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SNU - Sentula Mining Limited - Reviewed condensed consolidated interim results

Release Date: 18/11/2011 07:05
Code(s): SNU
Wrap Text

SNU - Sentula Mining Limited - Reviewed condensed consolidated interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2011 Sentula Mining Limited Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa (Registration number 1992/001973/06) Share code: SNU ISIN: ZAE000107223 ("Sentula" or "the Company" or "the Group") Reviewed condensed consolidated interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2011 HIGHLIGHTS - Revenue increased 10% to R1 345 million (2010: R1 219 million) - Operating profit pre-impairment and inventory write-off increased 21% to R150 million (2010: R124 million) - HEPS remained at 10,6 cents (2010: 10,6 cents) COMMENTARY "Global economic uncertainty and its impact on local mining, continues to affect the rate of recovery and sustainable growth in resource and energy sectors. The diverse nature of the Group`s earnings should however continue to ensure that the underlying fundamentals, which support the Group`s revenue base, will remain intact. Furthermore, the recently announced Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment transaction, involving Sentula`s South African mining services businesses, will contribute to the preservation of contract and tender opportunities for the Group." Robin Berry, CEO - Sentula Mining Limited FINANCIAL REVIEW - Revenue increased by 10% to R1 345 million (2010: R1 219 million) - Results from operating activities, pre-impairment and inventory write-off, increased by 21% to R150 million (2010: R124 million) - Headline EPS remained constant at 10,6 cents (2010: 10,6 cents) - Headline EPS (pre-inventory write-off) increased by 23% to 13,0 cents (2010: 10,6 cents) - Net asset value per share: 472 cents (March 2011: 505 cents) - Tangible net asset value per share: 396 cents (March 2011: 430 cents) - Debt to equity ratio improved to 19% since March 2011 (2010: 23%) Notwithstanding the improved results for the half year reporting period ended 30 September 2011, the Group`s earnings for the six-month period were impacted by the following: - A fair value adjustment on the interest rate hedge of R5 million was expensed during the period under review; - A more favourable Rand/USD exchange rate impacted positively on Geosearch`s foreign operations and pre-tax foreign currency gains of R22 million were recognised; - Pre-tax expenses during the period, associated with the Shanduka transaction (R6,2 million), legal and forensic support for civil actions associated with the misappropriated funds (R5,7 million) and retrenchments resulting from on-going restructuring within Megacube (R5,1 million), amounted to R17 million; - The Nkomati Anthracite Mine being placed on "care and maintenance" in May 2011, due to regulatory and environmental issues; - An impairment charge, predominantly on Megacube`s fleet of assets of R282,3 million, pre-tax, following an impairment assessment to this equipment in terms of IAS 36; - A write-off of obsolete inventory in Megacube of R14,2 million, on a pre-tax basis. OPERATIONAL REVIEW Sustainability Safety track record The Group`s Classified Injury Frequency Rate of 1,09 per million man hours worked is a 9,9% improvement on the comparative prior period, with no serious injuries having been recorded during this time. Through alignment with the core values of its clients, Sentula remains proactive in making investments in systems and structures to support its efforts in the area of safety. Sentula acknowledges the right of its employees to return home without harm and that safety performance must be regarded as a prerequisite and not a competitive edge. Transformation During the period under review, Sentula has been independently re-verified as a "level 5" contributor, in terms of the DTI codes, measuring Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment. The Group, through its recently announced BBBEE transaction will elevate its status to that of a "level 4" contributor by the end of the 2012 financial year. This will also enhance the Group`s competitiveness, with respect to tendering and retaining contracts in the South African mining sector. Environment During the period under review, the Group established a baseline carbon footprint for several of its activities. Targets and initiatives to reduce the quantum and impact of emissions have been introduced across the Group. Sentula Group companies continue to meet their objectives, with respect to international certification of their safety, environmental and training systems, for the current financial