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CLS - Clicks Group Limited - Interim group results for the six months ended 29

Release Date: 26/04/2012 08:30
Code(s): CLS
Wrap Text

CLS - Clicks Group Limited - Interim group results for the six months ended 29 February 2012 CLICKS GROUP LIMITED Registration number: 1996/000645/06 Share code: CLS ISIN: ZAE000134854 INTERIM GROUP RESULTS for the six months ended 29 February 2012 Group turnover up 6.8% Diluted headline EPS up 7.6% Interim dividend up 19.2% Return on equity increases to 60.7% COMMENTARY Trading environment The six month period to 29 February 2012 was characterised by tough trading conditions. The retail trading environment has been highly competitive, with increased promotional activity to attract value conscious consumers. Low or negative selling price inflation has also led to a slowdown in the growth of the health and beauty market. In this challenging climate the group has nevertheless increased its volumes and share of the total health and beauty market, thereby maintaining its competitive advantage. Financial performance Group turnover increased by 6.8% to R7.7 billion, with selling price deflation of 0.2% for the period. Retail turnover grew by 8.3% with price inflation of 0.1%, while UPD increased turnover by 5.0% as price deflation averaged 0.5%. In this low inflationary environment all the group`s businesses showed real growth in sales. Total income, comprising gross profit and other income, increased by 6.9% and the total income margin at 28% was consistent with the comparable period. The group has focused on cost management and operating expense growth was well contained at 7.3%. Retail costs increased by 7.4% (comparable costs up 2.7%) despite the opening of 30 new Clicks stores and 29 dispensaries in the past 12 months. UPD`s cost growth of 10.2% includes further investment in distribution capacity, while comparable costs grew by 5.0%. Operating profit increased by 5.8% for the period and the group`s operating margin declined slightly from 6.5% to 6.4%. Headline earnings increased by 3.2% to R333 million. Diluted headline earnings per share benefited from the group`s share buy-back programme and grew by 7.6% to 131.5 cents. The interim dividend was increased by 19.2% to 44.1 cents per share. As previously advised to shareholders, the board has reduced the distribution cover from 2.0 times to 1.8 times for the 2012 financial year, in line with the commitment to return surplus cash to shareholders. Inventory days in stock moved from 59 to 66 days. Inventory levels were 20.4% higher at the end of the period as Clicks and UPD bought additional stock ahead of supplier price increases. Stock levels are expected to normalise by year-end. The group remains strongly cash generative with cash inflow from operations totalling R214 million. Return on shareholders` equity (ROE) increased to 60.7% from 55.8% in 2011. Trading performance The Clicks chain grew turnover by 9.6% and benefited from new store openings during the period. Comparable store sales increased by 5.5%. The store base increased to 412 following the addition of 12 new stores in the past six months, while the pharmacy footprint was expanded by 12 to 295. Clicks increased its retail pharmacy market share to 16.1% (2011: 14.5%). The operating margin came under pressure from an aggressive promotional programme and changed sales mix, with operating profit increasing by 5.7%. Musica performed well in a declining market and was impacted by industry deflation and continued store closures. The brand increased market share in CDs, DVDs and gaming and grew operating profit by 11.7%. The Body Shop posted a strong performance for the first half, with turnover increasing by 14.5% and operating profit by 18.4%. UPD grew wholesale turnover by 5.0% and increased its share of the private pharmaceutical market to 23.2% (2011: 22.9%). Four new distribution agency contracts were taken on during the period. Operating profit increased by 3.3%. Prospects The health and beauty markets are expected to remain highly competitive. Selling price inflation is anticipated to be less than 2% for the full year. In these market conditions, the group`s focus will be on driving volume growth and containing costs. Management is committed to maintaining the investment in the longer term growth of the business, with capital expenditure of R183 million committed for the second half of the year. The group remains well positioned in the medium-term through the market leadership and growth potential of both Clicks and UPD. Full-year earnings forecast The group currently anticipates that diluted headline earnings per share for the year to 31 August 2012 will increase by between 6% and 11% over the previous financial year. This forecast is based on the following assumptions: The health and beauty markets will remain highly competitive; selling price inflation will be below 2% for the financial year; further organic growth will be generated from store expansion, the opening of additional pharmacies and the benefit of distribution agency contracts; and there will be no marked changes in trading conditions, the regulatory environment and in the macro-economy that will impact on consumer spending. Shareholders are advised that this forecast has not been reviewed or reported on by the group`s independent auditor. Interim dividend The board of directors has approved and declared a gross interim ordinary dividend of 44.1 cents per share (2011: 37.0 cents per share). The source of the dividend will be from distributable reserves and paid in cash. Additional information In determining the Dividends Tax ("DT") to withhold in terms of the Income Tax Act, Secondary Tax on Companies ("STC") credits amounting to 44.1 cents per share, utilised by the company should be taken into account. Shareholders will therefore receive a dividend of 44.1 cents net of DT. The company has 276 123 498 ordinary shares in issue and its income tax reference number is 9061/745/71/8. Shareholders are advised of the following salient dates in respect of the interim dividend: 2012 Last day to trade "cum" the dividend Friday, 22 June Shares trade "ex" the dividend Monday, 25 June Record date Friday, 29 June Payment to shareholders Monday, 2 July Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 25 June 2012 and Friday, 29 June 2012, both days inclusive. The directors of the company have determined that dividend cheques amounting to R50.00 or less due to any ordinary shareholder will not be paid unless a written request to the contrary is delivered to the transfer secretaries, Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited, by no later than close of business on Friday, 22 June 2012, being the day the shares trade "cum" the dividend. Unpaid dividend cheques will be aggregated with other such amounts and donated to a charity to be nominated by the directors. By order of the board David Janks Company secretary 26 April 2012 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income Six months to Six months to 28 February Year to 29 February 2011 31 August
2012 (unaudited) % 2011 (unaudited) (restated)* change (restated)* R`000 Revenue 8 022 039 7 495 901 7.0 14 833 118 Turnover 7 657 499 7 166 768 6.8 14 135 948 Cost of merchandise sold (5 873 924) (5 485 442) 7.1 (10 879 173) Gross profit 1 783 575 1 681 326 6.1 3 256 775 Other income 361 200 324 266 11.4 688 935 Total income 2 144 775 2 005 592 6.9 3 945 710 Expenses (1 655 839) (1 543 291) 7.3 (3 008 120) Depreciation and amortisation (83 309) (72 401) 15.1 (149 714) Occupancy costs (229 697) (208 434) 10.2 (422 596) Employment costs (817 255) (768 469) 6.3 (1 496 491) Other costs (525 578) (493 987) 6.4 (939 319) Operating profit 488 936 462 301 5.8 937 590 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (2 579) (2 509) 2.8 (6 250) Profit before financing costs 486 357 459 792 5.8 931 340 Net financing costs (25 108) (17 213) 45.9 (33 626) Financial income 3 340 4 867 (31.4) 8 235 Financial expense (28 448) (22 080) 28.8 (41 861) Profit before taxation 461 249 442 579 4.2 897 714 Income tax expense (130 078) (121 690) 6.9 (246 749) Profit for the period 331 171 320 889 3.2 650 965 Other comprehensive (loss)/income: Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries (93) 66 (220) Cash flow hedges (3 003) - 2 105 Change in fair value of effective portion (4 171) - 2 924 Deferred tax on movement of effective portion 1 168 - (819) Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period, net of tax (3 096) 66 1 885 Total comprehensive income for the period 328 075 320 955 652 850 Profit attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 331 085 320 863 650 932 Non-controlling interest 86 26 33 331 171 320 889 650 965 Total comprehensive income attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 327 989 320 929 652 817 Non-controlling interest 86 26 33 328 075 320 955 652 850 Earnings per share (cents) 130.8 121.8 7.4 248.3 Diluted earnings per share (cents) 130.8 121.6 7.6 248.0 * Refer note 1.2 Headline earnings reconciliation Six months to Six months to Year to 29 February 28 February 31 August 2012 2011 % 2011 (unaudited) (unaudited) change (audited)
R`000 Total profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent 331 085 320 863 650 932 Adjusted for: Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 1 857 1 806 4 500 Headline earnings 332 942 322 669 3.2 655 432 Headline earnings per share (cents) 131.6 122.4 7.5 250.1 Diluted headline earnings per share (cents) 131.5 122.2 7.6 249.7 Condensed consolidated statement of financial position As at As at As at
