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Anglo-Eastern Plantations PLC on Friday reported higher output and firmer prices in the first nine months of 2025, underpinned by production growth. The Indonesia and Malaysia-focused palm oil producer said own fresh fruit bunch, or FFB, production rose 6.7% year-on-year to 816,200 tonnes, from 764,800 a year prior, boosted by improved yields from young and mature palms in Bengkulu and Kalimantan. External FFB purchases climbed 21% to 883,600 tonnes from 733,000, driven by new third-party crop intake at the recently commissioned HPP mill in North Sumatra. As a result, crude palm oil production increased 8.0% to 321,500 tonnes, while palm kernel (PK) output rose 14% to 79,500 tonnes. The average CPO ex-mill price increased 11% to $855 per tonne, while PK prices surged 60% to $734 per tonne. AEP said it remains in a ‘robust financial position’ with no outstanding bank borrowings. As of September 30, cash and short-term investments totalled $240 million, up from $183 million at the end of 2024, after $25.6 million of dividend payments and share buybacks. The company said the increase reflected ‘resilient cash generation and strategic capital management.’ During the period, AEP planted 124 hectares of new palms and replanted 1,614 hectares, part of its five-year target to renew 10,000 hectares. Construction of its eighth mill on the KAP estate in Kalimantan is on track for completion in December 2026, with structural works due to begin in November. Looking ahead, the group expects CPO prices to remain stable for the rest of the year. It said Indonesia’s planned Biodiesel B50 mandate, set to replace the current B40 programme in mid-2026, should increase domestic consumption and support prices. Executive Director Marcus Chan Jau Chwen said: ‘We’ve achieved good operational progress in the first nine months, with further strategic land acquisition opportunities ahead. Elevated crude palm oil prices have strengthened cash generation, giving us a solid financial base to support future growth and deliver long-term shareholder value.’ Shares in Anglo-Eastern were up 6.1% to 1,395.77 pence in London on Friday morning. Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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