year. Mining services The provision of mining services remains the core of Sentula`s business, with the four operating divisions and the six underlying subsidiaries continuing to trade satisfactorily, with an improved visibility of work being experienced in the sector. Opencast mining operations The period under review has been characterised by growing demand, but exacting trading conditions, as margins remained under pressure across the opencast contracting sector. Megacube was marginally unprofitable, post elimination of abnormal expenses, during the period under review; however, further improvements in operational efficiencies and asset utilisation are still required before this company returns to profitability. Further restructuring, aimed primarily at tailoring overhead costs to be in line with turnover expectations and operational requirements, has resulted in personnel retrenchments at a cost of R5,1 million. The Company`s results were also adversely impacted by the pre-tax impairment charge of R279,2 million, primarily on its non-operating assets and a write-off of obsolete and redundant inventory of R14,2 million. Many of these items of plant and equipment were acquired in the 2008 financial year at the peak of the commodity cycle and at a time when the exchange rate was materially weaker than the prevailing rates. The intention is to make these items of fleet available for disposal over the next 12 to 18 months and to utilise the sale proceeds in support of the Group`s refurbishment programme and generic growth aspirations. Benicon managed to negotiate improved mining rates for the 2012 financial year, and has seen sustained revenue growth, with improved overall margins during this period. Despite a tough six months, CCT is well positioned to benefit from the resurgence in opencast mining opportunities along the Eastern limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, supported by demand for ferro-chrome and platinum group metals. Overburden drilling and blasting JEF Drill and Blast grew its revenue and profit base substantially during the past six months and remains well positioned to deliver sustainable real growth, at current margins, for the foreseeable future. Exploration drilling The more favourable exchange rate during the period under review impacted positively on Geosearch`s revenue and margins. Political unrest in the Ivory Coast, that resulted in the suspension of operations in that jurisdiction during the second half of the 2010 calendar year, abated, and exploration recommenced during June 2011. The Company`s revenue split for the 2012 financial year is more balanced between domestic and foreign contracts at approximately 35 to 65 percent, respectively. The significant investment in the geographical diversification of the Company`s offshore businesses continues to provide a sustainable platform for real growth and operational efficiencies during the current financial year. Crane hire Ritchie Crane Hire continued performing well, notwithstanding a reduction in demand for mobile craneage post the 2010 Soccer World Cup infrastructure development phase. The Company continues to maintain its profitability in the 2012 financial year supported by its mix of cranes, strong competitive position in the Witbank/Middelburg geographical area, and diversity of clientele in coal mining, steel and power generation industries. Coal mining investments In line with the strategy to develop a diversified portfolio of coal assets, the Group has continued to undertake exploration activities across its various coal projects in Southern Africa. Sentula is currently invested in five projects (3 in South Africa, and 1 in each of Botswana and Zambia). The projects can be broadly described as mining operations, comprising an operating mine, near development properties (those projects which can be operational within 18 to 24 months) and exploration areas. Mining operations Nkomati Anthracite, was awarded a new order mining right during the previous financial year and the mine commenced opencast operations in September 2010 with the Madadeni pit achieving full production in December 2010. Operations at the Madadeni pit were however suspended in March 2011 due to regulatory and environmental issues. While these issues are being resolved, the underground operations have been placed on "care and maintenance" from the end of May 2011. Subsequent to the suspension of the opencast operation, the Department of Mineral Resources approved the amended environmental management programme. Management continues to work with the Department of Water Affairs, to deal with the outstanding issues that are required, in order to progress