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Italtile Limited - Preliminary Profit Announcement Group Results for the year

Release Date: 07/08/2002 10:00
Code(s): ITE
Wrap Text

Italtile Limited - Preliminary Profit Announcement Group Results for the year ended 30 June 2002 Italtile Limited (ITALTILE) (ITE) ISIN: ZAE000003670 Preliminary profit announcement Group results for the year ended 30 June 2002 - 10 year compound growth 35,6% Commentary In financial year 2000 Italtile Limited announced its strategic intention to realise annual turnover of R5 billion by the end of the current decade. The group has achieved a significant milestone towards attaining that goal, and successfully extended its market leadership, by delivering turnover of R1,1 billion (2001: R788 million) for the year to 30 June 2002. The group`s enhanced turnover growth - derived primarily from existing operations - substantiates management`s view that the South African ceramic tile market still affords significant growth opportunities in both the developed and undeveloped sectors of the market. Management is confident that in line with global industry trends, further expansion can be anticipated based on the product`s accessibility and acceptability to all sectors of the market and furthered by its status as the most cost-effective, most durable and most hygienic wall and floor covering. The company projects that South Africa`s current tile consumption of approximately 30 million square metres per annum will swell to around 35 million square metres per annum by June 2003, with further sustained growth predicted over the long term. This projection is supported by comparative research conducted in Brazil and Indonesia - countries which evince market conditions similar to South Africa - which reflects per capita consumption in excess of 1,5 square metres compared to South African consumption of approximately 0,75 square metres per capita, and illustrates the development potential of the local industry. The period under review featured relatively buoyant trading conditions, which assisted the company to deliver its eleventh consecutive year of earnings improvement. Trading profit increased by 57% to R129 million (2001: R82 million), while headline earnings per share improved by 64% to 518 cents (2001: 317 cents). The balance sheet reflects cash reserves of R92 million, which will fund future expansion. Central to turnover growth was enhanced entrepreneurial interest in the business. This reporting period featured consolidation of the company`s long- term strategic goal to empower and energise individuals at every level of the business and evolve the organisation structure from predominantly group-owned stores to franchised stores. This strategy is based on the group`s philosophy that there is no substitute for owner-driven businesses and respects the improved responsiveness with which franchises react to a changing market. The group`s three franchise-linked vehicles: 100%-franchises, joint venture franchises and black empowered franchises all performed well and afford important expansion opportunities. Judicious investment in stock holding was made in the last quarter of 2001, a strategy which paid off handsomely. In the industry context of reduced import activity resulting from the devaluation of the rand, the company was able to capture a sizeable portion of the market by meeting demand. This afforded the group inroads into new markets, and served as a driver of profits. Property portfolio Group-owned and franchised stores operate out of company-owned premises situated in highly visible, prime locations, positioned to support group brands. During the period under review, the group invested a further R50 million in property, increasing the value of the portfolio to R212 million. The company will continue to invest in property given this portfolio`s contribution to profits. African operations Both the CTM and Italtile divisions reported satisfying growth, with the company growing market share in the value-for-money and premium-end sectors respectively. The company trades out of a total 85 stores in Southern Africa. Based on the leverage afforded by the company`s standing as the leading global purchaser of ceramic tiles, both divisions succeeded in restricting price increases to below the industry norm. ITALTILE Italtile continued to entrench itself as the first-choice purveyor of high quality product in the premium-end market. The product range continued to be carefully refined in recent months and significant growth is anticipated in this niche of the market. The Italtile brand is represented through three company-owned stores, one franchised store and seven joint-venture stores. CTM Prudent purchasing ensured that the division remained receptive to consumer appetite and continued to offer access to customers across the spectrum. The CTM Super Store, situated in Fourways and scheduled to commence trading in August, is representative of the group`s vision to upgrade and enlarge stores to reflect an aesthetically enhanced shopping experience without losing sight of offering value for money. CTM experiences strong brand awareness in rural areas and the group intends capitalising on the extensive growth opportunities afforded. North of South Africa, the division`s presence extends to Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho, with the fledgeling operation in Tanzania delivering good returns. Further expansion into Africa is anticipated with the establishment of stores in Malawi and Zambia. Management is of the opinion that the Southern African region affords important opportunities to entrench the CTM brand and develop the market. The CTM brand is currently represented by eight company-owned stores, 52 franchised stores, five empowered franchise stores and eight joint-venture stores. Pursuant to the group`s strategy to position itself as a franchisor first and foremost, the intention is to continue to reduce the number of company-owned stores. International operations In Australia the group trades out of nine stores situated in the states of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. As undertaken by management, the operation was successfully turned around from a loss-making position to deliver a respectable profit, which is deemed to be sustainable