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METAIR INVESTMENTS LIMITED - Condensed unaudited consolidated interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and withdrawal of cautionary

Release Date: 16/08/2018 07:05
Code(s): MTA     PDF:  
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Condensed unaudited consolidated interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and withdrawal of cautionary

METAIR INVESTMENTS LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
("Metair" or "the group" or "the company")
(Reg No. 1948/031013/06)  
Share code: MTA  
ISIN code: ZAE 000090692

Condensed unaudited consolidated interim results for the six months
ended 30 June 2018 and withdrawal of cautionary announcement

Headline earnings per share increased 16% to 132 cents per share compared to the previous comparative period

Revenue increased 10% to R4.5bn compared to the previous comparative period

GOVERNANCE

At Metair, governance refers to the system whereby we direct, grow and control our business and ensure accountability, transparency
and honesty, with balanced focus on performance and conformance taking into account the interests of all stakeholders

Acquisition of 35% shareholding in a Li-ion startup business, namely Prime Motors in Romania. Several Li-ion projects are
currently underway with OEMs which could spearhead Metair's entrance into the Li-ion market in the future

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT #

                                                                                               Six months ended                 Year ended
                                                                                          30 June 2018    30 June 2017    31 December 2017
                                                                                                 R'000           R'000               R'000
                                                                                             Unaudited       Unaudited             Audited
Revenue                                                                                      4 483 478       4 075 750           9 516 657   
Cost of sales                                                                              (3 646 619)     (3 298 663)         (7 760 976)   
Gross profit                                                                                   836 859         777 087           1 755 681   
Other operating income                                                                         100 018          48 993              88 678   
Distribution, administrative and other operating expenses                                    (523 991)       (471 187)           (996 846)   
Operating profit                                                                               412 886         354 893             847 513   
Interest income                                                                                  8 569          15 390              26 179   
Interest expense                                                                              (89 902)        (90 527)           (200 867)   
Share of results of associates                                                                  47 415          41 777             102 989   
Profit before taxation                                                                         378 968         321 533             775 814   
Taxation                                                                                      (97 301)        (81 685)           (188 242)   
Profit for the period                                                                          281 667         239 848             587 572   
Attributable to:                                                                                                                             
Equity holders of the company                                                                  261 691         223 462             556 182   
Non-controlling interests                                                                       19 976          16 386              31 390   
                                                                                               281 667         239 848             587 572   
Depreciation and amortisation included in the above expenses                                   125 360         130 544             265 779   
Operating lease rentals included in the above expenses                                          18 235          18 660              37 331   
Earnings per share                                                                                                                           
Basic earnings per share (cents)                                                                   132             113                 281   
Headline earnings per share (cents)                                                                132             114                 281   
Diluted earnings per share                                                                                                                   
Diluted earnings per share (cents)                                                                 131             112                 279   
Diluted headline earnings per share (cents)                                                        132             113                 279   
Number of shares in issue ('000)                                                               198 986         198 986             198 986   
Number of shares in issue excluding treasury shares ('000)                                     198 003         197 986             197 970   
Weighted average number of shares in issue ('000)                                              198 003         197 980             197 987   
Adjustment for dilutive shares ('000)                                                            1 099           1 137               1 068   
Number of shares used for diluted earnings calculation ('000)                                  199 102         199 117             199 055   
Calculation of headline earnings (R'000)                                                                                                     
Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders                                               261 691         223 462             556 182   
(Profit)/loss on disposal of property, plant & equipment - net                                    (65)           1 503               (595)   
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                                        300                                       
Headline earnings                                                                              261 926         224 965             555 587   

