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ARB HOLDINGS LIMITED - Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2016

Release Date: 16/02/2017 07:05
Code(s): ARH     PDF:  
Wrap Text
Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2016

ARB Holdings Limited
(Registration number: 1986/002975/06)
Share code: ARH
ISIN: ZAE000109435
("ARB" or "the Company" or "the Group")

Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2016

Salient points
Revenue up 3% to R1.3bn
Profit before taxation increased to R111m
Headline earnings per share up 1% to 28.07 cents
Ungeared, with R175m net cash on hand

Commentary

Nature of Business
ARB is an investment and property holding company with investments in closely
related trading and distribution businesses, including 74% of ARB Electrical
Wholesalers (Pty) Ltd, a level 3 B-BBEE company which operates 21 electrical
wholesale branches throughout South Africa, and 60% of Eurolux (Pty) Ltd which
imports and distributes light fittings, lamps and related accessories.

Commentary
The Board of Directors of ARB ("the Board") is pleased to present the Group's
interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2016 ("the period").

Financial Review
The Group's revenue for the period increased by 3,1% to R1.27bn (2015: R1.24bn).
The Electrical Division was able to grow its turnover marginally in an extremely
challenging market, through the expansion of its Connect branches, while the
Lighting Division continues to increase revenue with its strategy of expanding its
product offering to existing customers. The Electrical Division's revenue was 
adversely affected by the delay in the implementation of municipal projects.

Changes in the product mix and the emphasis on ensuring trading disciplines were
maintained, resulted in the gross profit margin increasing narrowly to 22,8%
(2015: 22,4%). The Group's operating profit decreased slightly to R104.5m 
(2015: R104.8m) at an operating margin of 8,2% (2015: 8,5%) of revenue.

The Group continues to be cash generative, is ungeared and has net cash on hand
of R174.8m (2015: R190.9m), after the payment of dividends during the reporting
period of R93.4m. Tight cash management resulted in an increase of 30% in net
interest received to R6.6m (2015: R5.1m).

Despite the continued emphasis on working capital management, net working capital 
as a percentage of annualised revenue increased to 24,3% (2015: 20,9%). This increase 
remains within the targeted range of 20% to 25% of revenue. Net working capital last 
year was significantly lower due to the reduction in inventories in the Electrical 
Division as a result of the prolonged strike at a large supplier. Receivables and 
payables have decreased over the comparative period as the previous period included 
the effect of a large project which had extended payment terms to customers with 
back-to-back terms from suppliers. The Eurolux minority shareholders' put option, in 
respect of their shareholding interests, is reflected as a current liability as these 
non-controlling shareholders may now put their shares to the Group. They have not 
indicated any intention to do so.

Gross capital expenditure for the period was R13.6m, which in the main relates to
the replacement of vehicles, the costs involved in the roll-out of the additional three
Connect stores in the Electrical Division and computer equipment in the Lighting
Division.

Divisional reviews
Electrical Division (revenue up 1,9% and operating profit down 2,1%)
The Electrical Division's revenue increase was generated by sourcing and securing
opportunities from smaller project orders, while continuing to expand its geographic
footprint with three new Connect stores in an effort to compensate for the decrease
in project revenues, particularly in the last quarter of the 2016 calendar year. With
limited trading opportunities, the gross margin remained under pressure, predominantly 
in the high value cable-related products. Operating profit decreased by 2,1% to R62.8m 
(2015: R64.1m), with an operating margin of 6,2% (2015: 6,4%).

Lighting Division (revenue up 5,7% and operating profit up 8,9%)
The Lighting Division continues to expand its product range to existing customers.
This division continues to show pleasing results with revenue up 5,7% to R270.6m 
(2015: R255.9m). The volatile exchange rate again put pressure on margins. However, 
through the management of overheads, the operating profit increased by 8,9% to R32.5m 
(2015: R29.8m), and operating margin improved to 12,0% (2015: 11,6%). The new Euro 
Nouveau lighting showroom, which was opened in the period, with a new range targeting 
the more discerning buyer, received positive responses from the market. The joint 
venture with Crabtree to distribute their products to our retail 
customers has had little effect on the current earnings but is expected to show 
potential for future growth.