29 February 28 February 31 August 2012 2011 2011 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) R`000 Non-current assets 1 413 884 1 378 980 1 414 484 Property, plant and equipment 959 216 924 052 949 906 Intangible assets 301 510 307 032 301 579 Goodwill 103 510 103 510 103 510 Deferred tax assets 43 870 28 201 53 756 Loans receivable 5 778 16 185 5 733 Current assets 3 216 643 2 624 550 2 840 299 Inventories 2 060 097 1 710 711 1 802 557 Trade and other receivables 1 053 883 848 621 998 944 Loans receivable 9 181 15 745 17 901 Cash and cash equivalents 88 401 40 324 17 790 Derivative financial assets 5 081 9 149 3 107 Total assets 4 630 527 4 003 530 4 254 783 Equity and liabilities Total equity 1 082 755 1 015 933 965 187 Non-current liabilities 254 031 254 043 264 829 Interest-bearing borrowings - 10 046 19 Employee benefits 83 675 80 172 92 473 Deferred tax liabilities 38 254 42 047 46 695 Operating lease liability 132 102 121 778 125 642 Current liabilities 3 293 741 2 733 554 3 024 767 Trade and other payables 2 567 899 2 353 250 2 431 756 Employee benefits 124 637 155 678 164 669 Provisions 2 167 5 375 5 217 Interest-bearing borrowings 545 603 174 828 375 217 Income tax payable 47 718 38 583 44 489 Derivative financial liabilities 5 717 5 840 3 419 Total equity and liabilities 4 630 527 4 003 530 4 254 783 Notes Accounting policies 1.1 These interim financial results for the six months ended 29 February 2012 have been prepared in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), the AC 500 Standards as issued by SAICA, the disclosure requirements of IAS 34,the South African Companies Act (71 of 2008, as amended) and have been consistently applied with those adopted for the year ended 31 August 2011. The information contained in the interim report has neither been audited nor reviewed by the group`s external auditors. These condensed financial statements have been prepared under the supervision of M Fleming CA(SA), the Chief Financial Officer of the group. 1.2 The statement of comprehensive income as at 28 February 2011 and 31 August 2011 have been restated for the reclassification of income and expenses between turnover, cost of sales, other income and other operating expenses. This has resulted in an increase in cost of sales in Clicks of R13.4 million (28 February 2011) and R49.9 million (31 August 2011) with a corresponding increase in other income. Within UPD turnover has increased by R29.2 million (28 February 2011) and R82.9 million (31 August 2011) with a corresponding increase in other operating expenses. The inter-segmental elimination increased by R13.4 million (28 February 2011) and R49.9 million (31 August 2011) relating to turnover and cost of sales with a corresponding increase in the elimination relating to other income and other operating expenses of a similar amount. There has been no impact on profit, statement of financial position, statement of changes in equity or statement of cash flows. Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows Six months to Six months to Year to 29 February 28 February 31 August
2012 2011 2011 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) R`000 Operating profit before working capital changes 591 237 503 774 1 075 227 Working capital changes (235 462) 35 495 (105 055) Net interest paid (17 307) (11 033) (21 113) Taxation paid (124 043) (131 910) (271 988) Cash inflow from operating activities before distributions 214 425 396 326 677 071 Distributions paid to shareholders (225 616) (199 112) (295 507) Net cash effects of operating activities (11 191) 197 214 381 564 Net cash effects of investing activities (90 457) (112 212) (209 353) Capital expenditure (99 174) (108 651) (215 701) Acquisition of businesses - (10 225) (10 225) Other investing activities 8 717 6 664 16 573 Net cash effects of financing activities 172 259 (196 730) (306 473) Purchase of treasury shares - (251 483) (552 406) Other financing activities 172 259 54 753 245 933 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 70 611 (111 728) (134 262) Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity Six months to Six months to Year to 29 February 28 February 31 August 2012 2011 2011
