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PPC - Pretoria Portland Cement Company Limited - Audited preliminary report

Release Date: 08/11/2011 07:06
Code(s): PPC
Wrap Text

PPC - Pretoria Portland Cement Company Limited - Audited preliminary report for the year ended 30 September 2011 Pretoria Portland Cement Company Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Company registration number: 1892/000667/06) (the "group" or the "company") JSE code: PPC JSE ISIN: ZAE000125886 ZSE code: PPC ZSE ISIN: ZWE000096475 Audited preliminary report for the year ended 30 September 2011 Good cash generation despite difficult business environment Cement products enhanced Significant momentum on strategic projects Contribution from rest of Africa increases to 20% Final dividend 95 cents per share Paul Stuiver, CEO, said: "The results reflect the difficult conditions experienced by local building and construction industries. Demand in South Africa and Botswana has only recently begun to improve and the only region where we enjoyed growth during the year was Zimbabwe. Although results are down, they have been improving since the first half of the year and we maintained good cash generation and respectable margins. We also managed to reduce overhead costs whilst delivering on a number of strategic projects." Commentary PPC`s total cement sales reduced by 3% following lower sales in coastal areas and Botswana and lower exports, partly offset by growing demand in Zimbabwe. Group revenue was almost flat at R6 826 million (2010: R6 807 million) with improved selling prices compensating for lower sales volumes. Cost of sales of R4 500 million (2010: R4 067 million) increased by 11% mainly due to electricity and diesel prices increasing significantly above inflation accompanied by increased logistics costs and higher depreciation resulting from recent capital projects. Administration and other operating expenditure was well controlled and reduced to R627 million (2010: R635 million). This was achieved despite greater marketing activity and restructuring costs in respect of employees who accepted voluntary severance packages. EBITDA declined by 14% to R2 146 million (2010: R2 483 million) while operating profit decreased by 19% to R1 699 million (2010: R2 105 million). The group`s EBITDA margin declined to 31,4% (2010: 36,5%) due to the combined impact of lower sales and under-recovery of input cost inflation. Net finance charges were R325 million (2010: R347 million) and taxation amounted to R520 million (2010: R622 million). An increase in the overall taxation rate was mainly attributable to a R19 million benefit from a reduction in the Zimbabwean taxation rate during 2010 that was not repeated during 2011. Earnings per share at 164,4 cents declined by 22% (2010: 211,1 cents per share). The directors have declared a final dividend of 95 cents per share (2010: 130 cents per share) which brings the year`s total dividend to 130 cents per share (2010: 175 cents per share). The policy of 1,2 to 1,5 times dividend cover remains unchanged. Cash generated from operations remained strong at R2 102 million (2010: R2 442 million). Capital investment was R483 million (2010: R613 million). The group`s capital investment programme was reduced during the year in sympathy with depressed trading conditions. Gearing remained substantially unchanged with gross debt amounting to R3 510 million (2010: R3 521 million). Cement: Although South African industry statistics have improved in recent months, overall volume for the 12 month period ending September 2011 was similar to last year. PPC`s South African cement volumes were 4% lower due to our exposure to lower demand in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces. Over-capacity in the South African cement industry continued to drive competitive market dynamics and pressure on cement selling prices. A weighted average increase of 4% in selling prices during the year was insufficient to recover rising input costs. Input cost inflation resulted primarily from rising energy prices and from having to supplement inadequate rail transport with more expensive road transport. To align production capacity, significant voluntary staff reductions were achieved at our Port Elizabeth factory. Through on-going research and development, we were able to launch an enhanced cement product range offering greater value to customers across all strength categories. These products are currently available in South Africa, Botswana and for export with plans to release in Zimbabwe in the near future. The modernisation of our Western Cape factories is progressing according to schedule