Capital Limited

("Capital", the "Group" or the "Company")

 

Full Year Results for the year ended 31 December 2021

 

 

 

FULL YEAR FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021*

 

	2021	2020	% change
Revenue ($ m)	226.8	135.0	68.0%
EBITDA1 ($ m)	73.3	33.8	116.9%
EBIT1 ($ m)	51.9	21.6	140.3%
Adjusted net profit ($ m)	36.6	11.2	226.6%
Investment Gains  ($ m)	33.7	13.6	147.9%
Net Profit After Tax ($ m)	70.3	24.8	183.5%
Cash From Operations ($ m)	42.6	36.0	18.3%
Capex ($ m)	46.3	42.2	9.6%
Earnings per Share
Basic (adjusted) (cents)	19.2	7.9	141.7%
Basic (cents)	37.0	17.8	108.2%
Final / Interim Dividend per Share (cents)	2.4	1.3	84.6%
Total dividend per Share (cents)	3.6	2.2	63.6%
Adjusted ROCE (%) 3	22.7	22.2	2.4%
Net cash / (debt) ($m)	(31.9)	5.0
Investments ($m)	60.2	27.2	121.4%
Adjusted Net Cash (Including Investments) ($ m)	28.3	32.2	(12.2)%
Net Cash/Equity (%)	12.9	21.9	(41.2)%
*All amounts are in US dollars unless otherwise stated
(1)      EBITDA, EBIT, Net Asset Value per share and Net Cash are non-IFRS financial measures and should not be used in isolation or as a substitute for Capital Limited financial results presented in accordance with IFRS. (2)      ROCE calculated utilising 12 months EBIT. (3)      Adjusted ROCE excludes Mining Assets and Prepayments, Net Equity Raise proceeds and Sukari prepayment from Capital Employed.

 

 

 

 

Financial Overview

 

·      FY2021 revenue of $226.8 million, up 68% on FY 2020 ($135.0 million);

·      2021 EBITDA of $73.3 million, up 116.9% on FY 2020 ($33.8 million);

·      EBITDA margins increased to 32.3% up from 25.0% in FY 2020;

·      Net gains from equity investments of $33.7 million in 2021 (realised + unrealised), increasing the value of Group strategic investments to $60.2 million, net of cash proceeds, as of 31 December 2021 (31 December 2020: $27.2 million);

·      Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) $70.3 million (including investment gains), an increase of 183.5% on FY 2020 ($24.8 million); and adjusted net profit after tax of $36.6 million, up 226.6% on FY 2020 ($11.2 million);

·      Cash capex of $46.3 million, up 9.6% on FY2020 ($42.2 million);

·      Cash from operations of $42.6 million, an increase of 18.3% on FY 2020 ($36.0 million);

·      Net cash including investments of $28.3 million, down from net cash including investments of $32.2 million at year end 2020;

·      Basic earnings per share (including investment gains) of 37.0 cents, up 108.2% on FY 2020 (17.8 cents); and adjusted earnings per share of 19.2 cents, up 141.7% on FY 2020 (7.9 cents)

·      Declared a final dividend of US$2.4 cents per share, to be paid on 10 May 2022 which, together with the interim dividend of US$1.2 cents per share brings total dividends declared for 2021 of US$3.6 cents per share (up 64% on 2020 total dividend of US$2.2 cents per share). 

 

Operational and Strategic Highlights

 

·      Rig fleet utilisation increased to 79% in Q4 2021, up 4% on Q4 2020 (76%) and 34% on Q3 2021 (59%); FY 2021 average utilisation was 75%, an increase of 27% on FY 2020 (59%);

·      Non-drilling revenue contributed 22% of total revenue for 2021, compared with 2020 (9%[1]), primarily driven by the increased contribution from mining services and MSALABS, which saw significant growth through 2021;

·      Average monthly revenue per operating rig ("ARPOR") for Q4 2021 at US$184,000, up 7% (Q4 2020: US$172,000) and up 6% on Q3 2021 (US$182,000); FY 2021 ARPOR was $181,000 up 5.8% on FY 2020 $171,000 as core long-term contracts continue to perform strongly;

·      Safety performance remains world class with the Group remaining LTI free across eleven sites through 2021, six of which have remained LTI free in excess of three years;

·      Recent contract wins (previously announced):

§ A three-year surface production drilling contract with AngloGold Ashanti at the Geita Gold Mine, Tanzania. This contract will utilise five rigs from the existing fleet together with one new rig during 2022, and is anticipated to generate revenues of $33 million over the contract term;

§ An exploration contract with Firefinch at the Goulamina Lithium mine, Mali, a JV project between Firefinch and the world's largest lithium producer Ganfeng; 

§ An exploration contract with Tembo Mining at the Kabanga Nickel mine, Tanzania. This year has seen an investment from BHP intended to accelerate the development at the project;

§ Expanded grade control services to include underground at North Mara, Tanzania; 

§ A one-year contract extension for underground grade control drilling with Resolute at the Syama Gold Mine, Mali.

·      New contract wins:

§ A three-year underground drilling contract with Barrick at the Jabal Sayid copper mine, Saudi Arabia; 

§ An extension with Cora Gold at the Sanankoro Gold Project for drilling exploration;

§ An exploration contract with Aton Mining, Egypt.

·      Sukari Gold Mine (Egypt) waste mining and expanded drilling contracts performed ahead of contract targets in 2021:

§ Operations achieved mining quantities above contract in 2021, with all production phases brought on-line ahead of schedule;

§ The commissioning phase of this contract involved over 400 new employees with associated new equipment, and concluded its first year of operation injury free.

·      MSALABS has had a very successful 2021:

§ The rollout of the Chrysos'™ PhotonAssay units is progressing well:

·      The unit at the Bulyanhulu (Tanzania) laboratory has been commissioned and commenced operations in October;

·      Two further units are due to be commissioned in Val d'Or (Canada) and the Morila Gold Mine in Mali (80% owned by Firefinch ASX:FFX) in Q1 2022 and Q2 2022 respectively.

