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MASSMART HOLDINGS LIMITED - Reviewed consolidated results for 52 weeks ended 28 December 2014

Release Date: 26/02/2015 07:05
Code(s): MSM     PDF:  
Wrap Text
Reviewed consolidated results for 52 weeks ended 28 December 2014

Massmart Holdings Limited 
("the Company" or "the Group") 
JSE code MSM 
ISIN ZAE000152617 
Company registration number 1940/014066/06 

Reviewed consolidated results for 52 weeks ended  28 December 2014 

Massmart is a managed portfolio of four divisions, each focused on high-volume, low-margin, low-cost distribution of 
mainly branded consumer goods for cash, in 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, comprising 392 stores. 

The Group is the second largest distributor  of consumer goods in Africa, the leading retailer of general merchandise, 
liquor and home improvement equipment and supplies,  and the leading wholesaler of basic foods. 

The 2013 financial year was a 53-week period but, for the sake of meaningful comparison, all 2013 financial information 
included here is shown for the pro-forma 52-week period unless indicated otherwise. 

For the 52 weeks ended 28 December 2014 Massmart's total sales of R78.2 billion increased by 10.4% over the prior 
comparable year. Comparable stores' sales growth was 7.5% with product inflation of 4.8%. Group EBITDA* of R2.9 billion, 
before foreign exchange movements, grew by 6.7% while operating profit, excluding foreign exchange movements and interest, 
grew by 4.3%. 

Higher net interest paid from funding several significant property acquisitions in 2013-14 and an adverse movement in 
foreign exchange translations resulted in headline earnings decreasing by 10.2% while, excluding foreign exchange 
movements, headline earnings declined by 3.5%. 

The South African consumer environment improved towards the latter part of 2014, evidenced by the slightly higher nominal 
sales growth reported by StatsSA and the Group's own sales performance. The fourth quarter was particularly strong. In 
contrast, several African economies weakened or were affected by currency devaluations, causing some profit pressure in 
our non-South African businesses which represent 8.1% of Group sales. 

Environment 
The South African consumer, who has been responsible for approximately 60% of GDP growth since 2000, is currently impacted 
by negative forces including inadequate job creation and naggingly persistent inflation. Positive forces include a 
resilient upper-income consumer; a low interest rate environment; and, possibly, improving consumer indebtedness. The 
lower petrol price has been a welcome, but likely temporary, boon to the country's inflation rate and level of consumer 
spending. 

The direction and rate of the future interest rate cycle will likely have a material impact on middle-income customers. 
Declining Food inflation suggests some relief for lower- and middle-income customers, although the likely anticipated 
sugar price increase will have a secondary price effect in food and beverages. 

Ongoing power outages will have an adverse impact on the South African economy as manufacturing processes and plants are 
compromised; large and small electrical motors burn-out from frequent stop-starts and need to be replaced; labour 
scheduling becomes uncertain and expensive; and product wastage, from interrupted manufacturing and storage processes, 
escalates. Business and private consumers will pay directly and indirectly for this. 

Divisional operational review 

Massdiscounters 
comprises the 130-store General Merchandise discounter and Food retailer Game, which trades in South Africa, Botswana, 
Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia; and the 23-store Hi-tech retailer 
DionWired. 

Total sales for the year increased by 10.2%. Comparable sales grew by 4.8% with product inflation of 3.1%. Game South 
Africa had a better second-half and an especially strong fourth quarter where comparable sales grew by 8.1%. The weak 
performance for much of the 2014 financial year however, caused pressure on overall profitability resulting in 
Massdiscounters' trading profit before interest and tax decreasing by 44.7%. For the second-half of 2014, Game SA's 
trading profit before interest and tax grew ahead of sales. The roll-out of Fresh continues with 66 Game stores now 
offering this category. Food and Liquor sales comprise 19.4% of Game total sales and Food and Liquor's growth in these 
comparable stores remains strong at 19.4%. 

DionWired's total sales growth was 13.2% and this brand remains the destination store within its category. The DionWired 
online offering now comprises 2.3% of total DionWired sales (December 2013: 1.8%). 
Game Africa's total Rand sales and sales in local currencies increased by 18.2% and 16.6% respectively. Profit growth was 
below sales growth due to operational challenges, currency devaluation and the impact of our new stores opened in Nigeria 
in 2013 and 2014. The latter two issues impacted profit by R40 million. 
For the past two years we have defended several legal actions filed or threatened by three of the dominant Food retailers 
in South Africa. 

These actions are based on lease exclusivity clauses that seek to restrict competition for the benefit of the dominant 
retailers. There have been no new legal actions since July 2014. We have defended these actions as we believe the blanket 
enforcement of these clauses to be anti-competitive. In October 2014, Massmart lodged a formal complaint with the 
Competition Commission against each retailer who has filed legal action against us. 
Eleven Game stores (two in Africa) were opened and two closed; and two DionWired stores were opened and one closed, 
increasing trading space by 30,857m(squared) (6.5%). 