the award of the Mine`s integrated water use license. Current indications are that this process could be finalised during the first quarter of 2012. Near development properties Sentula, through its joint venture investments has been granted new order prospecting rights over portions of the Bankfontein and Schoongezicht farms, in Mpumalanga. Exploration has been completed and mining right applications have been submitted for both of these properties. Exploration drilling has been completed at the Mulungwa project in Southern Zambia. The third and final phase of the feasibility programme, which included resource estimation, completion of the environmental impact assessment, technical/mining investigations and financial modelling, has also been completed. A small scale mining license has been awarded and planning remains on target to commence development during the latter part of 2012 financial year. Exploration areas The Asenjo joint venture with Jonah Capital and Aquilla Resources, situated in Botswana, has continued exploration on its tenements. The value of the large resource base is expected to be unlocked through the construction of rail infrastructure to port facilities in Namibia or Mozambique, the provision of which is enjoying renewed interest in the region. Exploration on the Mabapa coking coal project, remains in abeyance, pending the securing of an option on a neighbouring property, which will enhance the critical mass of the overall project. PROGRESS ON LEGAL MATTERS Following the announcement on 26 November 2010 of the civil judgment of R88 million against Casper Scharrighuisen, a second judgment for R171 million and interest thereon of R124 million was obtained in a civil action against Scharrighuisen on 6 May 2011, bringing the total civil judgments against him to R383 million. An order for the final sequestration of Scharrighuisen`s estate was granted during July 2011 in the Western Cape High Court. Megacube lodged a claim of R393 million against Scharrighuisen`s estate in early October 2011. The Company continues to work with the National Prosecuting Authority in the criminal actions against Scharrighuisen and Jason Holland as a consequence of the misappropriation of funds from Megacube Mining in the 2008 financial year. With the granting of the final sequestration order against Scharrighuisen, the Company`s legal and forensic fees should reduce materially in the future. STRATEGIC REVIEW The Group`s strategic vision remains one of sustainable growth by being the mining services provider of choice across the African continent. Our strategy will be brought to fruition through the exploitation of opportunities identified in both mining services and proprietary mining investments in Southern Africa, and further enhanced through the proposed Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment transaction. The insights and experience, gleaned from Geosearch`s broad geographic footprint, across Southern, Central, and more recently West Africa positions the Group to capitalise on the mining services offerings stemming from the development of new mineral resources in these regions. In addition, through its access to the resources, expertise and experience base of the collective Group, Sentula is well positioned to nurture the development and unlock the value inherent in a growing portfolio of coal investments. Sentula`s foothold in the coal and energy sector, as a service provider and proprietary investor, coupled with its diversified service offering, client base, mineral exposure and geographical spread will continue to provide a solid platform for developing the business into the future. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On 31 October 2011, shareholders of Sentula were advised that the Company had entered into discussions regarding a proposed Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment transaction which will involve Sentula employees, a community trust and a strategic empowerment partner. The proposed BBBEE transaction will be implemented by way of a vendor financed structure pursuant to which the BBBEE shareholders will acquire a direct equity interest in certain of Sentula`s South African mining services businesses which do not already have empowerment equity ownership in place. Following the implementation of the proposed BBBEE transaction the relevant South African mining services businesses will have an effective black ownership of over 25% as measured in terms of the DTI Codes of Good Practice on Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment. The Company remains under cautionary in this regard. On 14 November 2011 a serious accident occurred at the Group`s Benicon