·      Accordingly, the Group's portfolio of long-term mine-site based operations increased to ten sites, comprising 18 individual contracts with the addition of the new contracts with Barrick in Tanzania and Firefinch in Mali;

 

Outlook

·      Revenue guidance for 2022 of $270 to $280 million driven by an increased drill rig count, contract extensions and expansions from existing long-term contracts, load and haul waste stripping contract at Sukari, Egypt running for the whole year at full capacity and MSALABS continuing to grow through 2022;

·      Capital expenditure is expected to be approximately $45 million in 2022. This will fund an increase to the drill rig count, the expansion of MSALABS, including a major hub laboratory in Saudi Arabia, as well as sustaining capex on the enlarged drill fleet and the Sukari mining contract;

·      Drill rig fleet size forecast to increase by 11 rigs by the end of 2022, net of depletion;

·      The Sukari earth moving contract continues to perform well, with the project now safely commissioned and we expect the operation to contribute at full capacity through 2022;

·      Laboratories is seeing strong demand for its services and the rollout of the Chrysos units, with the business expected to deliver revenues of approximately $30 million in 2022, almost double revenue in 2021 (FY 2020 $15.6 million);

·      Business mix underpinned by long-term mine-site contracts with blue-chip customers, growing exposure to metals beyond gold, and non-drilling revenues expected to proportionally increase further in 2022;

·      Tendering activity across all business units remains robust, with a number of opportunities progressing.

 

 

 

Commenting on the results, Jamie Boyton, Executive Chairman of Capital Limited, said:

'2021 has been another outstanding year for Capital and marks the business's second consecutive year of material growth. While this has been supported by a rapid increase in demand over the past 12 months, we have also taken a notable shift forward in our service offering, increasing our non-drilling revenues to 22% of the Group from just 9% the prior year, while also growing our drilling business.

In order to drive the growth in the business, we increased our headcount by 1,000 new people through the year, and despite this significant new onboarding and increased activity across the group, we maintained our industry leading safety performance, with a TRIFR result of 0.98 (2020: 0.77).

We entered 2021 flagging the disconnect between decade-high commodity prices, with exploration spending at half the levels of a decade ago. We saw this begin to correct through early 2021 with a rapid pickup in market activity evident in our operational metrics. On top of an increased rig count, rig utilisation increased to 75% in 2021 compared to 59% in 2020, while ARPOR also increased by 5.8% to $181,000 from 2020. We are continuing to invest in our drill rig fleet to meet the continued strength in demand we are seeing and ensuring we have a favourable balance of rig type in the regions where we are operating. Our focus will nevertheless remain on growing long term contracts and partnerships with blue-chip customers to reduce the volatility and ensure the sustainability of the business through the cycles.

Our mining business has taken a sizeable step forward in 2021 with the exceptional ramp up of the Load & Haul contract at Sukari, which we delivered ahead of contact expectations. Operations are now fully commissioned and 2022 will be the first complete year with the earth moving contract at full run rate. Following the rise in commodity prices, we are seeing an increase in projects moving forward to development and therefore we expect the pipeline of new mining contracts to expand in the coming years.

MSALABS also performed well through 2021, setting the foundations for further growth in the coming years. 2022 will be an exciting year for MSALABS as it continues the rollout of the revolutionary Chrysos PhotonAssay technology, as well as developing a major hub laboratory in Saudi Arabia. PhotonAssay, which provides gold assay results in minutes rather than weeks or months, has the potential to disrupt the geochemical analysis sector. This technology is a key driver of growth in MSALABS, with revenues expected to approximately double in 2022 YoY.

Another key contributor to our strong result for the year has been returns from our equity investments, which have become a core pillar of our Group strategy. Capital Investments not only contributes through equity returns, which amounted to $33.7 million in 2021, but has also served as a highly effective business development tool for several years, with $41 million or 18% of group revenue coming from investee companies in 2021. This creates a strong partnership approach to our contracting model and remains core to the investment strategy.

In view of the significant progress made in 2021, Capital today is a stronger and more robust business. We will continue to pursue our key strategic priorities during 2022 and have confidence in maintaining a growth trajectory in the business, with revenues expected to reach $270-280 million in 2022.'

Results Conference Call

Capital Limited will host a Webcast on Thursday 10 March 2022 at 09.00 am (London, UK time) to update investors and analysts on its results. Participants may join the webcast via the like below. Shareholders may also join the webcast by dialling one of the following numbers, approximately 10 minutes before the start of the call. Participants may also wish to download the 2021 Results Presentation, which is available by clicking http://www.capdrill.com/investors/presentations

Webcast Link

https://webcasting.buchanan.uk.com/broadcast/6221ec7cd196af24e1e91a0c 

Dial-In Details

United Kingdom Toll-Free: 08003589473

United Kingdom Toll: +44 3333000804

PIN: 35312080#

International dial-in numbers - Link

- ENDS -

 

For further information, please visit Capital Limited's website www.capdrill.com or contact:

 

Capital Limited                                                                     +230 464 3250

Jamie Boyton, Executive Chairman                                   [email protected]

Giles Everist, Chief Financial Officer

Rick Robson, Executive - Corporate Development

 

Berenberg                                                                             +44 20 3207 7800

Matthew Armitt

Jennifer Wyllie

Detlir Elezi            

 

Tamesis Partners LLP                                                          +44 20 3882 2868

Charlie Bendon

Richard Greenfield

 

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited                                          +44 20 7710 7600

Ashton Clanfield

Callum Stewart

Rory Blundell

 

Buchanan                                                                               +44 20 7466 5000

Bobby Morse                                                                        [email protected]

James Husband

               

About Capital Limited

 

Capital Limited is a leading mining services company providing a complete range of drilling, mining, maintenance and geochemical laboratory solutions to customers within the global minerals industry, focusing on the African markets. The Company's services include: exploration, delineation and production drilling; load and haul services; mining equipment hire and maintenance; and geochemical analysis. The Group's corporate headquarters are in Mauritius and it has established operations in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Tanzania.