and budget. Civil construction for the R280 million De Hoek project is complete, installation of equipment has commenced and we expect that the upgraded plant will be re-commissioned during mid-2012. The environmental impact assessment for the Riebeeck factory is also progressing according to schedule and supplier selection for this project is nearing completion. PPC Zimbabwe`s domestic sales improved by more than 50% during the year due to a combination of increased demand and operational problems suffered by competitors. Operating performance at the Colleen Bawn factory improved during the second half of the year and equipment at our Bulawayo grinding depot that had been mothballed for 15 years was re-commissioned to meet increased demand. Significant input price inflation on key items such as electricity continues to be a concern for our Zimbabwean operations. Demand in Botswana weakened during the second half of the year mainly as a result of a slow-down in government spending on infrastructure projects. Exports to neighbouring countries decreased by 35% mainly as a result of the strong South African rand that prevailed throughout most of the financial year. In accordance with the leniency agreement concluded during 2009, PPC continued to co-operate with the Competition Commission in its investigation into the South African cement industry. Lime and aggregates: Lime sales were negatively impacted by operational problems and extended shutdowns suffered by customers in the steel and alloys industries. Increased exports to other African regions to some extent compensated for the decline in local volumes. Overall sales volumes declined by 4% and combined with higher energy and maintenance costs resulted in a 19% reduction in EBITDA to R154 million (2010: R190 million) for the lime division. Sales volumes for the aggregates division reduced by 5% as a result of lower construction activity. Combined with a competitive pricing environment this reduced EBITDA by 23% to R56 million (2010: R74 million). Board changes: Ms Bridgette Modise was appointed to the board as an independent non-executive director and as a member of the audit committee effective 1 December 2010. Ms Tryphosa Ramano was appointed to the board on 1 August 2011 as an executive director and to the position of chief financial officer. Mr Peter Esterhuysen, the previous chief financial officer was appointed as director business development, responsible for mergers and acquisitions to focus on the company`s expansion plans into other parts of Africa. Strategy: PPC`s strategies are: 1. To enhance our current position as industry leader in southern Africa. 2. To expand our operational footprint into other regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Local positioning of the company will be enhanced by the proposed purchase of Pronto Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a prominent Gauteng based readymix and fly ash supplier with whom PPC has negotiated to purchase an initial 25% plus remaining shareholding over a two year period. The total transaction value will be R280 million less debt and is subject to competition authority approval. Our Botswana aggregates operations will benefit from increased volume and geographical positioning as a result of the recently acquired Quarries of Botswana for 48 million Pula. Our business development team has during the past year explored eight significant expansion opportunities into other regions in Africa. Four opportunities were abandoned due to either a lack of value creation, unacceptable levels of risk or a combination of both. Of the remaining four, one has resulted in a US$44 million conditional offer for a 58% stake in Cimenterie Nationale (CINAT), a government owned cement producer in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We await the outcome of our bid. The remaining opportunities are being pursued and we expect that further opportunities will arise in due course. Prospects: Recent improvements in South African cement industry sales are encouraging but clouded by continued uncertainty over the future of the global economy. We expect cement demand in Zimbabwe to continue growing unless conditions deteriorate. The outlook for the lime division will continue to depend mainly on demand from local steel and alloys industries. Based on historical trends and previous industry cycles, a long-term recovery in South African cement demand is long overdue and latest industry trends indicate that further decline is unlikely. The company is fully prepared and well-placed for either a continuation of challenging business conditions or for any upturn in cement