Masswarehouse 
comprises the 19-store Makro warehouse-club trading in Food, General Merchandise and Liquor in South Africa; and The 
Fruitspot. 
Makro's total sales for the year increased by 11.8%. Comparable sales increased by 10.7% with product inflation of 5.5%. 
Makro's trading profit before interest and tax increased by 11.2% as the business traded superbly in a challenging 
Wholesale Food environment, outperformed in Liquor and General Merchandise, and extracted value from the new stores opened 
in 2011-12. Our Food business continues to benefit from increased sales to retail customers and we have gained additional 
share in the Retail and Wholesale Liquor markets. The General Merchandise and Liquor online offerings, launched in March 
and October 2014 respectively, are trading above expectations but are not without their logistical challenges. 
The Fruitspot grew sales and profit, and compared to December 2013 has doubled its intra-Group sales. 
There was no movement in stores in the 2014 financial year. 

Massbuild 
comprises 100 stores, trading in DIY, Home Improvement and Building Materials, under the Builders Warehouse, Builders 
Express, Builders Trade Depot and Builders Superstore brands in South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique. 
Massbuild grew total sales for the year by 14.6%. Comparable sales increased by 9.1% with product inflation of 5.9%. 
Builders Warehouse and Builders Express performed exceptionally, and are clearly market leaders in their categories, while 
Builders Trade Depot struggled, possibly as a result of the success of the other two. Massbuild's trading profit before 
interest and tax increased by 15.0%. 
The new Superstore format continues to exceed expectations and we will soon expand stores beyond the Gauteng region. We 
are very encouraged by the success of our five stores in Botswana and Mozambique. The new store in Maputo, opened in July 
2014, is trading particularly strongly and so we are actively exploring sites in other southern African countries. 
Three Builders Warehouse stores were opened and two closed; four Builders Express stores were opened and two closed; one 
Builders Trade Depot store was opened; and four Builders Superstores were opened, resulting in net trading space 
increasing by 25,992 m(squared) (6.3%). 

Masscash 
comprises 73 Wholesale Cash and Carry and 47 Retail stores trading in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia 
and Swaziland; and Shield, a voluntary buying association. 

In the extremely competitive South African Wholesale and Retail Food environments, total sales increased by 8.0%. This was 
impacted by slowing inflation in our categories. Comparable sales increased by 6.3% with product inflation of 4.8%. Sales 
growth of 2.7% in our South African Wholesale business was affected by severe challenges at our two largest stores; 
adjusting for these saw acceptable sales growth of 5.3%. Sales growth in our non-South African Wholesale businesses was 
8.0% and we remain excited at the potential of Wholesale and Hybrid formats in southern Africa. Masscash Retail performed 
very well, reporting comparable sales of 9.7%, improving profitability and strong customer price-perception. 
Masscash's trading profit before interest and tax increased by 14.9%. 
Two Wholesale stores were closed; three Retail stores were opened and three were closed, resulting in net trading space 
increasing by 1,138m(squared) (0.3%). 

Financial review 

Statement of comprehensive income 
Total Group sales growth increased by 10.4% over the prior year, with comparable sales growth of 7.5%. Product inflation 
was 4.8%, suggesting real comparable volume growth of 2.7%. 
General Merchandise's inflation increased to 3.6%, Food and Liquor's inflation increased to 5.1% and Home Improvement 
inflation increased to 5.9%. Sales in our African businesses represented 8.1% of total sales and increased by 16.2% in 
Rands. 

During the year, 28 stores were opened and 12 were closed, resulting in a total of 392 stores at December 2014. Net 
trading space increased by 3.9% to 1,539,295m(squared). 

The Group's gross margin of 18.6% is higher than that of the prior year of 18.4%. This is driven by an increased Africa 
contribution at a higher gross margin and improved gross margins in Makro, Massbuild and Masscash Retail. These were 
marginally offset by a soft gross margin performance in Masscash Wholesale due to some commodity deflation; difficult 
trading conditions in Game South Africa; and a greater Food contribution at lower margins across the Group. 

Total operating expenses (excluding foreign exchange movements) increased by 11.7% over the prior year. Comparable 
operating expenses were well controlled and increased by 7.1%. Employment costs, the Group's most significant cost, 
increased by 14.0%, largely due to the opening of the new stores (detailed above) which led to an 8.3% increase in full 
time equivalents; and the incremental cost of the new share scheme implemented towards the end of 2013. Occupancy costs 
increased by 5.3%. Included in this figure are the costs of services such as electricity, rates and taxes, which increased 
by approximately 15%. The lower occupancy cost is a result of the Group's acquisitions of some of its key properties 
during the last two years. The 15.8% increase in depreciation results from the acquisition of these properties and the 
opening of new stores and distribution centres. 

Included in operating profit is a net realised and unrealised foreign exchange translation loss of R49.8 million (December 
2013: R67.8 million gain). 

