30th Sep 2016 07:00
30 September 2016
China New Energy Limited
("China New Energy" "CNE" or "the Group")
Half-yearly report for the six months to 30 June 2016
China New Energy Limited (AIM: CNEL), the engineering and technology solutions provider to the bioenergy sector, announces its unaudited half-yearly results for the six months ended 30 June 2016.
Financial Highlights
· Revenue of RMB 45.4m (H1 2015: RMB 26.7m), which represents a 70% increase over the same period last year
· Gross profit of RMB 16.2m (H1 2015: RMB 3.06m)
· Net Profit of RMB11.3m (H1 2015: loss of RMB5.54m)
· Earnings per share of RMB 0.029 (H1 2015 loss of RMB 0.014)
Operational Highlights
· Maintenance and construction contracts secured in China in 2015 are being implemented and generating revenue
· Canadian contract in process of implementation and will be finalised in Q2
Yu Weijun, Chairman, commented:
"I am very pleased to report that the Company has made a profit in the first half of the year based upon contracts in from China, Myanmar and Canada that were secured in 2015 for implementation in 2016.
The bioenergy industry still faces many headwinds due to the low-oil price. However, our revised strategy is beginning to gain traction in both China and international markets and we look forward to continued successes."
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.
Enquiries:
China New Energy Limited | www.chinanewenergy.co.uk |
Richard Bennett | Tel: +44 (0)20 7148 3148 or [email protected] |
Ivy Xu | Tel: +86 (0)20 8705 9371 or [email protected] |
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP (NOMAD) | Tel: +44 20 7148 7900 |
Jo Turner / Sandy Jamieson | |
Daniel Stewart and Co (Broker) | Tel: +44 20 7776 6550 |
David Lawman | |
Chairman's Statement
On behalf of the Board, I am very pleased to present the unaudited half-yearly results for the six month period ended 30 June 2016.
Financial Review
Revenue for the first six months of the year was up to RMB 45.4m (H1 2015:RMB 26.7m) an increase of approximately 70%. The Group's gross profit also increased in the period RMB 16.2m (H1 2015:RMB 3.06m) which resulted in the Group returning a net profit in the period of RMB 11.3m (H1 2015: loss of RMB 5.5m).
Selling and distribution expenses increased by 6.2% to RMB2.39m (H1 2015:RMB2.25m) while administrative expenses increased by 2.7% to RMB 4.76m (H1 2015: RMB 4.63m). The Group's other income were up to RMB 2.89m (H1 2015:RMB0.05m). The other expenses decreased by 56% to RMB 0.55m (H1 2015:RMB1.26m). Finance expense decreased to RMB0.14m (H1 2015:0.51m).
The turnaround from loss to profit is mostly attributed to a higher gross margin and to the continued implementation of contracts in China, Myanmar and Canada that were won in 2015.
Operational Review
The Group principally provides EPC (Equipment, Procurement and Construction) services and VAS (Value Added Service) to ethanol and biobutanol producers. The EPC team primarily designs and builds commercial-scale biorefineries that convert feedstock into ethanol for both the biofuel and edible alcohol markets, whilst the VAS team provide services and technology to optimise the ethanol production at existing biorefineries.
CNE is a market leader in China at designing and building 1st Generation biorefineries that convert agricultural feedstock such as corn, cassava and sugarcane into ethanol. We have completed more than 100 1st Generation projects in China and around the world.
During the period, we completed an anhydrous alcohol EPC contract for our existing customer Jilin Buoda alcohol group with recorded revenue from this contract of RMB 10.6 million. The Company also won its first contract in Canada with BioNeutra North America Inc. and, during the period, manufactured and exported all of the equipment needed for the isomaltooligosaccharide production line. The total contract value was RMB 14.4 million (Excluding VAT:12.3 million) and we recorded revenue of RMB 8.2 million during the period. We are very pleased to advise that post period end, the equipment has now been installed and is being tested and we have now received more than 80% of the contract value as per the agreement. The project will be completed in H2.
These two top contracts constitute 42% of our total revenue, and the remaining revenue came from approximately 30 smaller maintenance and construction contracts in China and Myanmar.
The Company continues to maintain our cooperation with South China University of Technology and SDIC Guangdong Bio-Energy Co., Ltd. We jointly undertake research and development projects including a project to advance 2nd generation pre-treatment technology that converts cellulosic (non-food) feedstock into bioethanol. This research project has been approved and funded by a grant from the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology. The company has received its full allocation of RMB 3.5 million which was recorded as other operating income.
