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BASIL READ HOLDINGS LIMITED - Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2017 and cautionary announcement

Release Date: 28/08/2017 07:30
Code(s): BSR     PDF:  
Wrap Text
Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2017 and cautionary announcement

BASIL READ HOLDINGS LIMITED
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
(Registration number 1984/007758/06)
(Basil Read or the company or the group) 
ISIN: ZAE000029781
Share code: BSR
UNAUDITED RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2017 AND CAUTIONARY ANNOUNCEMENT


KEY RESULTS
Revenue from continuing operations R2.3 billion
(2016: R2.5 billion)

Operating (loss)/profit (R458.8 million)
(2016: R73.5 million)

Net (loss)/profit (R474.1 million)
(2016: R34.4 million)

Headline (loss)/profit per share from continuing operations (295.16 cents)
(2016: 53.39 cents)

Order book R10.7 billion
(2016: R10.4 billion)

Safety 0 fatalities
(2016: 0 fatalities)


ORDER BOOK
23% construction
 9% developments
44% mining
18% roads
 6% St Helena airport project
 
REVENUE
34% construction
 3% developments
36% mining
20% roads
 7% St Helena airport project


Basis of preparation
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2017 have been prepared in
accordance with the requirements of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements for interim financial reports and the
requirements of Companies Act of South Africa. The JSE Listings Requirements require interim reports to be prepared 
in accordance with the framework concepts, the measurement and recognition criteria of International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) and the SAICA financial reporting guides, as issued by the accounting practices committee and financial
pronouncements as issued by the Financial Reporting Standards Council, and as a minimum, contain the information required 
by IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.

The condensed consolidated interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the annual financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2016,which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The significant accounting
policies and methods of computation are consistent in all material respects with those applied in previous periods.

Review report
The condensed interim consolidated financial statements were prepared under the supervision of the chief financial
officer, Talib Sadik, CA(SA).

The board of directors takes full responsibility for the preparation of the six months interim report.

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2017 have not been reviewed
or reported on by the group’s auditors.

Forward-looking statement
Statements made throughout this announcement on the future financial performance of the company have not been reviewed
or audited by the company’s external auditors. The company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will
materialise and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The
company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement even if new
information becomes available as a result of future events or for any other reason, other than as required by the JSE
Listings Requirements.

Condensed consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income
for the six months ended 30 June 2017
                                                                          June             June         December    
                                                                          2017             2016             2016    
                                                                          R000             R000             R000    
CONTINUING OPERATIONS                                                                                               
Contract revenue                                                     2 276 745        2 501 918        5 126 085    
Operating (loss)/profit                                               (458 780)          73 452           63 737    
Financing income                                                         6 951            3 747            8 868    
Net foreign exchange movements                                           5 333          (22 784)          31 882    
Financing expense                                                      (25 308)         (18 439)         (50 117)    
Capital items                                                                -                -          (40 788)    
Share of profits/(losses) of associates and joint ventures              18 992           13 664           (8 981)    
(Loss)/profit before taxation                                         (452 812)          49 640            4 601    
Taxation                                                               (21 246)          18 122          (25 419)    
(Loss)/profit for the year from continuing operations                 (474 058)          67 762          (20 818)    
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS                                                                                             
Result on disposal of discontinued operations                                -          (33 352)         (32 828)    
Net (loss)/profit for the year                                        (474 058)          34 410          (53 646)    
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR - NET OF TAX                                                                
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss          (19 368)         (18 372)         (35 813)    
Total comprehensive income for the year                               (493 426)          16 038          (89 459)    
(Loss)/profit attributable to:                                                                                      
Owner of the company                                                  (475 254)          39 171          (64 128)    
Non-controlling interests                                                1 196           (4 761)          10 482    
Net (loss)/profit for the year                                        (474 058)          34 410          (53 646)    
Total comprehensive income attributable to:                                                                         
Owner of the company                                                  (494 746)          15 614         (103 750)    
Non-controlling interests                                                1 320              424           14 291    
Total comprehensive income for the year                               (493 426)          16 038          (89 459)                                                                                                                       
                                                                         Cents            Cents            Cents    
CONTINUING OPERATIONS                                                                                               
Basic earnings per share                                               (360.90)           55.08           (23.77)    
Diluted earnings per share                                             (360.90)           55.08           (23.77)    
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS                                                                                             
Basic earnings per share                                                     -           (25.33)          (24.93)    
Diluted earnings per share                                                   -           (25.33)          (24.93)    


