5th Nov 2009 07:00
Vedanta Resources Plc
Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 30 September 2009
|
Consolidated Group Results(in US$ million, except as stated) |
H1 2010 |
H1 2009 |
% Change |
|
Revenue |
2,978.6 |
3,973.2 |
(25.0) |
|
EBITDA |
746.3 |
1,272.4 |
(41.3) |
|
EBITDA margin (%) |
25.0% |
32.0% |
- |
|
Operating special items |
(6.8) |
- |
- |
|
Operating profit |
490.2 |
1,015.9 |
(51.7) |
|
Attributable Profit |
188.2 |
350.0 |
(46.2) |
|
Basic Earnings per Share (US cents) |
68.5 |
121.4 |
(43.6) |
|
Earnings per Share on Underlying Profit (US cents) |
41.8 |
121.4 |
(65.0) |
|
ROCE (excluding project capital work in progress) |
18.8% |
39.3% |
- |
|
Interim Dividend (US cents per share) |
17.5 |
16.5 |
6.1 |
Mr Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Resources plc said, "I am pleased to report robust results, which demonstrate the inherent strength of our business against the backdrop of challenging markets. We have grown volumes, maintained investment, reduced costs and generated strong returns. We have a strong balance sheet and we have demonstrated our ability to finance our dynamic growth pipeline. We continue to rigorously pursue operational excellence, strengthening our cost positions as we pursue profitable growth, and we are excited at the tremendous potential for Indian demand."
For further information, please contact:
|
Ashwin Bajaj VP - Investor Relations Vedanta Resources plc |
Tel: +44 20 7659 4732 / +91 22 6646 1437 |
|
Saurabh Kothari Investor Relations Vedanta Resources plc |
Tel: +91 22 6646 1436 |
|
Faeth Birch Robin Walker Finsbury |
Tel: +44 20 7251 3801 |
About Vedanta Resources plc
Vedanta Resources plc ("Vedanta") is a London listed FTSE 100 diversified metals and mining major. The group produces aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, iron ore and commercial energy. Vedanta has operations in India, Zambia and Australia and a strong organic growth pipeline of projects. With an empowered talent pool of 30,000 employees globally, Vedanta places strong emphasis on partnering with all its stakeholders based on the core values of entrepreneurship, excellence, trust, inclusiveness and growth. For more information visit www.vedantaresources.com
Disclaimer
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" - that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "should" or "will." Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, uncertainties arise from the behaviour of financial and metals markets including the London Metal Exchange, fluctuations in interest and or exchange rates and metal prices; from future integration of acquired businesses; and from numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different that those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Our financial results in the first half demonstrate the resilience of our business in very challenging market conditions. Our low cost, diversified operations generated solid returns and cash flows in a period of lower commodity prices. Furthermore, our strong balance sheet and liquidity position has facilitated continued investment in our organic growth programme. Where appropriate, we have responded quickly and decisively to lower our costs. Crucially, in a period when many of our peers were cutting back production and investments in growth, I am pleased to report continuing investment and volume growth across all commodities. Whilst we appear to be witnessing the early signs of economic recovery globally, I believe that our company remains very well placed to grow throughout the commodity cycle.
Financial Performance
We have delivered revenues of close to US$3.0 billion and EBITDA of US$746 million in the first half of this year. Higher volumes were offset by lower realisations across all our operations compared to a year ago. Our operating profit was US$490 million and attributable profit was US$188.2 million, a 37.5% share of net income.
We generated US$233.2 million of free cash flow, reflecting the continued investment in working capital to support the growth in the business. Expansionary capital expenditure in the period was US$1.79 billion in what we anticipate will be the peak year for the current organic growth programme. To support our growth initiatives, we successfully raised US$3.35 billion during the 2010 financial year to date by issuing equity and convertible bonds.
Net debt at the period end was US$969 million and our group cash position, including liquid investments, at the end of the half year was US$6.0 billion. We remain committed to a strong and liquid balance sheet and investment grade credit metrics.
Operational Performance
I have great pleasure in reporting excellent operational performance in our aluminium, zinc and iron ore businesses. Higher operational efficiencies, higher plant availability and improved mine management at our zinc and iron ore businesses, together with the closure of our high cost aluminium smelters has reduced overall costs of production. In the Copper - India business strong operational performance has partially offset much lower prices for by-products. In our Copper - Zambia Operations, we have made steady progress in reducing costs and are on course to deliver further cost reductions in the second half of this year.
Organic growth
We continue to make excellent progress with our organic growth programme. It is, however, with great sadness that I have to report the tragic collapse of a power plant chimney that was under construction at BALCO through our subcontractor SEPCO. My sincerest condolences are offered to families of those affected. A full investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of this incident.
Ensuring the safety of all our employees is a key priority for us, and your board remains focused on improving our performance in this crucial area.
We recently announced a 400ktpa expansion of our copper smelting capacity at Tuticorin, a pig iron expansion by 375ktpa, and the revival of the 1980MW Talwandi Sabo power projects. Estimated capex for these projects amount to US$ 2.8 billion.
Acquisitions
We were pleased with the opportunity to expand and consolidate our Iron Ore business by acquiring VS Dempo (VSD), one of the largest exporters of iron ore in Goa. VSD owns or has the rights to mineable reserves and resources estimated at 70 million tonnes of iron ore in Goa. VSD's Goa mining assets include processing plants, barges, jetties, transhippers and loading capacities at Mormugoa port. These facilities offer the potential for significant synergies with our existing Sesa Goa operations.
In March 2009, we entered into a revised agreement with Asarco LLC, an integrated copper producer in Arizona, USA to purchase substantially all of its operating assets for US$1.7 billion. We offered a renegotiated purchase consideration of US$2.6 billion in September. We are awaiting a U.S. District Court Judge to rule on the transaction, where Grupo Mexico is the other bidder for these assets.
Group Structure
Share buybacks and purchases have increased holdings in some of our major subsidiaries during the period. Total investment in the period was US$219.5 million, taking our holding in both Sterlite and Sesa to 57%. During the period the group issued convertible bonds to fund its organic growth program and for general corporate purposes. Vedanta raised US$1.25 billion from a convertible bond issue in July 2009. Sterlite raised US$1.1 billion by issue of ADS in July, Sterlite and Sesa Goa each raised US$500 million from the issue of convertible bonds in October 2009. All bonds were issued at attractive coupons and are five year in tenure.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Sustainable development is a key part of our strategy and philosophy. It reflects in the way we operate and represents a core commitment of our management and employees. Consequently, we are continuously improving on our environmental and social performance.
Our health, safety and environment initiatives reflect this long term commitment. The result is a steady stream of operational and organizational initiatives over the near, medium and long term.
Our sustainable development efforts have positively impacted 427 villages that include 2.5 million people. We follow the 4P model of Public-Private-People-Partnership in our work with the communities, involving the Government, NGO's and beneficiaries. These initiatives include: Integrated Village Development Programmes in villages in Goa; preschool education, health and nutrition supplementation; Midday Meal Program in government schools providing a daily hot nutritious meal for children; women empowerment program through Self-Help Groups; and working closely with the Dongri Kondh Development Agency for the social- economic development of indigenous people.
We remain committed to working with all our stakeholders to ensure that Vedanta has a net positive effect on the communities and the environment in which we work.
Dividend
We remain committed to our progressive dividend policy. An interim dividend of 17.5 UScents will be payable to shareholders on the share register on 11 December 2009.
Outlook
We have seen some recovery in metals prices and the fundamentals remain highly attractive. We expect that the economic and industrial growth in India will help underpin the demand for our products.
Our focus is to pursue operational excellence, preserving and strengthening our cost positions, and value creating growth. I look forward to reporting on further positive progress at the end of the year.
Anil Agarwal
Chairman
5 November 2009
Business Review
Summary
Global economic conditions are showing early signs of improvement and we have seen a partial recovery in most commodity prices. In the first half of 2009, the Indian economy has shown tremendous resilience with metal consumption growing at annualised growth rates of ~20% for Aluminium, ~25% for Zinc and ~20% for Copper. Despite these early positive signs in the economic environment we continue to remain focused on our core strengths of high operational efficiency and low cost of production, while developing high value accretive projects.
We are pleased to report strong results in the six months ended 30 September 2009 ('H1 2010') as a result of increased volumes, better operational efficiencies, higher plant availability and improved mine management. In a challenging operating environment, we proactively shut-down our high cost aluminium production and reduced unit cash costs in our Copper-Australia, Aluminium and our iron ore businesses. Underlying unit costs were also lower in our zinc and copper-India operations, although efficiency gains were more than offset by significantly lower by-product credits. At KCM, we continue to make steady progress to reduce unit costs in line with our year end target.
We spent US$1,786 million on our expansion programme during H1 2010 and have made excellent progress. The 500ktpa aluminium expansion project at Jharsuguda is under commissioning for completion by end FY 2010. We have also significantly increased our capacity in the Iron Ore business by de-bottlenecking of mining operations and logistics.
We regret to report that construction at the 1,200MW captive power plant project site was temporarily disrupted following the collapse of a chimney under construction, in September 2009, which led to the tragic loss of lives. Independent investigations by the Contractor, Vedanta & the state Government are currently underway and we are absolutely committed to take all necessary actions to ensure the safety of our employees and contractors. In this business and across the whole group we are reviewing our safety procedures, conducting inter-unit audits and engaging more experienced safety professionals and independent consultants to ensure that our approach to safety is in line with the best in the industry. At this stage we do not anticipate a material delay in the progressive commissioning of the power plant. All our other projects are progressing well and we expect to commission them on time.
With the improved market conditions and significant Indian GDP growth, we have reviewed our capital expenditure plan and have decided to reactivate the 1,980 MW power plant at Talwandi commercial power project, which was put on hold last year. The Talwandi project will be fully completed within the earlier estimated capex of $2.15 billion and is expected to be commissioned by Q2 FY 2014. In view of rapidly growing copper consumption in India and to significantly reduce the power cost in existing smelting operations, we announced the expansion of our copper smelter at Tuticorin, with a capacity of 400ktpa MT along with a captive power plant of 160 MW with an estimated capex of $500 million. The project is expected to be commissioned by mid CY2011. We are expanding our pig iron production capacity by 375ktpa with an estimated capex of $150 million to be commissioned by mid 2011. We continue to follow our established policy of stringent and conservative project appraisal
On 11 June, we also acquired V S Dempo's iron ore assets based at Goa. The Dempo acquisition offers significant growth opportunity and is expected to bring synergies through sharing of infrastructure with Sesa Goa thereby acting as a catalyst for further de-bottlenecking in logistics.
We made substantial progress in the period progressively securing all the funding required for our organic growth program. Our subsidiary Sterlite Industries raised $1.1 billion of fresh equity during the half year 2010 by issue of Sterlite ADS. In addition, Vedanta raised $1.25 billion through the issue of convertible bonds due 2016 in July 2009. Post the half year end we also announced $500 million convertible bonds at both Sesa Goa and Sterlite and an IPO in Indian bourses for Sterlite Energy, a 100% subsidiary of Sterlite.
We are committed to ensure that our growth is funded conservatively through a mixture of internally generated cashflows, equity raising and long dated debt issued at the most advantageous cost to us. This reflects our commitment to achieving investment grade ratings from internationally recognised agencies by delivering our capital expenditure program on time and on budget while maintaining investment grade financial metrics.
We retain our focus on efficiency in an operating environment that has witnessed high volatility in both realisation and input costs. Unit cash costs were lower in our Copper-Australia, Aluminium and iron ore businesses, primarily due to better operational efficiencies and the shut-down of high cost aluminium production i.e., Malco and Balco Plant 1. At our zinc business and copper-India operations, better operating efficiencies and increased volumes, partially reduced the impact of lower by-product credits. At our copper Zambia operations, costs were lower when compared with the corresponding period but a little higher than our expectations on account of operational issues at the Nchanga smelter. Following the scheduled shutdown, we expect costs to go down on the back of increased volumes.
On the Corporate Social Responsibility front we aim to work with communities and demonstrate through our actions the importance of local communities to the Group. We have developed the 4P model of Public-Private-People-Partnership as an integrated strategy in our work with communities. We recognize that only through collective efforts can we bring about a long term sustainable change in the socio economic condition of the communities in and around our plants.
We work in partnerships with the government (disbursing finds, enhance outreach and quality of services) Civil Society (work with 80 NGOs either as technical or implementation partners) and People.
We always recognise that our performance can be improved and we are committed to working together with all our stakeholders to ensure that our projects achieve the highest standards in terms of community and environmental impact.
Group Results
Group revenues in H1 2010 were US$2,978.6 million, a decrease of 25.0% compared with the six months ended 30 September 2008 ('H1 2009'). EBITDA was US$746.3 million in H1 2010, lower by 41.3% compared with H1 2009. Despite increased contribution from higher volumes in the Aluminium, Zinc and Iron Ore businesses, these gains were more than offset by lower commodity prices and by-product realisations across all operations.
Higher volumes in most of our businesses contributed around US$120 million to EBITDA, and lower cost of production (COP) contributed around $110 million in H1 2010. These were more than offset by a US$670 million impact from lower LME and iron ore prices and $90 million from lower profits in phosphoric acid, pig iron, and others. Our EBITDA margin was 25.0% in H1 2010 compared with 32.0% in H1 2009, reflecting these factors.
Conversion of EBITDA to free cash flow for H1 2010 was 31.2% compared with 62.6% in H1 2009, primarily on account of increased working capital in our copper-India operations where working capital is directly linked to LME prices. The impact of the Copper-India working capital increase was around $123 million and we also invested $149 million in additional working capital at our new aluminium operations at Jharsuguda. Excluding these the free cash flow conversion was 67.6% of EBITDA.
We have retained our strong balance sheet and funding position, with cash and liquid investments totalling US$5.95 billion as at 30 September 2009. Furthermore, we generated free cash flows pre-expansion capex in H1 2010 of US$233 million. Net debt was US$969 million. Our gearing ratio remains strong at 9.0%, despite spending $1.79 billion on project expansions and the acquisition of Dempo for $361.3 million.
