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THE BIDVEST GROUP LIMITED - Audited provisional summarised financial results and cash dividend declaration for the year ended 30 June 2017

Release Date: 28/08/2017 07:05
Code(s): BVT     PDF:  
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Audited provisional summarised financial results and cash dividend declaration  for the year ended 30 June 2017

The Bidvest Group Limited
("Bidvest" or "the Group" or "the Company") 
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration number: 1946/021180/06 
Share code: BVT
ISIN: ZAE000117321 

THE BIDVEST GROUP LIMITED 
Audited provisional summarised financial results and cash dividend declaration 
for the year ended 30 June 2017 

Financial highlights

+4,0%
Revenue up to R71,0 bn
(2016: R68,2 billion)

+6,2%
Headline earnings up to R3,7 bn
(2016: R3,5 billion)

+4,3%
EBITDA R7,7 bn
(2016: 7,3 billion)

+4,6%
Trading profit up to R6,0 bn,
(2016: R5,8 billion)

-31,2%
Distribution per share 491 cents
(2016: 714 cents*)
* Dividend paid pre-unbundling of foodservice businesses

-1,4%
Cash generated by operations R6,9 bn
(2016: R7,0 billion)


Salient features
- Trading profit up 4,6% to R6,0 billion, SA operations up 6,4%
- Strong improvements in associate companies
- Five of the seven divisions recorded commendable increases in trading profit despite challenging economic conditions
- R773 million from non-core asset disposals
- Basic earnings per share up 107% to 1 430,3 cents
- Headline earnings increased by 6,2% to R3,7 billion 
- HEPS increased by 5,1% to 1 108,2 cents
- Tight asset management 
- Strong balance sheet maintained. Net debt/EBITDA <1 times
- Final dividend declared of 264 cents per share
- Cash generation of R6,9 billion, after significant investment in South Africa
- Acquisition of Irish and UK-based facility management services leader, Noonan


Summarised consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 30 June
                                                                         2017                 2016           %    
R'000                                                                 Audited              Audited      change    
Revenue                                                            70 998 001           68 241 101         4,0    
Cost of revenue                                                   (50 342 325)         (48 342 240)                
Gross income                                                       20 655 676           19 898 861         3,8    
Operating expenses                                                (15 131 637)         (14 602 043)        3,6    
Sales and distribution costs                                       (9 719 858)          (9 361 693)                
Administration expenses                                            (3 698 671)          (3 683 769)                
Other costs                                                        (1 713 108)          (1 556 581)                
Other income                                                          282 122              299 967                
Trading result                                                      5 806 161            5 596 785         3,7    
Income from investments                                               210 776              156 694                
Trading profit                                                      6 016 937            5 753 479         4,6    
Share-based payment expense                                          (143 145)            (139 698)                
Acquisition costs                                                     (24 230)              (8 416)                
Net capital items                                                   1 027 588           (1 175 240)                
Operating profit                                                    6 877 150            4 430 125        55,2    
Net finance charges                                                (1 059 560)            (922 114)       14,9    
Finance income                                                        232 069              194 617                
Finance charges                                                    (1 291 629)          (1 116 731)                
Share of profit of associates                                         379 231              149 983       152,8    
Profit before taxation                                              6 196 821            3 657 994        69,4    
Taxation                                                           (1 328 232)          (1 215 487)        9,3    
Profit for the period from continuing operations                    4 868 589            2 442 507        99,3    
Profit after taxation from discontinued operations                          -           79 253 352                
Profit for the year                                                 4 868 589           81 695 859                
Attributable to:                                                                                                  
Shareholders of the Company                                         4 769 940            2 285 850                
Non-controlling interest                                               98 649              156 657                
Shareholders of the Company - discontinued operations                       -           79 215 705                
Non-controlling interest - discontinued operations                          -               37 647                
                                                                    4 868 589           81 695 859                
Basic earnings per share (cents)                                      1 430,3                692,6       106,5    
Diluted basic earnings per share (cents)                              1 423,4                690,2       106,2    
Headline earnings per share (cents)                                   1 108,2              1 054,1         5,1    
Diluted headline earnings per share (cents)                           1 102,9              1 050,4         5,0    

Shares in issue                                                                                                   
Total                                                                 335 094              332 672                
Weighted ('000)                                                       333 497              330 036                
Diluted weighted ('000)                                               335 098              331 210                

Dividends per share (cents)                                             491,0                714,0       (31,2)   
Interim                                                                 227,0                482,0       (52,9)   
Final                                                                   264,0                232,0        13,8        