Condensed consolidated statement of financial position            
as at 30 June 2017
                                                June             June         December    
                                                2017             2016             2016    
                                                R000             R000             R000    
ASSETS                                                                                    
Non-current assets                         1 657 548        1 578 292        1 390 758    
Property, plant and equipment              1 098 544          944 356          799 092    
Investment property                            6 048            6 494            6 112    
Investments                                  216 515          196 063          177 524    
Intangible assets                              1 433           91 210           90 782    
Deferred taxation                            335 008          340 169          317 248    
Current assets                             1 750 646        2 029 978        1 883 907    
Contract work in progress                    362 222          558 324          342 354    
Trade and other receivables                  834 755          861 869          699 900    
Inventories                                   46 603           38 121           35 229    
Development land                             255 483          262 679          259 607    
Derivative financial instrument                    -                -              623    
Taxation                                      28 721           31 477           28 681    
Cash and cash equivalents                    222 862          277 508          517 513                                                                                                    
Total assets                               3 408 194        3 608 270        3 274 665    
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                                                                    
Non-current liabilities                      395 940          227 528          348 166    
Borrowings                                   332 633          171 743          300 378    
Deferred taxation                             63 307           55 785           47 788    
Current liabilities                        2 371 587        2 141 152        1 792 406    
Contract income received in advance          407 728          520 737          330 321    
Trade and other payables                     978 233        1 082 850          934 327    
Borrowings                                   381 998          158 733          137 760    
Provisions                                   506 592          296 419          299 167    
Taxation                                      48 411           24 156           31 794    
Bank overdraft                                48 625           58 257           59 037                                                                                                    
Total liabilities                          2 767 527        2 368 680        2 140 572    
Equity                                       647 232        1 261 342        1 141 978    
Stated capital                             1 048 025        1 048 025        1 048 025    
Other reserves                               (17 131)          18 426            2 361    
Retained earnings                           (383 662)         194 891           91 592    
Non-controlling interest                      (6 565)         (21 752)          (7 885)    
Total liabilities and equity               3 408 194        3 608 270        3 274 665    


Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the six months ended 30 June 2017
                                    Stated capital       Other reserves                                                                                   
                                   Share   Treasury                         Retained                           Total     
                                 capital     shares       FCTR1      FVR2   earnings        AEHC3     NCI4    equity    
                                    R000       R000       R000      R000        R000        R000     R000       R000    
Balance as at                      
1 January 2016                 1 048 037        (12)    45 854    (3 871)    155 720   1 245 728  (22 176) 1 223 552                                                                                      
Total comprehensive income             -          -    (39 622)        -     (64 128)   (103 750)  14 291    (89 459)    
Loss for the year                      -          -          -         -     (64 128)    (64 128)  10 482    (53 646)    
Other comprehensive income             -          -    (39 622)        -           -     (39 622)   3 809    (35 813)                                                                                                                         
Balance as at                  
31 December 2016/              
1 January 2017                 1 048 037        (12)     6 232    (3 871)     91 592   1 141 978   (7 885) 1 134 093                                                                                          
Total comprehensive income             -          -    (19 492)        -    (475 254)   (494 746)   1 320   (493 426)    
Loss for the year                      -          -          -         -    (475 254)   (475 254)   1 196   (474 058)    
Other comprehensive income             -          -    (19 492)        -           -     (19 492)     124    (19 368)                                                                                                                        
Balance as at                      
30 June 2017                   1 048 037        (12)   (13 260)   (3 871)   (383 662)    647 232   (6 565)   640 667                                                                                                                                  
1 Foreign currency translation reserve.                                                                                                                                        
2 Fair value adjustment reserve.                                                                                                                                        
3 Attributable to equity holders of the company.                                                                                                                                        
4 Non-controlling interest.                                                                                                                                        
Movements are reflected net of taxation.                                                                                                                                        