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME #

                                                                                               Six months ended                 Year ended
                                                                                          30 June 2018    30 June 2017    31 December 2017
                                                                                                 R'000           R'000               R'000
                                                                                             Unaudited       Unaudited             Audited 
Profit for the period                                                                          281 667         239 848             587 572   
Other comprehensive income/(loss):                                                                                                           
- Actuarial gains recognised                                                                                     2 585               7 116   
- Foreign exchange translation movements                                                     (215 690)       (111 668)           (443 988)   
- Tax on other comprehensive (income)/loss                                                                       (517)             (1 546)   
Net other comprehensive loss                                                                 (215 690)       (109 600)           (438 418)   
Total comprehensive income for the period                                                       65 977         130 248             149 154   
Attributable to:                                                                                                                             
Equity holders of the company                                                                   45 722         113 769             117 646   
Non-controlling interests                                                                       20 255          16 479              31 508   
                                                                                                65 977         130 248             149 154   

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY #

                                                                                                Six months ended                Year ended
                                                                                           30 June 2018    30 June 2017   31 December 2017
                                                                                                  R'000           R'000              R'000
                                                                                              Unaudited       Unaudited            Audited 
Balance at beginning of the period                                                            4 195 537       4 179 573          4 179 573   
Adjustment on initial application of IFRS 9 and 15 (net of tax)                                 (3 963)                                      
Net profit for the period                                                                       281 667         239 848            587 572   
Other comprehensive loss for the period                                                       (215 690)       (109 600)          (438 418)   
Total comprehensive income for the period                                                        65 977         130 248            149 154   
Share option scheme                                                                               2 167           7 489             20 683   
Vesting of share-based payment obligation:                                                                                                   
- Estimated taxation effects of utilisation of treasury shares                                                     (66)              (115)   
Dividend*                                                                                     (189 908)       (153 740)          (153 758)   
Balance at end of the period                                                                  4 069 810       4 163 504          4 195 537   

* An ordinary dividend of 80 cents per share was declared in 2018 in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017.
  An ordinary dividend of 70 cents per share was declared in 2017 in respect of the year ended 31 December 2016.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET #

                                                                                               Six months ended                 Year ended
                                                                                          30 June 2018    30 June 2017    31 December 2017
                                                                                                 R'000           R'000               R'000
                                                                                             Unaudited       Unaudited             Audited  
ASSETS                                                                                                                                       
Non-current assets                                                                                                                           
Property, plant and equipment                                                                2 522 820       2 763 612           2 605 737   
Intangible assets                                                                              740 561         951 646             834 572   
Investment in associates                                                                       647 454         404 184             580 440   
Deferred taxation                                                                                1 211          14 759              12 869   
                                                                                             3 912 046       4 134 201           4 033 618   
Current assets                                                                                                                               
Inventory                                                                                    1 796 102       1 975 019           1 697 663   
Trade and other receivables                                                                  1 580 372       1 498 799           1 669 985   
Contract assets                                                                                231 338                                       
Taxation                                                                                        30 909          14 829              32 985   
Derivative financial assets                                                                     27 799           9 049                 314   
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                      466 473         578 337             670 653   
                                                                                             4 132 993       4 076 033           4 071 600   
Total assets                                                                                 8 045 039       8 210 234           8 105 218   
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                                                                                                                       
Capital and reserves                                                                                                                         
Stated capital                                                                               1 497 931       1 497 931           1 497 931   
Treasury shares                                                                               (10 152)        (10 323)            (10 152)   
Share-based payment reserve                                                                    117 964         102 603             115 797   
Foreign currency translation reserve                                                       (1 320 527)       (772 330)         (1 104 558)   
Equity accounted earnings reserve                                                              369 450         289 053             322 388   
Changes in ownership reserve                                                                  (21 197)        (21 197)            (21 197)   
Retained earnings                                                                            3 327 500       2 973 385           3 275 935   
Ordinary shareholders' equity                                                                3 960 969       4 059 122           4 076 144   
Non-controlling interests                                                                      108 841         104 382             119 393   
Total equity                                                                                 4 069 810       4 163 504           4 195 537   
Non-current liabilities                                                                                                                      
Borrowings                                                                                   1 161 690         978 947           1 148 806   
Post-employment benefits                                                                        75 942          87 897              78 724   
Deferred taxation                                                                              283 158         324 857             298 326   
Deferred grant income                                                                          198 990         168 650             175 440   
Provisions for liabilities and charges                                                          54 001          50 789              52 951   
                                                                                             1 773 781       1 611 140           1 754 247   
Current liabilities                                                                                                                          
Trade and other payables                                                                     1 274 548       1 026 343           1 235 708   
Contract liabilities                                                                             6 052                                       
Borrowings                                                                                     733 559       1 068 533             652 689   
Taxation                                                                                         4 762          34 258              29 260   
Provisions for liabilities and charges                                                         119 418          93 878             135 567   
Derivative financial liabilities                                                                    49           9 571              28 862   
Bank overdrafts                                                                                 63 060         203 007              73 348   
                                                                                             2 201 448       2 435 590           2 155 434   
Total liabilities                                                                            3 975 229       4 046 730           3 909 681   
Total equity and liabilities                                                                 8 045 039       8 210 234           8 105 218   
Net asset value per share (cents) attributable to ordinary
shareholders calculated on number of shares in issue
excluding treasury shares                                                                        2 000           2 050               2 059   
Capital expenditure                                                                            125 503          86 664             220 414   
Capital commitments:                                                                                                                         
- Contracted                                                                                    38 532          72 824              53 524   
- Authorised but not contracted                                                                170 688          81 773             295 949   