Outlook
After a long downturn in the bioenergy market, mostly due the low oil price, we are beginning to see an increase demand for our products and services. This is attributed to the implementation of our strategy to diversify our product and service portfolio and to market to them to both domestic and international customers.
China remains an important participant in the global energy market and is very focussed on delivering renewable energy to both reduce emissions and increase energy security and reliance on importing fossil fuels. We note the country recently signed the Paris Climate Change Agreement, and we are optimistic that we will see an increased interest in biotechnology because it is widely considered to be one of the key alternatives to fossil fuel and a pathway to lower emissions. The company intends to continue its research and development activities in partnership with institutions including Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion ("GIEC"), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, to commercialise advanced alternative and renewable energy technologies for the bioenergy market.
Internationally, we continue to promote our products and services through our partners. We continue to see an increased interest in our existing 1st generation bioenergy technology in emerging markets such as Africa and South East Asia. We also see an increased interest in 2nd generation bioenergy technology in developed markets which is also being aided by changes in the regulatory environment to support biofuel production. The encouragement of 2nd generation biofuel and regulatory changes are very welcome events as these help break down the inverse relationship between investment in biofuels and oil prices. We shall continue to update the market on developments on previously announced and new projects as they occur.
The Board are very pleased with our current progress and return to profitability. The board is also optimistic about the increased interest in the bioenergy sector and our pipeline of sales opportunities. However, we continue to maintain a cautious business approach due to the macro-economic climate and continued low-oil prices.
Yu Weijun
Chairman
30 September 2016Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Unaudited | Unaudited | Audited | ||||
Six months to 30 June | Six months to 30 June | Year to 31 December | ||||
2016 | 2015 | 2015 | ||||
Note | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | |||
Non-current assets | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 4,921 | 6,995 | 5,887 | |||
Intangible assets | 12,107 | 9,589 | 12,150 | |||
Trade receivables | 3,523 | |||||
Investments in subsidiaries | ||||||
17,028 | 20,107 | 18,037 | ||||
Current assets | ||||||
Inventories | 7,576 | 14,929 | 9,938 | |||
Due from customers for construction contracts | 29,796 | 34,842 | 30,240 | |||
Trade and other receivables | 97,524 | 43,152 | 43,152 | |||
Notes receivables | 410 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 19,918 | 13,802 | 19,426 | |||
154,814 | 122,395 | 102,756 | ||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Trade and other payables | 104,143 | 90,774 | 90,190 | |||
Due to customers for construction contracts | 46,777 | 25,432 | 27,566 | |||
Notes payables | ||||||
Income tax payable | 8,783 | 9,208 | 8,776 | |||
Short-term borrowing | ||||||
159,703 | 125,414 | 126,532 | ||||
Net current assets/(liabilities) | -4,922 | 3,019 | (23,776) | |||
Non-current liabilities | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 815 | |||||
815 | ||||||
Net assets | 12,106 | 16,273 | (5,739) | |||
Equity | ||||||
Share Capital | 2 | 1,445 | 1,325 | 1,357 | ||
Share premium | 63,208 | 54,925 | 56,696 | |||
Combination reserve | (33,156) | (33,156) | (33,156) | |||
Warrants reserve | 1,673 | 1,673 | 1,673 | |||
Statutory reserve | 12,328 | 12,328 | 12,328 | |||
Convertible bonds reserve | ||||||
Own shares | ||||||
Accumulated earnings/(losses) | (57,028) | (44,438) | (68,323) | |||
Foreign currency translation reserve | 23,636 | 23,616 | 23,686 | |||
12,106 | 16,273 | (5,739) |
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Unaudited | Unaudited | Audited | ||||
Six months to 30 June 2016 | Six months to 30 June 2015 | Year to 31 December 2015 | ||||
Note | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | |||
Revenue | 45,369 | 26,671 | 61,669 | |||
Cost of sales | (29,123) | (23,609) | 54,002 | |||
Gross profit/(loss) | 16,246 | 3,062 | 7,667 | |||
Other operating income | 2,888 | 53 | 2,473 | |||
Selling and distribution expenses | (2,391) | (2,252) | (5,754) | |||
Administrative expenses | (4,756) | (4,629) | (11,091) | |||
Other operating expenses | (554) | (1,263) | (9,450) | |||
Finance expenses | (138) | (512) | (891) | |||
Bad debt provision(net) | (8,977) | |||||
Impairment loss | (400) | |||||
Other gains and losses |
| |||||
(Loss)/ Profit before income tax | ||||||
11,295 | (5,541) | (26,423) | ||||
Income tax expense | 10 | |||||
Deferred tax expenses |
| 815 | ||||
(Loss)/Profit for the financial period | 11,295 | (5,541) | (25,598) | |||
Other comprehensive income: | ||||||
Exchange difference | 189 | (21) | 50 | |||
