,762,083
Cost at 31st December 2022 9,367,879 252,932,179 167,690,988 221,376,452 14,260,711 865,583 666,493,792
Accumulated depreciation at 1st
January 2022
-1,175,572 -125,170,715 -67,367,106 -166,068,695 0 0 -359,782,088
Depreciation -16,775 -11,632,747 -10,914,834 -11,632,864 0 0 -34,197,220
Depreciation reversals 0 1,909,317 238,877 6,463,264 0 0 8,611,458
Transfer 0 -1,736,377 0 1,736,377 0 0 0
Foreign exchange differences -1,085 -701,941 750,838 -916,911 0 0 -869,099
Accumulated depreciation at
31st December 2022
-1,193,432 -137,332,463 -77,292,225 -170,418,829 0 0 -386,236,949
Accumulated impairment at 1st
January 2022
0 0 -1,728,058 -182,271 0 0 -1,910,329
Impairment (**) 0 -409,129 -403,478 0 0 0 -812,607
Accumulated impairment at 31st
December 2022
0 -409,129 -2,131,536 -182,271 0 0 -2,722,936
Net book value at 31st
December 2022
8,174,447 115,190,587 88,267,227 50,775,352 14,260,711 865,583 277,533,907

(*) Additions for the period include capitalised costs.

(**) Impairment test on property, plant and equipment is disclosed in Note 8.

At 31st December 2022, the Group has technical installations and professional equipment pledged as guarantees for borrowings of the Group for an amount of EUR 8.1 million (2021 : EUR 11 million). Details of these guarantees are provided in Note 31.

Note 6. Biological assets

EUR Palm Rubber Others TOTAL
Mature Immature Mature Immature
Cost at 1st January 2021 355,854,974 7,317,554 138,335,145 74,511,408 7,131 576,026,212
Additions (*) 0 3,397,554 0 9,502,688 0 12,900,242
Disposals -641,757 -518,073 -1,585,313 -22,125 0 -2,767,268
Transfer 3,863,596 -3,777,156 36,189,869 -36,096,036 0 180,273
Foreign exchange differences 10,314,967 86,533 4,986,596 2,356,489 0 17,744,585
Cost at 31st December 2021 369,391,780 6,506,412 177,926,297 50,252,424 7,131 604,084,044
Accumulated depreciation at 1st
January 2021
-107,206,390 0 -54,068,026 0 -3,048 -161,277,464
Depreciation -14,929,640 0 -4,289,754 0 -56 -19,219,450
Depreciation reversals 433,948 0 1,629,222 0 0 2,063,170
Transfer -1,552,584 0 0 0 0 -1,552,584
Foreign exchange differences -1,591,618 0 -1,511,154 0 0 -3,102,772
Accumulated depreciation at 31st
December 2021
-124,846,284 0 -58,239,712 0 -3,104 -183,089,100
Accumulated impairment at 1st
January 2021
-21,094,793 0 -11,646,517 -18,314,889 0 -51,056,199
Impairment (**) -6,090,512 0 0 0 0 -6,090,512
Impairment reversal 5,434,846 0 0 0 0 5,434,846
Transfer 0 0 -16,480,949 16,480,949 0 0
Foreign exchange differences -1,078,246 0 -1,494,650 -806,209 0 -3,379,106
Accumulated impairment at 31st
December 2021
-22,828,705 0 -29,622,116 -2,640,149 0 -55,090,971
Net book value at 31st December 2021 221,716,791 6,506,412 90,064,469 47,612,275 4,027 365,903,973
Cost at 1st January 2022 369,391,780 6,506,412 177,926,297 50,252,424 7,131 604,084,044
Additions (*) 0 2,839,161 0 5,425,671 0 8,264,832
Disposals -7,615,248 -521,789 -4,614,064 -1,048,276 0 -13,799,377
Transfer 3,220,779 -3,129,536 16,158,537 -16,015,781 0 233,999
Foreign exchange differences -1,387,620 -186,183 3,504,320 -130,834 0 1,799,683
Cost at 31st December 2022 363,609,691 5,508,065 192,975,090 38,483,204 7,131 600,583,181
Accumulated depreciation at 1st
January 2022
-124,846,284 0 -58,239,712 0 -3,104 -183,089,100
Depreciation -15,458,723 0 -5,828,706 0 -56 -21,287,485
Depreciation reversals 7,590,069 0 4,314,350 0 0 11,904,419
Transfer -304,376 0 304,376 0 0 0
Foreign exchange differences 480,583 0 -1,182,888 0 0 -702,305
Accumulated depreciation at 31st
December 2022
-132,538,731 0 -60,632,580 0 -3,160 -193,174,471
Accumulated impairment at 1st
January 2022
-22,828,705 0 -29,622,116 -2,640,149 0 -55,090,970
Foreign exchange differences -761,413 0 -1,148,202 -163,369 0 -2,072,984
Accumulated impairment at 31st
December 2022
-23,590,118 0 -30,770,318 -2,803,518 0 -57,163,954
Net book value at 31st December 2022 207,480,842 5,508,065 101,572,192 35,679,686 3,971 350,244,756

(*) Additions for the period include capitalised costs.

(**) Impairment test on biological assets is disclosed in Note 8.

On 31st December 2022, the Group has biological assets pledged as guarantees for borrowings of the Group for an amount of EUR nil (2021: EUR 13 million). Details of these guarantees are provided in Note 31.

Accounting policy regarding current biological assets is disclosed in note 1.12.

Note 7. Depreciation and impairment

EUR 2022 2021
Depreciation
Of intangible assets (Note 4) 54,634 303,522
Of property, plant and equipment excluding biological assets (Note 5) 34,197,220 31,974,702
Of biological assets (Note 6) 21,287,485 19,219,450
Of right-of-use assets (Note 3) 1,861,776 1,675,049
Impairment
Of property, plant and equipment excluding biological assets (Note 5) 812,607 1,910,329
Of biological assets (Note 6) 0 6,090,512
Impairment reversal
Of biological assets (Note 6) 0 -5,434,846
TOTAL 58,213,722 55,738,718

Note 8. Impairment of assets

Goodwill

Impairment tests on goodwill are performed at least once a year to assess whether the carrying amount is still appropriate.

Intangible and tangible assets and right-of-use assets

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amount of its intangible and tangible assets and right-ofuse assets in order to assess whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated to determine, the amount of the impairment loss.

At 31st December 2022, an impairment loss of EUR 0.8 million (2021: EUR 1.9 million) was recognised on Property, plant and equipment.

Bearer biological assets

At each reporting date, the Group assesses if there is any indication that its biological assets may be impaired.

For this purpose, the Group assesses several indicators:

The significant and sustained decreasing trend in the prices of natural rubber (TSR20 1st position on SGX) and crude palm oil (CIF Rotterdam) was considered an observable sign that the biological assets may have been impaired. A decrease in these prices at reporting date greater than 15% compared to an average of 5-year value has been set by the Group to be an impairment indicator.

At 31st December 2022, the decrease in prices does not exceed 15% of the average price over the past 5 years for the rubber and palm segment.

The Group considers, as well, average prices over the six months before reporting date and average prices over the last twelve months instead of only closing prices to avoid seasonal fluctuations in the prices of supply materials.

The Group reviews also the prices of palm oil observed on local market and considers a decrease in these prices at the closing date of more than 15% compared to an average of values over 5 years as an impairment indicator.

Based on these criteria, for the rubber segment, the rise in prices observed during the financial year 2022 does not exceed 15% of the average prices over the past 5 years. For the palm segment, the review of global and local prices do not indicate any impairment indicator.

In addition to these external indicators, the Group considers the following indicators:

  • Internal performance indicators;
  • Criteria relating to the local market;
  • Physical indicators of impairment;
  • Significant changes in plantations that could have a material impact on their future cash flows.

The review of impairment indicators led the Group to conclude that no sign of impairment exist during the 2022 period.

If an indication of impairment is identified, the recoverable amount of the bearer biological assets is determined.

Impairment tests must be performed on the smallest identifiable group of assets which generates cash flows independently of other assets or groups of assets "CGU" and for which the Group prepares financial information for the Board of Directors.

The identification of Cash Generating Units (CGUs) depends, in particular, on:

  • how the Group manages the activities of the entity;
  • the way in which decisions are made with regards to the pursuit or the disposal of its activities and;
  • the existence of an active market for all or part of the production.

The Group considers the political and country specific risk factors while reviewing business evolution. Therefore, companies are grouped within the CGU country.

The recoverable amount of bearer biological assets is determined from the calculation of value in use using the most recent information approved by the local management. The Group uses the discounted value of expected net cash flows which are discounted at a pre-tax rate. At reporting date, the financial projection incorporates the full exploitation of the younger bearer biological assets. The operational life ranges between 25 and 30 years for both crops. This period can be adapted according to the particular circumstances for each entity.

The value in use calculation has been very sensitive to:

  • changes in the margins achieved by the entity and
  • changes related to discount rates.

Changes in realised margins

Initially, the Group determines separately the expected production of each category of bearer biological assets within the entity over their remaining life. This expected production is estimated on the basis of the surface areas planted at reporting date as well as the actual crop yield recorded during the financial year which depends on the maturity of the bearer biological asset. Production is then valued on average basis of five-year of the margins achieved by the entity in relation to agricultural activities. The value in use of the bearer biological asset is then obtained by discounting these cash flows. Average margins are considered constant over the duration of the financial projection. An indexing factor is not considered.

At 31st December 2022, accumulated impairment losses in the palm business segment amounted to EUR 9.9 million for Brabanta, EUR 9.2 million for Agripalma and EUR 4.5 million for SAC. For the rubber segment, the accumulated impairment losses are EUR 30.8 million for SRC, EUR 1.4 million for PSG and EUR 1.4 million for Safacam (Note 6).

Note 9. Non-wholly owned subsidiaries in which non-controlling interests are significant

Subsidiary Main
location
Percentage of equity
shares of non-controlling
interest
rights of non-controlling Percentage of voting
interests
2022 2021 2022 2021
Production of palm oil and rubber
SOGB Côte d'Ivoire 36% 36% 27% 27%
OKOMU Nigeria 34% 35% 34% 35%
SAFACAM Cameroon 31% 31% 31% 31%
SOCAPALM Cameroon 33% 33% 33% 33%

Interests of non-controlling interests in the activities of the Group

EUR Net income attributed to non
controlling interests in the
subsidiary during the financial
period
Accumulated non-controlling interests in the subsidiary
Subsidiary 2022 2021 2022 2021
SOGB 9,919,771 8,543,723 40,323,449 37,590,418
OKOMU 13,985,190 10,771,914 32,131,012 32,376,319
SAFACAM 795,546 1,205,702 14,333,451 14,704,129
SOCAPALM 5,871,789 7,290,049 27,876,194 31,143,226
Subsidiaries that hold non-controlling interests that are not significant
individually
10,127,641 5,391,194

Non-controlling interests 124,791,747 121,205,286

Summary financial information concerning subsidiaries whose interests of non-controlling interests are significant for the Group excluding intragroup eliminations

EUR
2021 Current
assets
Non-current
assets
Current
liabilities
Non-Current
Liabilities
Subsidiary
SOGB 47,069,842 100,818,900 36,697,511 10,223,275
OKOMU 33,527,881 106,235,499 16,119,871 39,330,460
SAFACAM 14,000,204 34,504,233 10,924,741 5,404,975
SOCAPALM 26,800,996 109,893,878 25,202,975 3,069,977
EUR
2022
SOGB 41,259,858 98,190,002 27,675,941 6,768,082
OKOMU 28,642,085 116,727,370 19,373,135 38,262,602
SAFACAM 12,578,738 33,387,449 9,541,067 3,840,819
SOCAPALM 31,652,073 113,564,581 37,057,322 7,186,191
EUR
2021
Subsidiary
Revenue
from
ordinary
activities
Net income
for the
period
Comprehensive
income for the
period
Dividends
paid to non
controlling
interests
SOGB 126,645,632 22,453,119 22,453,119 2,455,221
OKOMU 79,363,158 23,976,881 23,976,881 5,234,727
SAFACAM 32,790,020 3,778,438 3,778,438 305,252
SOCAPALM 114,731,158 20,617,398 20,617,398 8,682,053
EUR
2022
SOGB 143,125,135 23,862,820 23,862,820 5,321,013
OKOMU 133,279,823 38,962,980 38,962,980 13,683,296
SAFACAM 35,405,879 4,188,838 4,188,838 1,177,658
SOCAPALM 112,851,693 16,268,753 16,268,753 7,717,380
EUR
2021
Subsidiary Net cash inflows (outflows) Net cash
inflows
Operating Investing Financing (outflows)
SOGB activities
14,435,766
activities
-9,570,729
activities
-12,136,117
-7,271,080
OKOMU 49,550,771 -28,715,135 -10,902,826 9,932,810
SAFACAM 2,315,684 -2,647,396 337,688 5,976
SOCAPALM 30,591,306 -9,720,446 -30,342,263 -9,471,402
EUR
2022
SOGB 46,841,347 -8,339,224 -31,411,643 7,090,479
OKOMU 50,558,570 -22,109,292 -37,698,943 -9,249,665
SAFACAM 8,426,402 -2,316,652 -6,346,027 -236,277
SOCAPALM 28,473,548 -10,987,793 -17,619,574 -133,819

The nature and evolution of the risks associated with the interests held by the Group in the subsidiaries remained stable over the financial period compared to the previous year.