Discontinued operations                                                                                           
Basic earnings per share (cents)                                            -             24 002,2                
Diluted basic earnings per share (cents)                                    -             23 917,0                
Dividend in specie per share (cents)                                        -             27 818,0                
Headline earnings                                               
The following adjustments to profit                          
attributable to shareholders were                            
taken into account in the calculation                        
of headline earnings:                                        
Profit attributable to shareholders                          
of the Company                                                      4 769 940            2 285 850       108,7    
Impairment of property, plant and                                                 
equipment, goodwill and intangible assets                              (1 403)             153 475                
Property, plant and equipment                                          (1 147)              34 995                
Goodwill                                                                    -               52 111                
Intangible assets                                                           -              102 021                
Taxation effect                                                           158              (35 652)                
Non-controlling interest                                                 (414)                   -                
Net loss on disposal of interests in                                              
subsidiaries and disposal and                                                     
closure of businesses                                                  50 874              139 001                
Loss on disposal and closure                                           65 311              178 176                
Taxation effect                                                       (14 437)             (39 175)                
Net (profit) loss on disposal and remeasurement                    (1 080 926)             810 759                
Remeasurement to recoverable fair value of associates              (1 144 633)             760 764                
Net loss on change in shareholding in associates                       82 072               49 995                
Taxation effect                                                       (18 365)                   -                
Net (profit) loss on disposal of property,                                        
plant and equipment and intangible assets                              (7 114)               2 265                
Property, plant and equipment                                          (8 446)               5 601                
Intangible assets                                                      (9 371)                 887                
Taxation effect                                                         2 909               (2 843)                
Non-controlling interest                                                7 794               (1 380)                
Gain on a bargain purchase                                            (11 374)              (9 310)                
Non-headline items included in equity                                             
accounted earnings of associate companies                             (24 265)              96 961                
Headline earnings                                                   3 695 732            3 479 001         6,2    


Summarised consolidated statement of other comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 June
                                                                         2017                 2016           
R'000                                                                 Audited              Audited          
Profit for the year                                                 4 868 589           81 695 859          
Other comprehensive income                                           (126 903)           4 179 958          
Items that may be reclassified                                                       
subsequently to profit or loss                                       (134 297)           4 170 310          
Foreign currency translation reserve                                                                         
Exchange differences arising during the year                         (117 787)           4 170 535          
Available-for-sale financial assets                                                                          
Net fair value profit (loss) on                                                      
available-for-sale financial assets                                     2 527               (2 244)          
Cash flow hedges                                                                                             
Net fair value (profit)loss arising during the year                   (26 440)               2 257          
Taxation effect for the year                                            7 403                 (238)          
Items that will not be reclassified                                                  
subsequently to profit or loss                                          7 394                9 648          
Defined benefit obligations                                                                                  
Net remeasurement of defined benefit                                                 
obligations during the year                                            10 278               14 795          
Taxation effects                                                                                             
Taxation charge for the year                                           (2 884)              (5 147)          
Total comprehensive income for the year                             4 741 686           85 875 817          
Attributable to                                                                                              
Shareholders of the Company                                         4 654 904           85 658 409          
Non-controlling interest                                               86 782              217 408          
                                                                    4 741 686           85 875 817          


Summarised consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 30 June                                                       
                                                                         2017                 2016     
R'000                                                                 Audited              Audited    
Cash flows from operating activities                                2 816 458            3 148 537    
Operating profit                                                    6 877 150            4 430 125    
Dividends from associates                                             114 494              138 689    
Acquisition costs                                                      24 230                8 416    
Depreciation and amortisation                                       1 641 568            1 586 940    
Remeasurement to recoverable fair value of associates              (1 144 633)             760 764    
Other non-cash items                                                 (265 154)            (187 742)    
Cash generated by operations before changes                                      
in working capital                                                  7 247 655            6 737 192    
Changes in working capital                                           (367 886)             296 577    
Cash generated by operations                                        6 879 769            7 033 769    
Net finance charges paid                                           (1 030 415)            (851 371)    
Taxation paid                                                      (1 373 927)          (1 191 426)    
Dividends paid by - Company                                        (1 529 585)          (3 149 552)    
                  - Subsidiaries                                     (129 384)            (128 194)    
Net operating cash flows from discontinued operations                       -            1 435 311    
Cash effects of investment activities                              (1 621 011)          (5 646 310)    
Net disposals (additions) to vehicle rental fleet                     107 399              (77 995)    
Net additions to property, plant and equipment                     (1 895 257)          (2 404 062)    
Net additions to intangible assets                                   (141 066)            (113 525)    
Net disposal (acquisition) of subsidiaries,                                      
businesses, associates and investments                                307 913             (786 872)    
Net investing cash flows from discontinued operations                       -           (2 263 856)    
Cash effects of financing activities                                  (21 223)           1 577 560    
Proceeds from shares issued                                                 -               82 506    
Disposal of treasury shares                                           274 229            1 265 277    
Borrowings raised                                                   2 902 588            2 434 616    
Borrowings repaid                                                  (3 198 040)          (3 376 015)   
Net financing cash flows from discontinued operations                       -            1 171 176    
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                1 174 224             (920 213)    
Net cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year          2 706 226            5 818 512    
Exchange rate adjustment from continuing operations                     5 967                9 686    
Exchange rate adjustment from discontinued operations                       -              814 703    
Cash disposed as part of Foodservices Division unbundling                   -           (3 016 462)    
Net cash and cash equivalents at end of the year                    3 886 417            2 706 226    
Net cash and cash equivalents comprise:                                                             
Cash and cash equivalents                                           5 132 550            3 911 927    
Bank overdrafts shown as short-term portion                                      
of interest-bearing debt                                           (1 246 133)          (1 205 701)    
                                                                    3 886 417            2 706 226    