Excluding foreign exchange movements, EBITDA of R2.9 billion increased over the prior year by 6.7%. 
Net interest paid of R345.3 million increased mainly as a result of the Group's capital expansion programme and higher 
interest rates. At R2.9 billion, the Group's average borrowings are higher than the prior year's figure (December 2013: 
R2.0 billion). The net additional medium-term funding in the 2014 financial year amounted to R1.2 billion. 
The Group's effective tax rate of 29.8% (December 2013: 29.3%) is in line with expectations. 
The non-controlling interests comprise store managers' holdings in Masscash stores and non- controlling interests in 
acquired Masscash businesses. 

Headline earnings and Headline EPS each decreased by 10.2% over the prior year. Adjusting for the effect of the foreign 
exchange movements in both years results in a decrease in headline earnings and a decrease in headline EPS of 3.5%. 

Statement of financial position 
Working capital was managed effectively in all Divisions other than in Massdiscounters where, due to the soft sales, we 
only made some progress. Inventory days for the Group at December 2014 were in line with the prior year at 64 days. 
The net book value of property, plant and equipment increased by 20.9% compared to December 2013, as a result of acquiring 
some of our key properties and the investment in new stores. 

The Group's gearing ratio (debt:equity) increased to 44.5% (December 2013: 29.7%). The annual rolling return on equity was 
21.0% at December 2014 (December 2013: 24.8%). Excluding foreign exchange movements, this figure was 21.7% (December 2013: 
23.9%). 

Statement of cash flows 
Operating cash generated amounted to R2.7 billion. The 53rd week in the prior year resulted in a calendar shift which 
accounts for a significant swing in the movement of working capital. This, coupled with the increase in debtors (mainly 
timing related), gave rise to the slightly softer working capital performance. Total capital expenditure of R2.2 billion 
comprises: R0.9 billion on replacement expenditure; R0.9 billion on property acquisitions; and R0.4 billion on 
expansionary expenditure, and is in line with expectation. The 'Investment to expand operations' includes, amongst others, 
the acquisition of 12 Masscash Wholesale properties; the Makro Strubens Valley and Builders Warehouse Northriding stores; 
and the Massmart Head Office complex. 

Directorate 
Shareholders were advised on 27 August 2014 that Ilan Zwarenstein had submitted his resignation effective 28 February 2015 
and intended to leave the Group to pursue other interests. The search process to engage a new Chief Financial Officer is 
at an advanced stage and Massmart anticipates making an announcement in this regard shortly. In the meantime, we are 
pleased to advise that Ilan Zwarenstein has agreed to continue in his current role for an extended period and to assist 
with the transition. His resignation will accordingly not take effect on the original date of 28 February. Further 
announcements will be made in due course. 

Strategic priorities 
Our areas of strategic focus remain unchanged: 

To drive the growth and profitability of the core South African business over the medium-term is a priority and we are 
making good progress in this regard; 
To expand further into Food Retail and Fresh in our existing formats and Masscash Retail; 
Sub-Saharan African expansion remains a priority and in the next two years we anticipate opening 13 new stores 
representing African space growth of about 50%; and 
We continue to expand and improve our ecommerce offerings. 

Prospects 
For the 8 weeks to 22 February 2015, total sales increased by 10.0% and comparable sales increased by 7.9%. This level of 
sales growth is similar to that seen in the latter part of 2014 and so may be indicative of future sales levels for the 
short-term. 

We remain concerned by the relatively fragile South African consumer economy and we are cautious about the impact of lower 
oil prices on those larger African countries with some dependency on oil revenues. 
The financial information on which this outlook statement is based has not been reviewed or reported on by the Company's 
external auditors. 

Dividend 
Massmart has maintained the dividend at the same level as the prior comparable year. Notice is hereby given that a gross 
final cash dividend of 275.00 cents per share, in respect of the year ended 28 December 2014, has been declared. There 
were no STC credits available for use as part of this declaration. The number of shares in issue at the date of this 
declaration is 217,118,072. 

The dividend has been declared out of income reserves and will be subject to the Dividend Tax rate of 15% which will 
result in a net dividend of 233.75 cents per share to those shareholders who are not exempt from paying Dividend Tax. 
Massmart's tax reference number is 9900/196/71/9. 

The salient dates relating to the payment of the dividend are as follows:
Last day to trade cum dividend on the JSE:
Friday, 13 March 2015

First trading day ex dividend on the JSE:
Monday, 16 March 2015

Record date:
Friday, 20 March 2015

Payment date:
Monday, 23 March 2015     
                                                                                             
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 16 March 2015 and Friday, 20 March 2015, 
both days inclusive. 

Massmart shareholders who hold Massmart ordinary shares in certificated form ("certificated shareholders") should note 
that dividends will be paid by cheque and by means of an electronic funds transfer ("EFT") method. Where the dividend 
payable to a particular certificated shareholder is less than R100, the dividend will be paid by EFT only to such 
certificated shareholder. Certificated shareholders who do not have access to any EFT facilities are advised to contact 
the company's transfer secretaries, Computershare Investor Services at Ground Floor, 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 
2001; PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107; on +27 (0)11 370 5000; or on 086 110 09818 (fax), in order to make the necessary 
arrangements to take delivery of the proceeds of their dividend. 