 

Cautionary note regarding forward looking statements

Certain information contained in this report, including any information on Capital Limited's plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management's expectations, or estimates of future performance, constitute forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time, are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties. Capital Limited cautions that such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual financial results, performance or achievements of Capital Limited to be materially different than the Company's estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. These factors include the inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, changes in economic conditions, changes in the worldwide price of commodities and project execution delays, many of which are beyond the control of Capital Limited. Nothing in the report should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell Capital Limited securities.

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

 

2021 has been a transformational year with Capital delivering three record quarters of revenue growth and the strongest year in our history. We have seen growth in all our business areas, but most notably a sizeable shift forward in our service offering with the addition of large scale load and haul services at Sukari and the beginning of the rollout of the revolutionary Chrysos PhotonAssay units in our laboratory business, MSALABS. The operational execution of this growth has been outstanding, with an exceptional safety performance, maximising the value delivered to shareholders.

We delivered 68% revenue growth, 117% EBITDA growth and 140% EBIT growth. This is the second consecutive year we have delivered material growth, following 18% YoY growth in revenue in 2020. Amongst this growth however, our core focus on long life, mine site contracts (88% of revenue in 2021) with blue-chip customers has remained unchanged to ensure a business that is sustainable through the cycles.

Our strategy to develop a broader range of services continued successfully during 2021. The contribution from our non-drilling services increased significantly during the year to 22% of Group revenues, compared to 9% in 2020, driven primarily by the ramp up of the load and haul operation at Sukari and the continued expansion of MSALABS.

In 2020, we announced an equity raise to help fund equipment for a waste mining contract with Centamin at the Sukari Gold mine, which represented the largest award of business in the Group's history. The ramp up of this operation in 2021 was ahead of contracted expectations and has reached full run rate going into 2022, while remaining injury free. This contract is anticipated to deliver incremental revenues of US$235 - $260 million over a four-year period.

Our laboratory business, MSALABS, continued to perform well and is positioning itself for material growth as it rolls out the revolutionary Chrysos PhotonAssay units. The first of these units was successfully commissioned in 2021 and in 2022 MSALABS will continue to roll out further units, a key driver of its growth. PhotonAssay technology has the potential to disrupt the geochemical analysis sector and we are encouraged by the demand we are seeing.

In addition to the expansion in our service offering, our core drilling business has also gone from strength to strength. As we entered 2021 there was a clear disconnect between the rapid increase in commodity pricing seen in 2020, compared to capital raisings and exploration budgets, which remained at close to half the level seen when commodity prices were last at these levels. This changed early in the year and we saw a rapid and significant increase in demand which was visible in our utilisation rates in the subsequent three quarters of the year. Elevated commodity prices have continued into 2022, as has the strong demand we are seeing for our services.

Our Direct Investments portfolio has also cemented itself as the fourth key pillar of our strategy. We undertook a significant and well-timed investment strategy in 2019 as we expanded our operations in West Africa. We have engaged in direct investments into exploration and mining companies, and drill for equity, aligning the activity with service contracts. The year-end portfolio was valued at $60.2 million, up 121% compared to the year end 2020 position of $27.2 million, with investment gains (predominantly unrealised) for the year of $33.7 million. This translated into significant net profit growth in 2021 of 184%.

In addition to the investment gains, these positions have cemented key relationships and partnerships with the investees, with contracts from these companies generating $41 million of revenue over 2021 (18% of Group revenue).

At the beginning of 2022 we also launched a buyback programme of up to two million shares. While our focus remains primarily on growth, the buyback demonstrates both the huge success we achieved in 2021 and also the confidence we have in the business going forward.

The Board of Directors has declared a final dividend for the 2021 period of 2.4cps ($4.5 million), payable on 10 May 2022 to shareholders on the register as of 7 April 2022. This brings the total dividend declared in 2021 to 3.6c per share. The dividend is a result of our solid financial and operating position.

 

 

OPERATIONAL & SAFETY UPDATE

I am extraordinarily proud of our Company's achievements during 2021. Amongst the significant levels of growth and increased activity, the Group has also increased its headcount by 1,000 people, a 78% increase YoY. Nevertheless we maintained the consistency in our operations throughout the year and our industry leading safety record and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our employees for their dedication.

The Group's rig count increased from 94 at the end of 2020 to 109 at the end of 2021, with a further three rigs undergoing commissioning. The new rigs supported both existing long-term contracts and new contract wins. We remain very active with our fleet management in order to maintain our position as the provider of best-in-class equipment in the regions where we operate. In addition to the increased fleet size, our rig fleet utilisation increased to 75% in 2021 vs 59% in 2020, while full year ARPOR also increased 5.8% in 2021 to $181,000 (2020: $171,000). This stellar performance is a result of both improving commodity prices and macro conditions together with our successful geographical expansion into West Africa. This expansion has delivered regional revenue exposure beyond our traditional operations in Egypt and Tanzania, and with it new long-term mine site contracts.

Our portfolio of ten long-term mine site contracts continued to perform well through 2021 with a number seeing increased rig counts on site for further support and new services. In addition, we signed multiple new contracts while also expanding our commodity exposure.

By the nature of both the contracting market and also critically the geographic regions where we operate, gold mining remains our main exposure. However, at the beginning of 2022, Capital announced an exploration contract with Firefinch at the Goulamina Lithium Mine, Mali, a JV project between Firefinch and the world's largest lithium producer Ganfeng, as well as an exploration contract with Tembo Mining at the Kabanga Nickel Mine, Tanzania. Both projects have the potential to be very large, long-life assets and the latter project has seen an investment from BHP intended to accelerate development.

For the ramp up of the Sukari mining project we hired over 400 new employees and purchased 4 excavators, 17 mining trucks and other associated vehicles. Nevertheless we delivered ahead of our contract terms with the ramp up also completed with its first year of operation injury free. This outstanding performance in our first major earth moving contract both reinforces our relationship with Centamin at Sukari, where we have provided drilling services since 2005, and also positions us well for future tender awards.

