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ASTRAL FOODS LIMITED - Audited Summary Consolidated Results Announcement and Dividend Declaration

Release Date: 17/11/2014 07:05
Code(s): ARL     PDF:  
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Audited Summary Consolidated Results Announcement and Dividend Declaration

Astral Foods Limited 
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration number 1978/003194/06
Share code: ARL 
ISIN: ZAE000029757

AUDITED SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT
AND DIVIDEND DECLARATION
30 September 2014

13%
Revenue increase

88%
Operating profit increase

99%
Headline earnings per share increase

240c
Final dividend per share

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
                                                                                 Audited         Audited
                                                                  Audited      12 months       12 months
                                                                12 months          ended           ended
                                                                    ended   30 Sept 2013    30 Sept 2012
                                                             30 Sept 2014      Restated*       Restated*
                                                                    R'000          R'000           R'000
Assets
Non-current assets                                              2 241 407      1 983 204       1 855 349
 Property, plant and equipment                                  2 059 143      1 796 461       1 678 976
 Intangible assets                                                 18 601         25 320          17 169
 Goodwill                                                         136 135        136 135         136 135
 Investment in associates                                          22 180         19 940          15 303
 Investments and loans                                              3 453          5 348           7 766
 Deferred tax asset                                                 1 895
Current assets                                                  2 133 628      1 938 270       1 672 894
 Inventories                                                      452 594        440 684         379 433
 Biological assets                                                644 590        592 690         534 806
 Trade and other receivables                                      893 024        806 821         723 569
 Current tax asset                                                 12 889          4 614           9 819
 Cash and cash equivalents                                        130 531         93 461          25 267
Assets held for sale                                                                              15 303
Total assets                                                    4 375 035      3 921 474       3 543 546
Equity
Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the
parent company                                                  1 929 672      1 680 866       1 585 227
 Issued capital                                                    67 875          2 044           2 044
 Treasury shares                                                (204 435)      (204 435)       (204 435)
 Reserves                                                       2 066 232      1 883 257       1 787 618
Non-controlling interests                                          15 168         13 954          10 744
Total equity                                                    1 944 840      1 694 820       1 595 971
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities                                           730 818        693 440         555 458
 Borrowings (note 8)                                              156 000        145 255          14 859
 Deferred tax liabilities                                         438 035        417 646         407 711
 Employment benefit obligations                                   136 783        130 539         132 888
Current liabilities                                             1 699 377      1 533 214       1 392 117
 Trade and other liabilities                                    1 527 007      1 317 845       1 268 685
 Current tax liabilities                                           22 409          2 040           5 684
 Borrowings (note 8)                                              148 287        211 630         116 091
 Shareholders for dividend                                          1 674          1 699           1 657

Total liabilities                                               2 430 195      2 226 654       1 947 575
Total equity and liabilities                                    4 375 035      3 921 474       3 543 546
*Restated – refer notes 5 and 12

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                                                                                 Audited
                                                                  Audited      12 months
                                                                12 months          ended
                                                                    ended   30 Sept 2013
                                                             30 Sept 2014      Restated*         Change
                                                                    R'000          R'000              %
Revenue                                                         9 602 376      8 508 853             13
Operating profit (note 6)                                         492 939        261 867             88
 Profit on sale of interest in associate                                          46 566    
Profit before interest and tax                                    492 939        308 433             60
 Finance income                                                       651            880    
 Finance costs                                                   (25 929)       (27 839)    
 Share of profit from associate                                     2 240          6 474    
Profit before income tax                                          469 901        287 948             63
 Tax expense                                                    (128 835)       (77 122)    
Profit for the year                                               341 066        210 826             62
Other comprehensive income    
 Remeasurement of post-employment benefit obligations    
 (net of deferred tax)                                              4 281          3 613    
 Change in the value of available-for-sale financial assets         1 367    
 Foreign currency loss on investment loans to    
 foreign subsidiaries                                               (859)    
 Foreign currency translation adjustments                           1 113         12 487    
Total comprehensive income for the year                           346 968        226 926             53
Profit attributable to:    
 Equity holders of the holding company                            337 518        207 537             63
 Non-controlling interests                                          3 548          3 289              8
                                                                  341 066        210 826             62
Comprehensive income attributable to:    
 Equity holders of the holding company                            343 128        223 060             54
 Non-controlling interests                                          3 840          3 866            (1)
                                                                  346 968        226 926             53
Earnings per share (cents)    
 – basic                                                              884            545             62
 – diluted                                                            884            545             62
*Restated – refer notes 5 and 12