Segmental revenue and EBITDA are presented in the table below.
|
(in US$ million, except as stated) |
H1 2010 |
H1 2009 |
% change |
|
Revenue |
|||
|
Aluminium |
253.8 |
592.1 |
(57.1%) |
|
Copper |
1,629.6 |
2,086.0 |
(21.9%) |
|
India/Australia |
1,207.2 |
1,571.7 |
(23.2%) |
|
Zambia |
422.4 |
514.3 |
(17.9%) |
|
Zinc |
659.9 |
777.3 |
(15.1%) |
|
Iron Ore |
316.2 |
503.3 |
(36.9%) |
|
Power |
119.1 |
14.5 |
721.2% |
|
2,978.6 |
3,973.2 |
(25.0%) |
|
|
EBITDA |
|||
|
Aluminium |
45.9 |
179.7 |
(74.4%) |
|
Copper |
138.3 |
302.3 |
(54.3%) |
|
India/Australia |
70.0 |
231.4 |
(69.8%) |
|
Zambia |
68.3 |
70.9 |
(3.7%) |
|
Zinc |
373.4 |
451.2 |
(17.2%) |
|
Iron Ore |
130.5 |
322.9 |
(59.6%) |
|
Power |
59.0 |
7.1 |
731.5% |
|
Others* |
(0.8) |
9.2 |
- |
|
746.3 |
1,272.4 |
(41.3%) |
* unallocable corporate expenses.
ALUMINIUM
|
(in US$ million, except as stated) |
H1 2010 |
H1 2009 |
Change |
H2 2009 |
FY 2009 |
|
Production volumes (kt) |
|||||
|
Alumina - Lanjigarh |
378 |
250 |
51.2% |
336 |
586 |
|
Alumina - Korba and Mettur |
40 |
143 |
(72.0%) |
98 |
241 |
|
Aluminium - Jharsuguda |
109 |
7 |
1457.1% |
75 |
82 |
|
Aluminium - Korba |
136 |
180 |
(24.4%) |
177 |
357 |
|
- Aluminium - Mettur |
- |
19 |
(100.0%) |
4 |
23 |
|
Average LME cash settlement prices (US$ per tonne) |
1,652 |
2,865 |
(42.3%) |
1,597 |
2,234 |
|
Average Exchange Rate (INR per US$) |
48.54 |
42.77 |
13.5% |
49.26 |
45.91 |
|
Unit costs |
|||||
|
Aluminium Business - US$ per tonne1 |
1,421 |
1,960 |
(27.5%) |
1,460 |
1,702 |
|
Aluminium Business - INR per tonne1 |
68,974 |
83,820 |
(17.7%) |
71,893 |
78,139 |
|
BALCO Plant 2 Production Cost (US$ Per tonne) |
1,347 |
1,796 |
(25.0%) |
1,452 |
1,623 |
|
BALCO Plant 2 Production Cost (INR Per tonne) |
65,384 |
76,806 |
(14.9%) |
72,237 |
74,517 |
|
BALCO Plant 2- Smelting Cost2 (US$ per tonne) |
762 |
958 |
(20.5%) |
752 |
859 |
|
BALCO Plant 2- Smelting Cost2 (INR per tonne) |
36,993 |
40,957 |
(9.7%) |
37,041 |
39,436 |
|
Revenue |
253.8 |
592.1 |
(57.1%) |
345.0 |
937.1 |
|
EBITDA |
45.9 |
179.7 |
(74.0%) |
16.4 |
196.1 |
|
EBITDA Margin |
18.1% |
30.3% |
- |
4.75% |
20.9% |
|
Operating (Loss)/Profit |
(2.1) |
142.9 |
- |
(25.7) |
117.2 |
1. Excluding Jharsuguda operations production cost as smelter is under trial runs
2 Smelting cost comprises production cost excluding alumina cost
Production Performance
Production of 245,000 tonnes of aluminium in H1 2010 was the highest ever achieved in any H1 reporting period and an increase of 18.9% compared with the production in H1 2009. This increase is primarily attributable to the production of 109,000 tonnes from the new Jharsuguda aluminium smelter. Production from BALCO Plant 1 was 13,000 tonnes in H1 2010 against 55,000 tonnes in H1 2009 while Mettur production was NIL in H1 2010 against 19,000 tonnes in H1 2009 consequent to shut down of Balco Plant 1 and Malco. BALCO Plant 2 continues to operate at its rated capacity.
The Lanjigarh alumina refinery produced 378,000 tonnes of calcined alumina H1 2010, significantly higher than 250,000 tonnes in H1 2009. Current production levels largely meet our captive requirements of alumina. The Korba alumina refinery was ramped down consequent to the shut-down of the BALCO Plant 1 smelter.
Sales in the domestic Indian market increased 14.0% to 187,000 tonnes in H1 2010, compared with 164,000 tonnes in H1 2009, in line with the increase in aluminium consumption in India. Sales realisation in domestic markets are higher than exports.
Unit Costs
Better operational efficiencies, lower alumina and input prices, and the closure of high cost operations helped in reducing the overall cost of production. Unit costs of production in Indian rupee terms, the currency in which a majority of costs are incurred, decreased by 17.7% to INR 68,974 per tonne (or US$1,421 per tonne) in H1 2010 compared with H1 2009 primarily on account of lower caustic and carbon costs.; in dollar terms, the unit cost per tonne was lower by 27.5% in H1 2010 compared with H1 2009. The Aluminium business continues to focus on managing its overall cost of production by continuous improvements
Financial Performance
Revenue in H1 2010 was US$253.8 million, down 57.1% compared with US$592.1 million in H1 2009. Accordingly, EBITDA in the period was also lower compared to H1 2009 at US$45.9 million.
Projects
Jharsuguda I Aluminium Smelter
Work on the first phase of the 500ktpa aluminium smelter and associated captive power plant at Jharsuguda, Orissa is progressing well. 50% of the pots have been brought on line supported by five units of the captive power plant. Work is ongoing and we expect to complete commissioning of the aluminium smelter by end FY 2010.
Jharsuguda II Aluminium Smelter
The 1.25mtpa aluminium smelter project in Jharsuguda is progressing well with more than 70% of civil work completed. About 40% of equipment and materials are at site and are in various stages of installation. The project is on schedule for first metal tapping from March 2010.
Lanjigarh Alumina Refinery
We are in a state of preparedness to commence the mining of Niyamgiri bauxite on receipt of final government clearances, expected in the current financial year. Progress on the 3mtpa alumina refinery expansion project and the 0.6mtpa de-bottlenecking project at Lanjigarh is on schedule for commissioning.
Korba Aluminium Smelter
325ktpa aluminium smelter project together with an associated 1,200 MW captive thermal power plant in Korba, Chattisgarh (the 'Korba III Project') is also progressing well. As mentioned earlier the construction at the 1,200 MW captive power plant site has been disrupted but at this stage we do not anticipate a material delay in the progressive commissioning of the power plant, expected to generate power from October 2010.
COPPER
Copper-India/Australia
|
(in US$ million, except as stated) |
H1 2010 |
H1 2009 |
Change |
H2 2009 |
FY 2009 |
|
Production volumes (kt) |
|||||
|
Cathode |
169 |
149 |
13.4% |
164 |
313 |
|
Rod |
105 |
110 |
(4.6%) |
110 |
220 |
|
Mined metal content |
12 |
12 |
- |
15 |
27 |
|
Average LME cash settlement prices (US$ per tonne) |
5,276 |
8,064 |
(34.6%) |
3,689 |
5,585 |
|
Average Exchange Rate (INR per US$) |
48.54 |
42.77 |
13.5% |
49.26 |
45.91 |
|
Unit conversion costs - US cents per lb |
10.9 |
(4.9) |
- |
10.0 |
3.1 |
|
INR per tonne |
11,696 |
(4,574) |
- |
10,859 |
3,138 |
|
Realised TC/RCs (US cents per lb) |
13.2 |
12.4 |
6.5% |
11.2 |
11.7 |
|
Revenue |
1,207.2 |
1,571.7 |
(23.2%) |
966.2 |
2,537.9 |
|
EBITDA |
70.0 |
231.4 |
(69.8%) |
62.3 |
293.7 |
|
EBITDA Margin |
5.8% |
14.6% |
- |
6.45% |
11.6% |
|
Operating Profit |
49.2 |
209.3 |
(76.5%) |
33.6 |
242.9 |
Production and Sales
Production of cathodes at Copper-India was 169,000 tonnes in H1 2010, an increase of 13.4% compared with H1 2009. This was primarily due to a 26 day bi-annual maintenance shutdown during H1 2009.
Mined metal production at our Australian mine was 12,000 tonnes during H1 2010, same as compared with the corresponding period in the previous year. The production during the period has been impacted due to a mud rush in the mine resulting from heavy rainfall at the end of August 2009. The production has resumed as scheduled from end October 2009.
Sales in the domestic Indian market increased substantially to 96,000 tonnes in H1 2010, a significant increase of 41.2% compared with H1 2009, reflecting robust growth in Indian power sector, giving us better contribution vis-à-vis exports.
Unit Costs
Net unit conversion cost, which comprises of the cost of smelting and refining after netting off by-product credits was 10.9 US cents per lb in H1 2010, as compared to a negative 4.9 US cents per lb in H1 2009, primarily on account of extreme fluctuation in the sulphuric acid credit. Average sulphuric acid prices were below US$10/MT in H1 2010 compared to US$135/MT in H1 2009, which partly neutralised the positive impact of reduction in gross cost by 6.4 US cents per lb.
TC/RCs
TC/RCs received in H1 2010 were marginally better at 13.2 US cents per lb compared with 12.4 US cents per lb in H1 2009. We expect TC/RC's to remain close to current levels through the second half of FY 2010.
Financial Performance
EBITDA for H1 2010 was US$70.0 million as compared with US$231.4 million in H1 2009 primarily due to lower copper LME, and very low by-product credit, the impact of which were to some extent offset by lower gross costs of production.
Projects
We announced the expansion of our copper smelting capacity at Tuticorin by 400kt per annum supported by a captive power plant of 160 MW. The project will cost an estimated $500 million and is expected to be commissioned by mid CY2011.
COPPER-ZAMBIA
|
(in US$ million, except as stated) |
H1 2010 |
H1 2009 |
Change |
H2 2009 |
FY 2009 |
|
Production volumes (kt) |
|||||
|
Mined metal content |
38 |
42 |
(9.5%) |
39 |
81 |
|
Cathode |
78 |
73 |
6.9% |
60 |
133 |
|
Average LME cash settlement prices (US$ per tonne) |
5,276 |
8,064 |
(34.6%) |
3,689 |
5,585 |
|
Unit costs (US cents per lb) |
169.1 |
288.5 |
(41.4%) |
222.3 |
258.3 |
|
Revenue |
422.4 |
514.3 |
(17.6%) |
258.8 |
773.1 |
|
EBITDA |
68.3 |
70.9 |
(1.7%) |
(141.7) |
(70.8) |
|
EBITDA Margin |
16.2% |
13.8% |
- |
(54.8%) |
(9.2%) |
|
Operating Profit |
10.6 |
19.1 |
(44.5%) |
(185.0) |
(165.9) |
Production Performance
Production of 78,000 tonnes of copper cathode in H1 2010 was about 6.9% higher than H1 2009, due to a 10% increase in production from tail leaching plant of 25,000 MT for H1 2010 and better production from the new Nchanga smelter. The one month planned maintenance shutdown in September 2009 of the Nchanga smelter is now complete and the smelter is ramping up well.
Unit Costs
Unit costs of integrated production in H1 2010 were 169.1 US cents per lb, a significant 41.4% reduction compared with H1 2009 on account of better cost control, decrease in the input prices, recovery of sulphuric acid and cobalt in the new Nchanga smelter and lower manpower costs subsequent to the reduction in manpower.
Financial Performance
EBITDA in H1 2010 of US$68.3 million was only marginally lower than EBITDA of US$70.9 million in H1 2009, despite the 34.6% fall in LME and one month shut-down of the Nchanga smelter for repair. This was primarily due to the cost reduction programme by which unit costs reduced by 41.4%.
Project
Work on the KDMP expansion project is progressing well, with the shaft sinking from surface to the depth of 1065m out of the 1140m required for commissioning of the mid shaft loading station (MSL). A Crushing Chamber EOT crane at 985m was commissioned on load at the end of September 2009, which is a major milestone. We expect to commission the MSL by end FY 2010 and full project completion by end 2011.
ZINC
|
(in US$ million, except as stated) |
H1 2010 |
H1 2009 |
Change |
H2 2009 |
FY 2009 |
|
Production volumes - zinc (kt) |
|||||
|
Mined metal content |
335 |
305 |
9.8% |
346 |
651 |
|
Refined metal |
280 |
249 |
12.5% |
303 |
552 |
|
Production volumes - lead (kt) |
|||||
|
Mined metal content |
40 |
41 |
(2.4%) |
43 |
84 |
|
Refined metal 1 |
31 |
32 |
(3.1%) |
34 |
65 |
|
Silver (in m oz) 2 |
2.63 |
1.77 |
48.5% |
1.98 |
4.24 |
|
Average LME cash settlement prices ($ per tonne) |
1,621 |
1,941 |
(16.5%) |
1,182 |
1,563 |
|
Average Exchange Rate (INR per US$) |
48.54 |
42.77 |
13.5% |
49.26 |
45.61 |
|
Unit costs |
|||||
|
Zinc - US$ per tonne |
782 |
672 |
16.4% |
741 |
710 |
|
INR per tonne |
37,970 |
28,739 |
32.1% |
35,811 |
32,621 |
|
Zinc (Other than Royalty) - US$ per tonne |
666 |
544 |
22.5% |
662 |
609 |
|
INR per tonne |
32,347 |
23,274 |
39.0% |
31,835 |
27,973 |
|
Revenue |
659.9 |
777.3 |
(15.1%) |
431.8 |
1,209.1 |
|
EBITDA |
373.4 |
451.2 |
(17.2%) |
154.2 |
605.4 |
|
EBITDA Margin |
56.6% |
58.0% |
- |
35.7% |
50.1% |
|
Operating Profit |
345.1 |
418.7 |
(17.6%) |
129.60 |
548.3 |
1. Including captive consumption of 4kt vs. 2kt in H1 FY10 vs. H1 FY09
2. Including captive consumption of 710,000 oz vs. 323,000 oz in H1 FY10 vs. H1 FY09
Production and Sales
The operational performance of our Zinc business was excellent with increased production of mined metal and finished metal. This increase in mined and refined metal production was due to higher productivity and better plant performance.