MSALABS is quickly becoming a key growth area for the Group. 2021 saw the start of the company's rollout of Chrysos PhotonAssay units, with the first unit now commissioned at Barrick's Bulyanhulu Gold Mine in Tanzania. This contract marked both the largest contract since MSALABS' establishment, and the first PhotonAssay unit deployed outside Australia. Two more units were deployed in Q1 2022, the first in Val d'Or in Quebec, Canada, and the second at the Morila Gold Mine, Mali. MSALABS will also establish a third major hub laboratory in Saudi Arabia later this year, which will assist in setting the foundations for further growth in 2023 and beyond.

Once again, our focus and commitment to the safety of our employees delivered results significantly better than industry standards, and I congratulate everyone for their effort. We expect visible safety leadership at all levels of the business, from the Executive Leadership Team to crews on site, and we actively invest in training programs to ensure our workforce is skilled, competent and can identify and mitigate hazards in the workplace. Our Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) was 0.98 per 1,000,000 hours worked. We also achieved a number of site records and safety milestones during 2021 including:

·              13 years LTIF at Mwanza, Tanzania

·              5 years LTIF at the Syama Gold Mine, Mali

·              5 years LTIF at the North Mara Gold Mine, Tanzania

·              4 years LTIF at the Geita Gold Mine, Tanzania

·              3 years LTIF at Bamako, Mali

·              3 years LTIF at Hummingbird, Mali

·              2 years LTIF at the Jabal Sayid Copper Mine, Saudi Arabia

·              1 year LTIF at the Bulyanhulu Gold Mine, Tanzania

·              1 year LTIF at the Bonikro Mine, Cote d'Ivoire

·              1 year LTIF at the Sukari Gold Mine, Egypt

·              1 year LTIF at the Bankan gold project, Guinea

 

OUTLOOK

As we look to the year ahead, trading conditions continue to point to very strong demand. Commodity prices, including our main exposure gold, remain at very high levels which provide strong profitability and cash flows for the producers and is a positive indicator for continued momentum throughout 2022.

Equity markets also remain highly supportive for the mining industry, with financings through 2021 at decade highs according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Together this suggests a further improvement in exploration budgets and demand for our services across all of our business units.

Our focus on long-term mine site contracts continues to underpin our business through 2022. At the end of 2020, we saw an extension and expansion of the drilling contract at Sukari (in line with the mining contract award) and in 2021 we saw major contract renewals at Geita. These contract renewals provide clear revenue visibility and a strong foundation for the year ahead.

At Sukari, operations are now fully commissioned, and 2022 will be the first complete year with the earth moving contract at full run rate. MSALABS is also at an exciting inflection point, with one Chrysos PhotonAssay unit successfully commissioned in Q4 2021 and 2022 set to see material growth driven by the rollout of further units, as well as the construction of the Group's third major hub lab in Saudi Arabia.

As we enter 2022, our core drilling business has the highest rig count in the group's history and we are confident in maintaining strong utilisation levels given the increased activity we are seeing from our existing clients, as well as the strength we continue to see in commodity pricing. We are also continuing to invest in our fleet and this will drive a further increase to our fleet size (net of decommissioning old rigs).

We will continue to execute our key strategic priorities in 2022, focussing on growing our full-service mining business, growing revenues from our ancillary services businesses, particularly MSALABS, expanding capacity with our existing clients and maintaining high levels of utilisation through our fleet.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our employees, business partners, shareholders, our Board of Directors and other stakeholders for their continued support of our Company.

 

Jamie Boyton

Executive Chairman

9 March 2022

 

 

 

 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER'S REVIEW

 

OVERVIEW

Capital Limited has delivered a stellar performance in 2021 with all our business areas achieving growth through the year. We have made transformational steps through 2021, including expanding our service offering in order to continue to grow the business even further in 2022 and beyond.

Revenue increased by 68% to $226.8 million (2020: $135.0 million). H2 revenue ($128.1 million) was 30% higher than H1 revenue ($98.7 million) primarily due to the weighting of the ramp up of the Sukari waste mining contract, but also new drilling contract wins through the year, an associated increase in rig count and improved revenues at MSALABS.

Profitability also improved, with margin improvements across all key metrics on the back of increased expenditure discipline. YoY EBITDA and EBIT increased by 117% and 140% respectively.

Primarily as a result of our expanded service offering into waste mining and the associated equipment purchases, our capex remained elevated relative to 2020 with cash capital expenditure of $46.3 million (2020: $42.2 million). In addition to the Sukari load & haul contract, growth capex funded the expansion of the rig fleet in 2021 and also deposits for rigs due to arrive and commission in 2022.

Through 2021 we have increased our debt profile through additional financing to fund equipment purchases in combination with operating cash flow. We obtained this financing from Macquarie Bank ($27.7 million) and OEM financing from Sandvik and Epiroc.

Cash generated from operations was $42.6 million (2020: $36.0 million). Closing cash was $30.6 million (2020: $35.7 million), aided by an additional $27.7 million in new financing in the year, with net debt of $31.9 million (2020: $5.0 million net cash). Weighing on cash flows was the increased capex outflow associated in particular with the Sukari mining ramp up. Nevertheless our balance sheet remains in a very strong position with the group finishing 2021 with net cash including investments of $28.3 million.

Our portfolio of long-term mine-site based contracts continues to underpin our cash flow and growth strategy. Mine-site based contracts represent 88% (2020: 93%) of our Company revenue and growth of this portfolio remains a focus.

Our investment portfolio generated a $33.7 million gain on investments reflected in the Profit and Loss. This outstanding performance reflects a significant value increase in a number of investments within the portfolio. The result is a consequence of the successful 2019 investment strategy. Investment activity decreased in 2020 and 2021 as the cycle improved and capital markets became significantly more accommodating to equity issuance. The Company's strategy has therefore matured and rationalised to a portfolio of strategic core holdings, while continuing to evaluate new opportunities.