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
                                                                                 Audited
                                                                  Audited      12 months
                                                                12 months          ended
                                                                    ended   30 Sept 2013
                                                             30 Sept 2014      Restated*         Change
                                                                    R'000          R'000              %
Revenue                     
 Poultry                                                        6 966 716      6 000 605             16
 Feed                                                           5 506 079      4 915 626             12
 Other Africa                                                     499 278        442 146             13
 Services and ventures                    
 As previously reported                                                           30 246   
 Restatement                                                                    (30 246)   
 Inter-group                                                  (3 369 697)    (2 849 524)   
 Feed to poultry                                              (3 201 796)    (2 702 755)   
 Other                                                          (167 901)      (161 892)   
 Restatement                                                                      15 123   
                    
                                                                9 602 376      8 508 853             13
Operating profit                    
 Poultry                                                          104 400      (112 526)            193
   As previously reported                                                      (109 412)   
   Restatement                                                                   (3 114)   
 Feed                                                             353 728        329 372              7
   As previously reported                                                        331 276   
   Restatement                                                                   (1 904)   
 Other Africa                                                      34 811         45 021           (23)
 Services and ventures                    
  As previously reported                                                           4 673   
  Restatement                                                                    (4 673)   
                    
                                                                  492 939        261 867             88
Capital expenditure                     
 Poultry                                                          286 329         59 995
 Feed                                                              98 732        151 314
 Other Africa                                                      19 020         29 991
 Corporate office                                                     135            106
                                                                  404 216        241 406
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment                 
 Poultry                                                          105 211         97 628
 Feed                                                              17 847         20 153
 Other Africa                                                      11 080          8 287
 Corporate office                                                     354            358
                                                                  134 492        126 426
Total assets                 
 Poultry                                                        3 137 235      2 940 901
 Feed                                                           1 533 958        993 517
 Other Africa                                                     253 104        247 190
 Corporate office                                                 150 309         90 130
 Set-off of intra-group balances                                (699 571)      (350 264)
                                                                4 375 035      3 921 474
Total liabilities                 
 Poultry                                                        1 630 061      1 263 916
 Feed                                                           1 048 002        888 053
 Other Africa                                                      94 917        103 812
 Corporate office                                                 356 786        321 137
 Set-off of intra-group balances                                (699 571)      (350 264)
                                                                2 430 195      2 226 654
*Restated – refer notes 5 and 12                 

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

                                                                                 Audited
                                                                  Audited      12 months
                                                                12 months          ended
                                                                    ended   30 Sept 2013
                                                             30 Sept 2014      Restated*
                                                                    R'000          R'000
Balance beginning of year                                       1 694 820      1 595 971
Total comprehensive income for the period                         346 968        226 926
Dividends to the company's shareholders                         (160 615)      (127 882)
Payments to non-controlling interest holders                      (2 617)          (660)
Proceeds on shares issued                                          65 831
Option value of share options granted                                 453            465
Balance at end of period                                        1 944 840      1 694 820
*Restated – refer notes 5 and 12 
 