demand. On behalf of the board BL Sibiya P Stuiver Chairman Chief executive officer 8 November 2011 Dividend announcement: Notice is hereby given that final ordinary dividend No. 216 of 95 cents per share has been declared in respect of the year ended 30 September 2011. This dividend will be paid out of profits as determined by the directors. The important dates pertaining to this dividend for shareholders trading on the JSE Limited are as follows: Last day to trade "CUM" dividend Friday, 6 January 2012 Shares trade "EX" dividend Monday, 9 January 2012 Record date Friday, 13 January 2012 Payment date Monday, 16 January 2012 Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 9 January 2012, and Friday, 13 January 2012, both days inclusive. Transfers between the South African register and Zimbabwean register may not take place between Monday, 9 January 2012 and Friday, 13 January 2012. Zimbabwe: The important dates pertaining to this dividend for shareholders trading on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange are as follows: Shares trade "EX" dividend Monday, 9 January 2012 Last day to register to receive the dividend Friday, 13 January 2012 Payment date Monday, 16 January 2012 The register of members in Zimbabwe will be closed from Monday, 9 January, 2012 to Friday, 13 January 2012, both days inclusive, for the purpose of determining those shareholders to whom the dividend will be paid. The dividend payable to shareholders registered in Zimbabwe will be paid in SA rand. By order of the board JHDLR Snyman Group company secretary 7 November 2011 Consolidated income statement Year ended 30 Sept 30 Sept
2011 2010 Audited Audited % Rm Rm Change Revenue 6 826 6 807 Cost of sales 4 500 4 067 11 Gross profit 2 326 2 740 (15) Administration and other operating 627 635 (1) expenditure Operating profit 1 699 2 105 (19) Fair value gains/(losses) on 9 (20) financial instruments Finance costs 362 366 (1) Investment income 28 39 (28) Profit before exceptional items 1 374 1 758 (22) Exceptional items (4) (32) Share of associates` retained profit 15 8 Profit before taxation 1 385 1 734 (20) Taxation 520 622 (16) Profit for the year 865 1 112 (22) Attributable to
:
Ordinary shareholders 785 1 010 (22) Other shareholders (refer note 5) 80 102 (22) 865 1 112 (22) Earnings per share (cents) - basic 164,4 211,1 (22) - diluted 163,3 209,8 (22) Consolidated statement of comprehensive income Profit for the year 865 1 112 Other comprehensive income, net of 97 (114) taxation Effect of translation of foreign 95 (47) operations Effect of cash flow hedges (1) (56) Revaluation of available-for-sale 4 (12) financial investments Taxation on other comprehensive (1) 1 income Total comprehensive income 962 998 (4)
Profit for the year is apportioned between ordinary and other shareholders based on the number of shares held by each category of shareholder as a ratio of total shares in issue. Refer note 5. Condensed consolidated statement of financial position Year ended 30 Sept 30 Sept 2011 2010 Audited Audited
Rm Rm ASSETS Non-current assets 4 585 4 449 Property, plant and equipment 4 287 4 175 Intangible assets 94 78 Non-current financial assets 115 120 Investments in associates 89 76 Current assets 1 834 1 663 Inventories 709 596 Trade and other receivables 901 827 Cash and cash equivalents 224 240 Total assets 6 419 6 112 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Capital and reserves Share capital and premium (1 091) (1 091) Other reserves 125 32 Retained profit 1 921 1 917 Total equity 955 858 Non-current liabilities 3 837 3 591 Long-term borrowings 2 699 2 645 Deferred taxation liabilities 740 568 Provisions and other non-current 398 378 liabilities Current liabilities 1 627 1 663 Short-term borrowings 811 876 Trade and other payables and provisions 816 787 Total equity and liabilities 6 419 6 112 Net asset value per share (cents) 181,3 162,8 Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity Year ended 30 Sept 30 Sept 2011 2010
Audited Audited Rm Rm Total equity Balance at beginning of the year 858 915 Total comprehensive income 962 998 Dividends paid (876) (1 062) Treasury shares purchased by consolidated - (3) Porthold Trust (Private) Limited (refer note 5) BBBEE IFRS 2 charges 11 10 Balance at end of the year 955 858 Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows Year ended 30 Sept 30 Sept 2011 2010 Audited Audited