over the long-term. With continued fine-tuning of the trading concept, it is anticipated that the Australian operation will become a major contributor to the group`s growth strategy. Prospects The group`s ambitious long-term growth strategy will be facilitated by the continued positive trading conditions anticipated in the medium term and the potential offered by the African and international operations. Management is satisfied that with continued focus on its core business the group will deliver satisfactory results for shareholders. Dividend The Board has declared a final dividend of 65 cents, which together with the interim dividend of 35 cents produces a total dividend of 100 cents (2001: 60 cents), an improvement of 67%. Dividend announcement The directors have declared a final dividend (number 72) of 65 cents per share to all shareholders registered in the books of Italtile Limited. The last day to trade ("CUM" the dividend) in order to participate in the dividend will be Friday 23 August 2002. The shares of Italtile Limited will commence trading "EX" dividend from the commencement of business on Monday 26 August 2002 and the record date will be Friday 30 August 2002. Payment will be made on Monday 2 September 2002. Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday 26 August 2002 and Friday 30 August 2002, both days inclusive. For and on behalf of the Board G.A.M. Ravazzotti Executive Chairman P.D. Swatton Chief Financial Officer 7 August 2002 Abridged group income statements (Rand 000`s unless otherwise stated) Reviewed Audited year to year to 30 June 30 June %
2002 2001 Increase TURNOVER By group owned stores 619 812 455 329 By franchise owned stores 469 797 332 595 TOTAL 1 089 609 787 924 38,3 Trading profit before depreciation 140 841 88 852 Depreciation (11 586) (6 497) Trading profit 129 255 82 355 57,0 Interest received 3 129 1 983 57,8 Dividends received 572 - Profit on sale of fixed property - 568 Profit before taxation 132 956 84 906 56,6 Taxation (36 565) (27 307) 33,9 Profit after taxation 96 391 57 599 67,3 Outside shareholders` interest (1 476) 1 011 Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders 94 915 58 610 61,9 Number of shares in issue (000`s) 18 311 18 311 Earnings per share (cents) 518,3 320,1 61,9 Headline earnings per share (cents) 518,3 317,0 63,5 Dividends per share (cents) 100,0 60,0 66,7 RECONCILIATION OF HEADLINE EARNINGS Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders 94 915 58 611 Profit on sale of fixed property - (568) Headline earnings 94 915 58 043 Abridged group balance sheets (Rand 000`s unless otherwise stated) Reviewed Audited year to year to
30 June 30 June 2002 2001 ASSETS Non-current assets 256 959 209 089 Fixed assets 232 008 191 244 Other long-term assets 24 951 17 845 Current assets 300 853 177 131 Inventories 144 131 89 894 Trade and other receivables 64 944 40 577 Cash and cash equivalents 91 778 46 660 Total assets 557 812 386 220 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Capital and reserves 325 953 233 515 Stated capital 18 457 18 457 Non-distributable reserve 11 168 1 436 Retained profit 296 328 213 622 Outside shareholders` interest 8 529 7 053 Non-current liabilities 15 140 8 073 Deferred tax 1 403 985 Long-term liabilities 10 792 4 143 Provision for warranties 2 945 2 945 Current liabilities 208190 137 579 Trade and other payables 187 750 123 355 Taxation 20 440 14 224 557 812 386 220 Net asset value per share (cents) 1 827 1 314 Cash flow statement (Rand 000`s unless otherwise stated) Reviewed Audited year to year to 30 June 30 June
2002 2001 Cash flow from operating activities 97 925 56 401 Trading adjusted for non-cash items 150 573 94 464 Working capital movements (14 209) (7 400) Cash generated from operations 136 364 87 064 Interest and dividends received 3 701 1 983 Dividends paid (12 209) (11 106) Taxation paid (29 931) (21 540) Investing activities (59 456) (47 362) To expand operations (51 090) (33 328) To maintain operations (8 366) (14 034) Increase in long-term liabilities 6 649 - Investment of minorities in Italtile Australia - 5 865 Net movement in cash and cash equivalents 45 118 14 904 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 46 660 31 756 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 91 778 46 660 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the year ended 30 June 2002 (Rand 000`s unless otherwise stated) Stated Translation Retained Group capital reserve profit Total Balance at 30 June 2000 18 457 47 166 243 184 747 Net profit for the year 58 485 58 485 Dividends paid (11 106) (11 106) Currency translation difference 1 389 1 389 Balance at 30 June 2001 18 457 1 436 213 622 233 515 Net profit for the year 94 915 94 915 Dividends paid (12 209) (12 209) Currency translation difference 9 732 9 732 Balance at 30 June 2002 18 457 11 168 296 328 325 953 SEGMENTAL REPORTING for the year ended 30 June 2002 (Rand 000`s unless otherwise stated) Properties and
Retail franchising Corporate Group Reviewed year to June 2002 Turnover 619 812 469 797 1 089 609 Segment results 72 406 51 136 5 713 129 255 Audited year to June 2001 Turnover 455 329 332 595 787 924 Segment results 42 456 30 471 9 428 82 355 NOTES TO THE ABRIDGED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - There have been no changes in accounting policies during the year ended 30 June 2002, apart from the adoption of AC 107. - The reviewed results have been prepared in accordance with South African Statements of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. - There are no contingent liabilities or assets at 30 June 2002. - The results have been reviewed by Italtile`s auditors, Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants (SA) and their review opinion is available for inspection at Italtile`s registered office. Registered office: The Italtile Centre, cnr Peter Place and William Nicol Drive, Bryanston (P O Box 1689 Randburg 2125) Transfer secretaries: Computershare Services Limited, Edura, 41 Fox Street, Johannesburg 2001 (P O Box 61051, Marshalltown 2107) Directors: G A M Ravazzotti (Chairman), P D Swatton**, J Couzis*, G Cousins, D H Rabin, B G van Rooyen *Greek ** British Refer to Italtile`s corporate website at www.Italtile.com Date: 07/08/2002 10:00:00 AM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department