Note 10. Investments in associates

EUR 2022 2021
Value at 1st January 23,619,989 22,149,858
Scope exits (Note 2) -881,038 -2,274,586
Income from associates 11,297,777 7,264,009
Dividends -7,126,982 -3,383,509
Share in other comprehensive income from associates 443,737 316,401
Other movements -65,125 -452,184
Value at 31st December 27,288,358 23,619,989
Value of
investment
in associates
Income
from
associates
Value of
investment
in
associates
Income
from
associates
EUR 31/12/2022 2022 31/12/2021 2021
Centrages 3,366,997 132,473 3,434,524 241,051
Immobilière de la Pépinière 1,866,129 1,962 1,864,426 -46,822
Induservices 98,291 26,434 71,857 1,018
Induservices FR 0 -108,679 0 164,940
Management Associates 0 154,201 245,799 531,279
Socfin Green Energy 0 0 0 -641,650
Socfin Research 0 0 0 1,140,424
Socfinco 318,537 -256,646 775,183 20,607
Socfinco FR 8,639,420 5,223,770 7,364,276 3,386,981
Socfinde 1,723,552 23,464 1,700,089 120,699
Sodimex 0 389,114 153,374 1,557
Sodimex FR 2,183,194 451,950 1,890,380 227,628
Sogescol FR 8,807,489 5,249,578 5,845,483 2,106,457
Terrasia 284,748 10,156 274,591 9,841
TOTAL 27,288,358 11,297,777 23,619,982 7,264,010
Total assets Revenue Total assets Revenue
EUR 31/12/2022 2022 31/12/2021 2021
Centrages 4,106,686 3,880,683 4,052,720 4,128,202
Immobilière de la Pépinière 4,019,267 591,134 3,983,909 510,366
Induservices 815,459 2,700,576 1,853,192 3,128,650
Induservices FR 6,629,460 2,937,282 6,611,187 2,779,036
Management Associates 18,854,237 3,922,498 12,567,871 3,438,858
Socfinco 1,589,976 169 2,456,705 20,569
Socfinco FR 26,442,122 30,292,559 25,583,207 25,179,023
Socfinde 57,373,319 0 38,659,255 0
Sodimex 302,203 0 306,953 0
Sodimex FR 10,279,841 21,313,415 8,634,788 14,238,890
Sogescol FR 48,532,250 411,044,829 46,421,846 371,317,721
Terrasia 624,891 33,238 593,179 33,238
TOTAL 179,569,711 476,716,383 151,724,812 424,774,553

Main data of significant associates accounted for using the equity method

Associate company Main
location
Main activity Dividend
received
Dividend
received
EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Socfinco Belgium Rendering of services 200,000 125,000
Socfinco FR Switzerland Rendering of services 4,000,000 1,000,000
Sodimex FR Switzerland Purchase and sale of equipment 250,000 250,000
Sogescol FR Switzerland Trade of tropical products 2,730,328 1,885,091
TOTAL 7,180,328 3,260,091

Summary financial information of interests held in associates - Statement of financial position

Associate company Current
assets
Non
current
assets
Current
liabilities
Non
current
liabilities
31/12/2021 EUR EUR EUR EUR
Management Associates 1,424,905 11,142,966 2,868,219 7,000,000
Socfinco FR 19,608,845 5,974,362 4,970,769 5,014,035
Socfinde 28,727,668 9,931,587 26,346,328 6,429,674
Sodimex FR 8,585,658 49,131 4,585,941 0
Sogescol FR 45,509,154 912,692 33,230,531 0
TOTAL 103,856,230 28,010,738 72,001,788 18,443,709
Associate company Current
assets
Non
current
assets
Current
liabilities
Non
current
liabilities
31/12/2022 EUR EUR EUR EUR
Management Associates 1,537,121 17,317,115 9,398,157 7,000,000
Socfinco FR 22,132,936 4,309,187 6,658,770 3,351,275
Socfinde 47,411,732 9,961,587 44,937,399 6,412,830
Sodimex FR 10,245,556 34,286 5,825,789 0
Sogescol FR 47,807,127 725,123 31,698,353 0
TOTAL 129,134,472 32,347,298 98,518,468 16,764,105

Summary financial information of interests held in associates - Income statement

Associate company Profit from
operations
Net income
for the
period
Comprehensive
income for the
period
31/12/2021 EUR EUR EUR
Management Associates 262,563 262,563 262,563
Socfinco FR 6,288,105 6,288,105 6,288,105
Socfinde 9,970 9,970 9,970
Sodimex FR 413,732 413,732 413,732
Sogescol FR 5,129,175 5,129,175 5,129,175
TOTAL 12,103,545 12,103,545 12,103,545
Associate company Profit from
operations
Net income
for the
period
Comprehensive
income for the
period
31/12/2022 EUR EUR EUR
Management Associates -243,573 -243,573 -243,573
Socfinco FR 8,833,675 8,833,675 8,885,013
Socfinde 139,836 139,836 139,836
Sodimex FR 905,204 905,204 996,068
Sogescol FR 8,459,383 8,459,383 8,652,202
TOTAL 18,094,525 18,094,525 18,429,547

Reconciliation of the financial information summarised above to the carrying amount of the investments in the consolidated financial statements

Associate company Net assets of
the
associate
% stake
held by the
Group
Other IFRS
adjustments
Value of
stake held
by the
Group
31/12/2021 EUR EUR EUR
Management Associates 2,699,652 20% -294,131 245,799
Socfinco FR 15,598,403 50% -434,926 7,364,276
Socfinde 5,883,253 20% 523,438 1,700,089
Sodimex FR 4,048,848 50% -134,044 1,890,380
Sogescol FR 13,191,315 50% -750,175 5,845,483
TOTAL 41,421,471 -1,089,838 17,046,027
Associate company Net assets of
the
associate
% stake
held by the
Group
Other IFRS
adjustments
Value of
stake held
by the
Group
31/12/2022 EUR EUR EUR
Management Associates 2,456,079 15% -368,412 0
Socfinco FR 16,432,078 50% 423,381 8,639,420
Socfinde 6,023,090 20% 518,934 1,723,552
Sodimex FR 4,454,053 50% -43,833 2,183,194
Sogescol FR 16,833,897 50% 390,541 8,807,489
TOTAL 46,199,197 920,611 21,353,655

There is no goodwill attributed to the above associates.

Aggregated information relating to associates that are not significant individually

EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Share of profit from continued operations attributable to the Group 194,814 1,117,037
Share of other comprehensive income attributable to the Group 194,814 1,117,037
Total book value of investments in associates held by the Group 5,934,703 6,573,955

Profit after tax from discontinued operations for 2022 and 2021 are nil for all associate companies of the Group.

The nature, extent and financial impact of the interests held in associates by the Group, including the nature of relationships with other investors, remained stable over the financial period compared to the previous year.

Note 11. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

EUR 2022 2021
Fair value at 1st January 38 91,902
Disposals 0 -91,864
Transfer 300,000 0
Fair value at 31st December 300,038 38
Cost (historical) Fair value
EUR 2022 2021 2022 2021
Financial assets at fair value through other
comprehensive income
300,038 38 300,038 38

Note 12. Deferred taxes

* Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities

EUR 2022 2021
IAS 2 / IAS 41: Agricultural production -3,466,822 -2,043,880
IAS 12: Withholding Tax -3,998,436 -108,261
IAS 16: Property, plant and equipment -2,667,377 -3,761,922
IAS 19: Pension obligations 3,282,072 2,063,354
IAS 21: Translation differences 0 -40,261
IAS 37: Provisions for risks and charges 757,296 279,695
IAS 38: Formation expenses 516,392 513,556
IAS 38: Research costs 337,185 293,716
IFRS 9: Financial assets measured at fair value through other
comprehensive income
-98,386 -56,587
IFRS 16: Leases 648,482 506,903
IFRS 3: Fair value of investment property -16,580 -15,614
Others -117 381,479
Balance at 31st December -4,706,291 -1,987,822
Of which deferred tax assets 4,513,652 9,421,068
Of which deferred tax liabilities -9,219,943 -11,408,890

The above deferred taxes are presented per category of deferred taxes resulting from consolidated adjustments. They are calculated company per company and the net position between deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets is presented.

* Contingent tax assets and liabilities

Some of the subsidiaries have accumulated tax losses that are limited or not over time capital allowances limited or not over time.

Brabanta, SRC, Agripalma and Camseeds, have unused tax losses which recoverability is uncertain of EUR 21.4 million, EUR 20.3 million, EUR 4.6 million and EUR 1.1 million respectively at 31st December 2022. Socfinaf has unused tax losses of EUR 211.4 million.

Due to the instability which may exist in these countries with regards to the evolution of tax legislation or its application, no deferred tax assets have been booked related to these tax losses.

Note 13. Current tax assets and liabilities

* Components of current tax assets

EUR 2022 2021
Current tax assets at 1st January 13,378,526 12,802,007
Tax income 1,211,151 253,048
Other taxes (*) -1,710,668 -1,988,902
Taxes paid or recovered 2,333,362 1,457,303
Tax adjustments -3,022,879 460,557
Foreign exchange differences 249,118 394,513
Current tax assets at 31st December 12,438,610 13,378,526

* Components of current tax liabilities

EUR 2022 2021
Current tax liabilities at 1st January 30,408,824 20,857,243
Tax expense 37,157,521 22,769,738
Other taxes (*) 23,208,381 38,170,123
Taxes paid or recovered -48,988,859 -44,998,165
Tax adjustments -1,177,818 -6,458,667
Foreign exchange differences 43,389 68,552
Current tax liabilities at 31st December 40,651,438 30,408,824

(*) Other taxes are composed of taxes not included in general tax expenses: VAT, withholding tax, custom tax,...

Note 14. Income tax expense

* Components of the tax expense

EUR 2022 2021
Current income tax expense (*) 39,796,406 28,856,992
Deferred tax expense / (income) 2,914,674 718,754
Tax expense at 31st December 42,711,080 29,575,746

(*) Withholding tax on dividends is presented within income tax expense.

* Components of the deferred tax (expense) / income

EUR 2022 2021
IAS 19: Pension obligations -1,450,766 168,783
IAS 38: Intangible assets -13,828 615,930
IAS 2 / IAS 41: Fair value of agricultural produce 1,420,836 1,970,210
IFRS 9: Forward exchange contracts 0 99,835
IFRS 9: Fair value 44,201 0
IAS 12: Income Tax (*) 1,674,170 -1,755,604
IAS 16: Tangible assets 1,666,627 -15,338
IAS 37: Provisions for risks and charges -510,998 -296,810
IAS 21: Foreign exchange differences -40,261 55,169
IFRS 16: Leases -37,374 -18,260
Others 162,066 -105,162
Deferred tax expense / (income) at 31st December 2,914,673 718,753

(*) Of which impact of losses carried forward activated for EUR 3.1 million, and withholding tax for EUR ‑1.7 million.

* Reconciliation of income tax expense

EUR 2022 2021
Profit before tax from continuing operations 141,063,191 124,039,747
Nominal tax rate of the parent company 24.94% 24.94%
Nominal tax rate of subsidiaries from 1% to 33% from 1% to 33%
Income tax at nominal tax rates of subsidiaries 33,020,896 28,072,195
Unfunded taxes 61,922 -36,334
Definitively taxed income 2,222,265 2,096,157
Use of capital allowances -4,472,551 -11,555,282
Specific tax regimes in foreign countries 6,763,922 10,444,393
Non-taxable income -1,962,465 -4,545,080
Non-deductible expenses 3,975,975 5,425,363
Use of unrecognised accumulated tax losses -1,125,940 -6,790,311
Unrecognised losses carried forward 4,104,175 5,716,643
Other tax benefits -40,956 -91,063
Additional tax assessment 35,862 23,775
Impact of change in tax rate 113,723 819,090
Other adjustments 14,252 -3,800
Tax expense at 31st December 42,711,080 29,575,746

* Change of rate for the subsidiaries

Since 2021, companies listed in Cameroon are eligible for a reduced tax rate of 27.5%.

Note 15. Inventories

* Carrying value of inventories by category

EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Raw materials 33,610,606 27,113,530
Consumables 22,944,186 18,792,579
Spare parts 32,159,246 26,307,919
Production in progress 635,495 655,035
Finished products 17,412,198 21,996,097
Down-payments and orders in progress 4,400,098 2,037,012
Gross amount (before impairment) at 31st December 111,161,829 96,902,172
Inventory write-downs -5,392,015 -4,057,300
Net amount at 31st December 105,769,814 92,844,872

* Reconciliation of inventories

EUR 2022 2021
Situation at 1st January 96,902,172 86,001,559
Change in inventory 8,994,376 3,669,769
Fair value of agricultural products 5,115,356 5,691,697
Foreign exchange differences 149,925 1,539,147
Gross amount (before impairment) at 31st December 111,161,829 96,902,172
Inventory write-downs -5,392,015 -4,057,300
Net amount at 31st December 105,769,814 92,844,872

* Quantity of inventory by category

31/12/2021 Raw
materials
Production-in-progress Finished
goods
Crude Palm Oil / Palm Kernel Oil (tons) 1,346 0 10,405
Rubber (tons) 30,608 0 12,595
Others (units) 0 0 2,884,630
31/12/2022 Raw
materials
Production-in-progress Finished
goods
Crude Palm Oil / Palm Kernel Oil (tons) 667 0 6,079
Rubber (tons) 33,460 0 9,931
Others (units) 0 0 2,150,187

Note 16. Trade receivables (current assets)

EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Trade receivables 19,073,838 23,628,781
Advances and prepayments 4,445,384 4,556,551
TOTAL 23,519,222 28,185,332

Note 17. Other receivables (current assets)

EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Social security 1,017,195 1,250,009
Other receivables (*) 19,953,623 7,313,455
Accrued charges 470,178 432,058
TOTAL 21,440,996 8,995,522

(*) Other receivables include receivables linked to non-operational activities and a receivable of EUR 14.3 million (EUR 1.6 million in 2021) relating to the cash pooling at the level of Socfinaf and its subsidiaries.