R`000 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Opening balance 965 187 1 141 328 1 141 328 Purchase of treasury shares - (251 483) (552 406) Disposal of treasury shares 1 973 1 963 2 579 Total comprehensive income for the period 328 075 320 955 652 850 Share-based payment reserve movement 13 136 2 282 16 343 Distributions to shareholders (225 616) (199 112) (295 507) Total 1 082 755 1 015 933 965 187 Dividend/distribution per share (cents) Interim proposed/paid 44.1 37.0 37.0 Final declared/paid - - 88.0 44.1 37.0 125.0 Segmental analysis The group`s reportable segments under IFRS 8 are as follows: Clicks (including Clicks Direct Medicines), Musica, The Body Shop and United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) Profit before Total R`000 Turnover taxation assets Six months to 29 February 2012 (unaudited) Clicks 5 381 727 362 904 2 418 661 Musica 504 913 36 843 226 262 The Body Shop 67 415 15 384 26 958 United Pharmaceutical Distributors 2 866 016 74 631 2 123 363 Inter-segmental (1 162 572) (826) (886 986) Total reportable segmental balance 7 657 499 488 936 3 908 258 Non-reportable segmental balance - (27 687) 722 269 Total group balance 7 657 499 461 249 4 630 527 Six months to 28 February 2011 (unaudited) (restated)* Clicks 4 912 245 343 449 2 061 176 Musica 527 292 32 994 261 527 The Body Shop 58 868 12 994 26 752 United Pharmaceutical Distributors 2 729 818 72 263 1 887 382 Inter-segmental (1 061 455) 601 (931 689) Total reportable segmental balance 7 166 768 462 301 3 305 148 Non-reportable segmental balance - (19 722) 698 382 Total group balance 7 166 768 442 579 4 003 530 Twelve months to 31 August 2011 (restated)* Clicks 9 789 459 750 836 2 234 077 Musica 895 600 31 418 202 074 The Body Shop 107 786 20 575 24 090 United Pharmaceutical Distributors 5 601 891 130 808 1 951 839 Inter-segmental (2 258 788) 3 953 (835 282) Total reportable segmental balance 14 135 948 937 590 3 576 798 Non-reportable segmental balance - (39 876) 677 985 Total group balance 14 135 948 897 714 4 254 783 Capital Total R`000 expenditure liabilities Six months to 29 February 2012 (unaudited) Clicks 72 113 1 358 534 Musica 2 193 184 155 The Body Shop 1 239 13 939 United Pharmaceutical Distributors 4 900 1 744 748 Inter-segmental - (875 259) Total reportable segmental balance 80 445 2 426 117 Non-reportable segmental balance 19 227 1 121 655 Total group balance 99 672 3 547 772 Six months to 28 February 2011 (unaudited) (restated)* Clicks 88 681 1 248 851 Musica 7 119 119 350 The Body Shop 1 173 10 506 United Pharmaceutical Distributors 5 870 1 641 561 Inter-segmental - (917 436) Total reportable segmental balance 102 843 2 102 832 Non-reportable segmental balance 6 427 884 765 Total group balance 109 270 2 987 597 Twelve months to 31 August 2011 (restated)* Clicks 173 278 1 385 885 Musica 10 520 98 843 The Body Shop 1 797 13 139 United Pharmaceutical Distributors 10 701 1 651 787 Inter-segmental - (824 381) Total reportable segmental balance 196 296 2 325 273 Non-reportable segmental balance 19 405 964 323 Total group balance 215 701 3 289 596 As at As at As at 29 February 28 February 31 August
2012 2011 2011 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Non-reportable segmental profit before taxation consists of: Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (2 579) (2 509) (6 250) Financial income 3 340 4 867 8 235 Financial expense (28 448) (22 080) (41 861) (27 687) (19 722) (39 876) * Refer note 1.2 Supplementary information As at As at As at
29 February 28 February 31 August 2012 2011 2011 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Number of ordinary shares in issue (gross) (`000) 276 123 268 303 270 652 Number of ordinary shares in issue including "A" shares issued in terms of employee share ownership programme (gross) (`000) 305 277 297 457 299 805 Number of ordinary shares in issue (net of treasury shares) (`000) 253 259 260 518 252 959 Weighted average number of shares in issue (net of treasury shares) (`000) 253 063 263 522 262 118 Weighted average diluted number of shares in issue (net of treasury shares) (`000) 253 191 263 945 262 515 Net asset value per share (cents) 428 390 382 Net tangible asset value per share (cents) 268 232 221 Depreciation and amortisation (R`000) 87 354 76 789 158 285 Capital expenditure (including acquisition of businesses) (R`000) 99 672 119 495 225 926 Capital commitments (R`000) 182 826 131 730 257 100 Registered address: Cnr Searle and Pontac Streets, Cape Town 8001 PO Box 5142, Cape Town 8000 Directors: F Abrahams*, JA Bester*, BD Engelbrecht, M Fleming (Chief Financial Officer), MJ Harvey, F Jakoet*, DA Kneale# (Chief Executive Officer), N Matlala*, DM Nurek * (Chairman), M Rosen* * independent non-executive # British Transfer secretaries: Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg 2001. PO Box 61051, Marshalltown 2107 Sponsor: Investec Bank Limited This information, together with additional detail, is available on the Clicks Group Limited website: www.clicksgroup.co.za Date: 26/04/2012 08:30:01 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited (`JSE`). The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information published on SENS. The JSE, their officers, employees and agents accept no liability for (or in respect of) any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind or nature, howsoever arising, from the use of SENS or the use of, or reliance on, information disseminated through SENS.