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
                                                                                 Audited
                                                                  Audited      12 months
                                                                12 months          ended
                                                                    ended   30 Sept 2013
                                                             30 Sept 2014      Restated*
                                                                    R'000          R'000
Cash operating profit                                             671 225        388 463
 Changes in working capital                                        32 897      (150 736)
Cash generated from operating activities                          704 122        237 727
 Income tax paid                                                (100 232)       (66 705)
Cash flows from operating activities                              603 890        171 022
Cash used in investing activities                               (382 645)      (160 418)
 Capital expenditure                                            (394 982)      (234 802)
 Finance income                                                       651            880
 Decrease in loans                                                  3 262          1 983
 Proceeds on disposal of investments                                              66 627
 Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment              8 424          4 894
Cash flows from financing activities                            (110 822)        (7 609)
 Net increase in borrowings                                        24 099        155 334
 Proceeds from shares issued                                       65 831
 Interest paid                                                   (37 495)       (34 443)
 Dividends paid                                                 (163 257)      (128 500)
 
Net movement in cash and cash equivalents                         110 423          2 995
 Effects of exchange rate changes                                     (4)        (3 688)
 Cash and cash equivalent balances at beginning of year          (78 028)       (77 335)
Cash and cash equivalent balances at end of year (note 9)          32 391       (78 028)
*Restated – refer notes 5 and 12 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                                                  Audited        Audited
                                                                12 months      12 months
                                                                    ended          ended        %
                                                             30 Sept 2014   30 Sept 2013   change
Headline earnings (R'000) – (note 7)                              329 740       165 070*      100
Headline earnings per share (cents)
 – basic                                                              864           434*       99
 – diluted                                                            864           434*       99
Dividends per share (cents)                                           440            222
Number of ordinary shares
 – Issued net of treasury shares                               38 634 108     38 060 308
 – Weighted average                                            38 171 021     38 060 308
 – Diluted weighted average                                    38 176 737     38 065 338
Net debt (borrowings less cash and cash equivalents (R'000)       173 756        263 424
Net debt to equity percentage                                        8,9%         15,5%*
Net asset value per share (Rand)                                    49,95         44,16*
*Restated

NOTES

1.  Nature of business
    Astral is a leading South African integrated poultry producer. Key activities consist of manufacturing of animal feeds, broiler
    genetics, production and sale of day-old chicks and hatching eggs, integrated breeder and broiler production operations,
    abattoirs and sale and distribution of various key poultry brands.

2.  Basis of preparation
    The summary consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the requirements of the JSE Limited
    Listings Requirements for preliminary reports, and the requirements of the Companies Act applicable to summary financial
    statements. The Listings Requirements require preliminary reports to be prepared in accordance with the framework
    concepts and the measurement and recognition requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and
    the SAICA Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the Accounting Practices Committee and Financial Pronouncements as
    issued by the Financial Reporting Standards Council and to also, as a minimum, contain the information required by IAS 34:
    Interim Financial Reporting.
    
    The financial statements have been prepared by the chief financial officer, DD Ferreira CA(SA), and were approved by the
    board on 12 November 2014.

3.  Accounting policies
    The accounting policies applied in these summary consolidated financial statements comply with IFRS and are consistent
    with those applied in the preparation of the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2013,
    except for changes as required by the mandatory adoption of IFRS 11 and IAS 19R (refer to notes 5 and 12), and the
    reclassification of long-term retention benefits payable to employees.

4.  Independent audit by the auditors
    These summary consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2014 have been audited by
    PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., who expressed an unmodified opinion thereon. The auditor also expressed an unmodified
    opinion on the annual financial statements from which these summary consolidated financial statements were derived.

    A copy of the auditor's report on the summary consolidated financial statements and of the auditor's report on the annual
    consolidated financial statements are available for inspection at the company's registered office, together with the financial
    statements identified in the respective auditors' reports.

    The auditor's report does not necessarily report on all of the information contained in this announcement/financial results.
    Shareholders are therefore advised that in order to obtain a full understanding of the nature of the auditor's engagement
    they should obtain a copy of the auditor's report together with the accompanying financial information from the issuer's
    registered office.