Our focus on long-term mine site contracts both reduces the volatility of earnings and ensures the sustainability of the business through the cycles. This stable business platform was demonstrated through 2020 and early 2021 through the COVID-19 pandemic where our portfolio of mine-site based contracts continued uninterrupted. However, given the sometimes unpredictable nature of the countries where we operate, we have evaluated a downside model taking the aggregate effect of the reasonable downside short term risks and demonstrated that the business is robust to scenarios far worse than experienced or expected. Refer to Note 1.1 of the Annual Financial Statements for further detail.

 

 

Statement of Comprehensive Income

Reported	2021	2020
	$'m	$'m
Revenue	226.8	135.0
EBITDA	73.3	33.8
EBITDA (%)	32.3	25.1
EBIT	51.9	21.6
PBT	82.0	34.1
NPAT	70.3	24.8
Basic EPS (cent)	37.0	17.8
Diluted EPS (cent)	36.4	17.6

Table 1: Statement of Comprehensive Income (Summary)

 

Average rig utilisation increased 16% to 75% (2020: 59%) on a larger average fleet size of 104 (2020: 98). Average revenue per operating rig (ARPOR) per month also saw an increase in 2021 to $181,000 (2020: $171,000) attributed to the increased mobilisation of exploration rigs and some renegotiation of existing contracts.

Non-drilling revenues saw a notable increase in contribution to Group revenues in 2021, driven by the ramp up of the Sukari mining contract as well as the continued ramp up of MSALABS. 2021 contribution to revenue from non-drilling services was 22% in 2021 (2020: 9%) and is expected to increase further in 2022.

EBITDA increased 117% to $73.3 million delivering a 32.3% margin (2020: $33.8 million/25.0%).

EBIT increased 140% to $51.9 million delivering a 22.9% margin (2020: $21.6 million/16.0%).

Profit Before Tax (PBT) increased by 141% to $82.0 million (2020: $34.1million) impacted by Net Interest of $3.6 million (2020: $1.1 million) and benefitting from an investment gain of $33.7 million (2020: $13.6 million gain). These investments were aligned to activity with service contracts and provided greater revenue and earnings. Depreciation of $21.4 million (2020: $12.2 million), flat as a percentage of revenue at 9%.

NPAT increased 184% to $70.3 million (2020: $24.8 million). The improved NPAT benefitted from net gains on unrealised equity investments of $33.7 million (2020: $13.6 million gain).

The Effective Tax Rate for 2021 was 14.3% (2020: 27.4%). The decrease YoY reflects adjustments in 2020 that did not recur in 2021. In 2020 tax included a $2.8m adjustment in respect of prior periods' assessments which were finalised in 2020. The tax recognised in respect of prior periods in 2021 was $0.2 million. As the Group operates in multiple jurisdictions, there is an inherent uncertainty in the interpretation of income tax laws. As at 31 December 2021, the Group had uncertain income tax positions with an assessment valued at $2.0 million (2020: $2.7 million). The Group has recognised a provision of $0.2 million (2020: $0.9 million) as management's best estimate of the likely exposure.

As at 31 December 2021, the Group had uncertain income tax positions with an assessment valued at $2.0 million (2020: $2.7 million). The Group has recognised a provision of $0.2 million (2020: $0.9 million) as management's best estimate of the likely exposure.

The Basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) for the year increased 108% to 37.0 cents (2020: 17.8 cents). The weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the earnings per share calculation was 189,765,149 (2020: 138,367,746).

The substantial growth in Earnings per Share was driven by the strong operating performance and investment gains.

 

 

Statement of Financial Position

Reported	2021 $'m	2020 $'m
Non-current assets	162.4	91.1
Current assets	189.1	135.2
Total assets	351.5	226.3
Non-current liabilities	53.0	26.5
Current liabilities	75.6	51.8
Total liabilities	128.6	78.3
Shareholders' equity (1)	219.2	146.7

Table 2: Statement of Financial Position (Summary)

⁽¹⁾ Excludes non-controlling interest of $3.8 million

 

As at 31 December 2021, shareholders' equity increased by 49.4% driven primarily by strong net profit of $70.3 million. The Group distributed dividends of $4.7 million (2020: $2.2 million) to shareholders.

The total rig fleet size at the end of 2021 was 109 drill rigs with 3 further rigs undergoing commissioning (2019: 94).

Overall PPE increased from $89.0 million in 2020 to $143.6 million in 2021, reflecting depreciation of $21.4 million (2020: $12.2 million), assets disposed of $0.5 million (2020: $0.8 million) and additional operating capital expenditure of $75.7 million (2020: $48.7 million).

Current assets increased to $189.1 million (2020: $135.2million). Inventory increased by $13.2 million to $37.9 million (2020: $24.7 million) due to increased inventory levels primarily in Egypt. Prepaid expenses decreased by $10.7 million to $17.7 million (2020 $28.4 million). Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $5.1 million to $30.6 million (2020:$35.7 million). Investments held of $60.2 million (2020: $27.2 million) are the fair value of trade investments.

Non-current liabilities of $53.0 million (2020: $26.5 million) includes $45.6million (2020: $26.1 million) of long term loans. Total long term debt includes $15 million of the renewed Revolving Credit Facility, a $37.7 million asset backed facility with Macquarie and OEM financing direct through Epiroc & Sandvik .

Current liabilities consisted of trade and other payables, $46.5 million (2020: $39.7million), current portion of long-term liabilities $16.9 million (2020: $4.6 million) and tax liabilities of $10.0 million (2020: $7.2 million). Trade and other payables includes increased trade payables of $22.1 million (2020: $19.9 million) due to increased activity levels and investment in the Sukari contract.