11,484 | (5,562) | (25,598) | ||||
Total comprehensive income for the financial year | ||||||
11,484 | (5,562) | (25,598) | ||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to equity holder | ||||||
Earnings/(loss) per share (RMB): | ||||||
Basic | 5 | 0.029 | (0.014) | (0.065) | ||
Diluted | 5 | 0.029 | (0.014) | (0.065) | ||
Consolidated Statement of Cash flows
Unaudited | Unaudited | Audited | ||||
Six months to 30 June | Six months to 30 June | Year to 31 December | ||||
2016 | 2015 | 2015 | ||||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||||
Operating activities | ||||||
Profit/(loss) before income tax | 11,295 | (5,541) | (26,423) | |||
Adjustments for: | ||||||
Depreciation and amortisation | (349) | 1,688 | 2,409 | |||
Bad debt provision(net) | 8,977 | |||||
Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment | (26) | 104 | ||||
Loss/(gain) on disposal of financial assets | ||||||
Interest income | (27) | (25) | (53) | |||
Finance expense | 562 | 537 | 535 | |||
Impairment loss | 400 | |||||
Exchange difference | (50) | 28 | ||||
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital |
| 11,405 | (3,341) | (14,023) | ||
Decrease/(increase) in inventories | 2,362 | (3,088) | 1,502 | |||
Construction work-in-progress | 19,211 | 14,625 | 7,835 | |||
Trade and other receivables | (54,372) | (13,745) | (3,439) | |||
Notes receivables | 444 | 90 | ||||
Trade and other payables | 13,986 | 13,754 | 8,931 | |||
Decrease/(increase) in due to customers for construction | 13,526 | |||||
Cash generated from/(used in) operations |
(6,964) |
8,295 |
14,332 | |||
Income taxes paid | 7 | 10 | ||||
Dividend received |
|
| ||||
Net cash from/(used in) operating activities | (6,957) | 8,295 | 14,342 | |||
Investing activities | ||||||
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment | ||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment | 1,694 | (158) | (181) | |||
Expenditure on intangible assets | (310) | (4,331) | ||||
Net cash from/(used in) investing activities | 1,384 | (2,234) | (4,512) | |||
|
| |||||
Financing activities | ||||||
Short-term borrowing | ||||||
Repayment of borrowings | (6,600) | (6,600) | ||||
Proceeds from issuance of shares | 6,600 | - | 1,803 | |||
Redemption of convertible bonds | - | |||||
Interest received | 27 | 25 | 53 | |||
Interest paid | (562) | (537) | (535) | |||
Net cash from/(used in) financing activities | 6,065 | (7,113) | (5,279) | |||
| ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 492 | (1,052) | 4,551 | |||
Cash and bank balances at beginning of period | 19,426 | 14,875 | 14,875 | |||
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes in cash and bank balances | (21) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 19,918 | 13,802 | 19,426 |
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Share capital | Share premium | Combination | Statutory reserve | Warrants reserve | Own shares | Accumulated earnings/ (losses) | Foreign currency translation reserve | Total | |||||||||||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | |||||||||||||
Balance at 31 December 2014 | 1,325 | 54,925 | (33,156) | 12,328 | 1,673 |
| (38,895) |
| 23,636 |
| 21,836 | ||||||||
Profit for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | (25,598) | (25,598) | |||||||||||
Exchange difference arising on the translation | - | - | - | - | - | - | 50 | 50 | |||||||||||
Correction of prior | (3,830) | (3,830) | |||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | (29,428) | 50 | (29,378) | ||||||||||
Issue of shares, net of share issue costs | 32 | 1,771 | 1,803 | ||||||||||||||||
Shares granted to Cancellation of EBT | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at Dec. 2015 | 1,357 | 56,696 | (33,156) | 12,328 | 1,673 |
| (68,323) |
| 23,686 |
| (5,739) | ||||||||
Profit for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11,295 | 11,295 | |||||||||||
Exchange difference arising on the translation | - | - | - | - | - | - | (50) | (50) | |||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11,295 | (50) | 11,245 | ||||||||||
Issue of warrants | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
Issue of shares, net of share issue costs | 88- | 6,512 | - | 6,600- | |||||||||||||||
Transfer to statutory reserve | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at 30 June 2016 | 1,445 | 63,208 | -33,156 | 12,328 | 1,673 |
| (57,028) |
| 23,636 |
| 12,106 |
Notes to the Interim Financial Information - Period ended 30 June 2016
1. Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. The principal accounting policies used in preparing the interim results are those the Group expects to apply in its financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2016 and are unchanged from those disclosed in the Group's Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2015, except for the following additional accounting policies:
Basis of consolidation
The Group includes the assets and liabilities of the Employee Benefit Trust ("EBT") within its Statement of Financial Position. In the event of the winding up of the Group, neither the shareholders nor the creditors would be entitled to the assets of the EBT.