Massmart shareholders who hold Massmart ordinary shares in dematerialised form will have their accounts held at their CSDP 
or broker credited electronically with the proceeds of their dividend. 

On behalf of the Board 
Guy Hayward 
Chief Executive Officer 
Ilan Zwarenstein 
Group Finance Director
25 February 2015 

Our financial highlights: 

Sales
R78,173.2 m
UP BY 10.4%
2013: R70,790.7 m 
                                                                                        
Operating profit before forex and interest
R2,015.9 m
UP BY 4.3%
2013: R1,933.7 m    
                                                  
EBITDA* before forex
R2,887.1 m
UP BY 6.7%
2013: R2,706.4 m 
                                                                          
Headline earnings before forex
R1,141.4 m
DOWN BY 3.5%
2013: R1,182.7 m    
                                                              
Headline earnings after forex
R1,105.5 m
DOWN BY 10.2%
2013: R1,231.5 m  
                                                                 
Dividend per share
421 cents
UNCHANGED
2013: 421 cents                                                                                
 
* Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and impairments 



Divisional Operational Review 
                                                                               52 week
                          52 weeks              52 weeks                    Comparable     Estimated      53 weeks
                     December 2014   % of  December 2013   % of    52 week     % sales       % sales December 2013   % of
Rm                      (Reviewed)  sales    (Pro forma)  sales   % growth      growth     inflation     (Audited)  sales
Sales                     78,173.2              70,790.7              10.4         7.5           4.8      72,263.4 
Massdiscounters           17,955.2              16,294.2              10.2         4.8           3.1      16,740.6 
Masswarehouse             21,554.8              19,271.7              11.8        10.7           5.5      19,675.1 
Massbuild                 10,822.8               9,441.3              14.6         9.1           5.9       9,583.6 
Masscash                  27,840.4              25,783.5               8.0         6.3           4.8      26,264.1 
Trading profit 
before interest 
and tax                    2,061.7    2.6        1,994.4    2.8        3.4                                 2,145.4    3.0
Massdiscounters              180.7    1.0          326.9    2.0      (44.7)                                  366.6    2.2 
Masswarehouse              1,044.3    4.8          939.5    4.9       11.2                                   990.2    5.0 
Massbuild                    537.6    5.0          467.6    5.0       15.0                                   507.6    5.3 
Masscash                     299.1    1.1          260.4    1.0       14.9                                   281.0    1.1 

Trading profit excludes certain items. A detailed reconciliation between trading and operating profit can be found below 

Condensed consolidated income statement
                                  
                                                52 weeks              52 weeks                              53 weeks
                                                December              December                              December
                                                    2014                  2013         52 week                  2013
Rm                                            (Reviewed)           (Pro forma)        % growth             (Audited) 
Revenue                                         78,319.0              71,035.3            10.3              72,512.9 
Sales                                           78,173.2              70,790.7            10.4              72,263.4 
Cost of sales                                  (63,610.8)            (57,733.8)          (10.2)            (58,926.4)
Gross profit                                    14,562.4              13,056.9            11.5              13,337.0 
Other income                                       145.8                 244.6           (40.4)                249.5 
Depreciation and amortisation                     (846.6)               (731.1)          (15.8)               (731.1)
Impairment of assets (note 3)                      (24.6)                (41.6)           40.9                 (41.6)
Employment costs                                (6,109.0)             (5,357.5)          (14.0)             (5,423.5)
Occupancy costs                                 (2,678.8)             (2,544.5)           (5.3)             (2,555.3)
Other operating costs                           (3,033.3)             (2,693.1)          (12.6)             (2,750.3)
Operating profit before foreign 
exchange movements and interest                  2,015.9               1,933.7             4.3               2,084.7 
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain                       (49.8)                 67.8            67.8 
Operating profit before interest                 1,966.1               2,001.5            (1.8)              2,152.5 
Finance costs                                     (386.8)               (278.4)          (38.9)               (283.8)
Finance income                                      41.5                  28.6            45.1                  28.7 
Net finance costs                                 (345.3)               (249.8)          (38.2)               (255.1)
Profit before taxation                           1,620.8               1,751.7            (7.5)              1,897.4 
Taxation                                          (483.4)               (512.6)            5.7                (555.3)
Profit for the year                              1,137.4               1,239.1            (8.2)              1,342.1 

Profit attributable to:                  
Owners of the parent                             1,079.8               1,180.0            (8.5)              1,283.0 
Non-controlling interests                           57.6                  59.1            (2.5)                 59.1 
Profit for the year                              1,137.4               1,239.1            (8.2)              1,342.1 

Basic earnings per share (EPS) (cents)             497.8                 543.9            (8.5)                591.4 
Diluted basic EPS (cents)                          492.9                 538.1            (8.4)                585.1 
Dividend (cents):                        
Interim                                            146.0                 146.0               -                 146.0 
Final                                              275.0                 275.0               -                 275.0 
Total                                              421.0                 421.0               -                 421.0 

Reconciliation between Trading profit and Operating profit before foreign exchange movements, interest and taxation 