Rm Rm Cash flow from operating activities Operating cash flows before movements in 2 127 2 486 working capital Net increase in working capital (25) (44) Cash generated from operations 2 102 2 442 Net finance costs paid (226) (222) Taxation paid (441) (531) Cash available from operations 1 435 1 689 Dividends paid (876) (1 062) Net cash inflow from operating activities 559 627 Acquisition of property, plant and (483) (613) equipment Acquisition of treasury shares by - (3) consolidated Porthold Trust (Private) Limited Other investing movements (21) (47) Net cash outflow from investing activities (504) (663) Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing (71) 28 activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (16) (8) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 240 248 the year Cash and cash equivalents at end of the 224 240 year Cash earnings per share (cents)* 272,3 320,6 *Cash earnings per share is calculated using cash available from operations divided by the total weighted average number of shares in issue for the year. Notes 1. Basis of preparation These condensed consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2011 have been prepared in accordance with the framework concepts and the measurement and recognition requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (in particular International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting), the AC 500 standards as issued by the Accounting Practices Board, the JSE Limited`s listing requirements and the requirements of the South African Companies Act, 2008, as amended. This report was compiled under the supervision of the chief financial officer, MMT Ramano CA(SA). The accounting policies and methods of computation used are in terms of IFRS and consistent with those used in the preparation of the annual financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2010, except for the following revised accounting standards and interpretations that were adopted during the year, and which did not have a material impact on the reported results: Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting 2010 IFRS 2 Share-based Payments (Amendments relating to group cash-settled share-based payment transactions) IFRS 3 (amendment): Business Combinations (Measurement of non-controlling interests, Transition requirements for contingent consideration from a business combination that occurred before the effective date of the revised IFRS, Un-replaced and voluntarily replaced share-based payment awards) IAS 27 (amendment) Consolidated and separate financial statements (Transition requirements for amendments made as a result of IAS 27 (as amended in 2008)) IAS 32 (amendment) Financial Instruments: Presentation (Amendments relating to classification of rights issues) IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments IASB IFRS 2009 Improvements For a better understanding of the group`s financial position, the results of its operations and cash flows for the year, these condensed consolidated annual financial statements should be read in conjunction with the group`s annual financial statements, from which these condensed statements were derived. The auditors, Deloitte & Touche, have issued their unmodified audit opinion on the group`s annual financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2011. The audit was conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. This preliminary report has been derived from the group`s annual financial statements and is consistent in all material respects. A copy of their audit report is available for inspection at the company`s registered office. Any reference to future financial performance included in this announcement has not been reviewed or reported on by the group`s auditors. 30 Sept 30 Sept 2011 2010 Rm Rm
2. Profit before taxation Included in profit before taxation are: Amortisation of intangible assets 19 9 BBBEE IFRS 2 charges 11 10 Depreciation 417 359 Impairment of plant and equipment and (4) (33) financial assets Restructuring costs paid to employees 31 - 3. Finance costs Bank and other borrowings 55 75 Long-term loans 166 166 BBBEE funding transaction 118 113 - dividends on redeemable preference shares 57 58 - long-term borrowings 61 55 Finance lease interest 5 7 Unwinding of discount on rehabilitation 18 18 provisions 362 379 Capitalised to plant and equipment - (13) 362 366