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS #

                                                                                               Six months ended                 Year ended
                                                                                          30 June 2018     30 June 2017   31 December 2017
                                                                                                 R'000            R'000              R'000
                                                                                             Unaudited        Unaudited            Audited
Operating activities                                                                                                                         
Profit before taxation                                                                         378 968          321 533            775 814   
Net finance costs                                                                               81 333           75 137            181 733   
Depreciation and amortisation                                                                  125 360          130 544            265 779   
Other non-cash items                                                                          (89 532)         (23 105)              4 633   
Working capital changes                                                                      (272 970)        (539 375)          (322 855)   
Cash generated from/(utilised in) operations                                                   223 159         (35 266)            905 104   
Interest paid                                                                                 (90 146)         (89 968)          (207 912)   
Taxation paid                                                                                (105 848)         (58 739)          (185 307)   
Dividends paid                                                                               (189 908)        (153 740)          (153 758)   
Dividend income from associates                                                                  3 102           24 060             51 937   
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities                                          (159 641)        (313 653)            410 064   
Investing activities                                                                                                                         
Interest received                                                                                8 569           15 390             26 179   
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment                                                 (107 068)         (73 247)          (165 429)   
Acquisition of associate                                                                      (16 061)                           (144 302)   
Net cash utilised in other investing activities                                               (15 164)          (7 185)           (15 271)   
Net cash outflow from investing activities                                                   (129 724)         (65 042)          (298 823)   
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities                                            127 292          149 543           (88 504)   
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents                                         (162 073)        (229 152)             22 737   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period                                           597 305          617 002            617 002   
Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents                                                  (31 819)         (12 520)           (42 434)   
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period                                                 403 413          375 330            597 305   