Condensed consolidated statement of changes in cash flows
for the six months ended 30 June 2017
                                                                          June          June       December    
                                                                          2017          2016           2016    
                                                                          R000          R000           R000    
Cash flows from operating activities                                                                           
Cash received from customers                                         2 193 445     2 081 252      4 888 598    
Cash paid to suppliers and employees                                (2 273 531)   (2 204 815)    (4 791 312)    
Interest paid                                                          (23 766)      (18 634)       (48 239)    
Interest received                                                        6 951         3 747          8 863    
Taxation paid                                                           (7 117)      (10 154)       (27 655)    
Net cash flows from operating activities                              (104 018)     (148 604)        30 255    
Cash flows from investing activities                                                                           
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment                         (171 709)     (106 911)      (128 975)    
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment                 13 169        12 725         42 392    
Disposal of subsidiaries                                                     -        64 785         64 785    
Advances made from jointly controlled entities and associates          (20 025)      (10 424)       (15 189)    
Dividends received from associates and joint ventures                        -        15 369         14 926    
Net cash flows from investing activities                              (178 565)      (24 457)       (22 061)    
Cash flow from financing activities                                                                            
Proceeds borrowings raised                                              90 387        29 200        200 855    
Repayments of borrowings                                               (90 210)      (97 099)      (196 524)    
Net cash flow from financing activities                                    177       (67 899)         4 331    
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents            (1 833)      (14 465)       (28 725)    
Movement in cash and cash equivalents                                 (284 239)     (255 425)       (16 200)    
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period     458 476       474 676        474 676    
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period           174 237       219 251        458 476    


Additional information to the condensed consolidated financial statements
(LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE AND HEADLINE (LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE                                                                                                        
Summary of (loss)/earnings per share and heading (loss)/earnings per share                                                                                                    
                                              Earnings       Weighted average                              
                                            attributable     number of shares    Cents per share                                    
                                          2017      2016      2017      2016       2017    2016    
                                          R000      R000      R000      R000                       
Total operations                                                                                   
LPS1/EPS2               - Basic       (475 254)   39 171   131 686   131 686    (360.90)  29.75    
LPS/EPS                 - Diluted     (475 254)   39 171   131 686   131 686    (360.90)  29.75    
HLPS3/HEPS4             - Basic       (388 680)   64 417   131 686   131 686    (295.16)  48.92    
HLPS/HEPS               - Diluted     (388 680)   64 417   131 686   131 686    (295.16)  48.92    
Continuing operations                                                                              
LPS/EPS                 - Basic       (475 254)   72 523   131 686   131 686    (360.90)  55.08    
LPS/EPS                 - Diluted     (475 254)   72 523   131 686   131 686    (360.90)  55.08    
HLPS/HEPS               - Basic       (388 680)   70 307   131 686   131 686    (295.16)  53.39    
HLPS/HEPS               - Diluted     (388 680)   70 307   131 686   131 686    (295.16)  53.39    
Discontinued operations                                                                               
LPS/EPS                 - Basic              -   (33 352)  131 686   131 686          -  (25.33)    
LPS/EPS                 - Diluted            -   (33 352)  131 686   131 686          -  (25.33)    
HLPS/HEPS               - Basic              -    (5 890)  131 686   131 686          -   (4.47)    
HLPS/HEPS               - Diluted            -    (5 890)  131 686   131 686          -   (4.47)
    
Reconciliation between basic earnings/(loss), diluted earnings/(loss) and headline earnings/(loss)                                                                                                               
                                                                           Continuing       Discontinued                   
                                                       Total               operations        operations                            
                                                  2017      2016         2017      2016    2017       2016    
                                                  R000      R000         R000      R000    R000       R000    
Basic and diluted earnings/(loss)             (475 254)   39 171     (475 254)   72 523       -    (33 352)    
(Profit)/loss on sale of subsidiary                  -    27 462            -         -       -     27 462    
(Profit)/loss on sale of property, 
plant and equipment                             (2 409)   (2 216)      (2 409)   (2 216)      -          -    
Impairment of goodwill                          88 919         -       88 919         -       -          -    
Fair value adjustment on 
investment property                                 64         -           64         -       -          -    
Headline (loss)/earnings                      (388 680)    64 417    (388 680)   70 307       -     (5 890)    
1 Loss per share.             
2 Earnings per share.         
3 Headline loss per share.    
4 Headline earnings per share.


GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS                                                              
                                                                  Contract-           
                                                                      based           
                                                                 intangible                  
                                                     Goodwill        assets        Total            
                                                         R000          R000         R000            
Balance as at 1 January 2016                                                                
Cost                                                  350 970        80 177      431 147    
Accumulated amortisation and impairment              (262 053)      (77 453)    (339 506)    
Net book value                                         88 917         2 724       91 641    
Movements                                                                                   
Amortisation                                                -          (859)        (859)    
Impairment                                                  -             -            -    
Balance as at 31 December 2016/1 January 2017                                               
Cost                                                  350 970        80 177      431 147    
Accumulated amortisation and impairment              (262 053)      (78 312)    (340 365)    
Net book value                                         88 917         1 865       90 782    
Movements                                                                                   
Amortisation                                                -          (432)        (432)    
Impairment                                            (88 917)            -            -    
Balance as at 30 June 2017                                                                  
Cost                                                  343 532        80 177      423 709    
Accumulated amortisation and impairment              (343 532)      (78 744)    (422 276)    
Net book value                                              -         1 433        1 433    


The group goodwill is allocated to roads cash-generating unit (CGU).

Following the losses generated in the roads CGU management has recalculated the recoverable 
amount of the roads CGU as at 30 June 2017. An impairment loss of R88.9 million was recognised for 
the roads CGU, reducing the carrying amount of the goodwill for this CGU to zero as at 30 June 2017. 
There are no other goodwill recoverable amounts for the group as at 30 June 2017.  
                 
The impairment assessment of the roads CGU was performed based on the value-in-use methodology 
using a five-year discounted cash flow model. The pre-tax cash flows were discounted using a 
pre-tax discount rate in line with valuations methodology and the requirements of accounting 
standards.      
             
The key assumptions used for value-in-use calculation:                   
                                                  2017    
Base revenue (R000)                            600 000    
Nominal growth rate (%)                          4 - 7    
Gross profit/(loss) (%)                         9 - 12    
Nominal pre-tax discount rate (%)                 21.6    


SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS                                
Sensitivity analysis in respect of the most significant assumption applied in the impairment model                   
- 1% increase in gross nominal growth rate.                   
  If all assumptions remain unchanged, a 1% increase in the nominal growth rate results in a 
  R5.6 million increase in the recoverable amount, this change will still result in an impairment.                   
- 1% decrease in the discount rate.                   
  If all assumptions remain unchanged, a 1% decrease in the discount rate results in a R7.0 million 
  increase in the recoverable amount, this change will still results in an impairment.
  
The management has considered and assessed reasonable possible changes for other key assumptions and 
has not identified any other instances that could result in goodwill not being impaired. 
                  
The contract-based intangible asset that arose on the acquisition of Sunset Bay Trading 282 (Pty) Ltd 
has been determined to have a finite life, based on the expected duration of property development. 
It is being amortised over a maximum period of 120 months, of which 20 months are remaining.  


PROVISIONS
                                                    Contract           Total     
                                   Employee       provisions      provisions    
                                       R000             R000            R000    
2017                                                                            
Opening balance                       1 345          297 822         299 167    
Additions                            19 344          202 853         222 197    
Utilisations                            (39)         (14 362)        (14 401)    
Reversals                              (976)         (10 523)        (11 499)    
Other movements                       1 021            9 797          10 818    
Foreign exchange differences              3              307             310    
Closing balance                      20 698          485 894         506 592    

Included in contract provisions is R199.8 million related to onerous contracts.                                                    

Employee provision consists mainly of bonuses for wage earners.                                                    


OPERATING SEGMENTS                                                                                                          
The group is comprised of five operational segments namely construction, developments, mining, roads 
and St Helena, based on the management of the segments by the chief operating decision maker. The 
construction segment consists of buildings, civils and pipelines.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                     2017                                        
                                                Develop-           
                                Construction       ments       Mining      Roads   St Helena        Total    
                                        R000        R000         R000       R000        R000         R000                                              
Performance measures                                                                                         
Total segment revenue                769 703      66 344      837 734    472 041     154 085    2 299 907    
Intersegment revenue                       -           -       (1 106)   (22 056)          -      (23 162)    
External revenue                     769 703      66 344      836 628    449 985     154 085    2 276 745    
Operating profit/(loss)             (181 111)     26 027       21 708   (284 271)    (41 134)    (458 781)    
Measures of financial position                                                                               
Total segment assets                 946 984     338 718    1 354 166    221 707     546 619    3 408 194    
Total segment liabilities          1 065 795      53 714      737 530    238 991     671 497    2 767 527    
Order book                         2 463 185     997 944    4 638 766  1 925 901     642 471   10 668 267    
                                                                                                             