Prospects
The Group foresees little or no change in the general trading environment given the
low economic growth forecast for South Africa. We remain confident that the Group
has the resources to continue to build customer loyalty which will open new opportunities 
for the Electrical Division. This division will continue to invest, in the medium term, 
in organic growth opportunities through the establishment of new distribution outlets. 
Trading margins are expected to remain under pressure and costs and working capital will 
continue to be closely managed. The Electrical Division also has opportunities to supply 
product from its overhead line department to Eskom which is aiming to increase its 
electrification target to over 200 000 households by the end of March 2018.

The Lighting Division will continue to expand its product offering to existing
customers. Additional space has been leased in Johannesburg in an adjourning property to 
provide capacity for the new cut wire products and to accommodate a retail "ready pack"
plant. The expansion of the Crabtree product range of electrical accessories will give 
further momentum to this initiative.

The Euro Nouveau concept has been successfully launched in November 2016. Stock orders 
are currently being placed and delivered to the approved distributors nationally. The 
expectation is that this ultra-premium range of products will grow to be a meaningful 
contributor to company sales within the short to medium term.

Whilst no new corporate activity has taken place during the period, the Group continues 
to evaluate acquisition opportunities.

These interim statements, including these "prospects", have neither been reviewed
nor reported on by the Company's auditors.

Condensed Group statement of comprehensive income
                                                                Restated
                                               Unaudited       Unaudited         Audited
                                           six months to   six months to    12 months to
                                             31 December     31 December         30 June
                                       %            2016            2015            2016
                                  change         (R000's)        (R000's)        (R000's)
Revenue                                3       1 273 791       1 235 804       2 489 791
Cost of sales                          3         983 549         958 790       1 941 677
Gross profit                           5         290 242         277 014         548 114
Other income                           7           2 691           2 520           6 231
Operating expenses                     8        (188 389)       (174 754)       (332 130)
Impairment of goodwill                                 -               -          (5 500)
Profit before interest and         
taxation                                         104 544         104 780         216 715
Interest received                     30           6 563           5 055          11 911
Profit before taxation                 1         111 107         109 835         228 626
Taxation                               3          33 136          32 158          68 455
Profit for the period                             77 971          77 677         160 171
Items that will not be             
recycled into profit or loss       
- Revaluation of property,         
plant and equipment (net of        
taxation)                                              -               -           2 449
Total comprehensive                
income for the period                             77 971          77 677          162 620
Profit for the period              
attributable to:                                  77 971          77 677          160 171
- Non-controlling interests                       12 536          12 568           24 594
- Ordinary shareholders                1          65 435          65 109          135 577
Total comprehensive                            
income attributable to:                           77 971          77 677          162 620
- Non-controlling interests                       12 536          12 568           24 594
- Ordinary shareholders                1          65 435          65 109          138 026

Reconciliation between earnings and headline earnings
                                                                Restated
                                               Unaudited       Unaudited          Audited
                                           six months to   six months to     12 months to
                                             31 December     31 December          30 June
                                       %            2016            2015             2016
                                  change         (R000's)        (R000's)         (R000's)
Profit for the period                                      
attributable to ordinary                        
shareholders                                      65 435          65 109          135 577
Impairment of goodwill (net                     
of minorities)                                         -               -            4 070
Loss on disposal of                  
property, plant and                  
equipment (net of taxation           
and minorities)                                      540             203              747
Headline earnings                                 65 975          65 312          140 394
Number of ordinary shares                                                      
in issue (000's)                                 235 000         235 000          235 000
Weighted average number                                                        
of ordinary shares in issue                                                    
(000's)                                          235 000         235 000          235 000
Diluted number of ordinary                                                     
shares (000's)*                                  235 000         235 000          235 000
Basic earnings per share                                                       
(cents)*                               1           27.84           27.71            57.69
Headline earnings per                                                          
share (cents)*                         1           28.07           27.79            59.74
* There are no dilutive instruments in issue.