Zinc refined metal production in H1 2010 was a record 280,000 tonnes, an increase of 12.5% over H1 2009, due to improved operational efficiencies. Production of refined lead in H1 2010 was 31,000 tonnes compared to 32,000 tonnes in H1 2009. We sold 96,000dmt and 21,000dmt of surplus zinc and lead concentrate in H1 2010.
The Production of silver during H1 2010 was also significantly higher at 2.63 million troy ounces, up 48.5% compared with 1.77 million troy ounces in H1 2009. This increase was primarily due to improvement in silver recoveries and higher production from our Pyro plant.
Unit Costs
The Zinc business continues to have improving trend in reduction of gross cost of production (excluding royalty) by around Rs.3700 per MT in H1 FY2010 when compared with H1 FY2009. However, negated by sharp fall in the acid credit, equivalent to around Rs.12,500 per MT of Zinc. The royalty cost which is linked with LME, was increased from 6.6% to 8.4% for Zinc and from 5.0% to 12.7% for lead, with effect from 13 August 2009.
Financial Performance
EBITDA for H1 2010 was US$373.4 million, 17.2% lower compared with US$451.2 million in H1 2009. This was largely due to a 16.5% fall in LME and sharp decline in by-product prices offset by better volumes in zinc and silver and depreciation of the Indian rupee.
Projects
The Rampura Agucha mine expansion from 5mtpa to 6mtpa is progressing on schedule, with detailed engineering completed, orders placed for major equipment and equipment delivery started at site. Work at the 1.5 million tonne Sindesar Khurd mine expansion project is on schedule for progressive commissioning from mid 2010. Initial steps for opening Kayar mine are well on schedule.
Construction at the 210ktpa zinc smelter and 100ktpa lead smelter at Rajpura Dariba are progressing well, equipment erection at the roaster section is completed and piping and cabling works are in progress. Equipment erection in leaching, purification and the cell house areas of the zinc smelter are progressing well and the anode and cathode placement in cell house has started. Structural erection for the lead smelter has started and equipment has started arriving at site. The projects are on schedule for completion by mid 2010.
IRON ORE
|
(in US$ million, except as stated) |
H1 2010 |
H1 2009 |
Change |
H2 2009 |
FY 2009 |
|
Production volumes (kt) |
|||||
|
Saleable ore |
8,204 |
7,127 |
15.1% |
8,859 |
15,986 |
|
Pig iron |
139 |
123 |
13.0% |
94 |
217 |
|
Sales volumes (kt) |
|||||
|
Iron Ore |
6,354 |
4,639 |
37.0% |
10,464 |
15,103 |
|
Pig iron |
137 |
117 |
17.1% |
107 |
224 |
|
Revenue |
316.2 |
503.3 |
(37.2%) |
567 |
1070.4 |
|
EBITDA |
130.5 |
322.9 |
(59.6%) |
234 |
557.1 |
|
EBITDA Margin |
41.1% |
64.1% |
- |
41.3% |
52.1% |
|
Operating Profit |
40.8 |
216.6 |
(81.6%) |
131 |
348 |
* Production and sales of iron ore in H1 2010, includes 246 kt and 160 kt from Dempo
Production and Sales
Saleable iron ore produced during H1 2010 was over 8.20 million tonnes, the highest ever iron ore production so far in any H1. This was achieved through de-bottlenecking of mining operations and logistics. Production also includes 0.25 million tonnes production from Dempo, acquired in June 2009.
Iron Ore sales were at a record 6.35 million tonnes, despite the seasonal monsoon, substantially higher than in H1 2009. Spot sales were at 5.95 million tonnes while LTC sales were at 0.40mt in H1 2010.
In line with benchmark price settlements, most of the long-term contracts for the current year have been settled with a decrease of c33% and c45% for fines and lumps, respectively over last year's prices. After a sharp fall in October to December 08 and wide fluctuations thereafter, global iron ore prices seem to have stabilised at current levels and we expect the prices to remain at similar levels in second half of the year.
Financial Performance
Revenues in H1 2010 were US$316.2 million and EBITDA was US$130.5 million. Revenues and EBITDA were lower primarily due to a sharp fall in international iron ore prices the impact of which to some extent was reduced by increased volumes.
POWER
Our current operations in the power business include 270 MW and 100 MW of thermal power at Korba and Mettur, respectively and also 123 MW of wind power generators in the State of Gujarat and Karnataka. We sold 981 million units of power H1 2010 as compared with 141 million units in H1 2009 at an average realisation of Rs.4.9 per unit i.e. 10 US cents per unit. The average Plant Load Factor (PLF) for the thermal power plans was 96.1% and wind power generators operated at a PLF of 25.4%, which was in line with our expectations.
Financial Performance
Revenue in H1 2010 was US$119.1 million, significantly higher from US$14.5 million in H1 2009. Accordingly, EBITDA in the period was also higher at US$59.0 million compared to US$7.1 million in H1 2009.
Projects
Work on the 2,400 MW (600 MW x 4) green field coal-based independent thermal power plant at Jharsuguda, Orissa is progressing well. The construction activities are in full swing and the first unit of 600MW is expected to get commissioned in Q4 FY 2010. The remaining units are expected to be progressively commissioned by the end of the calendar year 2010.
Following the improved economic environment, we have revived the 1,980 MW thermal power plant project at Talwandi Sabo, in the State of Punjab in India.
Finance Review
We posted an EBITDA of $746.3 million on the back of volume growth and cost reduction despite low commodity prices. We have a robust balance sheet with $6.0 billion of cash and liquid investments which together with committed funding arrangements in place is amply sufficient to fund our growth projects.
Background
Our interim financial report is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS'), as adopted for use in the European Union. Our reporting currency is the US dollar.
Key Financial Performance Indicators
|
(in US$ million, except as stated)
|
H1 2010
|
H1 2009
|
FY2009
|
|
EBITDA
|
746.3
|
1,272.4
|
1,612.2
|
|
Underlying EPS (US cents per share)
|
41.8
|
121.4
|
119.7
|
|
Free Cash Flows
|
233.2
|
815.6
|
1,733.8
|
|
ROCE* (excluding project capital WIP) (%)
|
18.8
|
39.3
|
24.4
|
|
Net Debt/(Cash)
|
969.4
|
(788.7)
|
200.8
|
Our balance sheet continues to remain strong with cash and liquid investments of $5.95 billion. Despite one of the worst recessions, we have maintained our dividends and remain committed to our progressive dividend policy. Our gearing ratio remains low at 9.0% and our interest cover ratio (including capitalised interest) to EBITDA was 3.6 times. In the last couple of years we have successfully raised around $5 billion of which $3.9 billion was raised through long-term debt and convertibles and around $1.1 billion through equity. This has ensured a strong balance sheet and has enabled us to continue our growth projects consistently through the downturn, thereby ensuring proper balance between debt and equity, in our capital management program.
Our conservative policy of pre-funding capex has also supported us in the times when debt was relatively scarce and expensive.
Income Statement
|
(in US$ million, except as stated) |
H1 2010 |
H1 2009 |
% change |
|
Revenue |
2,978.6 |
3,973.2 |
(25.0%) |
|
EBITDA |
746.3 |
1,272.4 |
(41.3%) |
|
EBITDA margin (%) |
25.0% |
32.0% |
- |
|
Operating special items |
(6.8) |
- |
- |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
(249.3) |
(256.5) |
(2.8%) |
|
Operating profit |
490.2 |
1,015.9 |
(51.7%) |
|
Net interest income |
114.4 |
126.8 |
(9.8%) |
|
Profit before tax |
604.6 |
1,142.7 |
(47.1%) |
|
Income tax expense |
(103.4) |
(266.3) |
(61.2%) |
|
Tax rate |
17.1% |
23.3% |
- |
|
Minority Interest |
(313.0) |
(526.4) |
(40.5%) |
|
Minority Interest rate |
62.5% |
60.1% |
- |
|
Attributable to equity shareholders in parent |
188.2 |
350.0 |
(46.2%) |
|
Basic earnings per share (US cents per share) |
68.5 |
121.4 |
(43.3%) |
Revenue
We had higher volumes in most of our businesses in H1 2010 compared with H1 2009, despite which our revenues in H1 2010 were US$2,978.6 million, down 25.0% from US$3,973.2 million in H1 2009, primarily on account of lower commodity prices in current period.
EBITDA and Operating Profit
We posted EBITDA of US$ 746.3 million in H1 2010, when compared with $1,272.4 million in H1 2009 despite sharp falls in commodity and by-product prices across the board (i.e. 50% fall in iron ore prices, 42% fall in aluminium prices, 35% fall in copper prices and 18% fall in zinc and lead prices). Furthermore, by product prices also fell sharply. We were able to reduce the impact of such sharp falls through higher volumes mainly in our Zinc, Iron Ore and copper-India operations, and lower gross costs of production achieved in all our businesses. Overall, this resulted in lower EBITDA margin in H1 2010 at 25.0% when compared with 32.0% in H1 2009.
In the overall EBITDA pie, Zinc continues to contribute the majority of EBITDA at 50.7% of total EBITDA followed by Iron Ore and Copper each contributing around 18% and power contributing around 8%.
Group operating profit in H1 2010 was US$ 490.2 million, lower than the US$1,015.9 million achieved in H1 2009, as a result of lower EBITDA. The depreciation charge in H1 2010 was at $249.3 million in line with depreciation charge of $256.5 million in H1 2009.
The Jharsuguda plant is under trial run, and accordingly the profit/loss arising from the operations has been capitalised as part of the project cost.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income was US$114.4 million in H1 2010 compared with US$126.8 million in H1 2009.
Investment income decreased significantly to US$123.4 million in H1 2010, down from US$235.8 million in H1 2009, on account of a drop in investment returns and translation forex loss on US dollar deposits at CMT of $35.1 million, compared to a forex gain of $30.7 million in H1 previous year.
Our cash position has increased since 31 March 2009 on account of the recent US$1.25 billion convertible bond issue in July 2009 and $1.1 billion ADS issued by Sterlite, both of which were oversubscribed.
Finance costs have decreased to US$9.0 million in H1 2010 sharply down from US$109.0 million in H1 2009, primarily on account of the exchange gains on foreign currency loans due to appreciation of Indian rupee against US dollar and also on account of reduced interest rates.
The average debt in H1 2010 was US$6,018.4 million, compared with H1 2009 levels of US$3,779 million. We raised new convertible debt of US$1.25 billion during H1 2009 mainly to meet our capex requirements and raised debt in some of our project companies to fund their expansion projects. The average debt maturity at 30 September 2009 was 3.8 years.
Taxation
The effective tax rate for H1 2010 is 17.1%, lower than the effective tax rate of 23.3% in H1 2009. As reported in previous periods, we have taken several steps to improve our tax management efficiency and many of these have started yielding results. This reduced the cash tax rate to 23.3% in H1 2010 from 23.8% in H1 2009, despite the increase in Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) rate in the current financial year from 11.3% to 17.0%.
The deferred tax rate was a credit of 6.2% in H1 2010 compared to a credit of 0.5% in H1 2009, primarily on account of higher deferred tax credits on increased depreciation of mining reserves (fair value uplift at acquisition) at Sesa and deferred tax credits on tax losses at CMT which arose on translation of dollar deposits.
The overall tax rate differs from subsidiary to subsidiary, due to differing tax rates in India, Australia and Zambia and also due to changes in the profit mix among subsidiaries.
Attributable Profit
Attributable profit in H1 2010 was US$188.2 million, lower compared with US$350.0 million in H1 2009. The profit attributable to equity shareholders reduced from 39.9% to 37.5%, primarily due to the impact of the additional issue of shares by Sterlite in July 2009 as well as a change in the profit mix with higher profit contributions from Sesa Goa, HZL and BALCO which have higher minority interests.
Earnings Per Share ('EPS') and Dividend
Basic EPS in H1 2010 was 68.5 US cents per share compared with 121.4 US cents per share in H1 2009, primarily due to the decrease in attributable profits.
Dilutive elements to EPS include adjustments for the convertible bond of 62.1 million shares and also include 4.0 million shares to be issued under the LTIP. On this basis, the fully diluted EPS in H1 2010 was 61.4 US cents per share against 111.4 US cents per share in H1 2009.
In line with our progressive dividend policy, the Board proposes an interim dividend of 17.5 UScents per share.