                                                                     2016                                                                            
                                Construction    Develop-       Mining      Roads   St Helena        Total    
                                        R000       ments         R000       R000        R000         R000    
                                                    R000                                                     
Performance measures                                                                                         
Total segment revenue                719 528      31 131      812 098    615 689     381 977    2 560 423    
Intersegment revenue                       -           -      (58 505)         -           -      (58 505)    
External revenue                     719 528      31 131      753 593    615 689     381 977    2 501 918    
Operating profit                     (32 344)      8 859       49 695      7 747      39 495       73 452    
Measures of financial position                                                                               
Total segment assets               1 568 802     409 786    1 025 617     79 838     524 228    3 608 271    
Total segment liabilities          1 029 766      64 915      553 246    157 351     563 402    2 368 680    
Order book                         1 593 407     470 080    4 655 357  2 377 801   1 267 303   10 363 948    


GOING CONCERN 
In determining the appropriate basis of preparation of the financial statements, the directors are required to
consider whether the group can continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The board recognises 
that cash flow is critically tight, and that raising new funding is now essential to stabilise the company in the 
short term, and to meet future operating commitments over the medium to long term. Based on the forecasts and plans 
that are being implemented by management, which are discussed in more detail in the commentary section, the directors 
believe that the group will have sufficient cash resources for the foreseeable future.


Commentary
OVERVIEW
Basil Read Holdings Limited (the group) reported interim financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2017 which 
were materially below expectations. The operating loss of R458.8 million compared to R73.5 million profit reported for the
six months ended 30 June 2016, is attributable to provisions on contracts within the roads division which included the 
write down of goodwill (R88,9 million) as a result of decline in earnings. Claims on the Olifantsfontein pipeline contract 
remain difficult and protracted, requiring further provisions for six months trading. We have considered it prudent to 
increase provisions, notwithstanding significant improvement in expected recovery. It is also expected that mitigating 
remedial actions being pursued by management will significantly reduce the expected cost by year end. 

Excluding legacy  contracts in the construction division and the difficulties on one major contract within the roads division, 
the majority  of the contracts within the group remain well managed. The mining division continues to fare well reflecting 
profits for the six months, and it is anticipated that this position will carry to year end. 

The developments division performed exceptionally well during the reporting period on the back of continued strong performance 
in sales in the industrial developments.

During the period under review there were zero work-related fatalities.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Trading conditions remained poor for the sector. Turnover decreased by 8.0% to R2.3 billion from R2.5 billion (30 June 2016) 
after discontinuing select loss making projects. The group reported a headline loss per share of 295.16 cents compared to a
headline earnings per share of 48.92 cents for the comparative period ended 30 June 2016. The loss per share reported in the 
period was 360.9 cents compared to earnings per share of 55.08 cents for the comparative period.

For the period under review, Basil Read’s mining and developments divisions have seen strong demand for their respective service 
offerings and value propositions. In contrast, Basil Read’s roads and construction divisions both continued to face challenging 
trading conditions due to poor contract margins, limited public-sector infrastructure spend, low business and consumer confidence, 
and increased competition. Continued competitive market conditions translated into tighter margins on work secured. The group has 
reviewed its margins requirement with likely major reduction in volumes in the roads division.

                                                             Unaudited         Unaudited           Audited    
                                                            Six months        Six months         12 months     
                                                                 ended             ended             ended     
                                                               30 June           30 June       31 December     
                                                                  2017              2016              2016    
Turnover                                                  R2.3 billion      R2.5 billion      R5.1 billion    
Operating (loss)/profit                                (R458.8 million)    R73.5 million     R63.7 million    
Before tax (loss)/profit from continuing operations    (R452.8 million)    R49.6 million      R4.6 million    
(HLPS)/HEPS                                              (295.16 cents)      48.92 cents      (21.09 cents)   
Order book                                               R10.7 billion     R10.4 billion     R12.3 billion    
Safety                                                 Zero fatalities   Zero fatalities   Zero fatalities    

CASH FLOW
Cash and cash equivalents for the period ended 30 June 2017 amounted to R174.2 million (June 2016: R219.2 million).The company 
utilised R104 million (June 2016: R148.6 million utilised) cash from operations. The net cash outflow from operating activities is 
after payment of taxation liabilities of R7.1 million (June 2016: R10.2 million). The group invested R171.9 million in new plant and
equipment mainly for the mining division.