The accounting and risk management policies related to receivables are detailed in Notes 1 and 33.

Note 18. Cash and cash equivalents

* Reconciliation with the amounts in the financial statements

EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Current account 63,638,033 63,091,772
TOTAL 63,638,033 63,091,772

* Reconciliation with the cash flow statement

EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Current account 63,638,033 63,091,772
Bank overdrafts (*) -10,695,901 -7,029,326
TOTAL 52,942,132 56,062,446

(*) See also Note 22.

Note 19. Share capital and share premium

Issued and fully paid capital amounted to EUR 35.7 million as at 31st December 2022 (stable compared to 2021). There is a share premium of EUR 87.5 million added to the issued capital.

At 31st December 2022, the share capital is represented by 17,836,650 shares with no designation of par value.

Ordinary shares
31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Number of shares at 31st December 17,836,650 17,836,650
Number of fully paid shares issued without designation of par value 17,836,650 17,836,650

Note 20. Legal reserves

In accordance with Luxembourg commercial law, the Company is required to allocate a minimum of 5% of its net profit for each financial year to a legal reserve. This requirement ceases to be necessary once the balance on the legal reserve reaches 10% of the issued share capital. The legal reserve is not available for distribution to the shareholders.

Note 21. Pension obligations

* Defined benefit pension plan and post-employment sickness

Besides the legislation on social security applicable locally, most of the employees of the Group in Africa benefit from a defined benefit pension plan. The subsidiaries pay benefits in the event of retirement and depending on countries in case of dismissal. The benefits paid are calculated as a percentage of salary and are based on the number of years of service. The plans are governed by the local collective agreements in force in each country. The benefits payable to the staff of the Cameroonian subsidiary Socapalm are financed by assets that include insurance contracts whose price is not quoted on active markets.

EUR 2022 2021
Present value
of obligations
Fair value of
the benefit
plans
Net
amount
recognised
Present
value of
obligations
Fair value
of the
benefit
plans
Net
amount
recognised
Assets and liabilities recognised in the statement of financial position
Present value of obligations 13,689,169 -1,322,634 12,366,535 13,768,201 -1,713,679 12,054,522
Net amount recognised in the
statement of financial position for
defined benefit plans
13,689,169 -1,322,634 12,366,535 13,768,201 -1,713,679 12,054,522
Components of net charge
Current service costs 855,755 855,755 887,817 887,817
Financial costs 1,061,814 23,422 1,085,236 866,521 23,257 889,778
Interest income on plan assets -116,216 -116,216 -106,422 -106,422
Defined benefit plan costs 1,917,569 -92,794 1,824,775 1,754,338 -83,165 1,671,173
Movements in liabilities / net assets recognised in the statement of financial position
At 1st January 13,768,201 -1,713,679 12,054,521 14,593,998 -1,382,636 13,211,362
Costs as per income statement 1,917,569 -92,794 1,824,775 1,754,338 -83,165 1,671,173
Contributions by employer -900,012 -669,194 -1,569,206 -462,666 -664,485 -1,127,151
Costs of services rendered -223,676 223,676 0 -273,567 273,567 0
Actuarial gains and losses of the year
recognised in other comprehensive
income
-954,436 51,880 -902,556 -2,062,162 51,073 -2,011,089
Reclassification of net asset 877,478 877,478 91,967 91,967
Foreign exchange differences 81,522 81,522 218,259 218,259
At 31st December 13,689,168 -1,322,634 12,366,534 13,768,201 -1,713,679 12,054,521

Provisions are based on actuarial valuation reports prepared in January 2023.

* Actuarial gains and losses recognised in other comprehensive income

EUR 2022
Present
value of
obligations
Fair
value
of the
benefit
plans
Net amount
recognised
Present
value of
obligations
Fair
value of
the
benefit
plans
Net amount
recognised
Adjustments of liabilities related to
experience
-269,868 0 -269,868 139,152 0 139,152
Changes in financial assumptions
related to recognised liabilities
1,445,002 0 1,445,002 2,229,828 0 2,229,828
Changes in demographic assumptions
related to recognised liabilities
-220,698 0 -220,698 -306,816 0 -306,816
Return on assets in the plan excl.
interest income
0 -51,880 -51,880 0 -51,073 -51,073
Actuarial gains and losses recognised
during the period in other
comprehensive income
954,436 -51,880 902,556 2,062,164 -51,073 2,011,091

* Actuarial valuation assumptions

2022 2021
AFRICA
Average discount rate from 4.93% to 18.48% from 2.63% to 12.61%
Expected long-term returns of plan assets 170,158 N/A
Future salary increases from 1.74% to 12% from 1.74% to 12%
Average remaining active life of employees (in years) 19.34 19.50

* Sensitivity analysis of the present value of defined benefit obligations

EUR 2022 2021
Actuarial value of the obligation
- Pension plan 13,689,169 13,768,201
- Fair value of plan assets -1,322,634 -1,713,679
Total at 31st December 12,366,535 12,054,522
Actuarial rate (on pension plan)
Increase of 0.5% 13,285,487 13,316,089
Decrease of 0.5% 14,093,019 14,228,460
Expected future salary increases (on pension plan)
Increase of 0.5% 14,067,916 14,197,217
Decrease of 0.5% 13,306,104 13,341,712

The sensitivity analysis is based on the same actuarial method used to measure the obligations of the defined benefit plans.

* Impact of the defined benefit pension plan on future cash flows

2023 2022
Estimated contributions for the next financial year (in euros) 1,810,894 1,394,835
2022 2021
Weighted average duration of defined benefit plan obligations (in years) 6.2 6.7

* Pension scheme with defined benefit obligations

EUR 2022 2021
Accounted expense for the defined contribution pension plan 1,049,949 643,632

Note 22. Financial debts

31/12/2021
EUR < 1 year > 1 year TOTAL
Loans held by financial institutions 13,112,838 42,290,430 55,403,268
Lease liabilities 1,105,090 8,285,305 9,390,395
Other loans (*) 15,446,018 192,389,051 207,835,069
Bank overdrafts (**) 7,029,326 0 7,029,326
TOTAL 36,693,272 242,964,786 279,658,058
31/12/2022
EUR < 1 year > 1 year TOTAL
Loans held by financial institutions 16,872,593 34,606,124 51,478,717
Lease liabilities 1,532,064 8,674,142 10,206,206
Other loans (*) 15,503,351 124,976,156 140,479,507
Bank overdrafts (**) 10,695,901 0 10,695,901
TOTAL 44,603,909 168,256,422 212,860,331

(*) This balance includes an amount of EUR 134.5 million payable to Socfin (2021 : EUR 196.5 million). See note 30.

(**) See also Note 18.

Most of the consolidated borrowings are denominated in Euros or CFA francs (whose parity is linked to the Euro). The fixed interest rates from financial institutions and which are pegged to the Euro vary between 5.00% and 7.09%.

As explained in Note 33, interest rate management is the subject of ongoing management attention.

The Group is in compliance with covenants related to amounts owed to credit institutions.

* Analysis of long-term debt by interest rate

31/12/2021
EUR Fixed Rate Rate Floating rate Rate TOTAL
Loans held by financial institutions
Côte d'Ivoire 6,940,138 5.50% to 6.50% 0 - 6,940,138
Nigeria 18,203,287 5.00% to 10.00% 0 - 18,203,287
Liberia 2,462,387 7.60% 0 - 2,462,387
Cameroon 6,559,618 5.75% to 6.80% 0 - 6,559,618
Ghana 8,125,000 4.00% 0 - 8,125,000
42,290,430 0 42,290,430
Other loans
Europe 120,000,000 4.25% 66,463,935 3-months LIBOR
+6.95%
186,463,935
Sierra Leone 5,925,116 3.00% 0 - 5,925,116
125,925,116 66,463,935 192,389,051
TOTAL 168,215,546 66,463,935 234,679,481
31/12/2022
EUR Fixed Rate Rate Floating rate Rate TOTAL
Loans held by financial institutions
Côte d'Ivoire 2,647,567 5.50% to 6.50% 0 - 2,647,567
Nigeria 17,197,310 5.00% to 10.00% 0 - 17,197,310
Liberia 1,699,592 7.60% 0 - 1,699,592
Cameroon 8,186,656 5.00% to 7.09% 0 - 8,186,656
Ghana 4,874,999 4.00% 0 - 4,874,999
34,606,124 0 34,606,124
Other loans
Europe 120,000,000 4.25% 0 120,000,000
Sierra Leone 4,976,157 3.00% 0 - 4,976,157
124,976,157 0 124,976,157

* Long-term debt analysis by currency

31/12/2021 EUR CFA NGN STN USD GHS CDF TOTAL EUR
Loans held by financial institutions 8,125,000 13,499,755 18,203,287 0 2,462,388 0 0 42,290,430
Other loans 186,463,936 2 0 0 5,925,114 0 0 192,389,052
Lease liabilities 0 6,332,507 271,450 289,187 1,306,092 47,996 38,071 8,285,303
TOTAL 194,588,936 19,832,264 18,474,737 289,187 9,693,594 47,996 38,071 242,964,785
31/12/2022 EUR CFA NGN STN USD GHS CDF TOTAL EUR
Loans held by financial institutions 4,874,999 10,834,222 17,197,310 0 1,699,592 0 0 34,606,123
Other loans 120,000,000 0 0 0 4,976,156 0 0 124,976,156
Lease liabilities 0 6,901,010 65,318 268,436 1,364,985 35,690 38,702 8,674,141

* Long-term debt analysis by maturity

* Net cash surplus / (net debt)

31/12/2021
EUR 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 and
above
TOTAL
Loans held by financial institutions 16,450,747 10,138,166 5,394,772 3,669,989 6,636,756 42,290,430
Lease liabilities 879,920 527,871 152,648 105,521 6,619,345 8,285,305
Other loans 9,719,243 (*) 9,719,243 (*) 9,719,243 (*) 196,183,178 (*) 5,925,115 231,266,022
TOTAL 27,049,910 20,385,280 15,266,663 199,958,688 19,181,216 281,841,757

(*) those amounts correspond to the interests and capital to be repaid on the EUR 120 million and USD 74.8 million long-term loans, disclosed in Note 30.

31/12/2022
EUR 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 and
above
TOTAL
Loans held by financial institutions 13,888,998 7,702,455 4,539,071 3,950,392 4,525,209 34,606,125
Lease liabilities 1,220,841 606,192 278,971 73,687 6,494,450 8,674,141
Other loans 5,100,000 (*) 5,100,000 (*) 125,100,000 (*) 0 4,976,156 140,276,156
TOTAL 20,209,839 13,408,647 129,918,042 4,024,079 15,995,815 183,556,422

(*) those amounts correspond to the interests and capital to be repaid on the EUR 120 million long-term loan, disclosed in Note 30.

EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Cash and cash equivalents 63,638,033 63,091,772
Long-term debt net of current portion -159,582,280 -234,679,480
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt -43,071,844 -35,588,183
Lease liabilities -10,206,207 -9,390,396
Net debt -149,222,298 -216,566,287
Cash and cash equivalents 63,638,033 63,091,772
Loan bearing interest at a fixed rate -188,042,341 -193,747,432
Loan bearing interest at a variable rate -14,611,784 -76,520,231
Lease liabilities -10,206,207 -9,390,396
Net debt -149,222,298 -216,566,287

* Reconciliation of net cash surplus / (net debt)

Cash and
cash
equivalents
Long-term
debt, net of
current
portion
Short-term
debt and
current
portion of
long-term
debt
Debt
related to
leases
TOTAL
At 1st January 2021 35,372,990 -134,841,335 -161,910,543 -9,599,122 -270,978,010
Cash flows 27,161,205 -22,418,673 52,262,491 1,595,201 58,600,224
Foreign exchange
differences
557,575 -1,048,465 -90,876 -99,356 -681,122
Transfers 0 -76,371,003 74,150,742 0 -2,220,261
Other movements with no
impact on cash flows
0 0 0 -1,287,115 -1,287,115
At 31st December 2021 63,091,770 -234,679,476 -35,588,186 -9,390,392 -216,566,284
Cash flows 992,576 66,189,365 21,018,464 1,737,556 89,937,961
Foreign exchange
differences
-446,314 1,813,057 1,020,847 -78,293 2,309,297
Transfers 0 17,174,509 -29,522,972 0 -12,348,463
Other movements with no
impact on cash flows
0 -10,079,732 0 -2,475,073 -12,554,805
At 31st December 2022 63,638,032 -159,582,277 -43,071,847 -10,206,202 -149,222,294

Note 23. Trade and other payables

EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Non-current other payables 6,005,421 7,401,156
Trade creditors: suppliers 42,111,681 34,257,187
Advances received and invoices to be received 8,074,757 9,590,674
Subtotal trade payables 50,186,438 43,847,861
Staff cost liabilities 5,102,003 5,201,155
Other payables (*) 48,178,657 51,170,778
Accruals (**) 9,167,312 12,504,635
Subtotal current other payables 62,447,972 68,876,568
TOTAL 118,639,831 120,125,585
Non-current liabilities 6,005,421 7,401,156
Current liabilities 112,634,410 112,724,429

(*) Other payables consist mainly of shareholder loans amounting to EUR 40.4 million (EUR 40.4 million in 2021) as well as debt of EUR 0.3 million (EUR 2.2 million in 2021) relating to the cash pooling at the level of Socfinaf. See also Note 30.