4. Earnings per share and headline earnings per share Earnings per share (cents) - basic 164,4 211,1 - diluted 163,3 209,8 Headline earnings per share (cents) - basic 164,8 216,9 - diluted 163,8 215,6 Determination of headline earnings per share (cents) Earnings per share 164,4 211,1 Adjusted for: - Impairment losses on plant and equipment 0,7 6,4 and financial assets - Profit on disposal of property, plant and (0,3) (0,7) equipment and intangible assets - Taxation on profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets - 0,1 Headline earnings per share 164,8 216,9 Headline earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders (Rm) Profit for the year attributable to 785 1 010 ordinary shareholders Impairment of plant and equipment and 4 30 financial assets Profit on disposal of property, plant and (1) (4) equipment and intangible assets Taxation on profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets - 1 Headline earnings attributable to ordinary 788 1 037 shareholders 5. Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (000) Number of shares in issue, net of treasury 517 472 517 472 shares prior to the BBBEE transaction Less: Weighted average number of shares (37 991) (37 991) held by consolidated BBBEE trusts and trust funding SPVs Less: Weighted average number of shares (1 285) (1 259) held by consolidated Porthold Trust (Private) Limited# Add: Weighted average number of shares 48 558 48 558 issued to the BBBEE CSG and SBP funding SPVs Weighted average number of shares used for 526 754 526 780 cash earnings per share Less: Weighted average number of shares (48 558) (48 558) issued to the BBBEE CSG and SBP funding SPVs* Weighted average number of ordinary shares used for basic earnings per share calculation 478 196 478 222 Add: Dilutive adjustment for potential 3 073 3 007 ordinary shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used for dilutive earnings per share calculation 481 269 481 229 In terms of IFRS SIC Interpretation 12 (Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities), The PPC Black Managers Trust, The Current PPC Team Trust, The Future PPC Team Trust, The PPC Black Independent Non-executive Directors Trust and the trust funding SPVs are consolidated, and as a result, shares owned by these entities are carried as treasury shares on consolidation. #Shares owned by a Zimbabwean employee trust company, Porthold Trust (Private) Limited, are treated as treasury shares in terms of IFRS SIC Interpretation 12. This company purchased 135 300 shares during 2010. *Treated as a separate class of shares for earnings per share calculations as these shares have restrictions on transferability, and are subject to a call option by PPC to purchase these shares at par (R0,10) on 15 December 2016.
Relates to share-based payment grants made to BBBEE trusts and trust funding SPVs which are treated in a manner similar to an option. CSG: Community Service Groups; SBP: Strategic Black Partners. 6. Dividend per share (cents) - final 95 130 - interim 35 45 130 175 7. Share capital and premium Issued share capital - Ordinary 517 471 989 shares, net of treasury shares 52 52 prior to the BBBEE transaction 37 991 204 treasury shares held by the (4) (4) consolidated BBBEE trusts and trust funding SPVs 1 284 556 treasury shares held by - - consolidated Porthold Trust (Private) Limited 478 196 229 shares in issue at end of the 48 48 year - Other 48 557 982 shares issued to the BBBEE CSG and 5 5 SBP funding SPVs Total share capital 53 53 Share premium (1 144) (1 144) Balance at beginning of the year (1 144) (1 141) Treasury shares held by consolidated Porthold - (3) Trust (Private) Limited Total issued share capital and premium (1 091) (1 091) 8. Group segment analysis Revenue Cement 5 814 5 806 Lime 772 711 Aggregates 271 296 6 857 6 813 Less: Inter-segment revenue (31) (6) Total revenue 6 826 6 807 - South Africa 5 633 5 605 - Other Africa 1 193 1202 EBITDA Cement 1 942 2 226 Lime 154 190 Aggregates 56 74 BBBEE trusts and trust funding SPVs (6) (7) EBITDA 2 146 2 483 - South Africa 1 897 2 301 - Other Africa 249 182 Operating profit Cement 1 541 1 893 Lime 121 158 Aggregates 43 61 BBBEE trusts and trust funding SPVs (6) (7) Operating profit 1 699 2 105 - South Africa 1 488 1 953 - Other Africa 211 152 Assets Cement 5 768 5 450 Lime 440 452 Aggregates 210 208 BBBEE trusts and trust funding SPVs 1 2 Total assets 6 419 6 112 9. Borrowings - Long-term* 1 517 1 517 - Finance lease liability@ 14 28 - Preference shares 126 130 1 657 1 675 BBBEE funding transaction
1 042 970
Long-term borrowings 2 699 2 645 Short-term borrowings and short-term portion 811 876 of long-term borrowings Total borrowings 3 510 3 521 *Comprises a bullet loan, bearing interest at a fixed rate of 10,86% p.a., and is repayable on 15 December 2016, with interest payable semi-annually. @Bears interest at a fixed rate of 13,1% with interest and capital repayable annually with the last payment payable in 2013. Redeemable preference shares bearing semi-annual dividends, with variable interest rates linked to prime and fixed rates between 8,93% to 9,37% p.a. and compulsory annual redemptions from 31 January 2012 to 15 December 2016.