                                                      52 weeks                    52 weeks                  52 weeks
                                                 December 2014               December 2013             December 2013
Rm                                                  (Reviewed)                 (Pro forma)                 (Audited)
Profit before interest and taxation                
Trading profit before interest and taxation            2,061.7                    1,994.4                    2,145.4 
Impairment of assets (note 3)                            (24.6)                     (41.6)                     (41.6)
Loss on disposal of business                                 -                       (1.8)                      (1.8)
BEE transaction IFRS 2 charge (note 4)                   (21.2)                     (17.3)                     (17.3)
Operating profit before foreign exchange 
movements and interest                                 2,015.9                    1,933.7                    2,084.7 

Headline earnings                                                  

                                                52 weeks               52 weeks                              53 weeks
                                                December               December                              December
                                                    2014                   2013         52 week                  2013
Rm                                            (Reviewed)            (Pro forma)        % growth             (Audited)
Reconciliation of profit for the year 
to headline earnings                     
Profit for the year attributable to 
owners of the parent                             1,079.8               1,180.0             (8.5)              1,283.0 
Impairment of assets (note 3)                       24.6                  41.6                                   41.6 
Loss on disposal of tangible and 
intangible assets                                    1.4                  11.9                                   11.9 
Loss on disposal of business                           -                   1.8                                    1.8 
Total tax effects of adjustments                    (0.3)                 (3.8)                                  (3.8)
Headline earnings                                1,105.5               1,231.5            (10.2)              1,334.5 
Headline earnings before foreign 
exchange (taxed)                                 1,141.4               1,182.7             (3.5)              1,285.7 

Headline EPS (cents)                               509.7                 567.7            (10.2)                615.2 
Headline EPS before foreign exchange 
(taxed) (cents)                                    526.2                 545.2             (3.5)                592.7 
Diluted headline EPS (cents)                       504.7                 561.6            (10.1)                608.6 
Diluted headline EPS before foreign 
exchange (taxed) (cents)                           521.1                 539.4             (3.4)                586.4 

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

                                                52 weeks               52 weeks                             53 weeks
                                                December               December                             December
                                                    2014                   2013                                 2013
Rm                                            (Reviewed)            (Pro forma)        % growth            (Audited)

Profit for the year                              1,137.4               1,239.1            (8.2)              1,342.1 

Items that will not subsequently be 
re-classified to the  income statement:             (8.9)                  5.7                                   5.7 
Post retirement medical aid actuarial 
(loss)/gain                                         (8.9)                  5.7                                   5.7 

Items that will subsequently be 
re-classified to the  income statement:            (55.6)                 55.8                                  55.8 
Foreign currency translation reserve               (53.7)                 47.2                                  47.2 
Cash flow hedges                                     1.4                   7.0                                   7.0 
Revaluation of listed shares                        (3.7)                  4.7                                   4.7 
Income tax relating to components of 
other comprehensive income                           0.4                  (3.1)                                 (3.1)

Total other comprehensive (loss) / 
income for the year, net of tax                    (64.5)                 61.5                                  61.5 

Total comprehensive income for the year          1,072.9               1,300.6           (17.5)              1,403.6 

Total comprehensive income attributable 
to:                                      
Owners of the parent                             1,015.3               1,241.5         1,344.5 
Non-controlling interests                           57.6                  59.1            59.1 
Total comprehensive income for the year          1,072.9               1,300.6           (17.5)              1,403.6 

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position                     

                                                               December 2014         December 2013 
Rm                                                                (Reviewed)             (Audited)          % change 
Assets                                             
Non-current assets                                                  11,018.3              10,111.8 
Property, plant and equipment (note 6)                               7,239.2               5,988.1              20.9 
Goodwill and other intangible assets                                 2,958.7               2,928.8 
Investments and other financial assets (note 7)                        158.2                 522.8 
Deferred taxation                                                      662.2                 672.1 
Current assets                                                      17,870.1              16,036.1 
Other current financial assets (note 7)                                229.3                     - 
Inventories                                                         11,228.8              10,115.5              11.0 
Trade, other receivables and prepayments                             4,288.3               3,712.5              15.5 
Taxation                                                                56.3                  12.0 
Cash and bank balances                                               2,067.4               2,196.1 
Non-current assets classified as held for sale                          18.0                     - 

Total                                                               28,906.4              26,147.9 
Equity and liabilities                             
Total equity                                                         5,527.2               5,369.6 
Equity attributable to owners of the parent                          5,334.4               5,173.0               3.1 
Non-controlling interests                                              192.8                 196.6 
Non-current liabilities                                              3,236.8               2,206.4 
Interest-bearing borrowings                                          2,133.9               1,178.7 
Deferred taxation                                                       61.3                  86.6 
Other non-current liabilities and provisions 
(note 5)                                                             1,041.6                 941.1 
Current liabilities                                                 20,142.4              18,571.9 
Trade, other payables and provisions                                18,518.9              17,101.2               8.3 
Taxation                                                               208.3                 331.3 
Bank overdrafts                                                        584.0                 607.8 
Interest-bearing borrowings                                            831.2                 531.6 