5.  Restatement of comparative amounts for prior periods
    The Group adopted IFRS 11 (Joint Arrangements) and the revised IAS 19R (Employee Benefits) with effect from its financial
    year starting 1 October 2013. The impact of these standards on the comparative amounts for prior periods is as follows:

    – IFRS 11 (Joint Arrangements)
      In terms of IFRS 11 which superseded IAS 31, interests in joint ventures must be reported on the equity accounted
      basis. The Group disposed of 25% of its interest in a 50% held joint venture during the previous year. The requirement
      to remeasure the retained portion of an equity accounted investment in the event of a disposal of a portion of the
      investment has been removed. The Group has accordingly reversed items previously proportionally consolidated, as well
      as a remeasurement profit of R32 860 000 previously recognised in profit and loss.

    – IAS 19R (Employee Benefits)
      In terms of the revised IAS 19R, remeasurements of post-employment benefits have to be recognised in other
      comprehensive income, previously being recognised in profit and loss.
      Remeasurements are determined and assessed once a year in September by the Group, and an amount of R5 018 000
      (R3 613 000 after tax) has now been excluded from profit and loss for the 12 months ended 30 September 2013 and
      reflected in other comprehensive income.

    – Reclassification of long-term retention benefits
      The portion of the provision for long-term retention benefits payable to employees later than 12 months has been
      reclassified to non-current liabilities.

Refer to note 12 for details of the impact on the comparative amounts for prior periods.

                                                                                  Audited         Audited
                                                                                12 months       12 months
                                                                                    ended           ended
                                                                             30 Sept 2014    30 Sept 2013
                                                                                    R'000           R'000
6.  Operating profit
    The following items have been accounted for in operating profit:
     Directors' remuneration                                                       30 555          23 572
     Biological assets – fair value gain/(loss)                                     2 725         (3 116)
     Amortisation of intangible assets                                              9 848           3 305
     Depreciation on property, plant and equipment                                124 797         119 424
     (Reversal of impairment)/Impairment charge on property, plant and
     equipment                                                                      (153)           3 697
     Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment                                5 225           1 926
     Assets scrapped                                                                8 585
     Insurance recoveries                                                          15 977
     Profit on sale of unlisted investments                                                         2 485
     Foreign exchange profits/(losses)                                              1 109           (146)

7.  Reconciliation to headline earnings
     Profit attributable to shareholders                                          337 518        207 537*
     Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment (net of tax)                 (3 981)         (2 759)
     Insurance recovery on damaged assets (net of tax)                            (6 441)         (6 415)
     Loss on assets scrapped (net of tax)                                           6 157           1 055
     (Reversal of impairment)/Impairment charge on property, plant and
     equipment (net of tax)                                                         (110)           2 661
     Profit on disposal of interest in associate (net of tax)                                   (34 988)*
     Profit on disposal of unlisted investments                                                   (2 021)
     Adjustment to prior year tax provision on sale of investment                 (3 403)
    Headline earnings for the period                                              329 740        165 070*

8.  Borrowings
    Non-current
     Secured loans                                                                 16 945          37 229
     Unsecured loan                                                               189 202         148 167
     Less: Portion payable within 12 months included in current liabilities      (50 147)        (40 141)
                                                                                  156 000         145 255
    Current
     Bank overdrafts                                                               98 140         171 489
     Portion of non-current secured loans payable within 12 months                 50 147          40 141
                                                                                  148 287         211 630
9.  Cash and cash equivalents per statements of cash flows
     Bank overdrafts (included in current borrowings)                            (98 140)       (171 489)
     Cash at bank and in hand                                                     130 531          93 461
    Cash and cash equivalents per cash flow statement                              32 391        (78 028)

10. Capital commitments
     Capital expenditure approved not contracted                                   12 956         108 270
     Capital expenditure contracted not recognised in financial statements         43 521          72 069
    *Restated – refer notes 5 and 12