(**) This amount includes Okomu grant part of the loans, for EUR 6.2 million (2021: EUR 8.1 million).

Note 24. Financial instruments

31/12/2021 Loans and
borrowings
Financial
assets at
fair value
through
other
comprehensi
ve income
Other
financial
assets and
liabilities
TOTAL Loans and
borrowings
(*)
Other
financial
assets and
liabilities (*)
EUR At cost At fair value At cost At fair value At fair value
Assets
Financial assets at fair value
through other comprehensive
income
0 38 0 38 0 0
Long-term advances 1,390,426 0 355,294 1,745,720 1,390,426 355,294
Other non-current assets 0 0 1,743,808 1,743,808 0 1,743,808
Trade receivables 0 0 28,185,332 28,185,332 0 28,185,332
Other receivables 0 0 8,995,522 8,995,522 0 8,995,522
Cash and cash equivalents 0 0 63,091,772 63,091,772 0 63,091,772
Total Assets 1,390,426 38 102,371,728 103,762,192 1,390,426 102,371,728
Liabilities
Long-term debts (**) 234,679,480 0 0 234,679,480 234,682,961 0
Other non-current liabilities 0 0 7,401,156 7,401,156 0 7,401,156
Short-term debts (**) 28,558,856 0 7,029,327 35,588,183 28,558,856 7,029,327
Trade payables (current) 0 0 43,847,861 43,847,861 0 43,847,861
Other payables (current) (**) 0 0 68,876,568 68,876,568 0 68,876,568
Total Liabilities 263,238,336 0 127,154,912 390,393,248 263,241,817 127,154,912

(*) For information purposes.

(**) See note 22.

31/12/2021 Fair Value
EUR Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TOTAL
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 0 0 38 38
31/12/2022 Loans and
borrowings
Financial assets
at fair value
through other
comprehensive
income
Other
financial
assets and
liabilities
TOTAL Loans and
borrowings
(*)
Other
financial
assets and
liabilities (*)
EUR At cost At fair value At cost At fair value At fair value
Assets
Financial assets at fair
value through other
comprehensive income
0 300,038 0 300,038 0 0
Long-term advances 1,231,712 0 433,058 1,664,770 1,231,712 433,058
Other non-current assets 0 0 2,619,576 2,619,576 0 2,619,576
Trade receivables 0 0 23,519,222 23,519,222 0 23,519,222
Other receivables 0 0 21,440,996 21,440,996 0 21,440,996
Cash and cash equivalents 0 0 63,638,033 63,638,033 0 63,638,033
Total Assets 1,231,712 300,038 111,650,885 113,182,635 1,231,712 111,650,885
Liabilities
Long-term debts (**) 159,582,280 0 0 159,582,280 159,078,419 0
Other non-current
liabilities
0 0 6,005,421 6,005,421 0 6,005,421
Short-term debts (**) 32,375,944 0 10,695,900 43,071,844 32,375,944 10,695,900
Trade payables (current) 0 0 50,186,438 50,186,438 0 50,186,438
Other payables (current)
(**)
0 0 77,059,462 77,059,462 0 77,059,462
Total Liabilities 191,958,224 0 129,335,730 321,293,954 191,454,363 129,335,730

(*) For information purposes.

(**) See note 22.

31/12/2022 Fair Value
EUR Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TOTAL
Financial assets at fair value through other
comprehensive income
0 0 300,038 300,038

The Group did not identify significant differences between the carrying amount of the loans and their fair value.

Note 25. Staff costs and average number of staff

Staff costs
EUR
2022 2021
Remuneration 67,210,544 62,844,015
Social security and pension expenses 7,056,194 7,042,368
TOTAL 74,266,738 69,886,383
Average number of employees 2022 2021
Directors 106 107
Employees 4,534 3,870
Workers (including temporary workers) 20,813 20,619
TOTAL 25,453 24,596

Note 26. Other financial income

EUR 2022 2021
Interest from receivables and cash and cash equivalents 346,457 257,883
Exchange gains 8,040,379 3,681,686
Others 267,079 2,385,209
TOTAL 8,653,915 6,324,778

Note 27. Financial expenses

EUR 2022 2021
Interest and finance expense 14,896,038 13,986,514
Interest expense on lease liabilities 1,041,390 954,891
Exchange losses 24,584,287 6,859,672
Others 641,659 562,031
TOTAL 41,163,374 22,363,108

Note 28. Net earnings per share

The undiluted net earnings per share (basic) is the profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. As there are no potential dilutive ordinary shares, the diluted net earnings per share is identical to the undiluted net earnings per share.

2022 2021
Net profit / (loss) for the period (in euros) 75,584,548 72,028,965
Average number of shares 17,836,650 17,836,650
Net earnings per share undiluted (in euros) 4.24 4.04

Note 29. Dividends and Directors' fees

The Board will propose to the Annual General Meeting of 30th May 2023 not to pay any dividend.

2022 2021
Dividends and interim dividends distributed during the period 0 0
Number of shares 17,836,650 17,836,650
Dividend per share distributed during the period 0.00 0.00

Note 30. Information on related party

* Directors' remuneration

EUR 2022 2021
Short-term benefits 356,995 863,648

* Other related party transactions

31/12/2021
EUR Parent Associates Other related
parties
TOTAL
Non-current assets
Long-term advances 0 590,000 0 590,000
0 590,000 0 590,000
Current assets
Trade receivables 0 21,424,833 6,598 21,431,431
Other receivables (Note 17) 0 2,233,336 5,636 2,238,972
0 23,658,169 12,234 23,670,403
Non-current liabilities
Financial debts (Note 22) 186,463,934 5,925,115 0 192,389,049
186,463,934 5,925,115 0 192,389,049
Current liabilities
Financial debts (Note 22) 10,056,296 15,780 0 10,072,076
Trade payables 0 13,718,264 39,713 13,757,977
Other payables (Note 23) 0 7,310,533 40,404,934 47,715,467
10,056,296 21,044,577 40,444,647 71,545,519
Income statement
Services and goods delivered 0 210,672,282 0 210,672,282
Services and goods received 0 33,154,829 116,812 33,271,641
Financial income 0 -57,869 0 -57,869
Financial expenses 6,327,238 219,006 4,344,109 10,890,353
31/12/2022
EUR Parent Associates Other
related
parties
TOTAL
Non-current assets
Long-term advances 0 130,000 280,000 410,000
0 130,000 280,000 410,000
Current assets
Trade receivables 0 14,712,028 0 14,712,028
Other receivables (Note 17) 0 15,122,089 7,464 15,129,553
0 29,834,117 7,464 29,841,581
Non-current liabilities
Financial debts (Note 22) 120,000,000 4,976,156 0 124,976,156
120,000,000 4,976,156 0 124,976,156
Current liabilities
Financial debts (Note 22) 14,611,491 292 0 14,611,783
Trade payables 0 15,503,605 71,063 15,574,668
Other payables (Note 23) 0 3,159,945 40,406,140 43,566,085
14,611,491 18,663,842 40,477,203 73,752,536
Income statement
Services and goods delivered 0 247,471,984 0 247,471,984
Services and goods received 0 45,273,521 681,422 45,954,943
Financial income 0 69,462 0 69,462
Financial expenses 8,835,902 520,375 1,600,000 10,956,277

Related party transactions are carried out at arm's length.

Other related party transactions are carried out with Bolloré Participations and Palmboomen Cultuur Maatschappij (Mopoli).

Mopoli is a Dutch company which is majority owned by Mr Hubert Fabri through Financière Privée, which also owns Socfin.

Bolloré Participations is a shareholder and director of Socfinaf.

In 2014, Socfinaf obtained a cash advance of EUR 35 million from Mopoli. This advance bears an annual interest (net of tax) of 4%. Interest is payable in arrears at the end of each calendar quarter. The amount of interest recognised for the year 2022 is EUR 0.8 million. At 31st December 2022, the outstanding balance amounts to EUR 20.2 million and is repayable on demand with final maturity on July 2024.

In 2016, Socfinaf obtained a loan of EUR 20 million from Bolloré Participations. The loan has an annual interest rate of 4%. The amount of interest recognised for the year 2022 is EUR 0.8 million. At 31st December 2022, the outstanding balance amounts to EUR 20.2 million and is repayable on demand with final maturity on June 2024.

Socfinaf did not pay any dividend in 2022 to its parent company Socfin (2021: nil). Socfinaf has borrowed an amount of EUR 120.0 million from Socfin (2021: EUR 120.7 million and USD 75.8 million). Annual interests at rate of 4.25% is payable on this loan. As such, Socfinaf has paid an interest of EUR 8.8 million in 2022 compared to EUR 6.3 million in 2021.

Note 31. Off balance sheet commitments

In 2019, a subsidiary of Socfinaf, Okomu Oil Palm Company obtained a loan of Naira 10 billion, which contract stipulates that Okomu will use as mortgage guarantee, up to the loan granted, the 11,416 ha plantation. At 31st December 2022, the balance of the loan amounts to EUR 15 million (2021: EUR 14 million).

In 2019, a subsidiary of Socfinaf, Plantations Socfinaf Ghana (PSG), obtained a loan of EUR 16.5 million for the construction of an oil mill. This loan consists of a credit line of EUR 15 million and a bank overdraft of EUR 1.5 million. The contract stipulates that PSG pledges the oil mill as mortgage guarantee, up to the amount of the loan granted. At 31st December 2022, the balance of the loan amounts to EUR 8.1 million (2021: EUR 11.4 million) and the overdraft to nil (2020: nil).

In 2021, a subsidiary of Socfinaf, Okomu Oil Palm Company obtained a loan of Naira 2 billion, whose contract stipulates that Okomu will use as mortgage guarantee, up to the loan granted, the 11,416 ha plantation. At 31st December 2022, the balance of the loan amounts to EUR 3 million (2021: EUR 3 million).

Note 32. Segment information

In accordance with IFRS 8, the information analysed by management is based on the geographical distribution of political and economic risks. As a result, the sectors presented are Europe, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, São Tomé and Principe and Congo (DRC).

Products from the Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon operating sectors come from the palm oil and rubber sales, those from the Liberia sector are only from the rubber sales, those from Sierra Leone, Ghana, São Tomé and Principe and Congo (DRC) come solely from the palm oil sales. Those in the Europe segment come from the provision of administrative services, assistance in managing the areas under plantation and the marketing of products outside the Group. The segment result of the Group is the profit from operations.

The stated figures originate from internal reporting. They do not include any consolidation or IFRS adjustments or restatements and are therefore not directly comparable to amounts reported in the consolidated statement of financial position and income statement.

* Segmental breakdown of profit / (loss) at 31st December 2021

EUR Revenue from
ordinary business
with external
customers
Revenue from
ordinary business
between segments
Segmental profit
/ (loss) (*)
Europe 0 0 -3,136,523
Sierra Leone 46,760,015 0 19,240,229
Liberia 36,783,462 0 5,538,511
Côte d'Ivoire 176,301,157 69,873 37,488,425
Ghana 26,377,673 0 13,096,295
Nigeria 79,363,158 0 34,174,303
Cameroon 143,222,868 0 33,644,277
São Tomé and Principe 4,776,845 0 -1,691,862
Congo (DRC) 13,117,259 0 -2,058,986
TOTAL 526,702,438 69,873 136,294,671
Elimination of revenue from intra-group activities -69,873
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of bearer plants -391,200
Fair value of agricultural production 8,260,872
Other IFRS adjustments 437,779
Consolidation adjustments (intra-group and others) -1,653,346
Financial income 7,128,210
Financial expenses -25,967,364
Group share of income from associates 7,264,010
Income tax expense -29,575,746
Net Profit / (loss) for the period 101,728,012

(*) Profit / (loss) for the period include operating expenses.

* Segmental breakdown of profit / (loss) at 31st December 2022
----------------------------------------------------------------
EUR Revenue from
ordinary business
with external
customers
Revenue from
ordinary business
between segments
Segmental profit /
(loss) (*)
Europe 0 0 -2,823,953
Sierra Leone 58,553,604 0 21,826,293
Liberia 40,756,657 0 1,747,945
Côte d'Ivoire 200,451,040 136,882 38,224,054
Ghana 33,083,346 0 18,234,769
Nigeria 133,279,822 0 56,251,979
Cameroon 147,069,445 0 34,187,590
São Tomé and Principe 7,781,775 0 779,099
Congo (DRC) 16,366,246 0 -398,915
TOTAL 637,341,934 136,882 168,028,860
Elimination of revenue from intra-group activities -136,882
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of bearer plants -2,822,669
Fair value of agricultural production 5,789,099
Other IFRS adjustments 98,142
Consolidation adjustments (intra-group and others) 4,373,045
Financial income 8,730,381
Financial expenses -42,996,783
Group share of income from associates 11,297,778
Income tax expense -42,711,080
Net Profit / (loss) for the period 109,649,891

(*) Profit / (loss) for the period include other expenses for EUR 132.3 million, corresponding mainly to external services invoiced to plantations and related directly to the operational activity (road maintenance, …), and other operating expenses for EUR 25.1 million not related directly to the operational activity (other taxes, property taxes, …).