workshop which resulted in a fatality. The incident is under investigation both internally and by the Department of Labour. The Board expresses its condolences to the family and colleagues of Mr. Jannie Koekemoer. CONTINGENT LIABILITY During the 2009 financial year, Megacube instituted legal proceedings against Umcebo Mining Limited for the recovery of R29,8 million owing for work performed at its Middelkraal operation, following the termination of this contract. Subsequent to this claim, a counterclaim of R119,6 million, pertaining to alleged contractual breaches, has been instituted by Umcebo Mining, against Megacube. Sentula has agreed to proceed to arbitration on this matter, with the Company and its attorneys believing that there is a strong defence against the alleged counterclaim. A date for the arbitration is expected to be set down for April 2012. BASIS OF PREPARATION The condensed consolidated interim financial information for the six months ended 30 September 2011 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, `Interim Financial Reporting`, the Companies Act No 71 of 2008 and the Listings Requirements of JSE Limited. The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those applied in the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2011, except for those standards that become effective during the reporting period. The adoption of these standards had no effect on the results. This report was compiled under the supervision of the financial director, GP Louw CA (SA). The condensed consolidated interim financial information does not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Group`s annual financial statements as at 31 March 2011, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The directors are of the opinion that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future and accordingly the condensed consolidated interim financial results have been prepared on a going concern basis. INDEPENDENT REVIEW CONCLUSION The condensed consolidated statement of financial position at 30 September 2011 and related condensed consolidated income statement, condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity and condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the period have been reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. Their unmodified review report is available for inspection at the Company`s registered office. DIVIDENDS The Board has decided not to declare an interim dividend for the period under review. DIRECTORATE A Kawa resigned on 2 June 2011. There were no other changes to the Board, during the period under review. On behalf of the Board Jonathan Best Robin Berry Woodmead Non-executive Chairman Chief Executive Officer 18 November 2011 Statement of financial position Reviewed Reviewed Audited
as at as at as at 30 September 30 September 31 March R`000 2011 2010 2011 ASSETS Property, plant and equipment 2 289 047 2 666 051 2 595 426 Mineral rights 410 761 411 642 410 761 Intangible assets 27 590 21 146 23 347 Goodwill 413 906 409 014 408 338 Restricted investment 8 693 4 322 8 693 Deferred tax assets 19 576 18 442 17 008 Total non-current assets 3 169 573 3 530 617 3 463 573 Inventories 389 396 377 007 361 827 Trade and other receivables 519 018 508 555 446 446 Assets classified as held-for- 41 477 15 559 37 779 sale Current tax receivable 6 052 - 14 016 Cash and cash equivalents 138 580 95 673 88 380 Total current assets 1 094 523 996 794 948 448 TOTAL ASSETS 4 264 096 4 527 411 4 412 021 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Equity Share capital and premium 1 994 406 1 994 823 1 994 406 Reserves 678 948 886 336 863 128 Total equity attributable to 2 673 354 2 881 159 2 857 534 equity holders of the Company Non-controlling interest 69 987 75 799 75 301 Total equity 2 743 341 2 956 958 2 932 835 Liabilities Loans and borrowings 491 685 373 935 560 000 Rehabilitation provision 66 900 67 325 65 004 Deferred tax liabilities 261 900 231 128 243 631 Total non-current liabilities 820 485 672 388 868 635 Trade and other payables 485 303 458 227 439 905 Loans and borrowings 180 901 318 338 140 000 Bank overdraft - 84 151 148 Current tax payable 34 066 37 349 30 498 Total current liabilities 700 270 898 065 610 551 TOTAL LIABILITIES 1 520 755 1 570 453 1 479 186 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 4 264 096 4 527 411 4 412 021 Net asset value per share - 472 509 505 excluding treasury shares (cents) Tangible net asset value per 396 435 430 share - excluding treasury shares (cents) Income statement Reviewed Reviewed Audited six months six months year