                                                                                  Audited         Audited
                                                                                12 months       12 months
                                                                                    ended           ended
                                                                             30 Sept 2014    30 Sept 2013
                                                                                    R'000           R'000
11. Related party transactions – with associate
     Sales                                                                          7 874             457
     Purchases                                                                    206 357         228 412
     Receivables                                                                    6 395           1 897
     Trade payables                                                                25 508          19 923

                                                                                  Audited         Audited
12. Effect of restatement on comparative amounts                                12 months       12 months
    12.1 Summary consolidated statements of financial position                      ended           ended
         Investment in associate                                                Sept 2013       Sept 2012
         As previously reported                                                    52 800
         Restatement – IFRS 11                                                   (32 860)          15 303
         Restated                                                                  19 940          15 303
         Reserves
         As previously reported                                                 1 916 117
         Restatement – IFRS 11                                                   (32 860)
         Restated                                                               1 883 257
         Non-current liabilities
         Employee benefit obligations
         As previously reported                                                    92 889          93 797
         Reclassification                                                          37 650          39 091
         Restated                                                                 130 539         132 888
         Current liabilities
         Trade and other payables
         As previously reported                                                 1 355 495       1 307 776
         Reclassification                                                        (37 650)       ( 39 091)
         Restated                                                               1 317 845       1 268 685

    12.2 Summary consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 30 September 2013
                                                            Audited  
                                                          12 months                                       Audited
                                                              ended                                     12 months
                                                       30 Sept 2013                                         ended
                                                      As previously        IFRS 11        IAS 19R    30 Sept 2013
                                                           reported    Restatement    Restatement        Restated
                                                              R'000          R'000          R'000           R'000
         Revenue                                          8 523 976       (15 123)                      8 508 853
         Operating profit                                   271 558        (4 673)        (5 018)         261 867
          Profit on sale of interest in associate            79 426       (32 860)                         46 566
         Profit before interest and tax                     350 984       (37 533)        (5 018)         308 433
          Finance income                                        937           (57)                            880
          Finance expense                                  (27 839)                                      (27 839)
          Share of profit from associate                      2 800          3 674                          6 474
         Profit before income tax                           326 882       (33 916)        (5 018)         287 948
          Tax expense                                      (79 583)          1 056          1 405        (77 122)
         Profit for the year                                247 299       (32 860)        (3 613)         210 826
         Other comprehensive income:      
          Foreign currency translation adjustments           12 487                                        12 487
          Remeasurement of post-retirement      
          benefit obligations                                                               3 613           3 613
         Total comprehensive income for the year            259 786       (32 860)                        226 926
         Profit attributable to:      
          Equity holders of the company                     244 010       (32 860)        (3 613)         207 537
          Non-controlling interest                            3 289                                         3 289
         Profit for the year                                247 299       (32 860)        (3 613)         210 826
         Total comprehensive income attributable to:      
           Equity holders of the company                    255 920       (32 860)                        223 060
           Non-controlling interest                           3 866                                         3 866
         Total comprehensive income for the year            259 786       (32 860)                        226 926
   
    12.3 Summary consolidated statements of cash flow      
          Cash operating profit                             388 406             57                        388 463
          Finance income                                        937           (57)                            880
          Proceeds on disposal of investments                50 473         16 154                         66 627
          Net movement in cash and cash equivalents        (13 159)         16 154                          2 995
          Cash and cash equivalent balances at      
          beginning of year                                (61 181)       (16 154)                       (77 335)

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
The increase in headline earnings from R165,1 million for the previous year, to R329,7 million for the 2014 financial year, is attributable to the continuation
of the turnaround to profitability of the Poultry division which started in the second half of the previous financial year.

Revenue increased by 13% to R9 602 million, contributed by a 16% increase in poultry revenue and a 4% increase in Feed external revenue.
The Group's operating profit increased by 88% to R492,9 million. The Poultry division's reported operating profit of R104,4 million, compared to the loss of
R112,5 million for the previous year, is the main driver for the improvement in the Group's operating profit. Profitability of the Feed division at R353,7 million
represents an increase of 7% on the previous year's operating profit. The Africa division's operating profit at R34,8 million is down on the previous year's
R45,0 million following the disappointing results reported for the first six months of this financial year.