Balance Sheet
|
(in US$ million, except as stated)
|
30 September 2009
|
30 September 2008
|
31 March 2009
|
|
Goodwill
|
12.2
|
11.4
|
12.2
|
|
Tangible assets
|
12,019.2
|
8,495.2
|
9,348.4
|
|
Other non-current assets
|
343.3
|
108.6
|
177.0
|
|
Cash and liquid investments
|
5,950.8
|
5,383.1
|
4,912.6
|
|
Other current assets
|
2,232.5
|
2,604.3
|
1,726.3
|
|
Debt
|
(6,921.7)
|
(4,594.4)
|
(5,114.9)
|
|
Other current and non-current liabilities
|
(3,844.7)
|
(3,576.0)
|
(3,490.3)
|
|
Net assets
|
9,791.5
|
8,432.2
|
7,571.3
|
|
Shareholders’ equity
|
4,074.0
|
3,695.7
|
3,112.6
|
|
Minority interests
|
5,717.5
|
4,736.5
|
4,458.7
|
|
Total equity
|
9,791.5
|
8,432.2
|
7,571.3
|
PROJECTS
Projects under execution
(in US$ million, except as stated)
|
Sector |
Project |
Capacity |
Country |
Completion Date |
Project Cost |
Spent to 30 Sep 09 |
|
Alumina |
Lanjigarh I Alumina Refinery |
1.4mtpa |
India |
Q4 FY 2009 |
1,015.3 |
874.6 |
|
Debottlecking Lanjigarh I |
0.6mtpa |
India |
March 2010 |
150.0 |
35.6 |
|
|
Lanjigarh II Alumina Refinery |
3.0mtpa |
India |
Mid 2011 |
1,570.0 |
411.5 |
|
|
Aluminium |
Korba III Smelter |
325 KT |
India |
September 2011 |
1,820.0 |
483.5 |
|
Jharsuguda I Smelter |
0.5mtpa 1,215 MW CPP |
India |
FY 2010 |
2,112.8 |
2,103.0 |
|
|
Jharsuguda II Smelter |
1.25mtpa |
India |
September 2012 |
2,920.0 |
960.4 |
|
|
Zinc |
Smelting |
2.1 ltpa Zinc |
India |
Mid 2010 |
720.0 |
432.0 |
|
1.0 ltpa Lead |
India |
Mid 2010 |
||||
|
160 MW CPP |
India |
Mid 2010 |
||||
|
Mining |
RA 5 to 6mtpa |
India |
Mid 2010 |
|||
|
SK - 1.5mtpa |
India |
Progressive from mid 2010 |
||||
|
Kayar- 1mtpa |
India |
End 2013 |
||||
|
Copper |
KCM KDMP Project |
7.5mtpa |
Zambia |
End 2011 |
674.0 |
577.8 |
|
KCM Nchanga Smelter |
2.5 LTPA |
Zambia |
Q4 FY 2009 |
470.0 |
438.4 |
|
|
SIIL Expansion Project |
4.0 LTPA |
India |
Mid 2011 |
500.0 |
5.8 |
|
|
Power |
Talwandi Saboo Power Project |
1,980 MW |
India |
Q3 2014 |
2,150.0 |
77.9 |
|
SEL IPP |
2,400 MW |
India |
Q3 FY 2011 |
1,900.0 |
1,215.5 |
|
|
Iron Ore |
Pig Iron Expansion |
375ktpa |
India |
Mid 2011 |
150.0 |
- |
|
Total |
16,152.1 |
7,616.0 |
Shareholders' equity at 30 September 2010 was US$4,074.0 million compared with US$3,112.6 million at 31 March 2009. The increase is primarily on account of $188.2 million profit generated, $331.9 from convertible bond proceeds raised (equity portion), $298.2 million from the ADS issue at Sterlite and appreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar from INR 50.95/US$1 at 31 March 2009 to INR 48.04/US$1 at 30 September 2009. The positive impact of such exchange movement on shareholders' equity is approximately US$290.0 million.
Minority interests increased to US$5,717.5 million at 30 September 2009 from US$4,458.7 million as at 31 March 2009, primarily due to subscription to the Sterlite ADS by minorities of $783.6 million, $313.1 million from profit generated and appreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar.
Tangible Fixed Assets
During H1 2010, we added approximately US$1.92 billion (excluding Dempo acquisition) to property, plant and equipment, which was primarily spent on our expansion projects amounting to US$1.79 billion and on maintenance and semi-expansion capex amounting to US$136.6 million. Details of expenditure on expansion projects are set out in the table above.
Commitments towards expansion projects at 30 September 2009 were US$4.31 billion. Our cash and liquid investments position at 30 September 2009 was approximately US$ 5.95 billion and we expect to further add to this by converting a large part of our EBITDA to cash in the coming quarters.
With recovery in market conditions we have restarted Talwandi Sabo 1980 MW independent power projects which were temporarily deferred in previous year.
Net Debt
At 30 September 2009, net debt was US$969.4 million, up from net debt of US$200.8 million at 31 March 2009. Net debt comprises US$5,950.8 million of cash and liquid investments offset by debt of US$6,921.8 million and debt related derivatives of $1.5 million. The net debt position has increased by US$768.6 million in H1 2010, due to US$1.8 billion spent on funding our project expansions, US$361.3 million spent on the acquisition of the VS Dempo and US$ 208.4 million on purchasing an additional 4.4% stake in Sesa. Our cash and liquid investments portfolio is conservatively invested with debt mutual funds and in cash and fixed deposits with the banks. Additionally, the investments portfolio is independently reviewed by CRISIL and our investment portfolio has been rated as "Very Good".
We raised convertible debt of US$1.25 billion during H1 2010 and US$ 1.60 billion through the Sterlite ADS of which Vedanta subscribed to US$0.50 billion.
During October we raised $500 million each in Sterlite and Sesa Goa by issue of convertible bonds with maturity in the year 2014. We are also looking at an opportunity to raise equity funds in our subsidiary Sterlite Energy which currently has 4,380 MW of power projects under construction.
External debt held by operating subsidiaries was US$2,469.8 million as at 30 September 2009 compared with US$1,713.0 million at 31 March 2009, primarily due to additional non-recourse project finance in some of our subsidiaries, which are engaged in large capacity expansions. Of the $6.9 billion total debt, $1.5 billion consist of convertible bonds, which on conversion will reduce the debt.
We have amended a $1 billion loan facility via an amendment dated 2nd November 2009 with the lenders of the facility. The amendment changes one of the covenants i.e. the consolidated EBITDA to gross interest expense (including capitalised interest) ratio from 4 times to 2.25 times for the covenant computation on 30 September 2009 and 3.75 times for the covenant computation on 31 March 2010. The Company's ongoing borrowing costs under the facility remains the same. Due to the timing of the amendment being post 30 September 2009 we were required under IFRS to classify both this loan, and certain other loans "related" by virtue of cross-default clauses, as due in less than one year. However, based on the group's latest projections, the directors expect to comply with the revised covenant requirements for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, these loans are expected to be classified as non-current in the next reporting period and will not fall due prior to their original maturity. Note 9 to the interim consolidated financial statements provides more detail on this matter, including how our balance sheet would have looked if the said amendment had been reflected at 30 September 2009.
Cash Flows
|
(in US$ million, except as stated)
|
H1 2010
|
H1 2009
|
FY 2009
|
|
EBITDA
|
746.3
|
1,272,4
|
1,612.2
|
|
Special items
|
(6.8)
|
-
|
(31.9)
|
|
Working capital movements
|
(436.0)
|
(151.8)
|
620.6
|
|
Changes in long term creditors and non-cash items
|
37.2
|
1.8
|
104.7
|
|
Sustaining capital expenditure*
|
(78.4)
|
(143.9)
|
(282.1)
|
|
Sale of tangible fixed assets
|
-
|
4.3
|
7.9
|
|
Net interest received including gains on liquid investments
|
73.7
|
66.9
|
(208.7)
|
|
Dividend received
|
58.2
|
54.5
|
241.9
|
|
Tax paid
|
(161.0)
|
(288.6)
|
(330.8)
|
|
Free Cash Flow
|
233.2
|
815.6
|
1,733.8
|
|
Expansion capital expenditure*
|
(1,786.3)
|
(1,415.6)
|
(3,021.3)
|
|
Semi-expansion capital expenditure**
|
(58.2)
|
(19.4)
|
(24.2)
|
|
Purchase of fixed asset investments
|
0.0
|
-
|
(85.4)
|
|
Acquisition of minorities
|
(108.1)
|
-
|
(316.8)
|
|
Acquisitions, net of cash and liquid investments acquired
|
(300.5)
|
(217.2)
|
-
|
|
Buy-back of shares of Vedanta Resources plc
|
(146.5)
|
-
|
(80.3)
|
|
ADS Sterlite
|
1,081.8
|
-
|
-
|
|
Dividends paid to equity shareholders
|
(70.2)
|
(71.8)
|
(118.8)
|
|
Dividends paid to minority shareholders
|
(65.8)
|
(60.2)
|
(56.1)
|
|
Other movements***
|
451.8
|
(385.4)
|
(374.4)
|
|
Movement in net cash
|
(768.8)
|
(1,354.0)
|
(2,343.5)
|
* On an accruals basis.
** Non-project capital expenditure.
*** Includes foreign exchange movements.
Free cash flow in H1 2010 was US$233.2 million lower primarily on account of increased working capital at our copper-India operations, which arose due to increase in LME prices from $4,035 per tonne to $6,136 per tonne, with the impact of such increase on working capital being around $122.7 million. We have invested $148.7 million in additional working capital at our new aluminium operations at Jharsuguda. We have invested US$78.4 million in sustaining capital expenditure during H1 2010 to modernise our plants and refurbish equipment, achieve operational efficiencies and to meet our HSE commitments. Sustaining capital expenditure at some of our locations such as KCM is high and is expected to yield better performance from mining equipment and improve plant efficiencies going forward.
Gross debt was US$6,921.8 million at 30 September 2009 up from US$5,114.9 million at 31 March 2009, primarily due to the new convertible debt of US$1,250.0 million raised in July 2009 and other smaller debts raised at our subsidiaries primarily to fund the capex requirements. Cash and cash equivalents together with liquid investments were US$5,950.8 million at 30 September 2009.
Other matters
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Transactions, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments
We have no off-balance sheet entities. In the normal course of business, we enter into certain commitments for capital and other expenditure and certain performance guarantees. The aggregate amount of indemnities and other guarantees was US$636.6 million at 30 September 2009. Details of related party transactions, contingent liabilities and commitments are set out in note 10 of the accompanying interim financial statements.
Risks and Uncertainties
Our businesses are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which are no different from any other company in general and our competitors in particular. Such risks are the result of not only the business environment in which we operate but also of other factors over which we have little or no control. These risks may be categorised as operational, financial, environmental, health and safety, political, market-related and strategic. Details of the principal risks affecting our business and our actions to mitigate them have been detailed in our most recent Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2009 and include: internal controls, treasury, commodity, political, legal, economic and regulatory, reserves and resources, delivery of expansion projects, asset use and continuity insurance, safety, health and environment, operational, liquidity, foreign currency, interest rate, counterparty and employee risk.
Currently there are general concerns about the quality of investments and other exposures which may negatively impact the quality of our financial assets. Vedanta's treasury policy revolves around three pillars - protect capital, maintain liquidity and maximise yields.
In addition to regular controls, we have introduced additional controls to monitor the quality of investments which are primarily in highly rated instruments issued by mutual funds. We do not foresee any specific risk on our investments. We regularly monitor our financial assets for exposures and believe they are not subject to any major risk.
More specifically for the second half of FY 2010, the risks which our Directors believe could have material impact on the financial performance and position of our businesses include: a decline in LME prices of copper, zinc, aluminium and lead; a decline in iron ore prices, a strengthening of Indian rupee against US dollar; a reduction in treatment and refining charges received in our Indian copper operations; as well as unexpected delays in the completion of our expansion projects and slow ramping up of production in newly expanded capacities.
Going Concern
The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in Operational Review in our last annual report on pages 8 to 31. These activities and factors have not materially changed since the issue of the last annual report.
The Group requires funds both for short-term operational needs as well as for long-term investment programmes mainly in growth projects. The Group generates sufficient cash flows from its current operations which, together with the available cash and cash equivalents and liquid financial asset investments, provide liquidity both in the short term as well as in the long term. Anticipated future cash flows and undrawn committed facilities of US$4,100 million, together with cash and liquid investments of US$ 5,950.8 million as at 30 September 2009, are expected to be sufficient to meet the ongoing capital investment programme and liquidity requirement of the Group in the foreseeable future.
The Group has a strong Balance Sheet that gives sufficient headroom to raise further debt should the need arise. The Group's current ratings from Standard & Poor's and Moody's are BB and Ba1 respectively. These ratings support the necessary financial leverage and access to debt or equity markets at competitive terms, taking into consideration current market conditions. The Group generally maintains a healthy net debt-equity ratio and retains flexibility in the financing structure to alter the ratio when the need arises. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite the current uncertain economic outlook.
After making enquiries, we have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, we continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Interim Financial Report.
Responsibility Statement
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34;
the interim management report includes a fair view of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and
the interim management report includes a fair view of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related party transactions and changes therein).