Statement of changes in equity

Reported	2021 $'m	2020 $'m
Opening equity	148.1	87.0
Net proceeds from Equity raise	-	37.2
Share based payments	2.0	1.4
Total comprehensive income	70.3	24.7
Dividends paid	(4.8)	(2.2)
Gain on change in ownership	5.6	-
NCI ex Business Combination	1.7	-
Closing equity	222.9	148.1

Table 3: Statement of changes in equity (Summary)

 

Statement of Cash Flows

Reported	2021 $'m	2020 $'m
Net cash from operating activities	30.4	28.3
Net cash used in investing activities	(50.1)	(60.7)
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities	15.5	50.1
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	(4.2)	17.7
Opening cash and cash equivalents	35.7	17.6
Translation of foreign currency cash	(0.9)	0.4
Closing cash and cash equivalents	30.6	35.7

Table 4: Statement of Cash Flows (Summary)

 

Reconciliation of net cash (debt) position

Reported	2021 $'m	2020 $'m
Net cash at the beginning of the year	5.0	4.4
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	(4.2)	17.7
(increase) in long term liabilities	(31.8)	(17.5)
Translation of foreign currency cash	(0.9)	0.4
Net cash at the end of the year	(31.9)	5.0

Table 5: Reconciliation of net cash (debt) position

 

Cash generated from operations was $42.6 million (2020: $36.0 million), an increase of 18.3% year-on-year.

The investing cash flow have decreased year-on-year with some investments, including prepayments, for the new Sukari contract occurring in 2020. We continued to invest through 2021, however, both to complete the ramp up for the Sukari mining contract as well as increase our drill rig count to meet existing client requirements and maintain fleet operational readiness.

Financing activities included the dividend cash payment of $4.8 million (2019: $2.2 million).

 The dividend history for the past three years is as follows:

	H1 2019	FY 2019	H1 2020	FY 2020	H1 2021	FY 2021
Declaration	22 Aug 2019	19 Mar 2020	20 Aug 2020	18 Mar 2021	19 Aug 2021	10 Mar 2022
Cents per share	0.7	0.7	0.9	1.3	1.2	2.4
Dividend amount ($'m)	$0.95	$0.96	$1.23	$2.47	$2.28	$4.55

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Given the breadth of operations and the geographies and markets in which the Group operates, a wide range of risk factors and uncertainties have the potential to impact Capital. While Capital attempts to mitigate and manage risks where it is efficient and practicable to do so, there is no guarantee these efforts will be successful. Aside from the generic risks that face all businesses, the Group's business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by any of the risks described below.

Outlined below is an overview of a number of material risks facing Capital. These risks should not be regarded as a complete and comprehensive statement of all potential risks and uncertainties, nor are they listed in order of magnitude or probability. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to the Directors, or which they currently deem immaterial, may also have an adverse effect on the Group's operating results, financial condition and prospects.

The principal and emerging risks associated with the business are:

 