Total                                                               28,906.4              26,147.9 

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

                                                                        52 weeks                    53 weeks 
                                                                   December 2014               December 2013
Rm                                                                    (Reviewed)                   (Audited)
Operating cash before working capital movements                          2,983.4                     2,984.0 
Working capital movements                                                 (295.1)                      752.6 
Cash generated from operations                                           2,688.3                     3,736.6 
Taxation paid                                                             (683.4)                     (732.8)
Net interest paid                                                         (345.3)                     (255.1)
Investment income                                                              -                        79.2 
Dividends paid                                                            (914.0)                     (913.4)
Cash inflow from operating activities                                      745.6                     1,914.5 

Investment to maintain operations                                         (857.4)                     (780.2)
Investment to expand operations (note 6)                                (1,322.1)                   (1,306.8)
Investment in subsidiaries (note 6)                                        (14.4)                          - 
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment                       32.5                        25.6 
Proceeds on disposal of assets classified as held for sale                     -                         2.5 
Other net investing activities                                              14.9                      (247.4)
Cash outflow from investing activities                                  (2,146.5)                   (2,306.3)

Cash inflow from financing activities                                    1,349.7                       293.0 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                                  (51.2)                      (98.8)
Foreign exchange movements                                                 (53.7)                       47.2 
Opening cash and cash equivalents                                        1,588.3                     1,639.9 
Closing cash and cash equivalents                                        1,483.4                     1,588.3 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity                   

                                                                                        Equity
                                                                                  attributable
                              Ordinary                       Other                   to owners          Non-
                                 share         Share       general      Retained        of the   controlling
Rm                             capital       premium      reserves        profit        parent     interests         Total
Balance as at December 
2012 (Audited)                     2.2         752.1         323.3       3,662.1       4,739.7         175.6       4,915.3 
Dividends declared                   -             -             -        (913.4)       (913.4)            -        (913.4)
Total comprehensive 
income                               -             -          61.5       1,283.0       1,344.5          59.1       1,403.6 
Changes in 
non-controlling 
interests                            -             -           3.8             -           3.8          (7.2)         (3.4)
Distribution to 
non-controlling 
interests                            -             -             -             -             -         (30.9)        (30.9)
IFRS 2 charge and Share 
Trust transactions                   -             -         129.0        (121.8)          7.2             -           7.2 
Treasury shares acquired             -          (8.8)            -             -          (8.8)            -          (8.8)
Balance as at December 
2013 (Audited)                     2.2         743.3         517.6       3,909.9       5,173.0         196.6       5,369.6 
Dividends declared                   -             -             -        (914.0)       (914.0)            -        (914.0)
Total comprehensive 
income                               -             -         (64.5)      1,079.8       1,015.3          57.6       1,072.9 
Changes in 
non-controlling 
interests                            -             -         (27.6)            -         (27.6)        (11.0)        (38.6)
Distribution to 
non-controlling 
interests                            -             -             -             -             -         (50.4)        (50.4)
IFRS 2 charge and Share 
Trust transactions                   -             -         125.1         (27.4)         97.7             -          97.7 
Treasury shares acquired             -          (9.9)         (0.1)            -         (10.0)            -         (10.0)

52 weeks ended December 
2014 (Reviewed)                    2.2         733.4         550.5       4,048.3       5,334.4         192.8       5,527.2

Fair value hierarchy                                                   
For financial instruments traded in an active market (level 1), fair value is determined using stock exchange quoted 
prices. For other financial instruments (level 2), appropriate valuation techniques, including recent market transaction 
and other valuation models, have been applied and significant inputs include market yield curves and exchange rates. For 
non-current assets classified as held for sale (level 3) fair value has been determined based on the sale agreement. The 
table below reflects 'Financial instruments' and 'Non-current assets classified as held for sale' carried at fair value, 
and those 'Financial instruments' and 'Non-current assets classified as held for sale' that have carrying amounts that 
differ from their fair values, in the statement of financial position.   

                          December                                         December
                              2014                                             2013
Rm                      (Reviewed)     Level 1     Level 2      Level 3    (Audited)     Level 1      Level 2     Level 3 
Financial assets at 
fair value through 
profit or loss               155.1           -       155.1            -        235.4           -        235.4           - 
Investments in cell 
captives and other           125.2           -       125.2            -        217.7           -        217.7           - 
FEC asset                     29.9           -        29.9            -         17.7           -         17.7           - 
Designated cash flow 
hedge                         13.7           -        13.7            -          8.8           -          8.8           - 
FEC asset                     13.7           -        13.7            -          8.8           -          8.8           - 
Loans and receivables         30.3           -        30.3            -         34.9           -         34.9           - 
Employee share trust 
loans                         30.3           -        30.3            -         34.9           -         34.9           - 
Available-for-sale 
financial assets               8.4         8.4           -            -         12.1        12.1            -           - 
Other listed 
investments                    8.4         8.4           -            -         12.1        12.1            -           - 
Non-current assets 
classified as held 
for sale                      22.0           -           -         22.0            -           -            -           - 
                             229.5         8.4       199.1         22.0        291.2        12.1        279.1           - 