Condensed Group statement of financial position
                                                                Restated
                                               Unaudited       Unaudited          Audited
                                           six months to   six months to     12 months to
                                             31 December     31 December          30 June
                                       %            2016            2015             2016
                                  change         (R000's)        (R000's)         (R000's)
ASSETS
Property, plant
and equipment(#)                       4         230 664         222 338          225 313
Intangible assets                     (7)         77 925          83 581           78 003
Deferred taxation                                  3 008           9 944            6 957
Total non-current assets                         311 597         315 863          310 273
Current assets                                 1 029 807       1 011 656        1 123 287
Inventory                             18         463 032         390 880          439 913
Trade and other                                                               
receivables                           (9)        392 013         428 500          440 105
Taxation                                               -           1 399                -
Cash resources                        (8)        174 762         190 877          243 269
Total assets                                   1 341 404       1 327 519        1 433 560
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                                                        
Share capital and premium                        116 174         116 174          116 174
Revaluation reserve                               71 002          70 302           71 002
Accumulated profits                              625 662         565 795          638 012
Attributable to ordinary                                                      
shareholders                                     812 838         752 271          825 188
Non-controlling interests                        158 530         149 568          161 594
Total shareholders' funds                        971 368         901 839          986 782
Non-current liabilities                           42 445         118 189          126 372
Put option liability(#)                                -          79 174           84 510
Deferred lease payments                              844             309              393
Deferred taxation                      7          41 601          38 706           41 469
Current liabilities                    7         327 591         307 491          320 406
Trade and other payables             (22)        236 896         302 125          317 556
Put option liability(#)                           88 841               -                -
Taxation payable                     (65)          1 854           5 366            2 850
Total equity and liabilities                   1 341 404       1 327 519        1 433 560
Net asset value per                                                           
share (cents)                                     345.89          320.11           351.14
Net tangible asset                                                            
value per share (cents)                           318.42          287.29           321.96
(#) Fair value adjustments to financial assets and liabilities done only at year-end.
 
Property, plant and                                                           
equipment                                                                     
Capital expenditure                                                           
for the period                                    13 610           7 520           19 943
Capital commitments                                                           
- contracted for                                   8 096           1 525            3 308
Depreciation and
amortisation                                       7 337           5 682           11 517


Summarised Group statement of cash flows
                                                                Restated
                                               Unaudited       Unaudited          Audited
                                           six months to   six months to     12 months to
                                             31 December     31 December          30 June
                                                    2016            2015             2016
                                                 (R000's)        (R000's)         (R000's)
Cash generated by trading activities             109 931         110 318          236 058
Increase in net working capital                  (53 533)        (30 122)         (68 139)
Cash generated by                                         
operating activities                              56 398          80 196          167 919
Net interest received                             10 894           8 915           19 631
Dividends paid                                   (93 385)        (86 335)         (86 335)
Taxation paid                                    (29 055)        (32 198)         (67 092)
Cash flows from operating activities             (55 148)        (29 422)          34 123
Cash flows from investing activities             (13 359)         (6 481)         (10 345)
Cash flows from financing activities                   -               -           (7 289)
Increase in cash resources                       (68 507)        (35 903)          16 489
Cash resources at beginning                               
of the year                                      243 269         226 780          226 780
Cash resources at end of the year                174 762         190 877          243 269