Summarised consolidated statement of financial position                            
as at 30 June                                                                      
                                                                         2017                 2016     
R'000                                                                 Audited              Audited    
ASSETS                                                                                                
Non-current assets                                                 25 323 700           21 846 083    
Property, plant and equipment                                      10 474 205            9 700 907    
Intangible assets                                                   1 667 710              929 960    
Goodwill                                                            3 167 700            2 537 036    
Deferred taxation asset                                               728 913              618 192    
Defined benefit pension surplus                                       202 886              180 035    
Interest in associates                                              5 375 328            4 190 496    
Investments                                                         2 843 132            2 869 822    
Banking and other advances                                            863 826              819 635    
Current assets                                                     26 067 498           23 215 161    
Vehicle rental fleet                                                  992 942            1 318 581    
Inventories                                                         8 595 692            7 996 103    
Short-term portion of banking and other advances                    1 026 974              878 627    
Trade and other receivables                                        10 136 307            9 098 345    
Taxation                                                              183 033               11 578    
Cash and cash equivalents                                           5 132 550            3 911 927    
Total assets                                                       51 391 198           45 061 244    
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                                                                                
Capital and reserves                                               23 044 323           19 746 080    
Attributable to shareholders of the Company                        21 697 305           18 459 474    
Non-controlling interest                                            1 347 018            1 286 606    
Non-current liabilities                                             7 165 102            7 459 037    
Deferred taxation liability                                         1 014 705              882 847    
Life assurance fund                                                   311 355               24 761    
Long-term portion of borrowings                                     5 408 072            6 138 900    
Post-retirement obligations                                            77 197               79 128    
Puttable non-controlling interest liabilities                          60 990               49 167    
Long-term portion of provisions                                       149 907              163 887    
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities                      142 876              120 347    
Current liabilities                                                21 181 773           17 856 127    
Trade and other payables                                           11 033 424           11 016 386    
Short-term portion of provisions                                      278 582              278 830    
Vendors for acquisition                                                39 523               28 534    
Taxation                                                              109 771                    -    
Banking liabilities                                                 4 412 104            3 689 161    
Short-term portion of borrowings                                    5 308 369            2 843 216    
Total equity and liabilities                                       51 391 198           45 061 244    
Net tangible asset value per share (cents)                              5 032                4 507    
Net asset value per share (cents)                                       6 475                5 549    
                                                                 

Summarised consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30 June
                                                                         2017                 2016    
R'000                                                                 Audited              Audited    
Shareholders' interest                                                                                
Issued share capital                                                   16 770               16 770    
Balance at beginning of the year                                       16 770               16 758    
Shares issued during the year                                               -                   12    
Share premium arising on shares issued                                379 792              379 792    
Balance at beginning of the year                                      379 792              297 298    
Shares issued during the year                                               -               82 580    
Share issue costs                                                           -                  (86)    
Foreign currency translation reserve                                  286 628              393 429    
Balance at beginning of the year                                      393 429            5 149 394    
Current year movement                                                (105 885)           4 147 359    
Realisation of reserve on disposal and or                                           
unbundling of subsidiaries and or associates                             (916)          (8 903 324)    
Hedging reserve                                                         6 489               25 526    
Balance at beginning of the year                                       25 526               25 383    
Fair value movements during the year                                  (26 440)               2 257    
Taxation recognised directly in reserve                                 7 403                 (238)    
Realisation of reserve on disposal and or                                           
unbundling of subsidiaries and or associates                                -               (1 876)    
Equity-settled share-based payment reserve                            (14 787)              67 002    
Balance at beginning of the year                                       67 002              310 416    
Arising during the year                                               143 712              259 226    
Taxation recognised directly in reserve                                81 779              146 745    
Utilisation during the year                                          (307 280)            (762 053)    
Realisation of reserve on disposal and or                                           
unbundling of subsidiaries and or associates                                -                3 205    
Transfer to retained earnings                                               -              109 463    
Retained earnings                                                  20 279 261           17 108 032    
Balance at the beginning of the year                               17 108 032           31 558 166    
Attributable profit                                                 4 769 940           81 501 555    
Change in fair value of available-for-sale                                          
financial assets                                                        2 527               (2 244)    
Net remeasurement of defined benefit                                                
obligations during the year                                             7 359                9 721    
Transfer of reserves as a result of changes                                         
in shareholding of subsidiaries                                      (118 000)             (45 592)    
Taxation direct in equity arising from                                              
transactions with subsidiaries                                         47 664                    -    
Remeasurement of put option liability                                  (8 676)                (787)    
Net dividends paid                                                 (1 529 585)          (3 149 552)    
Dividend in specie on unbundling of subsidiaries                            -          (92 533 240)    
Taxation direct in equity arising                                                   
from dividend in specie                                                     -             (120 532)    
Transfer from equity-settled share-based                                            
payment reserve                                                             -             (109 463)    
Treasury shares                                                       743 152              468 923    
Balance at the beginning of the year                                  468 923             (985 225)    
Shares disposed of with the unbundling of subsidiaries                      -              420 288    
Reduction in the value of treasury shares                                           
arising on receipt of unbundled shares                                      -             (231 417)    
Shares disposed of in terms of share incentive scheme                 274 229            1 265 277    
                                                                   21 697 305           18 459 474    
Equity attributable to non-controlling interest                                                       
Balance at beginning of the year                                    1 286 606            1 338 044    
Other comprehensive income                                             86 782              217 408    
Attributable profit                                                    98 649              194 304    
Movement in foreign currency translation reserve                      (11 902)              23 176    
Net remeasurement of defined benefit                                                
obligations during the period                                              35                  (72)    
Dividends paid                                                       (129 384)            (141 302)    
Movement in equity-settled share-based payment reserve                   (567)                 562    
Changes in shareholding                                               (14 419)              (6 686)    
Grant of puttable options to non-controlling interests                      -              (68 944)    
Transfer of reserves as a result of changes                                         
in shareholding of subsidiaries and other                                           
transactions with subsidiaries                                        118 000               45 592    
Non-controlling interest of disposed or                                             
unbundled subsidiaries                                                      -              (98 068)    
                                                                    1 347 018            1 286 606    
Total equity                                                       23 044 323           19 746 080    
                                           