* Total segmental assets

EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Europe 2,063,733 10,019,752
Sierra Leone 128,721,882 132,030,565
Liberia 121,732,913 115,585,545
Côte d'Ivoire 166,346,688 170,140,614
Ghana 57,837,090 78,724,410
Nigeria 145,216,147 139,257,028
Cameroon 184,081,225 175,101,980
São Tomé and Principe 28,111,519 27,822,826
Congo (DRC) 68,260,622 68,664,450
Total at 31st December 902,371,819 917,347,171
IFRS 3 / IAS 16: Bearer plants -25,692,506 -23,504,111
IAS 2 / IAS 41: Agricultural production 11,304,647 6,128,867
Other IFRS adjustments -7,621,916 -5,870,896
Consolidation adjustments (intra-group and others) -55,200,786 -70,015,375
Total consolidated segmental assets 825,161,258 824,085,657
Consolidated assets not included in segmental assets
Right-of-use assets 8,169,574 7,484,998
Investments in associates 27,288,358 23,619,982
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 300,038 38
Long-term advances 1,664,770 1,745,720
Deferred tax 4,513,652 9,421,068
Other non-current assets 2,619,576 1,743,807
Consolidated non-current assets 44,555,968 44,015,612
Other debtors 21,440,996 8,995,522
Current tax assets 12,438,610 13,378,526
Consolidated current assets 33,879,606 22,374,048
Total of consolidated assets in the segmental assets 78,435,573 66,389,660
Total assets 903,596,831 890,475,316

Segmental assets are not part of internal reporting, they are included to meet the requirements of IFRS 8. They are derived from internal reporting and do not take into account any consolidation or IFRS restatements. The segmental assets include fixed assets, biological assets, trade receivables, inventories, cash and cash equivalents.

* Total segmental liabilities

EUR 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Europe 55,702,251 42,790,016
Sierra Leone 3,426,717 1,538,755
Liberia 13,882,723 15,247,453
Côte d'Ivoire 22,364,064 17,484,516
Ghana 1,066,056 972,502
Nigeria 6,950,565 9,223,850
Cameroon 20,840,351 25,172,132
São Tomé and Principe 3,492,126 3,468,418
Congo (DRC) 1,045,995 3,650,948
Total at 31st December 128,770,849 119,548,589
Other IFRS adjustments 104,157 48,895
Consolidation adjustments (intra-group and others) -16,240,597 -6,873,055
Total consolidated segmental liabilities 112,634,409 112,724,429
Consolidated liabilities not included in segmental liabilities
Total equity 509,236,261 436,481,961
Non-current liabilities 195,848,335 273,829,367
Current financial debts 43,071,844 35,588,183
Current lease liabilities 1,532,064 1,105,090
Current tax liabilities 40,651,438 30,408,824
Provisions 622,480 337,462
Total consolidated liabilities not included in segmental liabilities 790,962,422 777,750,887
Total equity and liabilities 903,596,831 890,475,316

The segmental liabilities include trade payables and other payables.

* Costs incurred for acquisition of segmental assets during 2021

EUR Intangible
assets
Tangible assets Biological
assets
TOTAL
Sierra Leone 0 2,207,733 0 2,207,733
Liberia 0 1,613,464 3,808,942 5,422,406
Côte d'Ivoire 3,666 6,125,172 4,144,678 10,273,516
Ghana 0 1,978,271 137,231 2,115,502
Nigeria 0 27,082,944 1,632,191 28,715,135
Cameroon 0 9,970,796 3,177,201 13,147,997
São Tomé and Principe 0 256,352 0 256,352
Congo (DRC) 0 781,126 0 781,126
TOTAL 3,666 50,015,858 12,900,242 62,919,767

* Costs incurred for acquisition of segmental assets during 2022

EUR Intangible
assets
Tangible assets Biological
assets
TOTAL
Sierra Leone 0 2,125,221 0 2,125,221
Liberia 0 2,197,106 898,587 3,095,694
Côte d'Ivoire 32,003 5,966,349 3,393,844 9,392,196
Ghana 0 2,277,025 0 2,277,025
Nigeria 0 22,269,520 827,710 23,097,230
Cameroon 0 10,862,418 3,144,690 14,007,108
São Tomé and Principe 0 275,584 0 275,584
Congo (DRC) 0 906,694 0 906,694
TOTAL 32,003 46,879,918 8,264,832 55,176,752

* Information by sector of activity

Revenue from external customers:

EUR 2022 2021
Palm 408,462,769 327,502,389
Rubber 222,252,985 195,905,903
Other agricultural activities 469,211 657,341
Others 6,156,969 2,636,805
TOTAL 637,341,934 526,702,437

* Information by geographical region

Revenue from external customers by origin of the customers and geographical location:

EUR 2021
Geographical
Location
Origin
Europe Côte
d'Ivoire
Nigeria Cameroon Congo Sierra
Leone
Other
African
countries
Rest of the
world
TOTAL
Sierra Leone 4,084,258 0 0 2,382,645 0 40,293,112 0 0 46,760,015
Liberia 36,783,462 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36,783,462
Côte d'Ivoire 114,868,414 32,387,669 11,377 33,785 3,023 51,792 1,480,759 27,464,339 176,301,157
Ghana 0 0 0 0 0 0 26,377,673 0 26,377,673
Nigeria 0 0 79,363,159 0 0 0 0 0 79,363,159
Cameroon 12,570,689 0 0 130,652,179 0 0 0 0 143,222,868
São Tomé and Principe 4,341,409 0 0 287,851 0 0 147,585 0 4,776,845
Congo (DRC) 0 0 0 0 13,117,259 0 0 0 13,117,259
TOTAL 172,648,231 32,387,669 79,374,536 133,356,460 13,120,282 40,344,905 28,006,017 27,464,339 526,702,438
EUR 2022
Geographical
Location
Origin
Europe Liberia Côte
d'Ivoire
Nigeria Cameroon Congo Sierra
Leone
Other
African
countries
Rest of the
world
TOTAL
Sierra Leone 3,356,599 0 0 0 0 0 55,197,004 0 0 58,553,603
Liberia 40,635,339 121,318 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 40,756,657
Côte d'Ivoire 130,232,762 0 31,878,695 0 0 0 0 2,350,374 35,989,209 200,451,040
Ghana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33,083,346 0 33,083,346
Nigeria 0 0 0 133,279,822 0 0 0 0 0 133,279,822
Cameroon 15,688,005 0 0 412,650 130,968,790 0 0 0 0 147,069,445
São Tomé and Principe 7,196,400 0 0 0 205,800 0 0 379,575 0 7,781,775
Congo (DRC) 0 0 0 0 0 16,366,246 0 0 0 16,366,246
TOTAL 197,109,105 121,318 31,878,695 133,692,472 131,174,590 16,366,246 55,197,004 35,813,294 35,989,209 637,341,934

* Information by business segment and revenue category

Revenue from external customers by business segment and geographical area:

EUR 2021
Category
Business Segment
Palm Rubber Other
agricultural
products
TOTAL
Sierra Leone 46,760,015 0 0 46,760,015
Liberia 0 36,783,462 0 36,783,462
Côte d'Ivoire 36,369,827 137,737,562 2,193,768 176,301,157
Ghana 25,714,194 391,733 271,746 26,377,673
Nigeria 67,439,332 11,787,948 135,878 79,363,158
Cameroon 133,324,917 9,205,198 692,753 143,222,868
São Tomé and Principe 4,776,845 0 0 4,776,845
Congo (DRC) 13,117,259 0 0 13,117,259
TOTAL 327,502,389 195,905,903 3,294,145 526,702,438
EUR 2022
Category
Business Segment
Palm Rubber Other
agricultural
products
TOTAL
Sierra Leone 58,553,604 0 0 58,553,604
Liberia 0 40,635,339 121,318 40,756,657
Côte d'Ivoire 39,919,401 157,537,222 2,994,417 200,451,040
Ghana 31,991,119 968,476 123,751 33,083,346
Nigeria 120,757,226 12,346,955 175,641 133,279,822
Cameroon 133,093,402 10,764,990 3,211,053 147,069,445
São Tomé and Principe 7,781,775 0 0 7,781,775
Congo (DRC) 16,366,246 0 0 16,366,246
TOTAL 408,462,773 222,252,981 6,626,180 637,341,934

Note 33. Risk management

Capital management

The Group manages its capital and adjusts accordingly in response to changes in economic conditions and investment opportunities. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may issue new shares, repay part of the capital or adjust the payment of dividends to shareholders.

The Group also manages its capital by close monitoring of the ratio of debt over equity.

Financial risk

The financial risk for the companies within the Group comes mainly from changes in the selling price of agricultural commodities, foreign exchange and to a lesser extent, interest rate movements.

Potential risk

None of the countries in which the Group operates has a hyperinflationary economy or suffers from an immediate threat of price devaluation. Nevertheless, in a minority of countries in which the Group operates, the political system and economic stability remain fragile and could lead to currency devaluation or hyperinflation.

Risk management and opportunities

The Group regularly reviews its sources of financing as well as currency movements and its decisions are based on a variety of risks and opportunities which are themselves based on several factors including interest rates, currency and counterparties.

Market risk

* Price risk in commodities market

Potential risk

The Group markets its finished products at prices which may be influenced by commodity prices in international markets. It therefore faces the risk of volatility in the prices of these commodities.

Risk management and opportunities

The main policy of the Group's companies has always been to control its production costs in order to generate margins for the viability of structures in the event of a significant drop in the selling prices of raw materials and conversely to generate profit margins during the market downturns.

In parallel with this main policy, secondary policies have also been implemented to improve or consolidate profit margins:

  • production of agricultural products of superior quality and branded, in particular for rubber and;
  • use of the Group's expertise in the commercial sector.

The Group reduces its exposure to price risk by investing into different geographical markets and products.

* Foreign currency risk

Potential risk

The Group carries out transactions in local currencies, mainly being US dollar and Nigerian naira. In addition, financial instruments hedging against exchange rate fluctuations may not be available for certain currencies. This creates exposure to exchange rate fluctuations which may have an impact on the financial result denominated in euro.

In Nigeria, the availability of hard currency is extremely limited. The gap between the central bank rate (CBN) and OTC rates is widening, reaching 30 to 35% in 2022. For consolidation purposes, the Group uses the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rates. These rates are disclosed in Note 1.9 to the financial statements. The impact of the Group's Nigerian operations on the consolidated result is disclosed in Note 32 (Segment information) to the financial statements.

Risk management and opportunities

Apart from the current currency hedging instruments for operational transactions, which remain relatively limited, the main policy of the Group is to finance its development projects in local currencies in the region given the significant investments made in the plantations and wherever possible, to reduce borrowings.

* Interest rate risk

Potential risk

This risk includes a change in cash flows relating to short-term borrowings (often on a variable rate) and the relatively high level of base interest rates on cash and cash equivalents and developing markets when borrowing in local currency.

Risk management and opportunities

The first risk is put under control by an active policy of monitoring the evolution of local financial markets and sometimes short-term debt consolidation in the long term, if necessary. The second risk is considered by a systematic policy of putting local and international banks in competition with international lenders who can offer real investment and development opportunities at attractive rates.

Credit risk

Potential risk

Credit risk arises from the potential inability of clients to meet their contractual obligations.

Risk management and opportunities

To manage this risk, the Group ensures the payment of local sales in cash or the guarantee of the receivables by obtaining approved bills of exchange. The export sales of the plantations are centralised in the Group's sales structure, which applies either a cash payment policy or a commercial credit policy whose limits are defined by its Board of Directors.

Details on impairment of financial assets and liabilities, including measurement of expected credit losses, are disclosed in note 1.18.

Liquidity risk

Potential risk

Liquidity risk is defined as the risk that the Group cannot meet its obligations on time or at a reasonable price. This risk is mainly impacting plantations which are both the main source of cash and financing needs.

Risk management and opportunities

Given the specific economic and technological environment of each plantation, the Group manages this risk in a decentralised manner. However, both the cash available and the implementation of the financing are supervised by the Group management.

The Group chooses, whenever possible, to maintain financial liabilities and cash position (as mentioned respectively in Notes 22 and 18) with low credit risk institutions.

Emerging market risks

Potential risk

Current or future political instability in certain countries in which the Group operates may affect the ability to do business, generate revenue and impact the Group's profitability.

The political system in some of the Group's markets remains relatively fragile and remains potentially threatened by cross-border conflicts or wars between rival groups.

Risk management and opportunities

The Group's activities contribute to improve the quality of life in the countries in which the Group operates while improving the stability of its markets may lead to an appreciation of the value of the Group's companies located locally.

Diversifying the geographic mix of countries, economies and currencies in which the Group generates its revenues and cash flows reduces its exposure to emerging market risk.

The Group is aware of the environmental and social responsibility it has towards the local population and is implementing initiatives to this end.

Risk of expropriation

Potential risk

Certain countries in which the Group operates have political regimes that may call into question foreign commercial interests by limiting their activities and may attempt to impose control over the Group's assets.