Financial liabilities 
at amortised cost          2,653.0           -     2,653.0            -      1,724.8           -      1,724.8           - 
Medium-term loan, 
bank loans and 
capitalised finance 
leases                     2,653.0           -     2,653.0            -      1,724.8           -      1,724.8           - 
Financial liabilities 
at fair value through 
profit or loss                 4.5           -         4.5            -          1.9           -          1.9           - 
FEC liability                  4.5           -         4.5            -          1.9           -          1.9           - 
Designated cash flow 
hedge                          2.2           -         2.2            -          0.8           -          0.8           - 
FEC liability                  2.2           -         2.2            -          0.8           -          0.8           - 
                           2,659.7           -     2,659.7            -      1,727.5           -      1,727.5           - 

There were no transfers of financial instruments between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the year ended 
December 2014, and no transfers into, or out of, Level 3. 

Additional information                                             
                                                                        52 weeks                 53 weeks
                                                                   December 2014            December 2013
                                                                      (Reviewed)                (Audited)

Net asset value per share (cents)                                        2,456.9                  2,382.7 
Ordinary shares (000's):                                           
In issue                                                               217,118.1                217,109.0 
Weighted average (net of treasury shares)                              216,907.6                216,934.9 
Diluted weighted average                                               219,055.0                219,268.2 
Preference shares (000's):                                         
Black Scarce Skills Trust 'B' shares in issue (note 4)                   2,858.7                  2,867.8 
Capital expenditure (Rm):                                          
Authorised and committed                                                   864.1                  1,249.3 
Authorised not committed                                                 1,155.1                    783.4 
Gross operating lease commitments (2015 - 2029) (Rm)                    15,482.1                 14,445.7 
US dollar exchange rates: - year end (R/$)                                 11.60                    10.52 
         - average (R/$)                                                   10.83                     9.61 

Share Data
30 Dec 2013 - 24 Dec 2014                                                                                        

Closing price, 24 Dec 2014 
R143.93

Share price (52 week high) 
R149.80

Share price (52 week low)
R110.00

Market Cap
R31.2 billion

Reuters
MSMJ.J

Bloomberg
MSM SJ                                                                                        

Notes 

1. These condensed consolidated year end results have been prepared in accordance with the framework concepts and the 
   measurement and recognition requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), its interpretations 
   issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee, the SAICA Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the Accounting 
   Practices Committee and Financial Pronouncements as issued by the Financial Reporting Standards Council, presentation 
   and disclosure as required by International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 Interim Financial Reporting, the JSE Limited 
   Listings Requirements and the requirements of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 of South Africa. The accounting policies and 
   methods of computation used in the preparation of the condensed consolidated results are in terms of IFRS and are 
   consistent in all material respects with those applied in the most recent annual financial statements, as none of the 
   amendments coming into effect in the current financial year have had an impact on the financial reporting of the Group. 
2. During the current year, 0.6 million Massmart shares (0.3% of average shares in issue) were acquired in the market by 
   the Massmart Employee Share Trust at an average price of R128.22 totalling 
   R73.7 million. During the prior year, the Massmart Employee Share Trust acquired 1.2 million shares (0.6% of average 
   shares in issue) at an average price of R186.76 totalling R223.0 million. 
3. The impairment of assets in the current year relates to the impairment of tangible assets in Masscash as a result of 
   store closures. The impairment also includes the write-down on reclassification to 'Non-current Assets Held for Sale' 
   of a Masscash store which was closed in the 2012 financial period, but had remained owned by the Group. The impairment 
   of assets in the prior period relates to the impairment of acquired goodwill in Masscash and tangible assets in 
   Masscash and Makro as a result of store closures. 
4. The Massmart BEE transaction, which came into operation in October 2006, gave rise to an IFRS 2 Share-based Payment 
   charge of R21.2 million (December 2013: R17.3 million). The 'B' preference shares were issued to the Black Scarce 
   Skills Trust. 
5. Other non-current liabilities and provisions include the lease smoothing liability of R912.5 million (December 2013: 
   R822.2 million). 
6. Property acquisitions during the current year amounted to 
   R876.6 million. The property acquisitions include, amongst others, the acquisition of 12 Masscash Wholesale properties; 
   the Makro Strubens Valley and Builders Warehouse Northriding stores; and the Massmart Head Office complex. Massmart 
   acquired Capensis Investments 241 (Pty) Ltd in the prior period, resulting in control of seven Makro properties that 
   were previously lease held. 
7. In the prior year, Massmart entered into an agreement to acquire the Makro Amanzimtoti store. A property loan of R214.2 
   million was provided to the seller in terms of the agreement and was reflected in 'Non-current assets'. However, as the 
   legal transfer was approved in February 2015, the loan has been reflected in 'Current assets' at year end. 
8. Massmart and its divisions enter into certain transactions with related parties in the normal course of business. 
   Details of these are, and will be, disclosed in Massmart's Integrated Annual Report. 
   At December 2014, the Supplier Development Fund, a separate entity created in line with the judgement of the 
   Competition Appeal Court at the time of the Walmart transaction, had a closing balance of R157.2 million (December 
   2013: R202.5 million). A net amount of R206.2 million remains unpaid to Walmart (December 2013: R126.0 million), which 
   has been accounted for in 'trade, other receivables and prepayments' and 'trade, other payables and provisions'. During 
   the prior year the Group secured a medium-term loan with Walmart repayable after five years. Interest of 7.46% is paid 
   quarterly. The loan of R600.0 million is accounted for under interest-bearing non-current liabilities. As a 52.4% 
   shareholder, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will also be receiving the ordinary dividend based on their number of shares held. 
9. The pro forma financial effects, for which the Directors of Massmart are responsible, are provided for illustrative 
   purposes only to show the effect of the additional week of trading in the prior year on the financial information of 
   Massmart allowing for a comparison of the 52-week periods. These pro forma adjustments are not expected to have a 
   continuing effect as they will only occur in every 53-week year. The pro forma financial effects have been prepared 
   using accounting policies that comply with IFRS. The accounting policies are consistent with those applied in the 
   previous financial year. The pro forma financial effects have been compiled from the financial information for the 
   53 weeks ended December 2013,and in deriving our 52-week comparative, we have excluded the 53rd week. 
10.Due to Christmas trading, Massmart's earnings are weighted towards the six months to December. 
11.These condensed consolidated year end results have been reviewed by independent external auditors, Ernst & Young Inc. 
   and their unmodified review report is available for inspection at the Company's registered office. The reviews were 
   performed in accordance with ISRE 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of 
   the Entity for the year ended 28 December 2014 and ISAE 3420 Assurance Engagements to Report on the Compilation of Pro 
   Forma Financial Information Included in a Prospectus for the year ended 29 December 2013. Any reference to future 
   financial performance included    in this announcement has not been reviewed or reported on by the Group's external 
   auditors. 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. The preparation of the Group's condensed consolidated 
   financial statements was supervised by the Group Finance Director, Ilan Zwarenstein, BCom, BAcc, CA(SA). 