Summarised segmental analysis
for the year ended 30 June
                                              2017                2016           %    
R'000                                      Audited             Audited      change    
REVENUE                                                                               
Bidvest South Africa                    69 679 523          67 298 077         3,5    
Automotive                              24 182 054          24 062 557         0,5    
Commercial Products                      8 025 202           6 013 106        33,5    
Electrical                               5 667 087           5 375 014         5,4    
Financial Services                       4 009 127           3 336 302        20,2    
Freight                                  4 986 641           6 013 814       (17,1)   
Office and Print                         9 670 916          10 076 465        (4,0)   
Services                                13 138 496          12 420 819         5,8    
Bidvest Namibia                          3 794 668           3 858 949        (1,7)   
Bidvest Corporate                        1 592 071           1 726 387        (7,8)   
Properties                                 489 124             411 938        18,7    
Corporate and investments                1 102 947           1 314 449       (16,1)   
                                        75 066 262          72 883 413         3,0    
Inter Group eliminations                (4 068 261)         (4 642 312)                
                                        70 998 001          68 241 101         4,0    
TRADING PROFIT                                                                        
Bidvest South Africa                     5 632 476           5 295 391         6,4    
Automotive                                 663 395             674 709        (1,7)   
Commercial Products                        688 571             463 654        48,5    
Electrical                                 350 173             317 440        10,3    
Financial Services                         625 303             582 204         7,4    
Freight                                  1 070 257           1 019 816         4,9    
Office and Print                           657 692             706 295        (6,9)   
Services                                 1 577 085           1 531 273         3,0    
Bidvest Namibia                             86 470             296 662       (70,9)   
Bidvest Corporate                          297 991             161 426        84,6    
Properties                                 428 566             366 583        16,9    
Corporate and Investments                 (130 575)           (205 157)       36,4    
                                         6 016 937           5 753 479         4,6    


Message to shareholders
Introduction
Bidvest (the Company or the Group) is a leading trading, distribution and services group, operating through seven 
divisions: Services, Freight, Automotive, Office and Print, Commercial Products, Financial Services and Electrical. 
The Group owns 52,0% of Bidvest Namibia and a significant Bidvest-occupied property portfolio. Bidvest continues 
to hold investments in Adcock Ingram (38,4%), Comair (27,2%), Mumbai Airport (6,75%), as well as other listed and 
unlisted investments. 

Highlights 
Bidvest has delivered a solid trading result in an exacting market, characterised by a lack of economic growth and
declining consumer spend, as well as significant business and political uncertainty. The benefits of a diversified
portfolio and the quality of the underlying businesses are evident in the performance of the South African trading 
operations where five of Bidvest's seven divisions, as well as Bidvest Properties, delivered growth in trading profit. 
The Automotive division, while not growing profits, managed to perform ahead of a very challenging market. Exceptional 
cost discipline and driving down the cost of doing business helped to support growth in most of the businesses that 
faced deflationary pressure.

South African operations delivered improved trading results in most divisions, with trading profit increasing by 6,4%
against revenue growth of 3,5%. The results were bolstered by a strong focus on clients and solutions, as well as the
acquisition of Brandcorp (effective 1 October 2016) in the Commercial Products division and smaller bolt-on acquisitions
in the Electrical and Financial Services divisions. Bidvest Namibia continued to be impacted by a lack of fishing quotas
and a recessionary macro-economic environment. Bidvest Corporate benefited from mark-to-market fair value
adjustments on various investments, an exceptional performance from the property division and reduced losses in the UK.

Strong profitability gains were achieved at Adcock Ingram and Comair, which notably increased Bidvest's share of profits 
from these associated companies and prompted a reversal of previous impairments, arising from an increase in their 
respective market values. These financial impacts contributed to a more than doubling of basic earnings per share to 
1 430,3 cents (2016: 692,6 cents). Headline earnings per share increased by 5,1% to 1 108,2 cents (2016: 1 054,1 cents).

Financial overview
Group revenue increased 4,0% to R71,0 billion (2016: R68,2 billion), with R1,7 billion of the increase attributable to
the contribution from Brandcorp. The disposal of Manica, effective 30 June 2016, reduced revenue in the Freight
division by R1,3 billion in the current year. On a comparable basis, revenue (excluding Manica and Brandcorp) increased 
by 3,5%. 

Gross profit margin was fairly stable at 29,1% (2016: 29,2%). The inclusion of the higher margin Brandcorp business
served to support the overall margin, against Bidvest Namibia's margins that were decimated by challenging operating
conditions and Financial Services' margins which were diluted by low margin trade flow business. 

Operating expenses were well controlled, increasing by a modest 3,6%. This result is even more impressive in the
context of the distortions from the Manica and Brandcorp transactions. Excluding the effects of these material 
transactions, like-for-like were well contained and increased by 1,7%. 