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SEGMENT REVIEW #

                                                           Revenue                                  Profit before interest and taxation
                                          Six months ended               Year ended            Six months ended                 Year ended
                                    30 June 2018   30 June 2017    31 December 2017     30 June 2018    30 June 2017      31 December 2017
                                           R'000          R'000               R'000            R'000           R'000                 R'000
                                       Unaudited      Unaudited             Audited        Unaudited       Unaudited               Audited
Energy storage
Automotive
Local                                  1 602 337      1 576 071           3 864 239          113 885         119 629               336 517
Direct export                            683 638        564 978           1 670 904           69 176          59 013               158 350
                                       2 285 975      2 141 049           5 535 143          183 061         178 642               494 867
Industrial
Local                                    363 949        305 713             652 211           64 710          45 670                92 207
Direct export                             11 152         16 679              33 160            1 809           2 211                 4 502
                                         375 101        322 392             685 371           66 519          47 881                96 709
Total energy storage                   2 661 076      2 463 441           6 220 514          249 580         226 523               591 576
Automotive components
Local
Original equipment                     2 125 546      1 860 738           3 832 194          219 971         157 196               357 277
Aftermarket                              243 504        243 599             458 895           36 600          38 617                70 312
Non-auto                                  14 086         12 031              25 895              325             395                   295
                                       2 383 136      2 116 368           4 316 984          256 896         196 208               427 884
Direct exports
Original equipment                                        2 113               5 163                              442                 2 021
Aftermarket                               19 250         17 686              37 784            4 168           2 717                 6 966
                                          19 250         19 799              42 947            4 168           3 159                 8 987
Total automotive                       2 402 386      2 136 167           4 359 931          261 064         199 367               436 871
Total segment results                  5 063 462      4 599 608          10 580 445          510 644         425 890             1 028 447
Reconciling items:
- Share of results of associates                                                              47 415          41 777               102 989
- Managed associates*                  (579 984)      (523 858)         (1 063 788)         (56 666)        (35 833)              (99 015)
Amortisation of intangible
assets arising from business
acquisitions                                                                                (13 042)        (15 083)              (30 628)
Other reconciling items**                                                                   (28 050)        (20 081)              (51 291)
Total                                  4 483 478      4 075 750           9 516 657          460 301         396 670               950 502
Net interest expense                                                                        (81 333)        (75 137)             (174 688)
Profit before taxation                                                                       378 968         321 533               775 814

*  Although the results of Hesto Harnesses Proprietary Limited ("Hesto") does not qualify for consolidation, the full results of Hesto have been included in the segmental review.
   Metair has a 74.9% equity interest and is responsible for the operational management of this associate.
** The reconciling items relate to Metair head office companies. 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

# The group has initially applied IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 at 1 January 2018. Under the transition methods chosen, comparative information has not been restated.

Basis of preparation

The condensed consolidated interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim
Financial Reporting, as well as the SAICA Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the Accounting Practices Committee and Financial Reporting
Pronouncements as issued by the Financial Reporting Standards Council. These condensed consolidated results should be read in conjunction with
the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, which have been prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and comply with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements and the requirements of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008
applicable to summary financial statements.

Accounting policies

The accounting policies applied in the preparation of the condensed consolidated interim results are in terms of IFRS and except as described below, are
consistent with the accounting policies applied in the preparation of the 31 December 2017 consolidated annual financial statements. The interim results
have not been reviewed or audited by the group's auditors.

The group has initially adopted IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers) and IFRS 9 (Financial instruments) from 1 January 2018 and this is the
first set of results where IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 have been applied. The adoption of these new standards and increased disclosures will be fully reflected in
the group's consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ending 31 December 2018.

The group initially applied IFRS 15 using the modified retrospective method and recognised the cumulative effect of initially applying IFRS 15 as an
adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings of the period that includes the date of initial application - as of 1 January 2018. Under this
transition method, the group is required to apply IFRS 15 retrospectively only to contracts that are not completed contracts at the date of initial application,
with no restatement of the comparative period information.

The group has taken an exemption not to restate comparative information for prior periods with respect to classification and measurement (including
impairment) requirements of IFRS 9. Differences in the carrying amounts of financial assets such as trade receivables and contract assets, resulting from
the adoption of IFRS 9, are recognised in retained earnings as at 1 January 2018. The effect of initially applying these standards is mainly attributed to
the following:

- Earlier recognition of revenue from automotive parts sold to OEMs ('over-time' recognition).
- Recognition of revenue relating to OEM tooling supply contracts (on a 'principal' rather than 'agent' basis).
- Variable consideration and other revenue pricing adjustments for certain aftermarket distributor agreements and OEM contracts (measurement).
- An increase in impairment losses recognised on financial assets. Under IFRS 9, credit losses (impairment of trade receivables) are recognised earlier
  than under IAS 39 as IFRS 9 replaces the 'incurred loss' model in IAS 39 with an 'expected credit loss' (ECL) model.