Risk management and opportunities

The diversification of the geographical distribution of the countries in which the Group generates its revenues and its cash flows reduces its exposure to this risk.

Credibility risk

Potential risk

The Group is exposed to the risk of loss of confidence of the financial markets in relation to its ability to maintain a sound financial health considering:

  • its environmental impact,
  • its social responsibility and
  • the economic and geopolitical risks that certain Group entities may face.

Risk management and opportunities

The Group has published its responsible management policy in 2017, updated in 2022. This complements the Group's sustainable development commitments, formalised in 2012.

The Group's initiatives to monitor this risk are detailed in the information provided in the annual sustainable development report available on request at Group headquarters.

Risk sensitivity

* Exchange rate risk

The Group is exposed to changes in value arising from fluctuations in exchange rates generated by its operating activities. However, as local turnover were made in the local currency and export sales are made in US dollar, the Group's exposure is limited to fluctuations in dollar against the euro. The impact on the result of a 10% increase or decrease (EUR/USD) in foreign currency financial instruments amounts to EUR 1.3 million.

Where the currency from sale is not the functional currency of the company and that currency is linked to a strong currency, the conversion is ensured at the time of the conclusion of the contract. Local turnover in local currency in 2022 (including US dollars) amounted to EUR 389.8 million. The global sales (mainly concluded in US dollars) in 2022 amounted to EUR 247.5 million.

* Interest rate risk

The breakdown of fixed rate loans and variable rate loans is described in Note 22. Following the variable rate loan arrangement entered into by Socfinaf in 2021, the Group is exposed to interest rate risk. To control this risk, the management closely monitors the interests rate evolution.

* Credit risk

At 31st December 2022, the trade receivables from global customers and local customers amount to EUR 14.8 million and EUR 8.8 million respectively. Accounts receivable from global customers are mainly receivables related to the sale of rubber. Palm oil is sold locally to local players (wide range of customers). The marketing of rubber is entrusted to Sogescol FR (equity accounted company). It trades either on the physical markets or directly with end customers.

EUR 2022 2021
Trade receivables 25,333,540 30,060,830
Provision incurred mainly on non-operational receivables -1,814,318 -1,875,498
Other receivables 21,440,996 8,995,522
Total net receivables 44,960,218 37,180,854
Amount not yet due 44,704,982 36,392,777
Amount due less than 6 months 0 12,761
Amount due for more than 6 months and less than one year 255,236 755,648
Amount due for more than one year 0 19,668
Total net receivables 44,960,218 37,180,854

Note 34. Contingent liabilities

Société des Caoutchoucs du Grand Bereby ("SOGB"), a public limited company incorporated under Ivorian law and subsidiary of the Group, is involved in a dispute with the Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale ("CNPS") of the Côte d'Ivoire. This dispute concerns the tax audit of the benefits in kind that SOGB should have paid to CNPS for having provided housing to its employees.

Following an initial analysis for the period from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2013, CNPS estimated an amount due of CFA 182 million, equivalent to EUR 277,000. Based on SOGB's calculations, the amount owed is CFA 32 million, equivalent to EUR 48,000.

Following a contestation, the case was brought before the Court of Sassandra. The latter invited the two parties to reach an amicable settlement of the dispute between them and to submit a transactional agreement, if necessary.

In the absence of an amicable settlement of the dispute, it would be up to the Sassandra Court to rule on the merits.

The CNPS carried out a second analysis covering the years 2014 through 2018. The CNPS added to the previous amount a sum of CFA 1,650 million, equivalent to EUR 2.5 million. The SOGB has recorded a provision of CFA 250 million, equivalent to EUR 381,000, which corresponds to the amount it considers to be effectively due.

The issue of housing on plantations in rural areas is a general one and concerns most agricultural and forestry companies, particularly those in the rubber, oil palm and banana sectors.

For this reason, actions have been taken by companies in the sector, supported by the Union of Agricultural and Forestry Companies ("UNEMAF") and the General Confederation of Companies of Côte d'Ivoire ("CGECI"), to obtain a clear position from the CNPS on this issue.

The CNPS had always granted a tolerance concerning the determination of benefits in kind constituted by the provision of housing in rural areas.

A proposal for arbitration was submitted to the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection by a working group comprising members of CGECI and UNEMAF. Working group meetings were scheduled to take place in the course of 2020, but these were postponed due to the health situation and have not been resumed to date.

At the date of the closing of the accounts, the amicable procedure is therefore still in progress. Its outcome will determine whether or not the case is referred to the Sassandra Court, which alone has the power to enforce the parties. Insofar as there is no legal constraint to date, and based on the above, management is of the opinion that no provision should be recorded because the probability of a claim is very low.

Note 35. Political and economic environment

The Company holds interests in subsidiaries operating in Africa.

Given the economic and political instability in some of the related African countries (Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, São Tomé and Principe and Congo DRC), these holdings pose a risk in terms of exposure to political and economic changes.

Note 36. Events after the closing date

On 24th February 2023, Socfinaf early repaid an amount of USD 14,750,000 i.e. EUR 13,828,989 to Socfin as a final reimbursement of the loan in USD.

Note 37. Auditor's fees

EUR 2022 2021
Audit (VAT included) 758,845 683,798

The audit fees include all fees paid to the independent statutory auditor of the Group namely EY as well as those paid to member firms within EY network for the relevant years. No consulting work or other non-audit services have been performed by this firm in 2022 or in 2021.

Company's management report

Presented by the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting of 30th May 2023

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are pleased to present our annual report and to submit for your approval the annual accounts of our Company at 31st December 2022.

Activities

Socfinaf holds financial interests in portfolio companies which operate directly or indirectly in tropical Africa in the rubber and palm oil sectors.

Result for the period

The profit and loss account for the year, compared to that of the previous year, is as follows:

(million EUR) 2022 2021
INCOME
Value adjustments in respect of financial assets 0.4 3.0
Income from equity investments
Dividends received 46.9 32.9
Capital gain on disposal of financial fixed assets 0.1 0.7
Other interest receivable and similar income 7.4 3.4
Total income 54.8 40.0
EXPENSES
Impairment:
On financial assets 66.1
(1)
12.0
Other external expenses 2.9 3.3
Interest payable and similar expenses 18.6 14.2
Income tax 4.7 4.0
Total expenses 92.3 33.5
LOSS /PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR -37.5 6.5

(1) At 31st December 2022, the Board of Directors decided to reduce the acquisition value of Brabanta by EUR 17,868,990 and the value of its loan by EUR 48,250,914.

Revenue from financial assets

(EUR million) 2022 2021
Dividends
Socapalm 16.0 18.0
Okomu 15.2 6.4
Befin 7.5 4.6
Socfinco FR 4.0 1.0
Sogescol FR 2.7 1.9
Safa 0.9 0.6
Others 0.6 0.4
Total of dividends 46.9 32.9

Interest on receivables amounted to EUR 1.7 million and foreign exchange gains to EUR 5.7 million.

The loss for the year amounted to EUR 37.5 million compared to a profit of EUR 6.5 million at December 31, 2021. This result is impacted by non-recurring impairments on Brabanta.

Balance sheet

At 31st December 2022, Socfinaf's total assets amounted to EUR 398.6 million compared to EUR 499.2 million at 31st December 2021.

Socfinaf's assets mainly consist of financial fixed assets of EUR 182.9 million, long term loan receivables of EUR 178.8 million, amounts owed by affiliated undertaking and other receivables for EUR 34.7 million, and cash and equivalent EUR 1.9 million.

The equity amounted to EUR 221.3 million before appropriation of results.

Taking into account the positive cash flow of EUR 28 million generated by the activity and the repayment of the advances from the subsidiaries (SAC and PSG) for EUR 37 million, Socfinaf's indebtedness fell from EUR 240 million on 1st January to EUR 177 million on 31st December 2022.

Portfolio

Movements

During the year, the liquidation of Sodimex was completed. Following the liquidation of Sodimex, reversal of value adjustment for a total amount of EUR 0.4 million was recorded. A non-recurring impairment on Brabanta was recorded for a total amount of EUR 66.1 million. In addition, Socfinaf acquired Okomu shares for a total amount of 1.4 million euros and sold 5% of the capital of Management Associates to Socfin.

Valuation

The investments are estimated at a total value of EUR 688.7 million and includes an unrealised gain of EUR 505.8 million compared to their acquisition costs, potentially adjusted. This unrealised capital gain, however, takes into account a valuation of Okomu at the NGN/USD exchange rate of the Central Bank of Nigeria. This exchange rate is significantly out of line with the OTC markets prices. Taking the latter into account, the capital gain would be reduced to EUR 419.9 million.

Investments

The main direct and indirect investments have evolved during the last months as follows:

PROJECTS IN OPERATION AT 31 S T DECEMBER 2022

AFRICA TOTAL
EUR million Sierra Leone
SAC
Liberia
LAC & SRC
Côte d'Ivoire
SOGB
SCC Ghana
PSG
Nigeria
OKOMU
Cameroon Sao Tomé
SOCAPALM SAFACAM AGRIPALMA BRABANTA
DRC AFRICA
Actual 2021 46 769 36 789 124 400 49 439 26 305 79 148 114 731 32 801 4 777 13 111 528 271
TURNOVER Actual 2022 58 436 40 675 140 233 57 224 31 615 132 867 112 852 35 406 7 782 16 345 633 434
Forecasts 2022 55 578 40 396 140 184 56 882 32 825 146 909 112 087 37 094 7 726 15 879 645 560
Actual 2021 16 395 3 659 22 453 5 340 11 248 29 725 20 952 3 778 -1 938 -2 201 109 412
NET RESULT Actual 2022 16 483 1 278 23 863 4 858 5 560 38 955 16 269 4 189 909 -671 111 692
Forecasts 2022 21 034 683 28 261 5 277 9 753 49 988 16 279 4 996 1 102 667 138 041
PALM PRODUCT PALMIER PALMIER PALMIER PALMIER PALMIER PALMIER PALMIER PALMIER PALMIER PALMIER
Mature 12 349 - 7 471 - 6 140 19 060 29 197 5 230 2 100 6 072 87 619
AREA (HA) Immature - - - - - - 3 263 76 - - 3 339
Total 12 349 - 7 471 - 6 140 19 060 32 460 5 306 2 100 6 072 90 958
Actual 2021 222 488 - 163 663 - 103 054 221 746 491 049 77 275 23 928 62 766 1 365 969
FFB Actual 2022 218 363 - 148 447 - 94 048 247 175 475 157 73 423 27 328 54 291 1 338 232
Forecasts 2022 235 687 - 142 937 - 100 008 261 221 481 087 76 066 24 596 55 342 1 376 944
Actual 2021 52 307 - 38 935 - 27 538 46 478 152 323 16 948 5 636 15 993 356 159
PRODUCTION Actual 2022 51 919 - 35 301 - 25 375 54 101 146 231 16 526 6 429 13 769 349 653
Forecasts 2022 55 615 - 33 971 - 26 649 56 895 148 815 16 973 6 078 13 983 358 979
Actual 2021 23.51 - 22.77 - 26.72 20.82 22.02 21.67 23.56 24.32 22.63
EXTRATION RATE Actual 2022 23.51 - 22.77 - 26.72 20.82 22.02 21.67 23.56 24.32 22.56
Forecasts 2022 23.50 - 22.50 - 25.00 21.50 22.08 22.50 23.50 23.00 22.55
Actual 2021 46 769 - 36 370 - 25 914 67 450 112 425 23 596 4 777 13 111 330 411
TURNOVER Actual 2022 58 436 - 39 919 - 30 688 120 544 111 190 24 811 7 782 16 345 409 715
Forecasts 2022 55 578 - 39 576 - 32 093 133 779 110 746 25 988 7 726 15 879 421 365
RUBBER CAOUTCHOUCCAOUTCHOUCAOUTCHOUCCAOUTCHOUCCAOUTCHOUCCAOUTCHOUCAOUTCHOUCCAOUTCHOUCCAOUTCHOUC CAOUTCHOUC
Mature - 13 759 12 746 - 627 6 025 2 075 3 420 - - 38 651
AREA (HA) Immature - 3 022 3 116 - 315 1 310 - 932 - - 8 695
Total - 16 781 15 862 - 942 7 335 2 075 4 352 - - 47 346
Actual 2021 - 26 872 67 727 39 273 - 9 277 - 6 919 - - 150 068
PRODUCTION Actual 2022 - 27 401 65 815 39 554 - 8 124 - 6 377 - - 147 271
Forecasts 2022 - 27 739 66 134 39 049 - 8 389 - 6 742 - - 148 053
Actual 2021 - 36 789 88 031 49 439 392 11 698 - 9 205 - - 195 554
TURNOVER Actual 2022 - 40 675 100 313 57 224 927 12 323 - 10 595 - - 222 057
Forecasts 2022 - 40 396 100 609 56 882 732 13 130 - 11 105 - - 222 853

The production data correspond to the quantities in tons of Milled Rubber and Crude Palm Oil. This table does not include refined oil production data (SPFS). Rubber production and sales are presented after elimination of intercompany transactions. Consolidated figures may however differ.

Management draws the attention that for its reporting purposes, the Group uses the rates of the Central Bank of Nigeria. However, in Nigeria, this exchange rate is significantly out of line with the OTC market prices. Taking the latter into account, the discount as at December 31, 2022 would reach 40%.

Allocation of profit

The loss of the year of EUR 37,542,749 increased by retained earnings of EUR 131,413,608, give total retained earnings of EUR 93,870,859 which it is proposed to carry forward again.