Condensed Group statement of changes in equity
                                                   Share                          Accumu-
                                                 capital     Revaluation            lated
                                                     and         reserve           profit
                                                 premium         (R000's)         (R000's)
Balance at 30 June 2015 (audited)                116 174          70 302          571 421
Total comprehensive income                             -               -           65 109
Dividends paid                                         -               -          (70 735)
Balance at 30 December 2015
(unaudited and restated)                         116 174          70 302          565 795
Transfer realised on disposal                          -          (1 749)           1 749
Total comprehensive income                             -           2 449           70 468
Balance at 30 June 2016 (audited)                116 174          71 002          638 012
Total comprehensive income                             -               -           65 435
Dividends paid                                         -               -          (77 785)
Balance at 31 December 2016
(unaudited)                                      116 174          71 002          625 662
                                                           
                                                                    Non-
                                                             controlling
                                                               interests            Total
                                                                 (R000's)         (R000's)
Balance at 30 June 2015 (audited)                                152 600          910 497
Total comprehensive income                                        12 568           77 677
Dividends paid                                                   (15 600)         (86 335)
Balance at 30 December 2015                                                    
(unaudited and restated)                                         149 568          901 839
Transfer realised on disposal                                          -                -
Total comprehensive income                                        12 026           84 943
Balance at 30 June 2016 (audited)                                161 594          986 782
Total comprehensive income                                        12 536           77 971
Dividends paid                                                   (15 600)         (93 385)
Balance at 31 December 2016 (unaudited)                          158 530          971 368

Condensed Group segment report
                                              Electrical        Lighting        Corporate
                                                 (R000's)        (R000's)         (R000's)
Unaudited six months to
31 December 2016
- Segment revenue                              1 018 247         270 556           19 235
- Profit before interest and taxation             62 805          32 468           14 067
- Segment assets                                 851 568         295 768          523 898
- Segment liabilities                            233 333         142 318          190 628
- Net segment assets                             618 235         153 450          333 270
Unaudited restated six months to                                                
31 December 2015                                                                
- Segment revenue                                999 095         255 917           19 642
- Profit before interest and taxation             64 149          29 804           14 427
- Segment assets                                 871 325         279 849          531 296
- Segment liabilities                            286 191         152 604          218 950
- Net segment assets                             585 134         127 245          312 346
Audited 12 months ended                                                         
30 June 2016                                                                    
- Segment revenue                              2 006 038         506 954           39 311
- Profit before interest and taxation            134 991          59 946           26 854
- Segment assets                                 931 305         316 836          539 187
- Segment liabilities                            290 553         170 318          209 733
- Net segment assets                             640 752         146 518          329 454

                                                                Inter-Co            Total
                                                                 (R000's)         (R000's)
Unaudited six months to 31 December 2016                       
- Segment revenue                                                (34 247)       1 273 791
- Profit before interest and taxation                             (4 796)         104 544
- Segment assets                                                (329 830)       1 341 404
- Segment liabilities                                           (196 243)         370 036
- Net segment assets                                            (133 587)         971 368
Unaudited restated six months to 31 December 2015                            
- Segment revenue                                                (38 850)       1 235 804
- Profit before interest and taxation                             (3 600)         104 780
- Segment assets                                                (354 951)       1 327 519
- Segment liabilities                                           (232 065)         425 680
- Net segment assets                                            (122 886)         901 839
Audited 12 months ended 30 June 2016                                         
- Segment revenue                                                (62 512)       2 489 791
- Profit before interest and taxation                             (5 076)         216 715
- Segment assets                                                (353 768)       1 433 560
- Segment liabilities                                           (223 826)         446 778
- Net segment assets                                            (129 942)         986 782

Notes to the financial statements

Basis of preparation
These condensed unaudited consolidated interim financial statements for the six 
months  ended 31 December 2016 have been prepared in accordance with the framework 
concepts and the measurement and recognition requirements of International Financial 
Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), the SAICA Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the 
Accounting Practices Committee, Financial Pronouncements issued by the Financial 
Standards Council, the requirements of the SA Companies Act, the JSE Listings 
Requirements and the information required by IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. 
This report was compiled under the supervision of Grant Scrutton CA(SA) (Group 
Financial Officer). The Board takes full responsibility for the preparation of these 
financial results. 