The net impact of the initial application of the new standards did not have a material effect on opening retained earnings or profit for the period
ended 30 June 2018. The group has changed the presentation of certain amounts in the balance sheet at 30 June 2018 to reflect the terminology,
reclassification and impact of IFRS 15. The most significant changes relate to recognition of contract assets for OEM automotive parts supply contracts
(R202 million) and tooling supply contracts (R29 million) as well as reclassifying R30 million from provisions to inventory regarding the recovery of lead scrap.

New and revised IFRSs in issue but not yet effective

IFRS 16 - Leases (effective 1 January 2019) - The group anticipates that the application of IFRS 16 will have an impact on amounts reported, resulting
in the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in respect of lease payments. A detailed review of the potential impact of IFRS 16 is ongoing.
As at 31 December 2017, the group has non-cancellable operating lease commitments of R76 million. These contracts are in the process of being
individually analysed.

Contingencies

There has been no material change in the group's contingent liabilities since period-end.

Borrowings

During the period the group repaid borrowings of R20.5 million (2017: R48.8 million) and raised borrowings of R147.8 million (2017: R198.4 million).

Post-balance sheet events

There has been no material change since period-end.

Changes to the board of directors and committees of Metair

Mr JG Best, an independent non-executive director of the company, was appointed as lead independent director, with effect from 30 November 2017.
Mr B Mawasha was appointed as an independent non-executive director and member of the company's audit and risk committee, with effect from 1 March 2018.
Mr L Soanes resigned as a member of the company's audit and risk committee, with effect from 1 March 2018.
Mr RS Broadley was appointed as a member of the investment committee, with effect from 30 May 2018.
Messrs SG Pretorius and L Soanes were appointed as members of the social and ethics committee, with effect from 14 June 2018.
Ms J Gressel and Mr MC Mahlanu resigned as members of the social and ethics committee, with effect from 25 July 2018.

Withdrawal of cautionary announcement

Shareholders are referred to the cautionary announcement published on SENS on Friday, 1 June 2018 and the subsequent update and renewal of the
cautionary announcements published on SENS on Monday, 25 June 2018 and Monday, 2 July 2018, in relation to the potential acquisition of Tovarna
Akumulatorskih Baterij d.d. ("TAB"), (the "Potential Transaction").

As mentioned below in the interim results commentary, the board has prioritised the continued focus on maintaining Mutlu’s good performance and therefore the company has
decided to terminate negotiations in regard to the Potential Transaction. Accordingly, Shareholders are no longer required to exercise caution when dealing
in the company's securities.

The interim results presentation will be available on the company's website (www.metair.co.za) and an investor and analyst audio webcast of the
presentation will be broadcast on Thursday, 16 August 2018 at 14h00 (SAST). The audio webcast can be accessed through
http://www.corpcam.com/Metair16082018. Alternatively a telephone conference call facility will be available at 14h00 (SAST) on Thursday,
16 August 2018 in South Africa on 011 535 3600 / 010 201 6800 or internationally on +27 11 535 3600 / +27 10 201 6800.

REGISTRARS                                                      SPONSOR                                     INVESTOR RELATIONS
Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited                   One Capital                                 Instinctif Partners
Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue,
Rosebank, 2196

Signed on behalf of the Board in Johannesburg on 15 August 2018

SG Pretorius - Chairman                                                                                     CT Loock - Managing Director

The condensed consolidated interim results were produced under the supervision of Mr S Douwenga (Finance Director) BCom (Hons), CA(SA).

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: CT Loock (Managing); S Douwenga (Finance)
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: SG Pretorius (Chairman); JG Best (Lead Independent Director); RS Broadley; L Soanes*; TN Mgoduso; PPJ Derby; G Motau; B Mawasha
COMPANY SECRETARY: SM Vermaak 
*British

INTERIM RESULTS COMMENTARY

Metair is pleased to announce a good result that is in line with our positive outlook statement as
provided to the market at the time of releasing the 2017 full year results.