After this allocation, the total reserves will be as follows:

Reserves EUR
Legal reserve
Other reserves
Available reserve
Retained earnings
3,567,330
628,717
59,629
93,870,859
98,126,535

Treasury shares

The Company did not buy back its own shares during the 2022 financial year.

Research and development

During the financial year 2022, Socfinaf did not incur any expenses for research and development.

Financial instruments

During the financial year 2022, the Company did not make use of any financial instruments.

Financial risk management policies are described in the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Branch

The Company has a permanent establishment in Fribourg (CH).

Mentions required by Art. 11 (1) points a) to k) of the law of 19 May 2006 concerning Public Takeover Bids

  • a) b) f) The issued capital of the Company is set at EUR 35,673,300 represented by 17,836,650 shares without par value, fully paid up. Each share entitles the holder to one vote without limitation or restriction.
  • c) On 1st February 2017, Socfin declared that it holds a 58.85% direct stake in Socfinaf.

On 3rd September 2014, Compagnie du Cambodge declared that it holds a direct and indirect stake of 9% in the capital of Socfinaf. 7.07% is held by Compagnie du Cambodge, 1.08% by Société Industrielle et Financière de l'Artois, 0.49% by Bolloré and 0.36% by Compagnie des Glénans.

h) Art. 13. of the statutes: "The Company is administered by a Board composed of at least three members, whether natural or legal persons. The Directors are appointed for a period of six years by the General Meeting of Shareholders. They are eligible for re-election. The Directors are renewed by lottery, so that at least one Director will be leaving each year."

Art. 23. of the statutes: "In the event of the death or resignation of a Director, he may be provisionally replaced by observing in this respect the formalities provided for by law. In this case the General Meeting at its first meeting shall proceed to the final election."

Art. 32. of the statutes: "The present statutes can be modified by decision of the General Meeting specially convened for this purpose, in the forms and conditions prescribed by articles 450-3 and 450-8 of the law of 10th August 1915 on the commercial companies, as amended."

i) The powers of the members of the Board of Directors are defined in Art. 17 et seq. of the statutes of the Company. They provide in particular that: "The Board of Directors is vested with the broadest powers for the administration of the Company. All matters not expressly reserved to the General Meeting by the Articles of Incorporation or the law fall within the competence of the Board."

In addition, the statutes provide in Art. 6: "In the event of a capital increase, the Board of Directors shall determine the conditions of issue of the shares.

The new shares to be paid up in cash shall be offered in preference to the current shareholders, in accordance with the law.

In the event of the issue of shares by contribution in cash or in the event of the issue of instruments which fall within the scope of application of article 420-27 of the law on companies and which are paid for in cash, including and in a non-exhaustive manner, convertible bonds allowing their holder to subscribe to shares or to be allocated shares, shareholders have preferential subscription rights in proportion to their participation with regard to all these issues in accordance with the provisions of company law.

The General Meeting called to deliberate, under the conditions required for the amendment of the Articles of Association, on the increase in the share capital or on the authorisation to increase the capital in accordance with Article 420-23 of the law of commercial companies, may limit or cancel the preferential subscription right or authorise the Board to do so in the manner and under the conditions provided for by law."

The other points of Art. 11 (1) are not applicable, namely:

  • title holding including special control rights;
  • the existence of a staff shareholding system;
  • shareholder agreements that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or voting rights;
  • the agreements to which the Company is party, and which take effect are modified or terminated in the event of a change of control of the Company following a takeover bid;
  • the indemnities provided in the event of the resignation or dismissal of members of the Board of Directors or staff following a takeover bid.

Corporate responsibility policy

The responsible management policy is based on the Group's three pillars of commitment, alongside its specific commitment to transparency: rural development, workers and local communities, and environment. These commitments form the basis of key initiatives aimed at improving long-term economic performance, social wellbeing, health, safety and natural resource management.

An implementation plan for this policy has been defined and implemented throughout 2022.

The efforts and actions undertaken by the Socfin Group in this area are detailed in a regularly updated dashboard as well as in a separate annual report ("Sustainable Development Report").

The responsible management policy, the dashboard and the annual sustainable development report are available on the Group's website.

Estimated value of the share (company accounts)

The estimated value of Socfinaf at 31st December 2022 before allocation of the result for the financial year amounts to EUR 727.1 million, being EUR 41.76 per share compared to EUR 31.53 in the previous financial year. This valuation incorporates the unrealised capital gains of the portfolio. This unrealised capital gain, however, takes into account a valuation of Okomu at the NGN/USD exchange rate of the Central Bank of Nigeria. This exchange rate is significantly out of line with the price obtained on the OTC markets. Taking the latter into account, the estimated value would be reduced to EUR 36 per share.

As a reminder, the market share price was EUR 11.80 at the end of 2022 against EUR 12.00 a year earlier.

Significant events after the reporting date

On 24th February 2023, Socfinaf early repaid an amount of USD 14,750,000 i.e. EUR 13.828.989 to Socfin as a final reimbursement of the loan in USD.

Main risks and uncertainties

It must be emphasized that the Group's investments in South-East Asia may be subject to political and economic risks. On-site executives and managers follow the day-to-day evolution of the situation.

In addition, the Company may be exposed to foreign exchange risks on long-term advances to subsidiaries. The assessment of this risk is described in the notes to the Company's statutory financial statements.

Perspectives

The result for the 2023 financial year will depend to a large extent on the dividend distributions of the subsidiaries; these are not yet fixed.

Statutory appointments

The term served as director by Mr. Vincent Bolloré and Gbenga Oyebode expire this year. It will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting to renew these mandates for six years until the Annual General Meeting of 2029.

Besides, it will be also proposed at the next Annual General Meeting to appoint Mr. George Mensah as Director of the Company.

The Board of Directors

Company financial statements

1. Balance sheet at 31st December 2022

ASSETS Note 2022
EUR
2021
EUR
FIXED ASSETS
Financial assets 3
Shares in affiliated undertakings 182,880,279.55 199,522,760.65
Loans to affiliated undertakings 178,795,759.27 269,552,427.50
361,676,038.82 469,075,188.15
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Amounts owed by affiliated undertakings
becoming due and payable within one year 33,284,161.85 17,607,793.72
Other debtors
becoming due and payable after one year 0.00 0.00
becoming due and payable within one year 1,452,480.00 2,333,506.60
34,736,641.85 19,941,300.32
Investments
Shares in affiliated undertakings 248,406.09 248,406.09
Cash at bank and in hand 1,939,330.90 9,960,182.80
TOTAL ASSETS 398,600,417.66 499,225,077.36

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

SOCFINAF

Note 2022 2021
CAPITAL, RESERVES AND LIABILITIES EUR EUR
CAPITAL AND RESERVES 4
Issued capital 35,673,300.00 35,673,300.00
Share premium account 87,453,866.21 87,453,866.21
Reserves
Legal reserve 3,567,330.00 3,567,330.00
Other reserves, including the fair value reserve
Other available reserves 688,346.92 688,346.92
4,255,676.92 4,255,676.92
Profit brought forward 131,413,608.00 124,914,492.68
Profit for the financial year -37,542,749.31 6,499,115.32
221,253,701.82 258,796,451.13
CREDITORS
Amounts owed to credit institutions
becoming due and payable within one year 9.03 41.50
Trade creditors
becoming due and payable within one year 220,624.09 110,860.00
Amounts owed to affiliated undertakings 5
becoming due and payable after more than one year 120,000,000.00 186,463,934.52
becoming due and payable within one year 14,947,456.73 12,317,062.61
Amounts owed to undertakings with which the 6
undertaking is linked by virtue of participating interests
becoming due and payable after more than one year
20,201,643.84 20,201,643.84
becoming due and payable within one year 20,203,836.00 20,201,644.00
Other creditors
Tax authorities 1,665,126.39 1,125,420.00
Other creditors
becoming due and payable within one year 108,019.76 8,019.76
177,346,715.84 240,428,626.23
TOTAL CAPITAL, RESERVES AND LIABILITIES 398,600,417.66 499,225,077.36

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

2. Income statement for the year ended 31st December 2022

Note 2022
EUR
2021
EUR
Raw materials and consumables and others
external expenses
Other external expenses -2,685,678.73 -2,553,559.66
Value adjustments
in respect of current assets
0.00 -12,463.34
Other operating expenses -248,765.87 -646,464.19
Income from participating interests
derived from affiliated undertakings
7 46,958,007.91 33,539,007.13
Other interest receivable and similar income
derived from affiliated undertakings
other interest and similar income
8 7,273,633.68
109,529.96
3,124,153.86
255,759.64
Value adjustments in respect of financial assets
and of investments held as current assets 3 -65,679,615.45 -8,947,506.25
Interest payable and similar expenses
derived from affiliated undertakings
-16,979,066.77 -12,610,509.22
other interest and similar expenses -1,618,491.65 -1,618,065.61
Tax on profit -4,134,647.39 -3,506,212.04
Profit after taxation -37,005,094.31 7,024,140.32
Other taxes not shown above -537,655.00 -525,025.00
Profit for the financial year -37,542,749.31 6,499,115.32

Proposed distribution of profits

2022
EUR
2021
EUR
Retained earnings 93,871,858.69 131,413,608.00
From the balance:
10% to the Board of Directors
90% to 17,836,650 shares
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
93,870,858.69 131,413,608.00
Dividend per share 0.00 0.00

3. Notes to the parent company financial statements for the 2022 financial year

Note 1. Overview

SOCFINAF S.A., (the "Company'') was incorporated on 20th November 1972 as a public limited company and adopted the status of "Soparfi" on 10th January 2011.

The duration of the Company is unlimited, and its registered office is established in Luxembourg. The Company is registered in the Register of Commerce and Companies under number B6225, and is listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange under ISIN number LU0056569402.

The object of the company is (i) the acquisition, holding and disposal, in any form whatsoever and by any means, directly or indirectly, of participations, rights and interests, as well as bonds of Luxembourg or foreign companies, (ii) the acquisition by contribution, purchase, subscription or otherwise, as well as the disposal by sale, transfer, exchange or otherwise, of shares, interests, bonds, debts, notes and other securities or financial instruments of any kind (in particular bonds or shares issued by Luxembourg or foreign collective investment funds or any other similar body), loans or any other credit line, as well as contracts relating thereto and (iii) the holding, administration, development and management of a portfolio of assets (composed in particular of the assets described in points (i) and (ii) above).

The company may also acquire and develop any patents and other rights relating to or supplementing those patents.

The company may borrow in any form whatsoever. It may enter into any kind of loan agreement and may issue debt securities, bonds, certificates, shares, profit shares, warrants and all kinds of debt and equity securities, including by virtue of one or several issue programmes. The company may lend funds, including those resulting from borrowings and/or securities issues, to its subsidiaries, affiliates and any other company.

Although the Company is included in the consolidated financial statements of Société Financière des Caoutchoucs, abbreviated as "Socfin", which is the largest entity in which the Company is consolidated, the Company also prepares consolidated financial statements which are published in accordance with the law and which are available at the Company's registered office (4, avenue Guillaume, L-1650 Luxembourg) or on the Internet site: www.socfin.com.

The financial year begins on 1st January and ends on 31st December.

Note 2. Accounting principles, rules and methods

General principles

The annual financial statements are prepared in accordance with Luxembourg legal and regulatory requirements in force in Luxembourg under the historical cost convention.

The accounting policies and valuation principles are, apart from the rules imposed by the law of 19th December 2002, determined and implemented by the Board of Directors.

The preparation of the annual financial statements involves the use of a number of critical accounting estimates. It also requires the Board of Directors to exercise its judgement in the application of accounting principles. Any change in assumptions may have a significant impact on the financial statements for the period in which the assumptions are changed. The Board of Directors believes that the underlying assumptions are appropriate and that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position and results of the Company.

Currency conversion

The Company keeps its accounts in euros (EUR); the annual accounts are expressed in this currency.

Transactions in a currency other than the balance sheet currency are converted into the balance sheet currency at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction.

At the balance sheet date:

the acquisition price of the financial assets, expressed in a currency other than the currency of the balance sheet, remain converted at the historical exchange rate, with the exception of the current portion of receivables, which is valued individually at the lower of their historical exchange rate value or their value determined on the basis of the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date;

bank accounts expressed in a currency other than the currency of the balance sheet are valued on the basis of the exchange rate prevailing on the balance sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses are recognised in the current period;

  • all other assets, expressed in a currency other than the currency of the balance sheet, are valued individually at the lower of their value at the historical exchange rate or their value determined on the basis of the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date;
  • all liability items, expressed in a currency other than the currency of the balance sheet, are valued individually at the highest of their value at the historical exchange rate or their value determined on the basis of the exchange rate prevailing on the closing date.

Realised foreign exchange gains and losses and unrealised losses are recognised in the profit and loss account. Unrealised foreign exchange gains are not recognised.

If there is an economic link between two transactions, unrealised exchange differences are recognised at the corresponding unrealised exchange loss.

Valuation of financial assets

Shares in affiliated undertakings are valued at acquisition cost, which includes incidental expenses. Receivables from affiliated companies are valued at their nominal value, which includes incidental expenses.

In the event of an impairment that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, is of a lasting nature, these financial fixed assets are subject to value adjustments in order to give them the lower value that should be attributed to them on the balance sheet date, as determined by the Board of Directors.