By order of the Board
MS MEHTA DD JALAN
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
5 November 2009 5 November 2009
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the period ended 30 September 2009
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Note |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended 30 September 2008 |
Year ended 31 March 2009 |
|
Revenue |
3 |
2,978.6 |
3,973.2 |
6,578.9 |
|
Cost of sales |
(2,346.8) |
(2,768.3) |
(5,136.1) |
|
|
Gross profit |
631.8 |
1,204.9 |
1,442.8 |
|
|
Other operating income |
43.1 |
30.3 |
115.9 |
|
|
Distribution costs |
(59.0) |
(101.0) |
(163.0) |
|
|
Administrative expenses |
(118.9) |
(118.3) |
(256.8) |
|
|
Special items |
4 |
(6.8) |
- |
(31.9) |
|
Operating profit |
3 |
490.2 |
1,015.9 |
1,107.0 |
|
Investment revenues |
123.4 |
235.8 |
456.2 |
|
|
Finance costs |
(104.7) |
(109.0) |
(250.2) |
|
|
Net exchange gains/(losses) on borrowings and capital creditors |
95.7 |
- |
(132.0) |
|
|
Profit before taxation |
3 |
604.6 |
1,142.7 |
1,181.0 |
|
Income tax expense |
5 |
(103.4) |
(266.3) |
(280.5) |
|
Profit for the period/year from continuing activities |
501.2 |
876.4 |
900.5 |
|
|
Attributable to: |
||||
|
Equity holders of the parent |
188.2 |
350.0 |
219.4 |
|
|
Minority interests |
313.0 |
526.4 |
681.1 |
|
|
|
501.2 |
876.4 |
900.5 |
|
|
Earnings per share |
||||
|
Basic (US Cents) - Continuing operations |
6a |
68.5 |
121.4 |
76.4 |
|
Diluted (US Cents) - Continuing operations |
6a |
61.4 |
111.4 |
75.8 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the period ended 30 September 2009
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended 30 September 2008 |
Year ended 31 March 2009 |
|
Profit for the period/year |
501.2 |
876.4 |
900.5 |
|
Income and expenses recognised directly in equity: |
|||
|
Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations |
564.7 |
(1,488.8) |
(2,195.3) |
|
Gains/(losses) in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets |
99.0 |
- |
(12.8) |
|
Gains/(losses) in fair value of cash flow hedges deferred in reserves |
14.2 |
(104.2) |
22.5 |
|
Tax effects arising on cash flow hedges deferred in reserves |
(5.0) |
35.4 |
(5.5) |
|
Total income/(expense) recognised in equity |
672.9 |
(1,557.6) |
(2,191.1) |
|
Losses/(gains) in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to income statement |
34.3 |
(23.3) |
(67.0) |
|
Tax effects arising on cash flow hedges transferred to income statement |
(12.0) |
7.9 |
20.9 |
|
Total transferred to the income statement |
22.3 |
(15.4) |
(46.1) |
|
Total comprehensive income for the period/year |
1,196.4 |
(696.6) |
(1,336.7) |
|
Attributable to: |
|||
|
Equity holders of the parent |
600.4 |
(365.8) |
(847.7) |
|
Minority interests |
596.0 |
(330.8) |
(489.0) |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Note |
At 30 September 2009 |
At 30 September 2008 |
At 31 March 2009 |
|
Assets |
||||
|
Non-current assets |
||||
|
Goodwill |
12.2 |
11.4 |
12.2 |
|
|
Property, plant and equipment |
12,019.1 |
8,495.2 |
9,348.4 |
|
|
Financial asset investments |
197.8 |
24.1 |
91.6 |
|
|
Other non-current assets |
18.8 |
23.7 |
21.4 |
|
|
Other financial assets (derivatives) |
118.0 |
45.1 |
52.8 |
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
8.7 |
15.7 |
11.2 |
|
|
|
12,374.6 |
8,615.2 |
9,537.6 |
|
|
Current assets |
||||
|
Inventories |
1,275.6 |
1,433.4 |
909.3 |
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
848.1 |
1,122.1 |
735.0 |
|
|
Other current financial assets (derivatives) |
108.8 |
48.8 |
82.0 |
|
|
Liquid investments |
9 |
5,595.8 |
4,824.2 |
4,532.1 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
9 |
355.0 |
558.9 |
380.5 |
|
|
8,183.3 |
7,987.4 |
6,638.9 |
|
|
Total assets |
20,557.9 |
16,602.6 |
16,176.5 |
|
|
Liabilities |
||||
|
Current liabilities |
||||
|
Short-term borrowings |
9 |
(4,043.9) |
(419.2) |
(1,298.5) |
|
Convertible loan notes |
9 |
(1,515.6) |
- |
- |
|
Trade and other payables |
(2,091.5) |
(1,925.2) |
(1,967.7) |
|
|
Other current financial liabilities (derivatives) |
(128.5) |
(127.6) |
(114.7) |
|
|
Provisions |
(14.4) |
(20.0) |
(6.9) |
|
|
Current tax liabilities |
(26.2) |
(35.1) |
(47.6) |
|
|
|
(7,820.1) |
(2,527.1) |
(3,435.4) |
|
|
Net current assets |
363.2 |
5,460.3 |
3,203.5 |
|
|
Non-current liabilities |
||||
|
Medium and long-term borrowings |
9 |
(1,362.2) |
(3,565.3) |
(3,212.3) |
|
Convertible loan notes |
9 |
- |
(602.1) |
(604.1) |
|
Trade and other payables |
(76.3) |
(31.2) |
(76.4) |
|
|
Other financial liabilities (derivatives) |
(117.1) |
(49.4) |
(59.7) |
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
(1,192.5) |
(1,174.6) |
(1,010.6) |
|
|
Retirement benefits |
(20.9) |
(39.5) |
(29.3) |
|
|
Provisions |
(165.4) |
(169.3) |
(165.5) |
|
|
Non-equity minority interests |
(11.9) |
(11.9) |
(11.9) |
|
|
|
(2,946.3) |
(5,643.3) |
(5,169.8) |
|
|
Total liabilities |
(10,766.4) |
(8,170.4) |
(8,605.2) |
|
|
Net assets |
9,791.5 |
8,432.2 |
7,571.3 |
|
|
Equity |
||||
|
Share capital |
28.9 |
28.8 |
28.9 |
|
|
Share premium account |
21.3 |
21.1 |
21.1 |
|
|
Share-based payment reserves |
19.0 |
24.4 |
14.0 |
|
|
Convertible bond reserve |
432.5 |
113.5 |
111.5 |
|
|
Hedging reserve |
(18.6) |
(49.6) |
(39.6) |
|
|
Other reserves |
2,040.8 |
1,510.3 |
1,168.9 |
|
|
Treasury shares |
(226.8) |
- |
(80.3) |
|
|
Retained earnings |
1,776.9 |
2,047.2 |
1,888.1 |
|
|
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent |
4,074.0 |
3,695.7 |
3,112.6 |
|
|
Minority interests |
5,717.5 |
4,736.5 |
4,458.7 |
|
|
Total equity |
9,791.5 |
8,432.2 |
7,571.3 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Note |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended 30 September 2008 |
Year ended 31 March 2009 |
|
Operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
Profit before taxation |
604.6 |
1,142.7 |
1,181.0 |
|
|
Adjustments for: |
||||
|
Depreciation |
249.3 |
256.5 |
473.2 |
|
|
Investment revenues |
(123.4) |
(235.8) |
(456.2) |
|
|
Finance costs, including foreign exchange |
9.0 |
109.0 |
382.2 |
|
|
Share-based payment charge |
5.0 |
8.8 |
13.1 |
|
|
Inventory net realisable value write down |
- |
- |
79.0 |
|
|
Other non-cash items |
32.3 |
(6.9) |
12.6 |
|
|
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital |
776.8 |
1,274.3 |
1,684.9 |
|
|
(Increase) /decrease in inventories |
(303.5) |
(315.3) |
69.9 |
|
|
(Increase) /decrease in receivables |
(36.8) |
(141.8) |
167.9 |
|
|
(Decrease)/Increase in payables |
(95.6) |
305.3 |
383.9 |
|
|
Cash generated from operations |
340.9 |
1,122.5 |
2,306.6 |
|
|
Dividend received |
58.2 |
54.5 |
241.9 |
|
|
Interest income received |
91.7 |
164.5 |
130.2 |
|
|
Interest paid |
(136.8) |
(127.0) |
(399.9) |
|
|
Income taxes paid |
(161.0) |
(288.6) |
(330.8) |
|
|
Dividends paid |
(70.2) |
(71.8) |
(118.8) |
|
|
Net cash from operating activities |
122.8 |
854.1 |
1,829.2 |
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||
|
Acquisition of subsidiary |
8 |
(335.1) |
- |
- |
|
Cash acquired with subsidiary |
8 |
34.6 |
- |
- |
|
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
(1,332.7) |
(1,461.4) |
(2,799.6) |
|
|
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
- |
4.3 |
7.9 |
|
|
Dividends paid to minority interests of subsidiaries |
(65.8) |
(60.2) |
(56.1) |
|
|
Purchases of liquid investments |
9 |
(780.2) |
(856.8) |
(961.9) |
|
Purchases of treasury shares |
(146.5) |
- |
(80.3) |
|
|
Buyout of minority interest |
(108.1) |
(217.2) |
(316.8) |
|
|
Purchase of financial asset investments |
(0.7) |
- |
(85.4) |
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
(2,734.5) |
(2,591.3) |
(4,292.2) |
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||
|
Issue of ordinary shares |
- |
- |
0.1 |
|
|
Issue of depository receipts by subsidiary |
1,081.8 |
- |
- |
|
|
Increase /(decrease) in short term borrowings |
9 |
454.2 |
(807.9) |
209.0 |
|
Increase /(decrease) in long-term borrowings |
9 |
1,226.8 |
2,614.6 |
1,999.1 |
|
Net cash from financing activities |
2,762.8 |
1,806.7 |
2,208.2 |
|
|
Net increase /(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
9 |
151.1 |
69.5 |
(254.8) |
|
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes |
9 |
(176.6) |
31.2 |
177.1 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period/year |
9 |
380.5 |
458.2 |
458.2 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period/year |
9 |
355.0 |
558.9 |
380.5 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
|
Attributable to equity holders of the Company |
|||||||||||
|
US$ million |
Share capital |
Share premium |
Treasury Shares |
Share based payment reserves |
Convertible bond reserve |
Hedging reserve |
Other reserves* |
Retained earnings |
Total |
Minority interests |
Total equity |
|
At 1 April 2008 |
28.8 |
20.0 |
- |
15.6 |
115.7 |
(9.1) |
1,932.6 |
1,743.5 |
3,847.1 |
5,360.6 |
9,207.7 |
|
Total comprehensive income for the period |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(40.5) |
(675.3) |
350.0 |
(365.8) |
(330.8) |
(696.6) |
|
Conversion of convertible bond |
- |
1.1 |
- |
- |
(0.2) |
- |
- |
- |
0.9 |
- |
0.9 |
|
Convertible bond transfer |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(2.0) |
- |
- |
2.0 |
- |
- |
- |
|
KCM call option |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
213.2 |
63.3 |
276.5 |
(233.1) |
43.4 |
|
Transfers ** |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
39.8 |
(39.8) |
- |
- |
- |
|
Dividends paid |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(71.8) |
(71.8) |
(60.2) |
(132.0) |
|
Recognition of share based payment |
- |
- |
- |
8.8 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
8.8 |
- |
8.8 |
|
At 30 September 2008 |
28.8 |
21.1 |
- |
24.4 |
113.5 |
(49.6) |
1,510.3 |
2,047.2 |
3,695.7 |
4,736.5 |
8,432.2 |
* Other reserves comprise the currency translation reserve, merger reserve, investment revaluation reserve and the general reserves established in the statutory accounts of the Group's Indian subsidiaries.
** Under Indian law, a general reserve is created through a year-on-year transfer from the income statement. The purpose of these transfers is to ensure that distributions in a year are less than the total distributable results for that year. This general reserve becomes fully distributable in future periods.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (CONTINUED)
|
Attributable to equity holders of the Company |
|||||||||||
|
US$ million |
Share capital |
Share premium |
Treasury Shares |
Share based payment reserves |
Convertible bond reserve |
Hedging reserve |
Other reserves* |
Retained earnings |
Total |
Minority interests |
Total equity |
|
At 1 April 2008 |
28.8 |
20.0 |
- |
15.6 |
115.7 |
(9.1) |
1,932.6 |
1,743.5 |
3,847.1 |
5,360.6 |
9,207.7 |
|
Total comprehensive income for the period |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(30.5) |
(1,036.6) |
219.4 |
(847.7) |
(489.0) |
(1,336.7) |
|
Conversion of convertible bond |
- |
1.1 |
- |
- |
(0.2) |
- |
- |
- |
0.9 |
- |
0.9 |
|
Convertible bond transfer |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(4.0) |
- |
- |
4.0 |
- |
- |
- |
|
KCM call option |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
213.2 |
63.8 |
277.0 |
(233.1) |
43.9 |
|
Transfers ** |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
59.7 |
(59.7) |
- |
- |
- |
|
Dividends paid |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(118.8) |
(118.8) |
(56.1) |
(174.9) |
|
Exercise of LTIP /STIP awards |
0.1 |
- |
- |
(14.7) |
- |
- |
- |
14.7 |
0.1 |
- |
0.1 |
|
Purchase of Treasury Shares |
- |
- |
(80.3) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(80.3) |
- |
(80.3) |
|
Additional Investment in Subsidiaries |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
21.2 |
21.2 |
(123.7) |
(102.5) |
|
Recognition of share based payment |
- |
- |
- |
13.1 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
13.1 |
- |
13.1 |
|
At 31 March 2009 |
28.9 |
21.1 |
(80.3) |
14.0 |
111.5 |
(39.6) |
1,168.9 |
1,888.1 |
3,112.6 |
4,458.7 |
7,571.3 |
* Other reserves comprise the currency translation reserve, merger reserve, investment revaluation reserve and the general reserves established in the statutory accounts of the Group's Indian subsidiaries.
** Under Indian law, a general reserve is created through a year-on-year transfer from the income statement. The purpose of these transfers is to ensure that distributions in a year are less than the total distributable results for the year. The general reserve becomes fully distributable in future periods.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (CONTINUED)
|
Attributable to equity holders of the Company |
|||||||||||
|
US$ million |
Share capital |
Share premium |
Treasury Shares |
Share based payment reserves |
Convertible bond reserve |
Hedging reserve |
Other reserves* |
Retained earnings |
Total |
Minority interests |
Total equity |
|
At 1 April 2009 |
28.9 |
21.1 |
(80.3) |
14.0 |
111.5 |
(39.6) |
1,168.9 |
1,888.1 |
3,112.6 |
4,458.7 |
7,571.3 |
|
Total Comprehensive income for the period |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
21.0 |
391.2 |
188.2 |
600.4 |
596.0 |
1,196.4 |
|
Issue of depository receipts by subsidiary*** |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
298.2 |
298.2 |
783.6 |
1,081.8 |
|
Issue of Convertible Bond (note 9) |
- |
0.2 |
- |
- |
327.6 |
- |
- |
- |
327.8 |
- |
327.8 |
|
Conversion of convertible bond |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(0.2) |
- |
- |
- |
(0.2) |
- |
(0.2) |
|
Convertible bond transfer |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(6.4) |
- |
- |
6.4 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Transfers ** |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
480.7 |
(480.7) |
- |
- |
- |
|
Dividends paid |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(70.2) |
(70.2) |
(65.8) |
(136.0) |
|
Purchase of Treasury Shares |
- |
- |
(146.5) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(146.5) |
- |
(146.5) |
|
Additional Investment in Subsidiaries |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(53.1) |
(53.1) |
(55.0) |
(108.1) |
|
Recognition of share based payment |
- |
- |
- |
5.0 |
- |
- |
- |
5.0 |
- |
5.0 |
|
|
At 30 September 2009 |
28.9 |
21.3 |
(226.8) |
19.0 |
432.5 |
(18.6) |
2,040.8 |
1,776.9 |
4,074.0 |
5,717.5 |
9,791.5 |
* Other reserves comprise the currency translation reserve, merger reserve, investment revaluation reserve and the general reserves established in the statutory accounts of the Group's Indian subsidiaries.