Area	Risk Description	Risk Mitigation
Reduction in levels of mining activity	The Group is highly dependent on the levels of mineral exploration, development and production activity  within the markets in which it operates. A reduction in exploration, development and production activities, or in the budgeted expenditure of mining and mineral exploration companies, will cause a decline in the demand for mining services, as was evident in the 2014 and 2015 financial years.	The Group is seeking to balance these risks by building a portfolio of long- term mine-site contracts, expanding its services offering into mine-site based activities such as load and haul mining, and also expanding both its customer and geographic reach.
Risk of Termination	Contracts can be terminated for convenience by the client at short notice and without penalty. Guidance is partly based on current contracts in hand, and the Group derives a significant proportion of its revenue from providing services under large contracts. As a result, there can be  no assurance that work in hand will be realised as revenue in any future period. There could be future risks and costs arising from any termination of contract. While the Group has no reason to believe any existing or potential contracts will be terminated, there can be no assurance that this will not occur. In addition it's important that the Group maintains its project pipeline and win rate. Any failure by the Group  to continue to win new contracts will impact its financial performance and position.	Contract renewal negotiations are initiated well in advance of expiry of contracts to ensure contract renewals are concluded without interruption   to services. There are also a wide range of termination clauses across the Group's contracts depending on the size, nature and client involved (i.e not all contracts can be terminated for convenience, and some contracts must be terminated with notice).
Risk of Default	The Group has financing facilities with external financiers. A default under any of these facilities could result in withdrawal of financial support or an increase in the cost of financing.	The Group has a robust system of analysing and forecasting cash and debt positions. The Group is continuing to develop a stronger facilities management system, in addition to strengthening and broadening its banking relationships.
Supply chain disruption	Disruption to border crossings; equipment being held up in customs	The Group ensures a continual monitoring of movement of goods at all relevant borders, and assesses back-up options regularly. Inventory levels are set to allow for a period of disruption. The Group also ensures a local supplier early bulk purchasing strategy
Adverse change in local tax laws, regulations and practice.	Unforeseen changes to local tax regulations leading to new or higher tax charges; unpredictable tax audit processes.	The Group carries out enhanced tax due diligence on incorporation with identification of strong and well-connected local tax advisers. The Group obtains written confirmation from local tax authorities in advance of undertaking major transactions. The Group ensures supporting documentation for all tax filings are complete and accurate.
Risk to Cash Repatriation	Restrictive currency controls which impact ability to repatriate cash from countries of operation.	The Group has multiple bank accounts in multiple currencies and seeks to move cash out of restrictive or high-risk jurisdictions as soon as possible. The import documentation process is being improved and the process increasingly automated.
Declines in Minesite production levels	The Group's activity levels and results are to a certain extent dependent on production levels at clients' mines while revenues are linked to the production volumes and not to the short-term price of the underlying commodity.	A significant proportion of the Group's revenue is derived from mines which are already in production. The Group focuses on ensuring execution of work to a high standard and improving its operation to increase its value proposition to clients. Application of the Group tender work procurement and approval processes maximises  the likelihood of achieving margins and earnings. In addition, the Group's diversification of service offering limits the exposure to one specific area of the business.
Reliance on Key Customers	The Group's business relies on a number of individual contracts and business alliances, and derives a significant proportion of its revenue from a small number of key long- term customers and business relationships with a few organisations. In the event that any of these customers fails to pay, reduces production or scales back operations, terminates the relationship, defaults on a contract or fails to renew their contract with	The Group has entered into long-term contracts with its key customers for periods between two to five years. Contract renewal negotiations are initiated well in advance of expiry of contracts to ensure contract renewals are concluded without interruption to services.
	the Group, this may have an adverse impact on the financial performance and/or financial position of the Group.	The Group has historically had a strong record of completing contracts to term and securing contract extensions. The Group is selective in the contracts that it enters into to allow for options to extend where possible to maximise the contract period and the return on capital. The Group focuses on ensuring execution of work to a high standard and improving its operation to increase its value proposition to clients. Application of the Group tender work procurement and approval processes maximises the likelihood of securing quality work with commensurate returns for the risks taken. The Group maintains a work portfolio diversified by geography, market, activity and client to mitigate the impact of emerging trends and market volatility. The Group has and continues to monitor projects closely and invest a significant amount of time into client relationship and service level monitoring at all levels of the business. A key part of this process is the quarterly project steering committee meetings with key client stakeholders that provide a forum for monitoring and reporting on project performance and performance indicators, contractual issues, pricing and renewal.
Labour costs and availability	The Group is exposed to increased labour costs and retention constraints in markets where the demand for labour is strong. Changes to labour laws and regulations may limit productivity and increase costs of labour. If implemented and enforced, these types of changes to labour laws and regulations could adversely impact revenues and, if costs increase or productivity declines, operating margins.	The Group's labour costs are typically protected by rise and fall mechanisms within client contracts, which mitigate the impact of rising labour costs.
Risk of poor performance due to lack of equipment availability	The Group has a significant fleet of equipment, and has a substantial ongoing requirement for consumables, including tyres, parts and lubricants. If the Group cannot secure a reliable supply of equipment and consumables, there is a risk that its operational and financial performance may be adversely affected.	The Group continues to focus on supplier relationships including maintaining payment terms and identifying alternative sources.
Deterioration in Health & Safety record	Operations are subject to various risks associated with mining including, in the case of employees, personal injury, malaria and loss of life and in the Group's case, damage and destruction to property and equipment, release of hazardous substances into the environment and interruption or suspension of site operations due to unsafe operations. The occurrence of any of these events could adversely impact the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, lead to legal proceedings and damage the Group's reputation. In particular, clients are placing an increasing focus on occupational health and safety, and a deterioration in the Group's safety record may result in the loss of key clients.	The Executive Chairman, Executive Leadership Team and managers provide leadership to projects on the management of these risks and actively engage with employees at all levels. The Group has implemented and continue to monitor and update a range of health and safety policies and procedures including equipment standards and standard work procedures. Employees are provided with training regarding risks associated with their employment, policies and standard work procedures. Health and Safety statistics and incident reports are monitored throughout our projects and the various management structures of the Group, including the HSE committee. Where necessary policies and procedures are updated to reflect developments and improvement needs. The Executive - HSEQ monitors high risk events in areas of operation and distributes warnings and guidance as required. The Group is also closely engaged with its clients to ensure workplace safety and containment measures are adhered to.
Risk of Mispricing Contracts	The Group is reliant on its ability to price contracts accurately. Contract prices are generally set at the-outset of a customer contract following a competitive tender process.	The Group goes through a rigorous process to determine a price to submit as part of the tender submission based on a bottom-up costing analysis with a mark-up. The Group makes use of its extensive historical statistics and its in-house knowledge base, combined with site visits to obtain contract specific data. Where contracts are of significant scope, independent cost estimators are appointed, with their findings verified by in-house modelling. Some contracts include pricing protections by way of mechanisms that allow for annual pricing reviews and or the application of annual CPI adjustments. Many contracts also contain mechanisms to allow the Group to end the contract with minimal notice if continued performance is financially burdensome. Some contracts include pricing protections by way of mechanisms that allow for annual pricing reviews and or the application of annual CPI adjustments. Many contracts also contain mechanisms to allow the Group to end the contract with minimal notice if continued performance is financially burdensome.
Risk of non-compliance with climate related reporting regulations	Non-physical risks arise from a variety of policy, regulatory, legal, financing and investor responses to the challenges posed by climate change.	The Group has recognised the need for the appointment of a Sustainability Manager. It has engaged with expert consultants in this field to establish emissions reporting, guidance and publications. Additionally it has established a separate Sustainability Committee to drive the ESG process forward.
Communicable disease outbreaks, including COVID-19	A large-scale outbreak in one of our operating jurisdictions may lead to interruptions in operations, closures at mine sites, inability to source supplies or consumables, higher volatility in the global capital and commodity markets, adverse impacts on investment sentiment and economies. Ongoing restrictions on travel could significantly impair the Group's ability to manage its businesses effectively.	The Group undertakes extensive planning to facilitate the mobility of its international and regional expatriate workforce as the Company manages international flight cancellations and COVID-19 travel restrictions. The Group also monitors other communicable disease outbreaks relevant to the location of the Group's operations in order to implement its planned respoibse strategy when needed. The Group's current key priorities on COVID-19 are:  protecting our people with a focus on their wellbeing - to play our role in limiting the spread of the virus - delivering value for our clients and stakeholders - maintaining the strongest possible financial position.

 

VIABILITY STATEMENT

The activities of the Group, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance, the financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in pages 50 to 59.

The Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing the Group over the coming three years, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. These risks and the ways they are being managed and mitigated by a wide range of actions are summarised on pages 54 to 56.

Taking account of the Group's position, emerging and principal risks, the Directors assessed the prospects of the Group by reviewing and discussing the annual forecast, the three-year strategic plan and the Group risk framework. The review is a robust consideration of all risk factors and sensitivities. Whilst all the risks identified could have an impact on the Group's performance, the specific risks which could potentially impact the Group's financial position / viability include:

·      A deterioration in global demand and commodity prices;

·      Non-renewal of key contracts within the time frame;

·      Idled mining equipment at the end of the large scale load & haul contract;

·      A potential decrease in turnover due to a prolonged operational disruption such as political unrest; and

·      Increases in the Group's cost base.