Commercial Products, Electrical, Financial Services, Freight and Services contributed positively to the growth  
in the trading profit. Automotive and Office and Print profits were slightly down, while Bidvest Namibia suffered a
significant decline. 

Income from investments increased by 34,5% to R210,8 million. This outcome was the result of a range of realised and
unrealised gains and losses during the year in some of the listed and unlisted investments. The insurance investment
portfolio yielded a lower return compared to the prior year. 

Trading profit grew 4,6% to R6,0 billion (2016: R5,8 billion), with a trading margin of 8,5% (2016: 8,4%).

Net capital items contributed profits of R1,0 billion in 2017, relative to losses of R1,2 billion in the prior year.
The investments in Adcock Ingram and Comair benefited from positive mark-to-market adjustments relative to negative
adjustments for the 2016 financial year. Both Adcock Ingram and Comair reported substantially better results in 
the 2017 financial year.

Net finance charges were 14,9% higher at R1,1 billion (2016: R922 million), driven by an increase in net debt due to
the Brandcorp acquisition and an increase in the weighted average interest rate.

Share of profit from associates increased by 152,8%, due to the improved performances in Adcock Ingram and Comair. 

Bidvest's headline earnings increased by 6,2% to R3,7 billion (2016: R3,5 billion) and HEPS by 5,1% to 1 108,2 cents
per share. The increased number of weighted average shares in issue increased. 

Bidvest continues to maintain a conservative approach to gearing and net debt levels are acceptable at  R5,6 billion 
(2016: R5,1 billion). Stable net debt to EBITDA at 0,7 times and EBITDA interest cover of 7,2 times (2016: 8,0 times), 
are comfortably above the Group's conservative targets, providing ample capacity for further expansion.

Cash generated by operations at R6,9 billion, was marginally lower than the R7,0 billion generated in the prior year.
The Group absorbed R368 million of working capital in the current year compared to a release of R297 million in the
prior year. This was mainly due to substantial project deliveries in the fourth quarter of the 2017 financial year. 

An amount of R773 million was recognised on the sale of non-core assets including Cargo Carriers, Cullinan, 
approximately half of the Bidcorp shares and various other listed shares. 

Following Moody's Investors Service's downgrade of South Africa's sovereign rating in June 2017, the rating agency
also lowered Bidvest's global scale long and short-term counterparty credit ratings to Baa3/P-3 from Baa2/P-2,
respectively. The outlook is negative. Bidvest's national scale rating has remained unchanged at Aa1.za/P-1.za.

Acquisitions
During the year, the Group acquired 100% of Brandcorp with effect from 1 October 2016. Brandcorp is a value-added 
distributor of niche industrial and consumer products trading under the industrial brands, Matus, Renttech, Burncrete, 
Moto Quip, Leisure Quip and consumer brands, Cellini and MIC Prestige. The acquisition forms part of the Commercial 
Products segment and enabled the Group to expand its range of complementary products and services. 

Bidvest also announced the acquisition of 100% of Noonan for EUR175 million in July 2017. Noonan is an integrated 
facility management services and solutions provider with a 40-year track record. Its services range from cleaning and 
security to building services and facilities management and include soft, technical and ancillary services. Noonan 
employs more than 13 000 people and operates throughout the Republic of Ireland and in the United Kingdom, with 40% 
of its revenue derived from the latter. Noonan has deep management experience, supported by strong business technology, 
and has demonstrated strong client retention over the years. SA Reserve Bank approval has been obtained and the 
transaction has therefore become unconditional. The transaction will be effective 1 September 2017.

The acquisition of Noonan is in line with Bidvest's stated strategic intent to expand its presence beyond South Africa
in niche, asset light businesses that will benefit from Bidvest's capabilities and expertise. 

In addition, the Group made several less significant acquisitions and disposals during the year, as part of its
strategy to grow through organic as well as acquisitive means.

Prospects
Current economic data points to moderately improving economic conditions. This trend is supported by higher commodity 
prices and improving consumer confidence as evidenced by the latest retail statistics. Accordingly, we expect trading 
conditions to improve marginally in the coming year.

Against this background, a continued strong focus on expense control and asset management remain essential ingredients
to ensure outperformance through the business cycles.

The Group will continue to actively explore selective acquisitive opportunities in local and international markets, 
to complement existing product and service offerings. Bidvest maintains a sound financial position and a strong balance
sheet with adequate headroom to support it's aspirations in this regard. The monetisation of the remaining non-core 
assets will continue.

Divisional review
Services 
This is a large and diverse division operating in numerous areas of service. The division continued to perform satisfactorily, 
increasing its trading profit by 3,0%. The Security and Allied clusters performed well, with Protea Coin again being a star 
performer. Bidvest Facilities Management achieved good results as it secured several new integrated contracts. The annuity 
based businesses all performed above expectations. The project-based industrial businesses and the Travel cluster generated 
disappointing results. 

Freight
The division performed pleasingly with trading profit up 4,9%. Revenue, after removing Manica from the prior year, was up 6,0%. 
The financial performance was supported by an uptick in mineral exports, particularly manganese, copper and chrome, and strong 
liquid volumes. Agricultural volumes fell short of expectations. The commissioning of the new Puma fuel tanks in Richards Bay 
contributed to the increase in petroleum volumes. Excellent cost control added to profitability. 