Long-term incentive scheme charge
The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of shares or share options is recognised as an expense.
The total amount to be expensed over the performance period, from grant date to vesting date, is determined by reference to the fair value of the shares determined at the date the employee is deemed to be fully aware of their potential entitlement and all conditions of vesting.
Own shares
Company shares held by the EBT are deducted from the shareholders' funds and classified as Own Shares until such time as they vest unconditionally to participating employees and their families.
This interim financial information has not been reviewed or audited by the Group's auditors. The comparatives for the period ended 31 December 2015 are not the Group's full statutory accounts for that period but have been extracted from those financial statements. A copy of the statutory financial statements for that period, which were prepared under IFRS, has been delivered to the Companies Registry. The auditors' report on those accounts was unqualified.
Whilst the financial information included in this Interim Financial information has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement criteria of IFRS, it does not include sufficient information to comply with IFRS.
This interim report was approved by the Board of directors on 30 September 2016.
2. Ordinary shares
Number of Shares | Share Capital | Share premium | |||
£ '000 | RMB '000 | £ '000 | RMB '000 | ||
As at 31st December 2010 | 6,733,107 | 67 | 1,013 | 1,952 | 29,354 |
As at 21st March 2011 | 67,331,070 | 67 | 1,013 | 1,952 | 29,354 |
As at 6 May 2011 | 269,324,280 | 67 | 1,013 | 1,952 | 29,354 |
Shares issued in connection with the Placing | 9,360,147 | 2 | 24 | 653 | 6,756 |
Share issued in settlement of fees to professional | 9,920,295 | 2 | 26 | 692 | 7,160 |
Share issued to EES Trustees International Limited | 8,079,728 | 2 | 21 | 564 | 5,832 |
Shares issued to Citadel pursuant to warrant agreement | 7,932,412 | 2 | 20 | 305 | 3,152 |
Placing on 14 Dec 2011 | 6,000,000 | 2 | 14 | 258 | 2,650 |
Less share issue costs | - | - | (16,303) | ||
As at 31 December 2011 | 310,616,862 | 1,118 | 38,601 | ||
Placing on 25 Sept 2012 | 6,000,000 | 2 | 15 | 59 | 601 |
Less share issue costs | (3) | (31) | |||
As at 31 December 2012 | 316,616,862 | 1,133 | 39,171 | ||
As at 30 June 2013 | 316,616,862 | 1,133 | 39,171 | ||
Placing on 4 Nov 2013 | 10,000,000 | 3 | 24 | 248 | 2,425 |
Less share issue costs | (17) | (171) | |||
Placing on 25 Nov 2013 | 8,571,429 | 2 | 21 | 298 | 2,966 |
Less share issue costs | (21) | (209) | |||
Placing on 26 Nov 2013 | 6,666,667 | 2 | 17 | 248 | 2,462 |
Placing on 29 Nov 2013 | 7,107,143 | 2 | 18 | 246 | 2,474 |
As at 31 December 2013 | 348,962,101 | 1,214 | 49,118 | ||
Placing on 29 Sept 2014 | 44,652,107 | 11 | 111 | 584 | 5,807 |
As at 31 December 2014 | 393,614,208 | 1,325 | 54,925 | ||
Placing on 29 Dec 2015 | 13,333,333 | 3 | 32 | 185 | 1,771 |
As at 31 December 2015 | 406,947,541 | 1,357 | 56,696 | ||
Placing on 9 June 2016 | 37,500,000 | 9 | 88 | 696 | 6,512 |
As at 30 June 2016 | 444,447,541 | 1,445 | 63,208 |
The substantial shareholders have not changed from 31 May 2016 we outlined in the annual report.The Group has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income.