For more information call +27 (0)11 517 0000
or visit massmart.co.za

Registered office 
Massmart House, 16 Peltier Drive, Sunninghill Ext 6, 2191 
Company secretary P Sigsworth 

Sponsor 
Deutsche Securities (SA) Proprietary Limited,  3 Exchange Square,  87 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196, South 
Africa 

Transfer secretaries 
Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited, 
70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 South Africa 

Registered auditors 
Ernst & Young Inc. 
102 Rivonia Road, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa 

Directorate 
K Dlamini (Chairman), CS Seabrooke (Deputy Chairman), GRC Hayward* (Chief Executive Officer), S Broader***, A Clarke**, NN 
Gwagwa, P Langeni, JP Suarez***,  I Zwarenstein* (Group Finance Director) 
* Executive ** UK *** USA 

MASSDISCOUNTERS 

General merchandise discounter and food retailer  
Sales
R17,955.2 m 
UP BY 10.2%
                                       
Trading profit before interest and tax
R180.7 m 
DOWN BY 44.7%
                                                                            
Net new stores
10
FROM 143 TO 153

Increase in trading space
6.5%             
TO 506,188 SQM

Game  
Game Liquor                                                              
130 STORES
South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia

DionWired
23 STORES
South Africa                                             

MASSWAREHOUSE 

Warehouse club                                    
Sales
R21,554.8 m 
UP BY 11.8%
                                  
Trading profit before interest and tax
R1,044.3 m 
UP BY 11.2%
                                                                          
Net new stores
0
19 (UNCHANGED)

Increase in trading space
No change  
195,794 SQM 

Makro  
Fruitspot  
19 STORES
South Africa    

MASSBUILD

Home improvement retailer and building materials supplier
Sales
R10,822.8 m  
UP BY 14.6%
                            
Trading profit before interest and tax
R537.6 m  
UP BY 15.0%
                
Net new stores
8
FROM 92 TO 100

Increase in trading space
6.3%   
TO 436,538 SQM

Builders Warehouse  
35 STORES
South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique 

Builders Express
41 STORES
South Africa 

Builders Trade Depot
16 STORES
South Africa

Builders Superstore
8 STORES
South Africa 
    
MASSCASH 

Food wholesaler, retailer and buying association  
Sales
R27,840.4 m    
UP BY 8.0%

Trading profit before interest and tax
R299.1 m     
UP BY 14.9%   
                                             
Net new stores
-2
FROM 122 TO 120

Increase in trading space
0.3%       
TO 400,775 SQM
        
CBW 
Jumbo
Trident                                                        
73 WHOLESALE STORES
South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland

Cambridge Food
Rhino Cash & Carry
47 RETAIL STORES
South Africa

Shield
Liquorland
Saverite
BUYING ASSOCIATIONS
South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland








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