Net finance cost at R25,3 million was marginally lower than the previous year. Interest of R14,2 million on finance raised to fund major capital expenditure
items has been capitalised. Going forward this finance cost will no longer be capitalised to property, plant and equipment but will be charged against
operating profit in the statement of comprehensive income.

Profit before tax at R469,9 million is 63% higher than the previous year's R287,9 million which includes a profit of R46,6 million on the sale of a portion of
an interest in an associate. This amount has been restated (previously reported at R79,4 million) following the mandatory adoption of a new accounting
policy in terms of IFRS 11 (refer to notes 5 and 12).

The cash generated from operating activities at R704,1 million represents a substantial increase on the previous year's R237,7 million. The main driver was
the improvement in the operating profit as well as an inflow from reduced working capital funding. Capital expenditure at R391,7 million is higher than the
previous year due to the ongoing expenditure on the new feed mill, costs incurred to accommodate increased volumes at the County Fair abattoir, and
other specific expenditure on efficiency improvements. A net inflow of R24 million has been received from additional financing for the new feed mill whilst
an inflow of R65,8 million was received from shares issued in respect of share options exercised. The net movement in cash and cash equivalents was an
inflow of R110,4 million. The net debt equity ratio including the funding of the new feed mill at 8,9% is down from the 15,5% as at 30 September 2013.

The board has declared a final dividend of 240 cents per share. The distribution is supported by the low debt to equity level and the underlying liquidity
capabilities of the Group.

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
Poultry Division
Revenue for the division increased by 16% to R7,0 billion (2013: R6,0 billion) on the back of higher volumes (up 7%) and higher poultry selling prices (up 8%).
Profitability improved significantly to a positive R104 million off a loss of R112 million in 2013, resulting in a net margin for the division of 1,5% (2013: –1,9%).

The average broiler feed price increased by 2% year-on-year. Due to extremely low maize stocks following injudicious exports, local prices peaked towards
the end of March 2014 directly impacting feed prices in the first six months of the reporting period. Following perfect conditions a record local maize crop
topping 14 million tons was harvested, resulting in the price of maize decreasing substantially in the latter half of F2014.

In the last quarter of the reporting period lower maize prices were offset by higher soya prices. The lower maize prices will only be realised in the new
financial year due to the lag brought about by forward procurement of soft commodities. It is envisaged that soya prices could soften on the back of good
global crops.

Broiler production performances improved for the period in line with continued focus in this area, delivering value in improved feed efficiencies and better
bird growth rates. An improvement in product mix was realised with Astral further reducing its exposure to Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) portions.
An increase in the proportion of fresh sales and value added products was achieved off higher total sales volumes for the year versus the comparable
period in the prior year.

Feed Division
Revenue for the division increased by 12% to R5,5 billion (2013: R4,9 billion) as a direct result of the higher raw material and feed pricing, whilst sales
volumes increased by 5% assisted by higher inter-group volumes as a result and of higher bird placements compared to the prior year and the take-on of
the Afgri feed volumes. Operating profit increased by 7% to R354 million (2013: R329 million).

Total volumes increased year-on-year to 1,27 million tons per annum, with the increase in feed sales to Astral 's poultry operations offset by a drop in sales
to the external market due to a contraction in demand from the independent poultry market.

The new feed mill in Standerton was officially opened and commissioned during the last quarter of F2014. All the feed volumes previously manufactured
by Afgri for Astral's Goldi broiler operation in Standerton were moved into the new facility, with the income stream of these volumes accruing to Astral in
the last two months of the period under review.

Other Africa Division
Revenue for the division increased by 13% to R499 million (2013: R442 million) supported by higher volumes (up 4%) as a result of the expansion in capacity
at the broiler breeder and hatchery operations in both Zambia and Mozambique. The operating profit for the division decreased by 23% to R35 million
(2013: R45 million).