3. Property, plant and equipment
Plant and machinery | Motor Vehicles | Office equipment | Leasehold improvements | Total | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
As at 30 June 2016 | ||||||
Cost | ||||||
At 1 January 2016 | 3,198 | 7,865 | 798 | 6,247 | 18,108 | |
Additions | 410 | - | 8 | - | 410 | |
Disposals | - | (1,193) | - | (764) | (1,957) | |
At 30 June 2016 | 3,608 | 6,362 | 806 | 5,483 | 16,259 | |
Accumulated depreciation | ||||||
At 1 January 2016 | 2,167 | 5,936 | 532 | 3,586 | 12,221 | |
Charged for the year | 1,208 | (927) | 42 | (1,080) | (757) | |
Disposals | - | 126 | - | - | 126 | |
| ||||||
At 30 June 2016 | 3,375 | 4,883 | 574 | 2,506 | 11,338 | |
Carrying amount | ||||||
At 1 January 2016 | 1,031 | 1,929 | 266 | 2,661 | 5,887 | |
At 30 June 2016 | 233 | 1,479 | 232 | 2,977 | 4,921 |
4. Intangible assets
Computer software | Patents | Technology Knowhow | Land use management | Development cost | Total | |
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | |
Cost | ||||||
Balance at beginning of year | 60 | 2,908 | 3,613 | 6,914 | 13,495 | |
Additions | - | 310 | - | - |
| 310 |
Transfer | (50) | 6,378 | - | (1,107) | (6,815) | (1,594) |
Balance at end of year | 10 | 9,596 | - | 2,506 | 99 | 12,211 |
|
| |||||
Accumulated amortisation | ||||||
Balance at beginning of year | 51 | 535 | 759 | - | 1,345 | |
Amortisation for the year | (48) | (240) | - | (728) |
| (1,016) |
Balance at end of year | 3 | 295 | - | 31 |
| 329 |
Carrying amount
| ||||||
As at 31 Dec 2015 | 15 | 978 | - | 2,937 | 4,209 | 8,139 |
As at 30 June 2016 | 7 | 9,301 | - | 2,475 | 99 | 11,882 |
5. Earnings per share
Earnings per share ("EPS")on a basic and diluted basis are as follows:
Earnings per share ("EPS") on a basic and diluted basis are as follows:
Earnings | Weighted average number of shares | Earning per shares | Earnings | Weighted average number of shares | Earning per shares | |
Six months | Six months | Six months | Six months | Six months | Six months | |
to 30 June | to 30 June | to 30 June | to 30 June | to 30 June | to 30 June | |
2016 | 2016 | 2016 | 2015 | 2015 | 2015 | |
Unaudited | Unaudited | Unaudited | Unaudited | Unaudited | Unaudited | |
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | |
Earnings/(loss)per share-basic | 11,484 | 401,723,797 | 0.029 | (5,562) | 393,614,208 | (0.014) |
Potentially dilutive shares | - | - | - | - | - | |
Earnings/(loss)per share-diluted | 11,484 | 401,723,797 | 0.029 | (5,562) | 393,614,208 | (0.014) |
6. Directors' interests
The following Directors have held office during the period and their interests as at 30 June 2016, all of which are beneficial unless otherwise stated, whether direct or indirect, of the Directors and their families in the issued share capital of the company and options over Ordinary Shares which had been granted, are as follows:
Director | Number of Ordinary Shares | Percentage of Ordinary Shares | ||
Yu Weijun | 90,932,440 | 20.46% | ||
Tang Zhaoxing | 48,000,000 | 10.80% | ||
Richard Bennett | - | - |
7. Business Segment
A business segment is a Group of assets and operations engaged in providing products or services that are subject to risks and returns that are different from those of other business segments. A geographical segment is engaged in providing products or services within a particular economic environment that is subject to risks and returns that are different from those of segments operating in other economic environments.
The Group's revenue breakdown by geographical location is determined based on its customers' country of incorporation. The Group's cost of sales and operating expenses are aggregated on a cumulative basis and are not attributable to specific geographical regions. Therefore, a breakdown of gross profit for the financial years by geographical regions is not shown.
Geographical Segment Revenue | 6 months ended | |||
30 June 2016 | 30 June 2015 |
| ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 |
| ||
| ||||
PRC | 37,167 | 23,344 |
| |
Myanmar | 3,327 |
| ||
Canada | 8,202 | - |
| |
| ||||
| ||||
45,369 | 26,671 |
| ||
|
The CNE Group's assets, liabilities and capital expenditure are almost entirely attributable to a single business segment of provision of technology and engineering services to ethanol, ethanol downstream product and biobutanol producers. Therefore, the CNE Group does not have separately reportable business segments under IFRS 8 Segmental Reporting.
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