Automotive 
Automotive delivered a satisfactory performance against a new vehicle dealer market that has contracted by 8,2% in the year 
to June 2017 and new vehicle margins came under extreme pressure. Revenue was flat and trading profit was marginally down at 
1,7%. Improved balance has been achieved in the contribution from new vehicles, used vehicles, service and parts, which has 
been critical to offset the volume declines and margin pressures in new vehicle sales. Used vehicle volumes have stabilised 
and related activities achieved strong growth. Non-performing dealers and franchises were exited this year. Bidvest Car 
Rental grew volumes and secured rental rate increases. Fleet utilisation was, however, lower and accident incidents and 
costs higher. 

Office and Print 
Revenue declined by 4,0% and trading profit by 6,9%, after being down 14% at half-year. Year-on-year revenue
comparisons are distorted by the non-recurrence of the Tanzanian voter registration project and the disposal of 
Kolok Mozambique. The division's trading profit result was negatively impacted by a decline in volume and pricing 
pressure at Kolok, together with margin erosion and foreign exchange effects at Konica Minolta. Overall gross margin, 
however, continued to be well managed and operating expenses were exceptionally well-controlled. Operating cash 
generation and asset management was excellent. Zonke, Silveray and Packaging performed especially well and Waltons' 
turnaround strategy is bearing fruit. Three bolt-on acquisitions were concluded in the Paper and Printing areas.

Commercial Products 
The division produced good results, delivering a 48,5% increase in trading profit. The results include the acquisition
of the Brandcorp group of companies during the year. Excluding the Brandcorp acquisition, revenue increased by 3,0% and
trading profit by a commendable 6,0%, in a tough trading environment. A shift in mix towards the higher yielding
Brandcorp companies assisted in increasing margins, despite price pressure from customers and price deflation. 
Excellent results were achieved in Plumblink, Bidvest Materials Handling, Academy Brushware and Home of Living Brands. 
Yamaha experienced headwinds. Brandcorp performed in line with expectations, with Renttech and Burncrete achieving 
excellent results.

Financial Services
Bidvest Bank and the Insurance cluster reported a pleasing set of results. Trading profit increased by 7,4%, with a
strong contribution from Bidvest Bank. The bank's corporate advances increased by 26,5% and deposits grew by 16,6%. 
The positive performance was driven further by a 14,6% growth in the leasing business and a notable improvement in the
Treasury forex margin of the Trading and Investments business. The bank delivered strong improvements in key 
banking ratios. In June, Moody's Investor Services upgraded Bidvest Bank's long-term national scale rating to Aa2 
from A1. It also affirmed the bank's global scale rating by raising the outlook to stable from negative.

Positive operating performance in the Insurance cluster was impacted by declining returns on the investment portfolio.
Insurance premiums grew by 97,1% and insurance assets increased by 23,0% to R1,8 billion. Compendium was again the star
performer with an 88,0% increase in operating profit year-on-year.

Electrical 
The division has performed well given that the infrastructure development, mining and construction sectors in South
Africa remain constrained. The 10,3% increase in trading profit and revenue growth of 5,4% is excellent in this
environment. Voltex held its own, with Cabstrut and Electech achieving good growth. The Voltex brand remains strong. 
The solutions businesses Solid State Power, Versalec Cables and Voltex MVLV Solutions produced impressive results. 
Eagle Lighting, Technilamp and Mubelo are new diversified businesses in niche markets which will add value 
going forward.

Other investments
Bidvest Namibia (52% share)
Difficult macro-economic factors in Namibia contributed to a disappointing overall performance, with trading profit
declining by 70,9%. For the Bidfish division, limited quota allocations, a significant decline in prices and higher 
quota buy-in prices affected profitability. All the other divisions experienced pressure on revenue due to the 
recession in Namibia and, apart from Properties, reported a decline in profitability. The trading conditions are 
not expected to ease in the short term. Various cost initiatives have been implemented to improve the operating 
performance.

On 18 August 2017, shareholders were advised that Bidvest Namibia has entered into discussion, which if successfully
concluded, may have a material effect on the price of the Company's securities. 

Bidvest Corporate 
Bidvest Properties performed well with a 16,9% increase in trading profit. A positive mark-to-market adjustment in
Bidcorp and an upwards revaluation of the investment in Mumbai International supported the performance of investments. 
The UK businesses of Mansfield and On Time both showed pleasing improvements over the prior year.

Directorate
Paul Baloyi resigned from the board in August 2016 and Brian Joffe in August 2017. The board welcomes Nosipho Molope
as an independent non-executive director from 2 August 2017.

The board and management of Bidvest wish to thank Brian Joffe, the founder of Bidvest, for his valued leadership since 
its formation. We wish him well for the future.

Bidvest welcome the launch of the "#BusinessBelieves in South Africa" campaign. As advocates of the campaign, the 
Group pledges its support of ethical business practices. Bidvest reaffirms its committment to job creation and 
economic growth through the expansion of its South African operations.

For and on behalf of the board

CWL Phalatse             L Ralphs
Chairman                 Chief executive

Johannesburg
28 August 2017

Dividend declaration
In line with the Group dividend policy, the directors have declared a final gross cash dividend of 264 cents 
211,2 cents net of dividend withholding taxation, where applicable) per ordinary share for the year ended 
30 June 2017 to those members registered on the record date, being Friday, 22 September 2017. This brings 
the total dividend for the year to 491 cents per share (2016: 714 cents). The total dividend is not comparable 
to the prior year total dividend which was declared as part of the larger Bidvest Group prior to the unbundling 
of the foodservice businesses.