** Under Indian law, a general reserve is created through a year-on-year transfer from the income statement. The purpose of these transfers is to ensure that distributions in a year are less than the total distributable results for that year. This general reserve becomes fully distributable in future periods.
** In June 2009, Sterlite raised US$ 1081.8 million via the issuance of American Depository Receipts. This resulted in a reduction of Vedanta's shareholding in Sterlite from 61.35% to 56.62%. This reduction has not resulted in any change in control and hence Sterlite continues to be consolidated in Vedanta's consolidated financial statements. This reduction has been accounted in Vedanta's consolidated financial statement as an equity transaction. The carrying amount of the minority interest has been adjusted to reflect the change in Vedanta's interest in Sterlite's net assets. The difference between the amount by which the minority interest is adjusted and the net consideration received of $ 298.2 million is recognised directly in equity and attributed to equity holders of Vedanta.
Notes to the Financial Information
1. Basis of preparation
The financial information in this interim financial report is prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') as adopted by the European Union. The interim condensed consolidated financial information for the period ended 30 September 2009 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985.
The financial information for the full preceding financial year has been derived from the statutory accounts for the financial year ended 31 March 2009 as filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditors' report on the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2009 was unqualified, did not draw attention by way of emphasis of matter and did not contain statements under section 237(2) of the Companies Act 1985 (regarding adequacy of accounting records and returns) or under section 237(3) (regarding provision of necessary information and explanations).
The financial information prepared under IFRS in respect of the six months ended 30 September 2009 and 30 September 2008 is unaudited but has been reviewed by the auditors and their report is set out on page 48.
This general purpose financial report for the half-year ended 30 September 2009 is unaudited and has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the EU.
The half-year financial statements represent a "condensed set of financial statements" as referred to in the UK Disclosure and Transparency Rules issued by the Financial Services Authority. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information required for a full annual report and are to be read in conjunction with the most recent annual financial report.
The Company published full financial statements that comply with IFRS as adopted by the European Union for the year ended 31 March 2009.
The condensed set of financial statements included in the interim financial report has been prepared using the going concern basis of accounting for the reasons set out in the Going Concern section of the Financial Review.
2. Accounting policies
This interim financial report, including all comparatives, has been prepared using the same accounting policies and methods of computation as followed in the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2009 as published by the Company.
IFRS and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ('IFRIC') interpretations are subject to ongoing review and possible amendment or interpretative guidance which may affect the financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2010.
Adoption of new standards
In the current financial period the Group has adopted the following new standards:
IFRS 8 "Operating Segments": IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance. The adoption of IFRS 8 has resulted in the disclosure of a new power segment which represents the sale of commercial power and the Copper segment has been split into Copper India & Australia and Copper Zambia. The introduction of IFRS 8 has resulted in further disclosures on each of these segments and these are set out in Note 3. The comparatives have been restated accordingly.
IAS 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements" (revised 2007): Requires the presentation of a statement of comprehensive income.
IAS 23 "Borrowing Costs (revised)": IAS 23 (revised) requires that all borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset must be capitalised. The Group's existing accounting policy is to capitalise such amounts, and so the adoption of the standard has not had an impact on the Group's financial results.
Foreign Exchange Rates
The following exchange rates to US dollar ($) have been applied:
|
Average rate to six months ended30 September 2009 |
Average rate to six months ended30 September 2008 |
Average rate to year ended31 March 2009 |
As at 30 September 2009 |
As at 30 September 2008 |
As at 31 March 2009 |
|
|
Indian rupee |
48.54 |
42.77 |
45.91 |
48.04 |
46.94 |
50.95 |
|
Australian dollar |
1.25 |
1.09 |
1.27 |
1.14 |
1.21 |
1.45 |
3. Segmental Reporting
The Group's reportable segments under IFRS 8 are as follows:
Management monitors the operating results of reportable segments separately for the purpose of making decisions about resources to be allocated and of assessing performance. Segment performance is evaluated based on the EBITDA of each of segments. Amounts reported for the prior year have been restated to conform to the requirements of IFRS 8.
3. Segmental Reporting (cont.)
The following tables present revenue and profit information and certain asset and liability information regarding the Group's reportable segments for the six months ended 30 September 2009 and 30 September 2008 and for the year ended 31 March 2009. Items after operating profit are not allocated by segment.
|
Period ended 30 September 2009 |
Continuing Operations |
Total Operations |
||||||||
|
US$ million |
Aluminium |
Copper-India/Australia |
Copper-Zambia |
Zinc |
Iron Ore |
Power |
Other |
Elimination |
||
|
REVENUE |
||||||||||
|
Sales to external customers |
253.8 |
1,207.2 |
422.4 |
659.9 |
316.2 |
119.1 |
- |
- |
2,978.6 |
|
|
Inter-segment sales |
1.0 |
- |
7.5 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(8.5) |
- |
|
|
Segment revenue |
254.8 |
1,207.2 |
429.9 |
659.9 |
316.2 |
119.1 |
- |
(8.5) |
2,978.6 |
|
|
RESULT |
||||||||||
|
Segment result before special items |
2.7 |
49.2 |
10.6 |
345.1 |
40.9 |
48.9 |
- |
- |
497.4 |
|
|
Special items (note 4) |
(4.8) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(2.0) |
- |
- |
(6.8) |
|
|
Segment result after special items |
(2.1) |
49.2 |
10.6 |
345.1 |
40.9 |
46.9 |
- |
- |
490.6 |
|
|
Unallocated corporate expenses |
(0.4) |
|||||||||
|
OPERATING PROFIT |
490.2 |
|||||||||
|
Net finance income |
114.4 |
|||||||||
|
PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION |
604.6 |
|||||||||
|
Tax expense |
(103.4) |
|||||||||
|
PROFIT AFTER TAXATION |
501.2 |
|||||||||
|
Segments Assets |
6,250.2 |
3,761.4 |
1,927.6 |
3,690.7 |
2,942.0 |
1,612.3 |
- |
- |
20,184.2 |
|
|
Unallocated Assets |
373.7 |
|||||||||
|
TOTAL ASSETS |
20,557.9 |
|||||||||
3. Segmental Reporting (cont.)
|
Period ended 30 September 2008 |
Continuing Operations |
Total Operations |
|||||||
|
US$ million |
Aluminium |
Copper-India/ Australia |
Copper-Zambia |
Zinc |
Iron Ore |
Power |
Other |
Elimination |
|
|
REVENUE |
|||||||||
|
Sales to external customers |
592.1 |
1,571.7 |
514.3 |
777.3 |
503.3 |
14.5 |
- |
- |
3,973.2 |
|
Inter-segment sales |
2.1 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(2.1) |
- |
|
Segment revenue |
594.2 |
1,571.7 |
514.3 |
777.3 |
503.3 |
14.5 |
- |
(2.1) |
3,973.2 |
|
RESULT |
|||||||||
|
Segment result |
142.9 |
209.3 |
19.1 |
418.7 |
216.6 |
7.1 |
- |
- |
1,013.7 |
|
Unallocated corporate expenses |
2.2 |
||||||||
|
OPERATING PROFIT |
1,015.9 |
||||||||
|
Net finance income |
126.8 |
||||||||
|
PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION |
1,142.7 |
||||||||
|
Tax expense |
(266.3) |
||||||||
|
PROFIT AFTER TAXATION |
876.4 |
||||||||
|
Segments Assets |
4,068.1 |
3,053.6 |
1,697.7 |
3,180.1 |
2,802.7 |
756.6 |
7.2 |
- |
15,566.0 |
|
Unallocated Assets |
1,036.6 |
||||||||
|
TOTAL ASSETS |
16,602.6 |
||||||||
3. Segmental Reporting (cont.)
|
Year ended 31 March 2009
|
Continuing Operations
|
Total Operations
|
|||||||
|
US$ million
|
Aluminium
|
Copper-India/
Australia
|
Copper-Zambia
|
Zinc
|
Iron Ore
|
Power
|
Other
|
Elimination
|
|
|
REVENUE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales to external customers
|
937.1
|
2,537.9
|
773.1
|
1,209.1
|
1,070.4
|
51.3
|
-
|
-
|
6,578.9
|
|
Inter-segment sales
|
4.4
|
-
|
1.7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(6.1)
|
-
|
|
Segment revenue
|
941.5
|
2,537.9
|
774.8
|
1,209.1
|
1,070.4
|
51.3
|
-
|
(6.1)
|
6,578.9
|
|
RESULT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment result before special items
|
117.2
|
245.9
|
(165.9)
|
548.3
|
376.9
|
17.6
|
-
|
-
|
1,140.0
|
|
Special items (note 4)
|
-
|
(3.0)
|
-
|
-
|
(28.9)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(31.9)
|
|
Segment result after special items
|
117.2
|
242.9
|
(165.9)
|
548.3
|
348.0
|
17.6
|
-
|
-
|
1,108.1
|
|
Unallocated corporate expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.1)
|
|
OPERATING PROFIT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,107.0
|
|
Net Finance Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
74.0
|
|
PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,181.0
|
|
Tax expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(280.5)
|
|
PROFIT AFTER TAXATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
900.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segments Assets
|
4,718.4
|
2,479.6
|
1,803.3
|
3,129.9
|
2,471.0
|
1,103.7
|
-
|
-
|
15,705.9
|
|
Unallocated Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
470.6
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,176.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(1) by Operating Segment
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Aluminium |
45.9 |
179.7 |
196.1 |
|
Copper |
138.3 |
302.3 |
222.9 |
|
India/Australia |
70.0 |
231.4 |
293.7 |
|
Zambia |
68.3 |
70.9 |
(70.8) |
|
Zinc |
373.4 |
451.2 |
605.4 |
|
Iron Ore |
130.4 |
322.9 |
557.1 |
|
Power |
59.1 |
14.2 |
32.5 |
|
Other |
(0.8) |
2.1 |
(1.8) |
|
Group EBITDA |
746.3 |
1,272.4 |
1,612.2 |
|
Depreciation |
(249.3) |
(256.5) |
(473.3) |
|
Operating special items |
(6.8) |
- |
(31.9) |
|
Group operating profit |
490.2 |
1,015.9 |
1,107.0 |
(1) EBITDA being Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation, and special items (note 4).
4. Special items
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Voluntary retirement schemes |
(6.8) |
- |
- |
|
Losses in respect to obligation of associates |
- |
- |
(3.0) |
|
Impairment of mining reserves* |
- |
- |
(28.9) |
|
(6.8) |
- |
(31.9) |
* The impairment of mining reserves relates to mines at Sesa Goa operated on a lease basis which have expired and have not been renewed.
5. Income tax expense
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Current tax: |
|||
|
Foreign tax: |
|||
|
India |
129.4 |
216.7 |
323.0 |
|
Zambia |
- |
29.9 |
30.1 |
|
Australia |
10.4 |
20.3 |
20.5 |
|
Others |
1.2 |
4.6 |
5.7 |
|
141.0 |
271.5 |
379.3 |
|
|
Deferred tax: |
|||
|
Current year movement in deferred tax |
(37.6) |
(5.2) |
(98.8) |
|
(37.6) |
(5.2) |
(98.8) |
|
|
Total income tax expense |
103.4 |
266.3 |
280.5 |
|
Effective tax rate |
17.1% |
23.3% |
23.8% |
6. Earnings per share
(a) Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing net profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding during the period (adjusted for the effects of dilutive options and convertible loan notes).
The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earning per share computations:
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent |
188.2 |
350.0 |
219.4 |
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares for basic earnings per share |
274.9 |
288.4 |
287.2 |
|
Effect of dilution: |
|||
|
Convertible loan notes |
62.1 |
27.8 |
- |
|
Share options |
4.0 |
3.5 |
2.2 |
|
Adjusted weighted average number of Ordinary Shares for diluted earnings per share |
341.0 |
319.7 |
289.4 |
Basic earnings per share on the profit for the period/year
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Profit for the period/year attributable to equity holders of the parent ($ million) |
188.2 |
350.0 |
219.4 |
|
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares of the Company in issue (million) |
274.9 |
288.4 |
287.2 |
|
Earnings per share on profit for the period/year (US cents per share) |
68.5 |
121.4 |
76.4 |
Diluted earnings per share on the profit for the period/year
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Profit for the period/year attributable to equity holders of the parent ($ million) |
188.2 |
350.0 |
219.4 |
|
Adjustment in respect of convertible bonds of Vedanta ($ million) |
21.2 |
6.2 |
- |
|
Profit for the period/year after dilutive adjustment |
209.4 |
356.2 |
219.4 |
|
Adjusted weighted average number of Ordinary Shares of the Company in issue for basic EPS (million) |
341.0 |
319.7 |
289.4 |
|
Diluted earnings per share on profit for the period/year (US cents per share) |
61.4 |
111.4 |
75.8 |
Profit for the period would be diluted if holders of the convertible bonds in Vedanta exercised their right to convert their bond holdings into Vedanta equity. The impact on profit for the period of this conversion would be the interest payable on the convertible bond.
