To view the PDF file, sign up for a MySharenet subscription.

SKJ - Sekunjalo Investments Limited - Media Release - Sekunjalo Posts Impressive

Release Date: 17/04/2012 15:30
Code(s): SKJ
Wrap Text

SKJ - Sekunjalo Investments Limited - Media Release - Sekunjalo Posts Impressive Interim Results Sekunjalo Investments Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) Registration number 1996/006093/06 Share code: SKJ and ISIN: ZAE000017893 ("Sekunjalo"or "the Group" or "the Company") MEDIA RELEASE 17 April 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEKUNJALO POSTS IMPRESSIVE INTERIM RESULTS SEKUNJALO GROUP REVENUE UP BY 33%: Tangible NAV up by 13%, Earnings Per Share (EPS) up 34% Headline Earnings Per Share (HEPS) is up 38%. LEADING empowerment company Sekunjalo Investments today reported satisfactory growth in bottom line earnings, cashflow and net asset value (NAV) for the six months to end February 2012. The Group, as an investment holding company, has set its objective to increase net asset value (NAV) by improving operational performance of its underlying businesses and investments, and has done so successfully for the period under review. Group revenue has grown by 33% from the prior interim period due to the strong operational performance of the underlying businesses. The Group`s gross profit percentage has increased from 28% to 38% with improved margins and efficiencies, particularly from the IT and fishing operations. Profit before taxation for the period has increased significantly to R19,3 million as compared to the prior period profit of R8.4 million, driven mainly by the subsidiaries organic growth and strategies implemented over the past two years. Earnings and headline earnings per share have increased by 34% and 38% respectively as a result of the operational performance of the subsidiaries. The Group`s asset base has increased by R43 million to R783 million from R740 million over the comparative period under review. Net asset value (NAV) per share grew to 88.70c from 83.62c in the prior interim period, while tangible NAV per share grew to 78,68c from 68,84c for the same period. Sekunjalo`s CEO Khalid Abdulla said that this performance has resulted in the improvement in cash generation from operations which compares well with the cash deficit experienced during the prior interim period. Cash flows from operating activities have improved by R26 million compared to the prior interim period. Abdulla said the Group is pleased to announce that the business strategies previously implemented are showing the expected improved results for the six month period under review. He said that due to the re-investment into the organic growth of the Information Technology Communication Group (Sekunjalo TSG), the division is performing above expectation with operating profits of R26 million for the period as compared to R5 million for the prior period. This was achieved through the implementation and roll out of the long-term contracts secured during the prior financial years. Abdulla was heartened by the performance of the Sekunjalo TSG division. "These operations continue to perform well with revenue from operations increasing by 88% to reflect revenue of R73 million as compared to R39 million during the prior period. Premier Fishing SA (Pty) Ltd has steadily maintained its performance with the major contribution coming from the pelagic and south coast rock lobster division. The fishing sector generally performs better in the second half of the year due to the seasonal nature of the industry. He said Premier Fishing, generated a profit from operations for the period under review. The Information Technology Communication Group also performed above target, and that both generated positive cash flows. This has resulted in these divisions being in a strong financial position. He added that the Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) process was progressing well and this will pave the way for the re-opening of the pelagic fish processing plant in Saldanha Bay. Abdulla said that the healthcare division`s revenue has grown by 49% with the core dermatological range of products in the pharmaceutical division showing a good improvement in performance, despite significant competition from generic equivalents. Dr Iqbal Surve, Chairman of Sekunjalo and Genius Biotherapeutics (formerly Bioclones) ("GBT"), South Africa`s leading Biotechnology company at the forefront of novel technology treatment for cancer and infectious diseases announced that it had received permission from the Minister of Finance of South Africa and the South African Reserve Bank to obtain a primary offshore listing on a foreign stock exchange. Dr Iqbal Surve, said that the listing permission will allow South Africa to benefit from capital investments, employment creation, increased revenues and taxes and will also create numerous opportunities for young South African scientists to be part of the global scientific community and to be at the cutting edge of novel technologies in cancer treatment. The approval was granted subject to a number of conditions. GBT has been working with its international shareholders, scientific partners and licensors to ensure that the conditions can be fulfilled. Shareholders will be advised accordingly. Abdulla said that the group`s non-controlling interests in large multinational companies British Telecom Communication Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Saab SA (Pty) Ltd have also strengthened the Group`s financial position. Abdulla said that subsequent to the financial reporting date the Group concluded an acquisition of a 0.75% stake in the Pioneer Food Group at a 5% discount to market value. He said that this acquisition is perfectly aligned with the company`s strategy to diversify its business and enhance the value through strategic investments in key sectors of the economy. The ICT and fishing divisions have built a strong platform for further organic growth and are positioned well to increase these investments through acquisition. ENDS For further comment please contact: Cherie Hendricks Corporate Affairs Director Tel: 021-427 1400 or 083 718 4493 Sponsor: PSG Capital Date: 17/04/2012 15:30:58 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.

Share This Story