ended ended ended 30 September 30 September 31 March R`000 2011 2010 2011 Revenue 1 345 048 1 218 949 2 402 375 Results from operating 149 844 123 613 256 379 activities pre- impairment and inventory write-off Inventory write-off (14 205) - - Impairment of plant and (282 337) - (71 476) equipment Results from operating (146 698) 123 613 184 903 activities Net finance charges (33 959) (46 814) (111 051) Fair value adjustment on (5 007) - - interest rate hedge (Loss)/Profit before (185 664) 76 799 73 852 income tax Income tax expense (44 593) (22 868) (42 780) (Loss)/Profit for the (230 257) 53 931 31 072 period Attributable to: - Owners of the Company (224 943) 57 488 35 127 - Non-controlling (5 314) (3 557) (4 055) interest (Loss)/Profit for the (230 257) 53 931 31 072 period Basic and diluted (38,7) 9,9 6,0 (loss)/earnings per share (cents) Headline earnings per 10,6 10,6 16,1 share (cents) Shares in issue at the 581 005 581 005 581 005 end of the period excluding treasury shares (`000) Statement of comprehensive (loss)/income Reviewed Reviewed Audited six months six months year ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March R`000 2011 2010 2011 (Loss)/Profit for the (230 257) 53 931 31 072 period Other comprehensive income/(loss) Foreign currency 39 660 (14 345) (19 350) translation differences for foreign operations Income tax effect on - - - other comprehensive income Other comprehensive 39 660 (14 345) (19 350) income/(loss) for the period, net of tax Total comprehensive (190 597) 39 586 11 722 (loss)/income for the period Attributable to: - Owners of the Company (185 283) 43 143 15 777 - Non-controlling (5 314) (3 557) (4 055) interest Total comprehensive (190 597) 39 586 11 722 (loss)/income for the period Operational segment reporting The Group is organised into four major operating segments, namely opencast mining services, exploration drilling, crane hire, and coal mining. JEF Drill & Blast is included in "Opencast mining services" as management views them as part of this segment and the majority of this company`s services are rendered inter- segment. Equipment trading, spares and engineering and corporate services is included in "Other". Segment performance is measured based on the segment profit before interest and income tax. Inter-segment revenue is priced on an arms length basis. These segments are the basis on which the Group reports its primary segment information. Financial information about business segment is presented as follows: Opencast mining Exploration R`000 services drilling Crane hire Reviewed six months ended 30 September 2011 Total segment revenue 933 838 468 898 25 914 Inter-segment revenue 102 333 - 132 External revenues 831 505 468 898 25 782 Total segment results 87 524 98 763 12 631 pre-impairment Impairment of plant and (282 337) - - equipment Segment result (194 813) 98 763 12 631 Reviewed six months ended 30 September 2010 Total segment revenue 855 260 367 570 28 448 Inter-segment revenue 81 430 885 187 External revenues 773 830 366 685 28 261 Segment result 91 662 54 415 16 523 Operational segment reporting (continued) R`000 Coal mining Other Consolidated Reviewed six months ended 30 September 2011 Total segment revenue 12 982 33 663 1 475 295 Inter-segment revenue 458 27 324 130 247 External revenues 12 524 6 339 1 345 048 Total segment results pre- (6 833) (56 446) 135 639 impairment Impairment of plant and - - (282 337) equipment Segment result (6 833) (56 446) (146 698) Reviewed six months ended 30 September 2010 Total segment revenue 44 996 37 844 1 334 118 Inter-segment revenue 949 31 718 115 169 External revenues 44 047 6 126 1 218 949 Segment result 24 673 (63 660) 123 613 Statement of changes in equity Employee share Share Share incentive R`000 capital premium reserve Balance at 31 March 2010 5 866 2 014 438 37 702 Profit for the period - - - Other comprehensive (loss) - - - for the period Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Share-based payments - - 2 758 Balance at 30 September 5 866 2 014 438 40 460 2010 (Loss) for the period - - - Other comprehensive (loss) - - - for the period Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Own shares acquired - - - Share-based payments - - 2 359 Share options forfeited - - (393) Total contributions by and - - 1 966 distributions to owners Balance as at 31 March 2011 5 866 2 014 438 42 426 (Loss) for the period - - - Other comprehensive income - - - for the period Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Share-based payments - - 1 103 Share options forfeited - - (6 284) Total contributions by and - - (5 181) distributions to owners Balance as at 30 September 5 866 2 014 438 37 245 2011 Statement of changes in equity (continued) Foreign exchange Treasury translation Retained