The outstanding awards under the Long Term Incentive Plan ('LTIP') are reflected in the diluted EPS figure through an increased number of weighted average shares.
There have been no other transactions involving Ordinary Shares or potential Ordinary Shares since the reporting date and before the completion of this financial information.
(b) Earnings per Share Based on Underlying Profit for the period/year
The Group's Underlying Profit is the attributable profit for the period/year after adding back special items, exchange (gains)/losses on borrowings and capital creditors and their resultant tax and minority interest effects:
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Profit for the period/year attributable to equity holders of the parent |
188.2 |
350.0 |
219.4 |
|
Special items |
6.8 |
- |
31.9 |
|
Exchange (gains)/losses on borrowings and capital creditors |
(95.7) |
- |
132.0 |
|
Minority interest effect of special items and exchange losses/(gains) |
15.5 |
- |
(39.5) |
|
Underlying Profit for the period/year |
114.8 |
350.0 |
343.8 |
Basic earnings per share on Underlying Profit for the period/year
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Underlying profit for the period/year ($ million) |
114.8 |
350.0 |
343.8 |
|
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares of the Company in issue (million) |
274.9 |
288.4 |
287.2 |
|
Earnings per share on Underlying Profit for the period/year (US cents per share) |
41.8 |
121.4 |
119.7 |
Diluted earnings per share on Underlying Profit for the period/year
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Underlying profit for the period/year for diluted underlying EPS ($ million)* |
120.9 |
350.0 |
343.8 |
|
Adjusted weighted average number of Ordinary Shares of the Company in issue for diluted underlying EPS (million)* |
306.7 |
288.4 |
289.4 |
|
Diluted earnings per share on Underlying Profit for the period/year (US cents per share) |
39.4 |
121.4 |
118.8 |
* These amounts may differ from those used for diluted earnings per share purposes as certain adjustments may be anti-dilutive on an underlying earnings basis.
7. Dividends
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Amounts paid as distributions to equity holders |
|||
|
Final dividend paid for 2008-09 : 25 US cents per share (2007-08 : 25 US cents per share) |
70.2 |
71.8 |
71.8 |
|
Interim dividend paid for 2008-09 : 16.5 US cents per share |
- |
- |
47.0 |
|
Total |
70.2 |
71.8 |
118.8 |
The proposed interim dividend for the six months ended 30 September 2009 was 17.5 US cents per share.
8. Business Combination
On 11 June 2009, Sesa Goa signed a Share Purchase Agreement under which Sesa acquired all the outstanding common shares of V S Dempo & Co. Private Limited ("Dempo"), which in turn, also holds 100% of the equity shares of Dempo Mining Corporation Private Limited and 50% of the equity shares of Goa Maritime Private Limited for a total consideration of $361 million, after a working capital adjustment of $38.9 million. The operating and financial results of Dempo have been consolidated effective from 11 June 2009, which was the date of acquisition. Dempo is mainly involved in iron ore mining.
The net assets of Dempo as acquired have been included in the interim results at fair value, as detailed in the table below:
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Book value |
Fair value adjustments |
Fair value |
|
Assets |
|||
|
Non-current assets |
|||
|
Property, plant and equipment |
24.2 |
472.6 |
496.8 |
|
24.2 |
472.6 |
496.8 |
|
|
Current assets |
|||
|
Inventories |
16.0 |
- |
16.0 |
|
Trade and other receivables |
10.0 |
- |
10.0 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
0.1 |
(0.1) |
- |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
34.6 |
- |
34.6 |
|
60.7 |
(0.1) |
60.6 |
|
|
Liabilities |
|||
|
Current liabilities |
|||
|
Trade and other payables |
(18.4) |
- |
(18.4) |
|
Current tax liabilities |
(3.2) |
- |
(3.2) |
|
(21.6) |
- |
(21.6) |
|
|
Non-current liabilities |
|||
|
Medium-term borrowing |
(12.4) |
- |
(12.4) |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
- |
(160.7) |
(160.7) |
|
Provisions |
(0.2) |
(1.2) |
(1.4) |
|
(12.6) |
(161.9) |
(174.5) |
|
|
Net assets |
50.7 |
310.6 |
361.3 |
|
Satisfied by: |
|||
|
Cash consideration paid |
335.1 |
||
|
Deferred Consideration |
26.2 |
The Company has carried out a fair value assessment of the assets acquired during acquisition. Since the date of acquisition, Dempo has contributed $8.3 million to the revenue and $(1.2) million to the net profit of the Group for the period ended 30 September 2009. If Dempo had been acquired at the beginning of the period, the revenue of the Group would have been $ 45.0 million higher and the net profit of the Group would have been $ 5.2 million higher. Overall production and consequent shipments are significantly lower than average during the period, due to seasonal monsoon conditions in the region.
9. Movement in net debt (1)
|
|
|
Debt due within one year
|
Debt due after one year
|
|
|
|||
|
US$ million
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
Debt carrying value
|
Debt-related derivatives(2)
|
Debt carrying value
|
Debt-related derivatives(2)
|
Liquid investments
|
Total net (debt)/cash
|
|
|
At 1 April 2008
|
458.2
|
(1,417.2)
|
(1.2)
|
(1,556.9)
|
11.3
|
4,648.5
|
2,142.7
|
|
|
Cash flow
|
69.5
|
807.9
|
-
|
(2,614.6)
|
-
|
856.8
|
(880.4)
|
|
|
Other non-cash changes(3)
|
-
|
63.5
|
1.5
|
(80.5)
|
(19.4)
|
19.3
|
(15.6)
|
|
|
Foreign exchange differences
|
31.2
|
126.6
|
-
|
84.6
|
-
|
(700.4)
|
(458.0)
|
|
|
As at 30 September 2008
|
558.9
|
(419.2)
|
0.3
|
(4,167.4)
|
(8.1)
|
4,824.2
|
788.7
|
|
|
|
|
Debt due within one year
|
Debt due after one year
|
|
|
|||
|
US$ million
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
Debt carrying value
|
Debt-related derivatives(2)
|
Debt carrying value
|
Debt-related derivatives(2)
|
Liquid investments
|
Total net (debt)/cash
|
|
|
At 1 April 2008
|
458.2
|
(1,417.2)
|
(1.2)
|
(1,556.9)
|
11.3
|
4,648.5
|
2,142.7
|
|
|
Cash flow
|
(254.8)
|
(209.0)
|
-
|
(1,999.1)
|
-
|
961.9
|
(1,501.0)
|
|
|
Other non-cash changes(3)
|
-
|
-
|
9.6
|
(341.3)
|
(18.2)
|
33.3
|
(316.6)
|
|
|
Foreign exchange differences
|
177.1
|
327.7
|
-
|
80.9
|
-
|
(1,111.6)
|
(525.9)
|
|
|
As at 31 March 2009
|
380.5
|
(1,298.5)
|
8.4
|
(3,816.4)
|
(6.9)
|
4,532.1
|
(200.8)
|
|
9. Movement in net debt (1) (cont)
|
|
|
Debt due within one year
|
Debt due after one year
|
|
|
|||
|
US$ million
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
Debt carrying value
|
Debt-related derivatives(2)
|
Debt carrying value
|
Debt-related derivatives(2)
|
Liquid investments
|
Total net (debt)/cash
|
|
|
At 1 April 2009
|
380.5
|
(1,298.5)
|
8.4
|
(3,816.4)
|
(6.9)
|
4,532.1
|
(200.8)
|
|
|
Cash flow
|
151.1
|
(454.2)
|
-
|
(1,226.8)
|
-
|
780.2
|
(749.7)
|
|
|
Acquisition of Subsidiaries
|
-
|
(12.4)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(12.4)
|
|
|
Reclassification due to covenant test**
|
-
|
(3,741.6)
|
-
|
3,741.6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
Other non-cash changes(3)
|
-
|
(13.7)
|
-
|
(4.7)
|
-
|
10.6
|
(7.8)
|
|
|
Foreign exchange differences
|
(176.6)
|
(39.1)
|
-
|
(55.9)
|
-
|
272.9
|
1.3
|
|
|
As at 30 September 2009
|
355.0
|
(5,559.5)
|
8.4
|
(1,362.2)
|
(6.9)
|
5,595.8
|
(969.4)
|
|
1 Net debt being total debt after fair value adjustments under IAS 32 and 39 as reduced by cash and cash equivalents and liquid investments.
2 Debt-related derivatives exclude commodity-related derivative financial assets and liabilities
3 Other non-cash changes comprised $ (351.0) million (September 2008 $ 29.3 million) of project buyers credit obtained from banks , for which there is no cash movement as it represents the re-financing of amounts previously owed to suppliers. It also includes $ 327.6 million of non cash movement relating to the equity portion of the $ 1.25 billion convertible bond. It also includes $ 10.6 million of fair value movement in liquid investments.
* During the current six months the Group has raised $1.25 billion as a convertible bond with a coupon rate of 5.5 % and a maturity period of 7 years. The said amount has been accounted as per IAS 39 and the amount split between a debt portion of $906.6 million and a equity portion of $327.6 million. At a corporate level we have obtained a term loan for $ 200 million at 4.98 % maturing in 2010. Sterlite has issued commercial paper of $156 million for a period of one year. Sterlite Energy has obtained a syndicated rupee term loan facility of $1,280 million(INR 6,150 million borrowed at SBI PLR less 50 basis points, presently 11.5% p.a.) of which $260 million has been drawn down. There is an increase in Project Buyers Credit of $ 283 million at VAL and $68 million at Sterlite Energy.
** One of the group's term loans includes a rolling 12 month interest cover ratio covenant computed on a gross interest basis (ie including amounts capitalised). Due to the unprecedented economic slow-down and low commodity prices in the second half of calendar year 2008 coupled with proactive steps taken by the group to prefund its capital expenditure plans by way of raising additional funds in advance of their need, the group was concerned that the ratio test on September 30, 2009 would be lower than the minimum cover required by the original terms of the loan agreement. Accordingly, prior to 30 September 2009, the group commenced discussions with the relevant lenders to reset its interest cover ratio covenant. As required under the terms of the loan agreement, the requisite majority of the lenders have, subsequent to 30 September 2009 but prior to the approval of the interim report and the submission of the relevant covenant certification, agreed to reset the relevant covenant for the period ended September 30, 2009. Certain other loan agreements of the group include cross-default clauses. Even though these have not been triggered, in accordance with IFRSboth the original loan and these additional loans have been classified as current liabilities in these financial statements, as the Group did not have an unconditional right at 30 September 2009, to defer settlement beyond twelve months. The amendment agreed by the relevant lenders also relaxed the above ratio for future periods. Based on the group's latest projections, the directors expect to comply with the revised covenant requirements for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, these loans are expected to be classified as non-current in the next reporting period and will not fall due prior to their original maturity.
The table below discloses the classification of the group's borrowings and convertible loan notes as if the covenant amendment referred to above had been in place at 30 September 2009:
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
As at 30 September 2009 Under IFRS |
Impact of covenant amendment |
Illustrative balance sheet at 30 September 2009 incorporating impact of covenant amendment |
|
Current liabilities |
|||
|
Short term borrowings |
4,043.9 |
(2,226.0) |
1,817.9 |
|
Convertible loan note |
1,515.6 |
(1,515.6) |
- |
|
Other current liabilities |
2,260.8 |
- |
2,260.8 |
|
Total current liabilities |
7,820.1 |
(3,741.6) |
4,078.7 |
|
Net current assets |
363.2 |
3,741.6 |
4,104.8 |
|
Non-current liabilities |
|||
|
Medium and long term borrowings |
1,362.2 |
2226.0 |
3,588.2 |
|
Convertible loan notes |
- |
1,515.6 |
1,515.6 |
|
Other non-current liabilities |
1,584.1 |
- |
1,584.1 |
|
Total non-current liabilities |
2,946.3 |
3,741.6 |
6,687.9 |
10. Other disclosures
Capital commitments
Contractual commitments to acquire fixed assets were $4,387.2 million at 30 September 2009 (31 March 2009: $3,674.0 million, 30 September 2008: $4,404.7).
Contingent liabilities and guarantees
A summary of the most significant matters is set out below:
Guarantees
As at 30 September 2009, $515.1 million of guarantees had been issued to banks in normal course of business (31 March 2009: $252.7 million, 30 September 2008: $132.9 million). The Group has also entered into guarantees advanced to the customs authorities in India of $121.5 million (31 March 2009: $283.5 million, 30 September 2008: $163.4 million) relating to payment of import duty.
Export Obligations
The Indian entities of the Group have export obligations of $ 4,874.7 million (31 March 2009: $3,909.0 million, 30 September 2008: $3,937.5 million) over eight years, on account of concessional rates of import duty paid on capital goods under the Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme laid down by the Government of India. In the event of the Group's inability to meet its obligations, the Group's liability would be $691.9 million (31 March 2009: $556.5 million, 30 September 2008: $566.0 million) reduced in proportion to actual exports.
This liability is backed by a bond executed in favour of the customs department amounting to $664.5 million (31 March 2009: $515.5 million, 30 September 2008: $496.7 million).
Guarantees to Suppliers
The Group has given corporate guarantees to certain suppliers of concentrate. The value of these guarantees was $120.0 million at 30 September 2009 (31 March 2009: $120.0 million, 30 September 2008: $170 million).
Miscellaneous Disputes
The Indian excise and related indirect tax authorities have made several claims against the Group companies for additional excise and indirect duties. The claims mostly relate either to the assessable values of sales and purchases or to incomplete documentation supporting the companies' returns.
The approximate value of claims against these companies total $306.1 million (31 March 2009: $221.3 million, 30 September 2008: $221.1 million) of which $5.2 million (31 March 2009: $15.5 million, 30 September 2008: $27.6 million) is included as a provision in the balance sheet as at 30 September 2009. In the view of the Directors, there are no significant unprovided liabilities arising from these claims.