The dividend has been declared from income reserves. A dividend withholding taxation of 20% will be applicable to 
all shareholders who are not exempt. 

Share code:                                BVT                             
ISIN:                                      ZAE000117321                    
Company registration number:               1946/021180/06                  
Company tax reference number:              9550162714                      
Gross cash dividend amount per share:      264 cents                      
Net dividend amount per share:             211.2000        
Issued shares at declaration date:         335 404 212                     
Declaration date:                          Monday, 28 August 2017          
Last day to trade cum dividend:            Tuesday, 19 September 2017      
First day to trade ex-dividend:            Wednesday, 20 September 2017    
Record date:                               Friday, 22 September 2017       
Payment date:                              Tuesday, 26 September 2017      

Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, 20 September 2017, and 
Friday, 22 September 2017, both days inclusive.

For and on behalf of the board

CA Brighten
Company secretary

Johannesburg
28 August 2017

Basis of presentation of summarised consolidated financial statements 
These summarised provisional financial statements have been 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 Reporting Pronouncements as issued by
Financial Reporting Standards Council, and includes, at a minimum, disclosure as required by IAS 34 Interim Financial
Reporting, the Companies Act of South Africa and the JSE Listings Requirements. They do not include all the information
required for a complete set of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) financial statements. However, selected
explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding to the changes
in the Group's financial position and performance since the last annual consolidated financial statements as at and for
the year ended 30 June 2016.

In preparing these summarised provisional financial statements, directors make judgements, estimates and assumptions
that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and
expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The significant judgements made by directors in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of
estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for 
the year ended 30 June 2016.

Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies applied in these summarised provisional financial statements are the same as those applied in
the Group's consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 June 2016.

During the year certain operations were reclassified between segments. The comparative period's segmental information
has been re-presented to reflect these insignificant changes.

Net acquisition of businesses, subsidiaries, associates and investments
During the year the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Brandcorp with effect from 1 October 2016. Brandcorp 
is a value added distributor of niche Industrial and Consumer products trading under the Industrial brands, Matus, 
Renttech, Burncrete, Moto Quip, Leisure Quip and consumer brands, Cellini and MIC Prestige. The acquisition forms 
part of the Bidvest Commercial Products segment and will enable the Group to expand its range of complementary products 
and services. Goodwill arose on the acquisition as the anticipated value of future cash flows, that were taken into 
account in determining the purchase consideration, exceeded the net assets acquired at fair value. The acquisition has 
been funded with a combination of long-term borrowings and existing cash resources.

The acquisition of Brandcorp contributed R1,8 billion to gross revenue and R198 million to operating profit. Had the
acquisition taken place on 1 July 2016, the contribution to revenue would have been R2,6 billion and R252 million to
operating profit.

The Group also made a number of less significant acquisitions and disposals during the year. Certain of these
acquisitions resulted in insignificant bargain purchase gains. These acquisitions were funded from existing 
cash resources.

The following table summarises the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed which have been included in these
results from the respective acquisition and disposal dates.
                                                                        Other             Total                             Net    
R'000                                              Brandcorp     acquisitions      acquisitions     Disposals      acquisitions    
Property, plant and equipment                        185 302           63 690           248 992        (9 192)          239 800    
Deferred taxation                                   (116 534)          (7 664)         (124 198)       14 437          (109 761)    
Interest in associates                                27 626           32 790            60 416      (288 441)         (228 025)    
Investments and advances                                   -          510 124           510 124      (941 863)         (431 739)    
Inventories                                          572 519           58 695           631 214       (56 976)          574 238    
Trade and other receivables                          480 411           33 576           513 987       (16 552)          497 435    
Cash and cash equivalents                            118 444           60 080           178 524         3 176           181 700    
Borrowings                                        (1 945 120)         (11 059)       (1 956 179)          108        (1 956 071)    
Trade and other payables and provisions             (434 489)        (101 551)         (536 040)      (11 492)         (547 532)    
Taxation                                              (9 277)          (5 280)          (14 557)         (649)          (15 206)    
Intangible assets                                    684 282              517           684 799           (95)          684 704    
                                                    (436 836)         633 918           197 082    (1 307 539)       (1 110 457)    
Non-controlling interest                                   -           15 179            15 179          (760)           14 419    
Realisation of foreign currency                                                                    
translation reserve                                        -                -                 -           916               916    
Gain on bargain purchase price                             -          (11 374)          (11 374)            -           (11 374)    
Goodwill                                             436 836          197 362           634 198        (3 212)          630 986    
Net assets acquired (disposed)                             -          835 085           835 085    (1 310 595)         (475 510)    
Settled as follows:                                                                                                                
Cash and cash equivalents acquired/disposed of                                         (178 524)       (3 176)         (181 700)    
Acquisition costs                                                                        24 230             -            24 230    
Net loss on disposal of operations                                                            -       132 946           132 946    
Net change in vendors for acquisition                                                   (10 989)            -           (10 989)    
Receivable arising on disposal of associate                                                   -       203 110           203 110    
Net acquisition (disposal) of businesses,                                                          
subsidiaries, associates and investments                                                669 802      (977 715)         (307 913)    


Commitments
Capital expenditure amounting to R1 939 million (2016: R1 138 million) is in respect of property, plant and equipment.