RESTRUCTURING UPDATE
Shareholders are referred to the SENS announcement released on 31 May 2017, which advised that the board of directors (the board)
resolved to undertake significant restructuring of the company in light of further unanticipated losses. Significant progress has been 
made in this regard and most of the effects will likely be more evident in the ensuing financial period (Dec 2018). Any major effect
will be communicated to shareholders.

FUNDING REQUIREMENTS
The adverse impact of poor performance in the roads division along with protracted claims process necessitated a review of the group 
funding approach. These, together with the need for investment in new contracts in the mining division severely depleted group liquidity. 
These shortfalls have been addressed as follows: 

Management has engaged select funders on the market and these have largely been positive. The IDC granted much needed funding support of 
R90 million for the mining division (new contract). While we are resolute in the recovery of outstanding claims, the timing of receipt will 
largely be beyond required contract period. The group has initiated a number of fundraising initiatives both in respect of short-term 
requirements (bridging finance) and long-term requirements. We are pleased to advise stakeholders that both processes have progressed well 
with an initial R61million of a bridging facility of R150 million having been approved. On a longer-term basis, we are in the process of 
raising capital through a rights issue. While we have yet to secure binding commitments, engagements to date suggest that this will receive
support from shareholders. It is anticipated that total funds arising from this will be in the region of R200 million to R300 million. 
Internally we have engaged in a number of initiatives to secure further liquidity. These will be in addition to increased intensity of claims 
recovery and comprise disposal of non-core assets which are estimated to yield up to R150 million.

CAUTIONARY
Various confidential discussions and negotiations have been entered into regarding the rights offer, which may have a material effect on the 
price of the company’s securities. Accordingly, shareholders are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the company’s securities until a 
detailed announcement is made with regards to the rights offer.

Divisional performance
Operating (loss)/profit of R458.8 million (2016: R73.5 million)
Divisional operating profit                                                                                                                          
                          Unaudited          Unaudited              Audited    
                         Six months         Six months            12 months     
                              ended              ended                ended     
                            30 June            30 June          31 December     
                               2017               2016                 2016    
Construction*       (R222.2 million)      R7.1 million       (R21.9 million)   
Developments          R26.0 million       R8.9 million        R15.9 million    
Roads               (R284.3 million)      R7.8 million       (R41.9 million)   
Mining                R21.7 million      R48.7 million       R111.6 million    
Total               (R458.8 million)     R73.5 million        R63.7 million    
* Includes St Helena.

PROSPECTS
The focus going forward will be primarily on repositioning the group for the current and future environment. This entails: continued investment 
in the divisions and projects that have traditionally been profitable at high margins, as well as closing out the remaining distressed projects, 
reducing overhead costs and improving liquidity.

The group will seek to minimise the impact of cyclical volatility through:

(a) Selective project acquisition and to focus the business development efforts in accordance with the company’s selected markets. At the end of 
    June 2017, the group’s order book was R10.7 billion, reflecting good balance between the construction (R3.1 billion), roads (R1.9 billion), 
    developments (R1.0 billion) and mining divisions (R4.7 billion) and ensuring the group’s ability to trade despite challenging market conditions. 
    The potential profit of the order book is good and should allow the company to improve profitability. While the sector remains challenging, with 
    very few projects available, the group pipeline remains very good in the short term and we are expecting increases in the order book.

CHANGES TO THE BOARD
The following changes to the board took effect in the first six months ended 30 June 2017:
- Neville Nicolau resigned as CEO and executive director with effect from 31 May 2017.
- Khathutshelo (K2) Mapasa was appointed as acting CEO with effect from 1 June 2017.

DIVIDENDS
Due to the difficult trading environment and need to retain working capital, the board of directors has resolved not to declare an interim dividend.


On behalf of the board

PC Baloyi           K Mapasa 
Chairman            Chief executive officer (acting)


Company Secretary
A Ndoni

Registered office
The Basil Read Campus, 7 Romeo Street, Hughes Extension, Boksburg, 1459 

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc.

Transfer secretaries
Link Market Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Sponsor
Grindrod Bank Limited

Directors
PC Baloyi*† (chairman), K Mapasa (acting chief executive officer), 
MT Sadik (chief financial officer), DLT Dondur*†, MSI Gani*†, TD Hughes*, Dr CE Manning*†, 
ACG Molusi*, SS Ntsaluba*, AT Tlelai*
(*Non-executive, †Independent)

www.basilread.co.za
communications@basilread.co.za
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