Except for the new standards adopted as set out below, all accounting policies 
applied by the Group in the preparation of these interim financial statements are 
consistent, in all material respects, with those applied by the Group in its audited 
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2016. 

The Group has adopted the following new standards: IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, 
IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures, IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held-for-Sale 
and Discontinued Operations, IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements, and IAS 16 
Property, Plant and Equipment. There was no material impact on the interim financial 
statements identified based on management's assessment of these standards. The Group 
measures its properties and put option liability at fair value; these fair values are 
determined annually and accordingly, no fair value adjustments were made for the 
interim period. For more information on the annual fair value adjustments, refer to 
the annual report for the year ended 30 June 2016.

Restatement of prior period amounts
The December 2015 results have been restated for the recognition of the put option 
liability granted to Eurolux minorities and the de-recognition of the associated 
non-controlling interest, as set out fully in the summarised audited consolidated 
results released on SENS dated 24 August 2016 and the associated Integrated Report. 
These minorities now have the right to put these shares to the Company. Should this 
occur, the Company has the option to make payment of the consideration due within
six months from the date that the put option was exercised. Full details of the
accounting policy are set out in the 2016 Integrated Report available on our website.

This restatement and its effect on earnings per share ("EPS"), which is the same as
headline earnings per share, are set out below:
                                                                   Gross              EPS
                                                                  amount           effect
                                                                 (R000's)          (cents)
Effect on basic and diluted earnings per share in 2015                                                                           
Profit for period as previously reported                          65 096            27.70
Dividend paid to derecognised NCI now expensed                    (3 600)           (1.53)
Unwinding of present value of put liability                       (3 860)           (1.64)
Derecognition of NCI                                               7 473             3.18
                                                                  65 109            27.71
Changes to the Board
There were no changes in the Board of Directors during the period under review.

Financial assistance to related or inter-related companies (s45)
The holding company has provided financial guarantees and cessions of loan
accounts to the Group's bankers on behalf of the subsidiary companies as security
for facilities granted to the subsidiary companies.

Contingent liabilities and subsequent events
As previously reported, the Electrical Division received a summons from a major listed 
construction company, in December 2015 as the third defendant for an amount totalling 
R76.4m. This claim is primarily against the construction company's insurer in terms of 
a professional indemnity policy "as a result of the incorrect cable being procured or 
incorrect cable being installed incorrectly". Attorneys have been appointed to defend 
the matter. No provision has been made as the Board believes that there is no 
reasonable justification for this claim.

Subsequent to 31 December 2016, the Company concluded an agreement to sell its 
East London property for a net consideration of R12.4m and to buy another property in 
East London for R7.5m to develop as a replacement branch. There is no effect on HEPS 
and the transaction is uncategorised in terms of the JSE Listings Requirements.

No other significant events have occurred in the period between the reporting date
and the date of this announcement.

Dividends
ARB's policy is to distribute a single annual dividend for the full year up to a
maximum of 40% of net profit after taxation attributable to ordinary shareholders.
In line with this policy, no interim dividend has been declared.

Appreciation
The Directors and management once again would like to acknowledge and thank
our customers, suppliers, business partners, advisors, shareholders and staff for
their continued support.

For and on behalf of the Board

Alan R Burke
Chairman

W (Billy) Neasham
CEO

16 February 2017

Directors
AR Burke (Chairman)*
JS Dixon#*
ST Downes#*
WR Neasham (CEO)
RB Patmore^#*
GM Scrutton (CFO)
* Non-executive
# Independent
^ Lead independent

Auditors
PKF Durban
12 on Palm Boulevard
Gateway
4319

Sponsor
Grindrod Bank
Grindrod Tower
8A Protea Place
Sandton

Company secretary
M Louw
11 Larch Close
Centurion
0046
Date: 16/02/2017 07:05:00 Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited ('JSE'). 
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