R`000 shares reserve Earnings Balance at 31 March 2010 (25 481) (34 053) 836 786 Profit for the period - - 57 488 Other comprehensive (loss) - (14 345) - for the period Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Share-based payments - - - Balance at 30 September (25 481) (48 398) 894 274 2010 (Loss) for the period - - (22 361) Other comprehensive (loss) - (5 005) - for the period Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Own shares acquired (417) - - Share-based payments - - 1 799 Share options forfeited - - 393 Total contributions by and (417) - 2 192 distributions to owners Balance as at 31 March 2011 (25 898) (53 403) 874 105 (Loss) for the period - - (224 913) Other comprehensive income - 39 660 - for the period Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Share-based payments - - - Share options forfeited - - 6 284 Total contributions by and - - 6 284 distributions to owners Balance as at 30 September (25 898) (13 743) 655 446 2011 Statement of changes in equity (continued) Non- controlling Total R`000 Total interest equity Balance at 31 March 2010 2 835 258 79 356 2 914 614 Profit for the period 57 488 (3 557) 53 931 Other comprehensive (loss) (14 345) - (14 345) for the period Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Share-based payments 2 758 - 2 758 Balance at 30 September 2 881 159 75 799 2 956 958 2010 (Loss) for the period (22 361) (498) (22 859) Other comprehensive (loss) (5 005) - (5 005) for the period Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Own shares acquired (417) - (417) Share-based payments 4 158 - 4 158 Share options forfeited - - - Total contributions by and 3 741 - 3 741 distributions to owners Balance as at 31 March 2011 2 857 534 75 301 2 932 835 (Loss) for the period (224 943) (5 314) (230 257) Other comprehensive income 39 660 - 39 660 for the period Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Share-based payments 1 103 - 1 103 Share options forfeited - - - Total contributions by and 1 103 - 1 103 distributions to owners Balance as at 30 September 2 673 354 69 987 2 743 341 2011 Statement of cash flows Reviewed Reviewed Audited
six months six months year ended ended ended 30 September 30 September 31 March R`000 2011 2010 2011 Cash flows from operating 150 648 749 975 239 277 activities Cash generated by 201 056 868 925 415 312 operations Interest paid (33 048) (48 295) (80 360) Income taxes paid (17 360) (70 655) (95 674) Cash flows from investing 91 135 (175 041) 399 110 activities Purchase of property, (98 847) (202 316) (318 618) plant and equipment Proceeds from disposal of 12 197 29 993 55 962 property, plant and equipment Capitalised exploration (1 772) (4 199) (7 074) expenditure Capitalised expenditure on (3 698) - - held-for-sale assets Proceeds from sale of - - 670 000 investment in equity- accounted associate Interest received 985 1 481 3 211 Increase in restricted - - (4 371) investment Cash flows from financing (31 829) (459 840) (449 337) activities Repurchase of shares - - (417) Loans raised - - 700 000 Loans repaid (31 829) (459 840) (1 148 920) Net increase in cash and 27 684 115 094 189 050 cash equivalents Effects of changes in 22 664 - 2 755 foreign exchange rates Cash and cash equivalents 88 232 (103 573) (103 573) at beginning of the period Cash and cash equivalents 138 580 11 521 88 232 at end of the period Reconciliation of headline earnings Reviewed Reviewed Audited six months six months year
ended ended ended 30 September 30 September 31 March R`000 2011 2010 2011 Net (loss)/profit for the (224 943) 57 488 35 127 year attributable to owners of the Company Adjust for: Loss on sale of plant and 2 303 5 589 9 363 equipment Impairment of plant and 282 337 - 71 476 equipment Scrapping of assets 4 625 - - Tax effect of above (2 806) (1 565) (22 635) adjustment Headline earnings 61 516 61 512 93 331 attributable to ordinary shareholders Directors: JG Best*(Chairman), RC Berry (Chief Executive Officer), GP Louw (Financial Director), PP Modisane, EHJ Stoyell*, C van Zyl*, DR Zihlangu*, K Mzondeki* * Independent Non-executive Company Secretary: GM Chemaly LLB Transfer Secretaries: Computershare (Pty) Ltd, Ground floor, 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001. PO Box 61051 Marshalltown. Tel (011) 370-5000 Investor Relations Advisers: College Hill Sponsor: Merchantec Capital Auditor: PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. Registered address: Block 14 - Ground floor, Woodlands Office Park, Woodmead, 2080 PO Box 76, Woodmead, 2080 Tel (011) 656-1303 www.sentula.co.za Date: 18/11/2011 07:05:02 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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