The profitability at Tiger Animal Feeds in Zambia was impacted negatively through unfavourable raw material positions and the management thereof
in the first half of the reporting period. A turnaround in the performance of this business unit in the second half of the year was delivered in line with
expected returns.

PROSPECTS
The slowing level of growth in the economy and higher unemployment levels will continue to depress consumer spending, and there is strong evidence
that the average household will have to make ends meet off a reduced discretionary budget.

Through the South African Poultry Association an anti-dumping application was submitted to International Trade and Administration Commission of South
Africa (ITAC) against three EU member countries. ITAC implemented provisional anti-dumping duties against poultry imports from the UK, the Netherlands
and Germany until the 2nd January 2015. It is of paramount importance that these measures are sanctioned on a more permanent basis by the Minister of
Trade and Industry in order to stem the tide of dumped poultry products into South Africa.

The recent South African harvest produced a record maize crop, and together with healthy global maize and soya crops the softening of grain prices will at
least benefit feed prices and livestock production costs in the first half of the new reporting period.

Astral has engaged in an expansion drive over the past year, with sizeable investments in various value enhancing projects. The "bedding down" of these
investments and achieving the projected returns will be a key focus area in the new financial year.

APPRECIATION
The Chief Executive Officer on behalf of the board, Astral Executive Management and staff, would like to express his sincere gratitude to Mr Jurie
Geldenhuys who retired as Chairperson and board member in the past year, for his sterling contribution to Astral over the past 13 years.

DECLARATION OF ORDINARY DIVIDEND No. 27
The board has approved a final dividend of 240 cents per ordinary share (gross) in respect of the year ended 30 September 2014.
The dividend will be subject to Dividends Tax that was introduced with effect from 1 April 2012. In accordance with paragraphs 11.17(a)(i) to (x) and 11.17(c)
of the JSE Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed:

– The dividend has been declared out of income reserves;
– The local Dividend Tax is 15% (fifteen per centum);
– There are no Secondary Tax on Companies (STC) credits utilised;
– The gross local dividend is 240 cents per ordinary share for shareholders exempt from the Dividend Tax;
– The net local dividend is 204 cents per ordinary share for shareholders liable to pay Dividend Tax;
- Astral Foods Limited has currently 42 722 685 ordinary shares in issue (which includes 4 088 577 treasury shares held by a subsidiary); and
– Astral Foods Limited's income tax reference number is 9125190711.

Shareholders are advised of the following dates in respect of the interim dividend:

– Last date to trade cum-dividend                        Friday, 16 January 2015
– Shares commence trading ex-dividend                     Monday,19 January 2015
– Record date                                            Friday, 23 January 2015
– Payment of dividend                                    Monday, 26 January 2015

Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 19 January 2015 and Friday, 23 January 2015, both days inclusive.

On behalf of the board

T Eloff Chairman                        CE Schutte Chief Executive Officer
Pretoria
17 November 2014
                                                                   
Registered office 92 Koranna Avenue, Doringkloof, Centurion, 0157, South Africa, Postnet Suite 278, Private Bag X1028, Doringkloof, 0140,
Telephone: +27 (0)12 667 5468

Directors Dr T Eloff (Chairman), *CE Schutte (Chief Executive Officer), *GD Arnold, *T Delport, *DD Ferreira (Chief Financial Officer), IS Fourie,
*Dr OM Lukhele, M Macdonald,
TP Maumela, TM Shabangu, Dr N Tsengwa (*Executive director)

Company secretary MA Eloff - Transfer secretaries Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited, 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg,
2001, PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107
Telephone: +27 (0)11 370 5000

Sponsor JPMorgan Equities South Africa (Pty) Limited, 1 Fricker Road, Illovo, Johannesburg, 2196, Private Bag X9936, Sandton, 2146,
Telephone: +27 (0)11 507 0430

www.astralfoods.com



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