 

Given the Group had minimal operational impacts from COVID-19 over the past two years, the Directors no longer view it as a significant risk to the Group's performance and financial position.

In view of the recent escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus, the Directors have considered the likely impact on the Group as detailed in Note 1.1 and assessed the risk to the Group's operations as minor. The Directors will continue to carefully assess the impact of this situation on the Group's operations. 

The evaluation of the potential downturn in commodity pricing considered the long term nature of the majority of our contracts, the low operating costs of the mines where we operate, the liquidity of the company, its robust balance sheet and good relationship with financiers.

The evaluation of mining equipment remaining idle at the end of the mining contract considered that the asset backed debt facilities drawn to purchase the equipment over the life of the contract and therefore would not affect group viability if left idled for a period.

The Directors have also evaluated short term major disruptions from due to political events and while these risks are considered remote, in such a scenario, the Group would be able to continue operating without reaching its borrowing capacity nor breaching its covenants, given the diversification of the company's geographic mix and through additional measures available to mitigate the impact on the Group's  liquidity and cash flows such as reduction in inventories and capital expenditure and renegotiation of creditor terms.

The Directors have also reviewed the forecasts and downward scenario against the Group's current and projected future net cash/debt and liquidity position. The Group closed the financial year with a net debt¹ position of $31.9 million (2020: $5.0 million net cash). The revolving credit facility has financial covenants interest cover, debt-equity ratio, gross debt to EBITDA and tangible net worth and is not due for renewal until June 2023.

A three-year period is considered appropriate for this assessment because:

·      It is the period covered by the strategic plan;

·      It is aligned with the terms of our principle financing facilities;

·      The majority of our major contracts are for a period of three to five years; and

·      It enables a high level of confidence, even in extreme adverse events, due to a number of factors such as:

o  The Group has considerable financial resources together with established business relationships with major, mid-tier and junior mining houses and suppliers in countries throughout the world; High cash generation by the Group's operations;

o  Low levels of gearing and strong debt capacity;

o  Flexibility of cash outflows including capital expenditure and dividend payments; and

o  The Group's long-term contracts, equipment availability and diverse geographic operations.

               

Based on the results of this analysis, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully as the market conditions continue to improve. The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three-year period of their assessment.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This Business Review, which comprises the Chairman's Statement and Chief Financial Officer's Review, has been prepared solely to provide additional information to shareholders to assess the Group's strategies and the potential for those strategies to succeed.

The Business Review contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements are made by the Directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this report and such statements should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors, underlying any such forward-looking information.

By order of the Board

 

 

 

Giles Everist

Chief Financial Officer

9 March 2021

 

 

 

Financial Results
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 31 December 2021
														CONSOLIDATED
														2021						2020
														$						$
Revenue														226,793,266						134,961,874
Cost of sales														(120,491,246)						(80,065,718)
Gross profit														106,302,020						54,896,156
Administration expenses														(33,027,346)						(21,074,206)
Depreciation														(21,397,355)						(12,197,072)
Profit from operations														51,877,319						21,624,878
Interest income														244,998						256,557
Finance charges														(3,833,766)						(1,364,222)
Fair value gain/(loss) on investments at fair value														33,716,756						13,574,332
Profit before tax														82,005,307						34,091,545
Taxation												4		(11,716,529)						(9,328,357)
Profit for the year														70,288,778						24,763,188
Other comprehensive income:
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Movement in other reserve														-						-
Total other comprehensive income for the year														-						-
Total comprehensive income for the year														70,288,778						24,763,188
Earnings per share:
Basic operational earnings per share (cents per share)												5		19.21						7.95
Diluted operational earnings per share (cents per share)												5		18.91						7.86
Basic earnings per share (cents per share)												5		36.98						17.76
Diluted earnings per share (cents per share)												5		36.40						17.55
Profit (loss) attributable to:
Owners of the parent												70,174,784								24,571,452
Non-controlling interest														113,994					191,736
														70,288,778					24,763,188
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:																	-		288,651
Owners of the parent														-					-
Non-controlling interest														-					-
														-					-

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December 2021
					Notes			2021			2020
								$			$
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment					7			143,598,399			88,970,683
Right-of-use assets								9,851,343			629,657
Goodwill								1,252,348			1,252,348
Intangible assets								1,282,269			276,248
Prepaid expenses and other assets								6,460,000			-
Total non-current assets								162,444,359			91,128,936
Current assets
Inventory					10			37,935,112			24,689,102
Trade and other receivables								42,212,147			18,903,656
Prepaid expenses and other assets								17,681,623			28,394,850
Investments at fair value								60,151,667			27,167,095
Taxation								499,361			359,970
Cash and cash equivalents								30,577,249			35,701,894
Total current assets								189,057,159			135,216,567
Total assets								351,501,518			226,345,503
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Share capital					8			19,006			18,878
Share premium					8			60,900,119			60,169,426
Equity-settled employee benefits reserve								3,185,450			1,926,994
Other reserve								190,056			190,056
Retained earnings								154,879,201			84,384,101
								219,173,832			146,689,455
Non-controlling interest								3,767,589			1,389,315
Total equity								222,941,421			148,078,770
Non-current liabilities
Loans and Borrowings					9			45,567,668			26,112,602
Lease liabilities								7,354,745			337,233
Deferred tax liabilities								34,196			13,755
Total non-current liabilities								52,956,609			26,463,590

 

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (continued)
As at 31 December 2021

 

			2021	2020
			$	$
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables			46,500,122	39,711,217
Taxation			9,979,250	7,174,749
Loans and Borrowings			16,887,692	4,581,111
Lease liabilities			2,236,424	336,066
Total current liabilities			75,603,488	51,803,143
Total liabilities			128,560,097	78,266,733
Total equity and liabilities			351,501,518	226,345,503