Related party transactions
The information below sets out transactions and balances between the Group and various related parties for the period. These related parties include Sterlite Technologies Limited ('STL'), which is related by virtue of having the same controlling party as the Group, namely Volcan.
The tables below set out transactions with related parties that occurred in the normal course of trading.
STL
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Sales to STL |
64.6 |
77.2 |
140.7 |
|
Reimbursement of expenses |
0.1 |
- |
0.2 |
|
Purchases from STL |
- |
0.1 |
0.1 |
|
Amounts receivable at period/year end |
7.7 |
27.5 |
8.1 |
Transactions with STL
Pursuant to the terms of the Shared Services Agreement dated 5 December 2003 entered into by the Company, Sterlite and STL, the Company and Sterlite provided various commercial services in relation to STL's businesses on an arm's length basis and at normal commercial terms. For the half year ended 30 September 2009, the commercial services provided to STL were performed by certain senior employees of the Group on terms set out in the Shared Services Agreement. The services provided to STL during the six months ended 30 September 2009 amounted to $14,386 (31 March 2009: $ 25,047, 30 September 2008: $13,948).
Twin Star Infrastructure Limited
Sterlite Energy had issued cumulative convertible preference shares to Twin Star Infrastructure Limited prior to its acquisition by the Group and an amount of $ NIL million was outstanding as at 30 September 2009 (31 March 2009: $5.5 million, 30 September 2008: $6.0 million).
Sterlite Foundation
During the period ended 30 September 2009, $0.3 million was paid to Sterlite Foundation (30 September 2008: $0.6 million, 31 March 2009: $0.9 million).
The Sterlite Foundation is a registered not-for-profit entity engaged in computer education and other related social and charitable activities. The major activity of the Sterlite Foundation is providing computer education for disadvantaged students. The Sterlite Foundation is a related party as it is controlled by members of the Agarwal family.
Sesa Community Foundation Limited
During the period, $0.3 million (30 September 2008: $0.2 million, 31 March 2009: $1.1 million) was paid to the Sesa Community Foundation Limited. The Sesa Community Foundation Limited is controlled by the directors of Sesa Goa.
The Anil Agarwal Foundation (formerly the Vedanta Foundation)
During the period, $0.2 million was received from the Anil Agarwal Foundation towards reimbursement of expenses (30 September 2008: $nil million; 31 March 2009: $0.5 million). The Anil Agarwal Foundation is a registered not-for-profit entity engaged in social and charitable activities. The Anil Agarwal Foundation is controlled by members of the Agarwal family.
Henry Davis York
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Consultancy services |
0.12 |
- |
0.7 |
|
Amounts receivable /(payable) at period/year end |
- |
- |
(0.04) |
Henry Davis York provides consultancy services to a subsidiary of the Group. The executive management of Henry Davis York hold office at CMT & TCM.
IFL
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Sales to IFL |
- |
12.9 |
11.9 |
|
Guarantees |
1.3 |
38.7 |
- |
|
Trade receivables and advances |
- |
7.6 |
- |
|
Loans receivable at period/year end |
- |
7.7 |
- |
IFL was an associate of the Group. In November 2008, the Group completed the disposal of its interest in IFL, and it ceased to be a related party from that date.
Volcan
|
(US $ million except as stated) |
Six months ended 30 September 2009 |
Six months ended30 September 2008 |
Year ended31 March 2009 |
|
Reimbursement of bank charges |
(0.2) |
(0.1) |
(0.3) |
In relation to the shares of Sterlite held by Twin Star, MALCO issued guarantees to the Income Tax Department of India, at the request of Volcan.
In addition, a limited number of employees are seconded from Sterlite to STL and similarly from STL to Sterlite. The company which benefits from the seconded employee bears their employment costs.
11. Share Transactions
Call option - BALCO
The Company purchased a 51.0% holding in BALCO from the Government of India on 2 March, 2001. Under the terms of this shareholder's agreement ("SHA") for BALCO, the Company has a call option that allows it to purchase the Government of India's remaining ownership interest in BALCO at any point from 2 March, 2004. The Company exercised this option on 19 March, 2004. However, the Government of India has contested the purchase price and validity of the option. The Company sought an interim order from the High Court of Delhi to restrain the Government of India from transferring or disposing of its shareholding pending resolution of the dispute. The High Court directed on 7 August, 2006 that the parties attempt to settle the dispute by way of a mediation process as provided for in the SHA. However, as the dispute could not be settled through mediation, it has been referred to arbitration as provided for in the SHA. Arbitration proceedings commenced on 16 February, 2009. The Company has filed its claim statement with the Arbitration Tribunal. The Government of India filed its reply on 10 July, 2009. The next date for Arbitration Tribunal hearing is on 2 December, 2009.
Call option - HZL
The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Sterlite Opportunities and Ventures Limited ("SOVL"), has two call options to purchase all of the Government of India's shares in HZL at fair market value. SOVL exercised the first call option on 29 August, 2003 and acquired an additional 18.9% of HZL's issued share capital, increasing its shareholding to 64.9%. As of 31 March, 2009 and 30 June, 2009, the Government of India's holding in HZL was 29.5%. The second call option provides SOVL the right to acquire the Government of India's remaining 29.5% share in HZL. This call option is subject to the right of the Government of India to sell 3.5% of HZL to HZL employees. This call option is also subject to the Government of India's right, prior to the exercise of this call option, to sell its shares in HZL through a public offer. From 11 April, 2007, SOVL has the right to exercise the second call option. The option has no expiry date. The Company exercised the second call option on 21 July, 2009. The Government has stated that they are maintaining the same stand as in Balco on the validity of the call option. However, the company has requested the Government to reconsider their stand and appoint a valuer to determine the fair value of the shares.
Asarco Acquisition
On 6 March 2009, Vedanta signed a revised agreement with Asarco LLC ("Asarco") for the purchase of substantially all its operating assets for approximately $1.7 billion.
On 23 August, 2009, Vedanta increased its bid to approximately $2.14 billion. This amendment proposed to support a plan of reorganisation that would pay Asarco's creditors in full their allowed amount of claims and full post-petition interest. The amendment would provide the Group with a 73% interest in a litigation trust which would enable it to pursue a judgement against Americas Mining Corporation, an affiliate of Grupo Mexico, awarded by the US District Court of Texas, Brownsville Division.
On 10 September 2009, the Group further revised its offer to $2.6 billion payable fully in cash. In the revised offer, the Group would be the beneficiary of 100% of the proceeds from the litigation trust thereby eliminating the put option granted to a trust for Asarco's asbestos creditors and instead provide for full cash settlement of Asarco's asbestos creditors and other specified claims. It would also provide surplus cash after closing for the smooth continued operations of acquired assets. Vedanta also agreed that maximum recovery to the Group from creditors interest in Brownsville judgment would be approximately $900 million.
On 31 August 2009, the US Bankruptcy Court recommended to the US District Court to confirm the Parent Plan (proposed by Asarco's parent companies), and to reject Vedanta's offer of 23 August 2009. On 24 September 2009 the Bankruptcy Court recommended to the District Court that it reject Vedanta's amended offer of 10 September 2009. It further recommended that, should the District Court consider Vedanta's amended offer, then despite this, the parent plan should remain confirmed.
Share Purchases
During financial year 2010, the Group increased its holding in certain of its subsidiaries through open market purchases. The details of such purchases are as follows:
1,437,965 shares of Sterlite Industries India Limited accounting for 0.20% of SIIL's total equity.
53,534,457 shares of Sesa Goa accounting for 4.39% of Sesa's total equity.
1,005,583 shares of Malco accounting for 0.90% of Malco's total equity.
6,632,890 shares of Vedanta Resources Plc purchased as treasury shares for 2.43 % of total equity.
The aggregate loss arising on these transactions of $53.1 million was recorded within equity.
12. Post-balance sheet events
Sesa Goa raised Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB) of $500 million with a coupon interest of 5% on 30 October 2009. The tenure of the bonds are 5 years and proceeds from the offering will be used to expand the Company's mining operations, for exploration for new resources, and to further develop its pig iron and metallurgical coke operations and for other purposes in line with Reserve Bank of India's ECB regulation
Sterlite raised 4% convertible senior notes of $500 million on 15 October 2009 for a tenure of 5 years. The company intends to utilise the proceeds for the new 400ktpa brownfield copper smelter expansion project at Tuticorin in India, together with an associated 160 MW (2x 80 MW) captive power plant and for other purposes in line with Reserve Bank of India's ECB regulation.
Independent review report to Vedanta Resources plc
We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2009 which comprises the condensed consolidated income statement, condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated balance sheet, the condensed consolidated cash flow statement, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity, and related notes 1 to 12. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.
This report is made solely to the company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to them in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.
As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting," as adopted by the European Union.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.
Scope of Review
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2009 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.
Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London, UK
5 November 2009
GLOSSARY AND DEFINITIONS
ADR
American Depository Receipts
Aluminium Business
The aluminium business of the Group comprising its fully-integrated bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting operations in India, and trading through the Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, Vedanta Aluminium Limited and The Madras Aluminium Company Limited, companies incorporated in India
Attributable Profit
Profit for the financial year before dividends attributable to the equity shareholders of Vedanta Resources plc
BALCO
Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, a company incorporated in India
Board or Vedanta Board
The board of directors of the Company
Businesses
The Aluminium Business, the Copper Business and the Zinc Business together
Capital Employed
Net assets before net (debt)/cash
Cash Tax Rate
Current taxation as a percentage of profit before taxation
CMT
Copper Mines of Tasmania Pty Ltd, a company incorporated in Australia
Company or Vedanta
Vedanta Resources plc
Copper Business
The copper business of the Group, comprising:
CSR
Corporate social responsibility
CY
Calendar Year
Directors
The directors of the Company
DMCL
Dempo Maritime Corporation Limited
Dollar or $
US dollars, the currency of the United States of America
EBITDA
Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, goodwill amortisation/impairment and special items (see note 3)
EBITDA Margin
EBITDA as a percentage of turnover
Economic Holdings or Economic Interest
The economic holdings/interest are derived by combining the Group's direct and indirect shareholdings in the operating companies. The Group's Economic Holdings/Interest is the basis on which the Attributable Profit and net assets are determined in the consolidated accounts
EPS
Earnings per Ordinary Share
Executive Directors
The executive directors of the Company
Expansion Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditure that increases the Group's operating capacity
Free Cash Flow
Cash flow arising from EBITDA after net interest (including gains on liquid investments and adjusted for net interest capitalised), taxation, Sustaining Capital Expenditure and working capital movements (see Financial Review)
FY
Financial year
GAAP, including UK GAAP and Indian GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the common set of accounting principles, standards and procedures that companies use to compile their financial statements in their respective local territories
Gearing
Net debt as a percentage of Capital Employed
Government or Indian Government
The Government of the Republic of India
Group
The Company and its subsidiary undertakings and, where appropriate, its associate undertaking
HSE
Health, safety and environment
HZL
Hindustan Zinc Limited, a company incorporated in India
IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards
Interest Cover
EBITDA divided by finance cost
KCM or Konkola Copper Mines
Konkola Copper Mines PLC, a company incorporated in Zambia
KT
Thousand tonnes
LIBOR
London Inter Bank Offered Rate
Listing or IPO (INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING)
The listing of the Company's Ordinary Shares on the London Stock Exchange on 10 December 2003
Listing Particulars
The listing particulars dated 5 December 2003 issued by the Company in connection with its Listing
LME
London Metals Exchange
London Stock Exchange
London Stock Exchange plc
LTIP
The Vedanta Resources Long- Term Incentive Plan or Long-Term Incentive Plan
MALCO
The Madras Aluminium Company Limited, a company incorporated in India
MT OR TONNES
Metric tonnes
MW
Megawatts of electrical power
Non-executive Directors
The non-executive directors of the Company
NYSE
New York Stock Exchange
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary shares of 10 US cents each in the Company
Return on Capital Employed or ROCE
Profit before interest, taxation, special items, tax effected at the Group's effective tax rate as a percentage of Capital Employed
Reward Plan
Vedanta Resources Share Reward Plan, a closed plan approved by shareholders on listing in December 2003 and adopted for the purpose of rewarding employees who contributed to the company's development and growth over the period leading up to listing in December 2003
Sesa Goa
Sesa Goa Limited, a company incorporated in India engaged in the business of mining iron ore
SEWT
Sterlite Employee Welfare Trust, a long-term investment plan for Sterlite senior management
STL
Sterlite Technologies Limited, a company incorporated in India
SOVL
Sterlite Opportunities and Ventures Limited, a company incorporated in India
SOX
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Special items
Items which derive from events and transactions that need to be disclosed separately by virtue of their size or nature
Sterlite
Sterlite Industries (India) Limited, a company incorporated in India
Sustaining Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditure to maintain the Group's operating capacity
TC/RC
Treatment charge/refining charge being the terms used to set the smelting and refining costs
TPA
Metric tonnes per annum
TCM
Thalanga Copper Mines Pty Limited, a company incorporated in Australia
TSPL
Talwandi Saboo Power Limited
Twin Star
Twin Star Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in Mauritius
Twin Star Holdings Group
Twin Star and its subsidiaries and associated undertaking
Underlying EPS
Underlying earnings per ordinary share on underlying profit
Underlying profit
Profit for the year after adding back special items, exchange (gains)/losses on borrowings and capital creditors, and their resultant tax and minority interest effects
VAL
Vedanta Aluminium Limited, a company incorporated in India
Volcan
Volcan Investments Limited, a company incorporated in the Bahamas
VRHL
Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom
VSD
V S Dempo Limited
ZCI
Zambia Copper Investment Limited, a company incorporated in Bermuda
ZCCM
ZCCM Investments Holdings plc, a company incorporated in Zambia
Zinc Business
The zinc-lead business of the Group comprising its fully integrated zinc-lead mining and smelting operations in India, and trading through the Hindustan Zinc limited, a company incorporated in India
Related Shares:
Vedanta Resources