Subsequent events
The Group acquired 100% of the shares of Noonan from Alchemy Partners and Noonan's current management. Noonan, which
is based and operates throughout the Republic of Ireland and a foothold in the United Kingdom, has established a clear
leadership position with a 40-year track-record of delivering high-quality integrated facility management services and
solutions. Its services include soft, technical and ancillary services, and range from cleaning and security to building
services and facilities management. The board believes that Noonan's business model and geographic presence will be
complementary to Bidvest's Services division. Several learnings can be shared, and enhanced, thereby improving the 
Group's overall service offering. The current dual geographic footprint allows for growth optionality into Europe and 
further afield. South African Reserve Bank approval has been obtained. The transaction is expected to be effective 
1 September 2017. The EUR175 million (R2,7 billion) purchase price was settled by way of foreign credit facilities. 
Three-year variable rate, Euro denominated funding has been secured at an attractive rate.

Other than above, no further subsequent events have been identified.

Fair value of financial instruments
The Group's investments of R2 843 million (2016: R2 870 million) include R62 million (2016: R89 million) recorded at
cost, R1 785 million (2016: R1 846 million) recorded and measured at fair values using quoted prices (level 1) and 
R996 million (2016: R935 million) recorded and measured at fair value using factors not based on observable data 
(level 3). Fair value gains on level 3 investments recognised in the income statement total R95 million 
(2016: R94 million) and other reductions of R67 million relate to net sales, and foreign exchange losses of 
R0,4 million recognised in the currency translation reserve.

The Group's effective beneficial interest in the Indian based Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (MIAL) 
is included in unlisted investment held-for-trade, where the fair value is not based on observable market data 
(level 3). The carrying value of this investment, based on the directors' valuation at 30 June 2017, is R940 million 
(US$72 million) (2016: R853 million (US$60 million)).
 
When the Group performs an analysis and notes significant changes in the underlying variables included in the valuation, 
the value of the investment is reconsidered. As a result of consistent increases in earnings driven off increased
passenger numbers the Mial asset has been revalued in the current year. The updated value was determined as fair value 
less cost to sell. The calculation used the actual operating results for MIAL based on the most recent financial statements
and a median multiple for the peer group which is in a range of 11.6 - 12.5x EBITDA. A 1% change in the multiple or
EBITDA used results in US$1,6 million change in the value. Consideration was also given to an independent expert valuation
as well as the Group's prior disposal of the identical sized interest in the 2012 financial year, after adjusting for a
control premium achieved in that transaction.
 
Mial is a foreign based asset and the ruling year end exchange rate, US$1 = R13,06 (2016: US$1 = R14,79), is a further
factor that affects the carrying value. The valuation is considered a level 3 type valuation in accordance with IFRS 13
- Fair Value Measurement.

The carrying values of all financial assets and liabilities approximate their fair values, with the exception of
borrowings of R10 713 million whose carrying value is R10 716 million.

Audit report
The auditors, Deloitte & Touche, have issued their opinion on the consolidated financial statements for the year 
ended 30 June 2017. The audit was conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. They have issued 
an unmodified opinion. A copy of the auditor's report together with a copy of the audited consolidated financial 
statements are available for inspection at the Company's registered office.

These summarised provisional consolidated financial statements have been derived from the consolidated financial 
statements and are consistent in all material respects with the Group's consolidated financial statements. These 
summarised provisional consolidated financial statements have been audited by the Company's auditors who have issued an 
unmodified opinion. The auditor's report does not necessarily report on all of the information contained in this 
announcement. Any reference to future financial information included in this announcement has not been reviewed or 
reported on by the auditors. Shareholders are advised, that in order to obtain a full understanding of the nature of 
the auditor's engagement they should obtain a copy of that report together with the accompanying financial information 
from the Company's registered office.

Preparer of the summarised consolidated financial statements
The provisional summarised and consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the supervision of HP Meijer
(BCompt, MBL), Group Financial Director, and were approved by the board of directors on 25 August 2017.

Administration
("Bidvest" or "the Group" or "the Company") 
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa

Directors
Independent non-executive chairman: CWL Phalatse
Independent non-executive directors: DDB Band, EK Diack, AK Maditsi, S Masinga, CWN Molope, NG Payne, T Slabbert
Executive directors: LP Ralphs (Chief executive), AW Dawe, NT Madisa, GC McMahon, HP Meijer* (Group financial officer)
(*Netherlands)

Company secretary
CA Brighten 

Transfer secretaries
Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited 
Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107, South Africa 
Telephone +27 (11) 370 5000  Telefax +27 (11) 688 7717

Sponsor
Investec Bank Limited
100 Grayston Drive, Sandown, Sandton, South Africa, 2196

Registered office
Bidvest House, 18 Crescent Drive, Melrose Arch, Melrose
Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa 
PO Box 87274, Houghton, Johannesburg, 2041, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (11) 772 8700
Email:     info@bidvest.co.za

www.bidvest.com
REGISTERED OFFICE SOUTH AFRICA
Bidvest House, 18 Crescent Drive, Melrose Arch, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa

Further information regarding our Group can be found on the Bidvest website: 

www.bidvest.com

Date: 28/08/2017 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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