Redeemable preference shares bearing semi-annual dividends, with variable interest rates linked to prime and a fixed rate of 9,54% p.a with compulsory annual redemptions from 31 January 2012 to 15 December 2016, and loans bearing interest, after giving effect to fixed-for-variable interest rate swaps, at a rate of 11,20% p.a., with interest and capital repayable on 15 December 2013. In terms of IFRS, these long-term borrowings have been consolidated as PPC has provided guarantees for funding that had an outstanding balance of R999 million as at 30 September 2011 (2010: R940 million). The company`s borrowing powers are not restricted. 10. Commitments - Contracted capital commitments 275 176 - Approved capital commitments 364 317 Capital commitments 639 493 Operating lease commitments 17 25 656 518
Commitments for capital expenditure are stated in current values which, together with expected price escalations, will be financed from surplus cash generated from operations and borrowing facilities available to the group. The company`s capacity upgrades in the Western Cape are expected to approximate R3 billion and expenditure will be phased over a six-year period. The project is still in the feasibility phase and yet to be formally approved by the board. 11. Events after the reporting date There are no events that occurred after reporting date that may have an impact on the group`s reported financial position at 30 September 2011. Subsequent to 30 September 2011, and in terms of PPC`s expansion strategy, PPC acquired three aggregate quarries in Botswana in a transaction valued at R52 million. The financial results will only be consolidated into the group results in the 2012 financial year. The company has entered into a memorandum of understanding to purchase an initial 25% in Pronto Holdings, a prominent Gauteng based readymix and fly ash supplier. The remaining shareholding will be purchased on a phased approach over a two year period. The total transaction is valued at R280 million less debt. The deal is still subject to competition authority approval. During October 2011, the company made a US$44 million conditional offer for a 58% stake in Cimenterie Nationale, a cement producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the date of this report, the company awaits the outcome of its bid. Disclaimer: This document including, without limitation, those statements concerning the demand outlook, PPC`s expansion projects and its capital resources and expenditure, contain certain forward-looking views. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty and although PPC believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Accordingly, results could differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, changes in economic and market conditions, success of business and operating initiatives, changes in the regulatory environment and other government action and business and operational risk management. While PPC takes reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, PPC accepts no responsibility for any consequential, indirect, special or incidental damages, whether foreseeable or unforeseeable, based on claims arising out of misrepresentation or negligence arising in connection with a forward-looking statement. This document is not intended to contain any profit forecasts or profit estimates. The information published in this report has been audited. Directors: BL Sibiya (Chairman), P Stuiver* (Chief executive officer), S Abdul Kader, P Esterhuysen, SG Helepi, ZJ Kganyago, AJ Lamprecht, NB Langa-Royds, MP Malungani, B Modise, MMT Ramano, TDA Ross, J Shibambo, JS Vilakazi *Dutch Registered office: 180 Katherine Street, Sandton, South Africa (PO Box 787416, Sandton, 2146, South Africa) Transfer secretaries: Link Market Services SA (Pty) Limited, 11 Diagonal Street, Johannesburg, South Africa (PO Box 4844, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa) Transfer secretaries Zimbabwe: Corpserve (Private) Limited, 4th Floor, Intermarket Centre, Corner 1st Street/Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe (PO Box 2208, Harare, Zimbabwe) www.ppc.co.za Sponsor: Merrill Lynch SA (Pty) Limited Date: 08/11/2011 07:06:28 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.

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