In order to determine the value adjustments that are permanent at the balance sheet date, the Board of Directors carries out the following analyses for each investment on an individual basis:

1/ For investments listed on public markets, the Board of Directors compares the net book value of the investment with its shares in the market based on the stock market price at the closing date. When the market value is greater than or equal to the net book value, the Board of Directors considers that no value adjustment needs to be recorded at the closing date. However, when the market value is lower than the net book value, the Board of Directors tests the net book value against the share in the revalued net assets of the investment.

2/ If the net book value exceeds the market value or the equity value for unlisted investments, the Board of Directors compares the net book value with the share held in the revalued net assets as well as in the consolidated net assets (i.e. equity attributable to owners of the parent company) if the subsidiary prepares consolidated accounts.

If one of these values is greater than or equal to the net book value of the investment, no value adjustment is recognised.

3/ When both values are lower than the net book value of the investment:

  • for support companies (other than plantations or industrial companies), the Board of Directors records the value adjustment resulting from the smaller difference between the net book value of the investment and the share held in the revalued net assets or in the consolidated net assets;
  • for investments in plantations or industrial companies, the Board of Directors makes a value adjustment to bring the carrying value at the enterprise value calculated on the basis of the discounted future cash flows available to the shareholders, which considers the foreseeable development of the business of the investments under test.

However, the Board of Directors may take other factors into consideration and, in particular, in view of the very long period of immaturity of young plantation, it considers that the value adjustment is not permanent for a plantation where more than half of the planted area is not being used.

Loans to affiliated companies are subject to a value adjustment in the event that the net book value test by discounting future cash flows to shareholders does not support the full repayment of the receivable.

These value adjustments are not maintained when the reasons for which they were established have ceased to exist.

Receivables

Receivables are recorded at their nominal value. They are subject to value adjustments when their recovery is compromised. These value adjustments are not continued if the reason for which the value adjustments were made have ceased to apply.

Securities

Securities are valued at the lower of cost, including incidental costs or market value. A value adjustment is recorded when the market price is lower than the purchase price. Value adjustments are not maintained if the reasons for their negotiations have ceased to exist.

Liabilities

Debts are recorded at their reimbursement value. When the amount to be repaid on the debts exceeds the amount received, the difference is recorded to the profit and loss account.

Russia – Ukrain conflict

In February 2022, a number of countries (including the US, UK and EU) imposed sanctions against certain entities and individuals in Russia as a result of the official recognition of the Donetsk People Republic and Lugansk People Republic by the Russian Federation. Announcements of potential additional sanctions have been made following military operations initiated by Russia against the Ukraine on 24th February 2022.

Due to the geopolitical tensions since February 2022, there has been a significant increase in volatility on the securities and currency markets, as well as a significant depreciation of the ruble against the US dollar and the euro.

Although neither the company's performance and going concern nor operations, have been significantly impacted by the above during 2022, the Board of Directors continues to monitor the evolving situation and its impact on the financial position and results of the company.

Note 3. Financial fixed assets

Shares in Loans to Total
affiliated undertakings Affiliated undertakings
2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021
EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR
Acquisition cost/nominal value
at the beginning of the year 239,798,533.55 244,779,050.37 278,532,028.78 308,818,543.42 518,330,562.33 553,597,593.79
Increases 1,428,708.64 1.00 3,049,548.88 3,274,229.42 4,478,257.52 3,274,230.42
Decreases -642,487.94 -4,980,517.82 -45,555,303.46 -33,560,744.06 -46,197,791.40 -38,541,261.88
Acquisition cost/nominal value
at the end of the year 240,584,754.25 239,798,533.55 236,026,274.20 278,532,028.78 476,611,028.45 518,330,562.33
Value adjustments
at the beginning of the year -40,275,772.90 -40,307,867.93 -8,979,601.28 0.00 -49,255,374.18 -40,307,867.93
Impairment -17,868,989.74 -3,000,090.00 -48,250,913.65 -8,979,601.28 -66,119,903.39 -11,979,691.28
Reversal 440,287.94 3,032,185.03 0.00 0.00 440,287.94 3,032,185.03
Value adjustments
at the end of the year -57,704,474.70 -40,275,772.90 -57,230,514.93 -8,979,601.28 -114,934,989.63 -49,255,374.18
Net book value
at the end of the year 182,880,279.55 199,522,760.65 178,795,759.27 269,552,427.50 361,676,038.82 469,075,188.15

Note 3. Financial fixed assets (continued)

Information on companies in which the Company holds at least 20% of the capital

Entity Country % held Net book value
EUR
Year end Currencies of
the annual
accounts
Net equity in
foreign currency
at 31/12/2022
(including net
income) (*)
Net income in
foreign currency at
31/12/2022
Plantations Socfinaf Ghana Ghana 100.00 32,503,775 31.12.2022 GHS 225,168,097 77,289,093
Socfin Agricultural Company Sierra Leone 93.00 20,445,954 31.12.2022 USD 16,376,492 19,372,491
Liberian Agricultural Company Liberia 100.00 13,793,904 31.12.2022 USD 57,140,499 4,744,936
Salala Rubber Corporation Liberia 64.91 0 31.12.2022 USD 2,861,133 -421,173
Bereby-Finances "BEFIN" Côte d'Ivoire 87.06 13,604,405 31.12.2022 XAF 15,983,921,022 5,557,643,910
Socapalm Cameroon 67.46 40,640,840 31.12.2022 XAF 71,120,117,643 13,743,634,055
Okomu Oil Palm Company Nigeria 66.38 22,151,171 31.12.2022 NGN 39,416,747,556 11,316,334,412
Brabanta Congo (DRC) 100.00 0 31.12.2022 CDF 71,046,617,102 -5,175,012,473
Induservices Luxembourg 30.00 30,000 31.12.2022 EUR
Socfinde Luxembourg 20.00 801,000 31.12.2022 EUR 327,636
6,023,090
88,113
139,836
Terrasia Luxembourg 33.28 246,705 31.12.2022 EUR 615,003 30,516
SAFA France 100.00 26,535,600 31.12.2022 EUR 21,845,650 2,176,216
Induservices FR Switzerland 50.00 642,202 31.12.2022 EUR 1,095,421 102,087
Socfinco FR Switzerland 50.00 486,891 31.12.2022 EUR 16,432,078 8,833,675
Sogescol FR Switzerland 50.00 1,985,019 31.12.2022 USD 17,955,034 8,864,552
Sodimex FR Switzerland 50.00 621,424 31.12.2022 EUR 4,454,052 906,872
Centrages Belgium 50.00 4,074,577 31.12.2022 EUR 3,378,041 223,191
Immobilière de la Pépinière Belgium 50.00 3,015,798 31.12.2022 EUR 3,656,008 10,856
Socfinco Belgium 50.00 879,550 31.12.2022 EUR 1,537,073 -6,383
STP Invest Belgium 100.00 0 31.12.2022 EUR 1,773,693 -1,110

182,458,815

(*) Based on unaudited financial statements at 31st December 2022.

Note 3. Financial fixed assets (continued)

Valuation of shares in affiliated undertakings:

At 31st December 2022, the Board of Directors decided to reduce the acquisition value of Brabanta by EUR 17,868,990 following the update of the portfolio valuation.

At 31st December 2022, the Board of Directors is of the opinion that there is no permanent value decrease for the shares in affiliated undertakings.

Valuation of loans to affiliated undertakings:

At 31st December 2022, loans to affiliated undertakings are as follows:

Related parties Currency Balance
in currency
Balance
In EUR
Unrealised
exchange gains /
(losses) *
EUR
Induservices EUR 130,000 130,000 0
Management Associates EUR 280,000 280,000 0
Salala Rubber Corporation USD 44,684,218 37,289,650 4,604,423
Brabanta USD 21,000,000 19,688,730 0
Socfin Agricultural Company USD 74,159,256 60,804,114 8,724,534
Liberian Agricultural Company USD 36,404,647 32,309,252 1,822,238
Plantations Socfinaf Ghana USD 12,000,000 10,194,062 1,056,641
Agripalma EUR 18,099,947 18,099,947 0
Situation at 31st December 2022 269,552,427 16,207,836

* In accordance with Luxembourg legal and regulatory provisions and generally accepted accounting practices, receivables from affiliated undertakings are translated at the historical exchange rate and the unrealised foreign exchange gain or loss is not recognised in the profit and loss account, with the exception of the current portion of receivables, which is valued individually at the lower of their historical exchange rate value or their value determined on the basis of the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date.

At 31st December 2022, the Board of Directors decided to reduce the value of the shareholder advance granted to Brabanta by EUR 48,250,914 following the update of the portfolio valuation.

At 31st December 2022, the Board of Directors are of the opinion that these loans are recoverable as such, no impairment loss has been accounted for.

Note 4. Equity

EUR Issued capital Share premium Legal reserves Other reserves Retained
earnings
Results for the
year
Balance at 1st January 2021 35,673,300.00 87,453,866.21 3,567,330.00 688,346.92 153,563,826.44 -28,649,333.76
Allocation of the
result for the 2020 financial
year following decision of the General
Meeting held on 25th May 2021
• Retained earnings -28,649,333.76 28,649,333.76
Results for the financial year 6,499,115.32
Balance at 31st December 2021
Allocation of the result for the 2021 financial
year following decision of the General
Meeting held on 31st May 2022
35,673,300.00 87,453,866.21 3,567,330.00 688,346.92 124,914,492.68 6,499,115.32
• Retained earnings 6,499,115.32 -6,499,115.32
Results for the financial year -37,542,749.31
Balance at 31st December 2022 35,673,300.00 87,453,866.21 3,567,330.00 688,346.92 131,413,608.00 -37,542,749.31

Issued capital

At 31st December 2022 and 2021, the issued and fully paid share capital is EUR 35,673,300 represented by 17,836,650 shares without nominal value.

Share premium

At 31st December 2022 and 2021, the share premium amounted to EUR 87,453,866.

Legal reserve

The annual profit is subject to a levy of 5% to be allocated to a legal reserve. This allocation ceases to be mandatory when the reserve reaches 10% of the share capital. The legal reserve cannot be distributed.

Note 5. Amounts owed to affiliated undertakings

At 31st December 2022, this item consists mainly of:

  • a debt to Socfin for a nominal amount of EUR 120,000,000 (2021: EUR 120,000,000), plus accrued interest of EUR 510,000 (2021: EUR 708,333) and which bear a fixed interest rate of 4.25%. This debt is repayable early or at the latest on 10th November 2026.
  • a debt to Socfin for a nominal amount of EUR 13,828,989 (2021: EUR 75,293,177), plus accrued interest of EUR 272,502 (2021: EUR 518,721). This debt bears interest at a variable rate and is repayable early or at the latest on 10th November 2026.
  • debts to the subsidiary Socfinde corresponding to the current account balance of EUR 335,672 (2021: EUR 2,247,085).

At 31st December 2022 and 2021, the maturity of debts to affiliated undertakings is as follows:

2022 2021
Amounts owed to affiliated undertakings: EUR EUR
-
becoming due and payable within one year
14,947,457 12,317,062
-
becoming due and payable between one to five years
120,000,000 186,463,935
134,947,457 198,780,997

Note 6. Amounts owed to undertakings with which the undertaking is linked by vitue of participating interests:

At 31st December 2022, this item consists mainly of:

  • a payable to Bolloré Participations for a nominal amount of EUR 20,000,000 (2021: EUR 20,000,000), plus accrued interest in the amount of EUR 203,836 (2021: EUR 200,542). This debt bears interest at a fixed rate of 4% per annum and is repayable on 30th June 2023.
  • a payable to Palmboomen Cultuur Maatschappij "MOPOLI" for a nominal amount of EUR 20,000,000 (2021: EUR 20,000,000), plus accrued interest in the amount of EUR 201,644 (2020: EUR 201,644). This debt bears interest at a fixed rate of 4% per annum without maturity date. Although reimbursements may be made at first demand, MOPOLI has undertaken not to request reimbursement of this advance before 15th July 2024.

Note 7. Income from participating interests

2022 2021
EUR EUR
Dividends received 46,939,258 32,868,364
Capital gain on disposal of financial fixed assets 18,750 670,643
46,958,008 33,539,007

Note 8. Income from other investments and loans forming part of the fixed assets

2022 2021
EUR EUR
Interest on related companies' receivables 7,273,634 3,124,154

Note 9. Taxation

The Company is subject to all taxes to which Luxembourg commercial companies are subject.

Note 10. Remuneration of the Board of Directors

During 2022, the members of the Board of Directors received EUR 9,062 (2021: EUR 11,562) as attendance fees and EUR 230,000 (2020: EUR 630,000) as Directors' fees.

During 2022, no advances or loans were granted to the Board members.

Note 11. Political and economic environment

Most of the investments are held directly or indirectly in companies operating in Africa, particularly in the following countries:

  • Sierra Leone,
  • Liberia,
  • Côte d'Ivoire,
  • Ghana,
  • Nigeria,
  • São Tomé et Principe,
  • Cameroon,
  • Congo (DRC).

Given the political instability that exists in these countries and their economic fragility (dependence on international aid, inflation in some cases, civil wars, etc), the investments held by the Company present a risk in terms of exposure to political and economic fluctuations.

Note 12. Significant events after the year end

On 24th February 2023, the company early repaid an amount of USD 14,750,000 i.e. EUR 13,828,989 to Socfin as a final reimbursement of the loan in USD.

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