The interim results reflect an increase of 10% in revenue for the first half of the year to R4 483 million
from R4 076 million in the previous comparative period.

Headline earnings per share outperformed the growth in revenue and increased by 16% to 132 cents
per share for the period, compared to 114 cents per share for the previous comparative period.
Both the Energy and Automotive Components Verticals performed well in the first half of this year.

Our Energy business, Mutlu Akü, in Turkey ("Mutlu") grew by 25.3% totally offsetting the devaluation of
17% in the average value of the Turkish Lira ("Lira") against the South African Rand ("Rand") compared
to the previous period. This growth was mostly on the back of the increase in automotive
battery exports and local industrial cell demand.

The Automotive Components Vertical enjoyed production and labour stability combined with volume
growth, and managed to achieve forex neutrality in a volatile currency environment delivering an
excellent 31% increase in earnings.

RESULTS

Group operating profit therefore improved by R58 million, or 16%, and the group operating margin
improved to 9.2% compared to 8.7% during the previous comparative reporting period. Group
earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA") increased by R58.4 million,
or 11%, to R585.7 million.

Net interest charges increased to R81.3 million from R75.1 million due to higher interest rates in
Turkey. The effective tax rate rose marginally to 25.8%.

Net working capital levels improved by R122 million to R2.3 billion. The net debt/EBITDA ratio
strengthened to 1.2 from 1.4 times. The group continues to comply with all of its lenders' covenants.

Energy Vertical

Mutlu

The ability of Metair's lead acid battery business in Turkey to overcome the Lira devaluation and
consequently to improve its contribution in Rand earnings, was a key focus area in this period.

It is very pleasing that Mutlu achieved a 25.3% improvement in its operating profit from R88 million to
R111 million in the period, and 51% in local currency terms. Mutlu's exports grew by 28% to 339 000
units while industrial sales grew to 97.3 Mwh, a 183% increase due to contractual business secured.

Although the local aftermarket business in Turkey declined as a result of a warmer than normal
winter, excellent focus on cost control and improvements in the export market and industrial
demand, mitigated all of the challenges.

In regards to the geopolitical risk environment, it is encouraging to note that the State of Emergency
imposed post the failed attempted coup in Turkey, came to an end. Although the regional geopolitical 
conditions improved during the period, the international trade environment is challenging. Post the 
results period, the Lira exchange rate worsened dramatically.

First National Battery in South Africa ("FNB")

FNB's approach in the South African market to balance our continued support to all energy sector
customers - OEM, mining, industrial, standby and retail over the past three years was challenging
as most of our customers in these sectors experienced difficult economic times.

An increased focus on manufacturing and marketing efficiencies, whilst also investing in promoting
the FNB brand and retail network, combined with customer focused improvement plans to increase
localisation, sustained profitability.

We are very pleased that FNB delivered an improvement in profits in the period. R18 million
extraordinary expenditure invested in our brand, OEM customers and retail network.

Consolidated Energy Vertical

The consolidated Energy Vertical business improved PBIT during the period to R250 million from
R227 million in the previous comparative period, while return on invested capital ("ROIC") also
improved to 16.7%.

Overall margins showed a slight increase from 9.2% to 9.4%. The warmer winter conditions in
Europe and Turkey impacted negatively on higher margin automotive aftermarket sales in the
first quarter of 2018. Overall automotive volumes improved marginally, due to higher export
volumes which offset the impact of the warmer seasonal effect.

The Energy Storage Vertical results were negatively impacted by foreign currency translation effects
as the Lira devalued on average 17% against the Rand from the previous comparative period.

Operationally however, Mutlu increased local earnings by 51%.

Metair's lead acid battery business in Romania, which is exposed to the same seasonal market as
Mutlu, managed to maintain its performance with increased exports.

Consolidated Automotive Components Vertical

Positive sentiment and exports, especially in the light commercial vehicle market, combined with
some customer passenger vehicle export programmes, increased Metair's specific OEM customers'
exposure and resulted in an improved production volume scenario.

The higher volumes combined with a stable manufacturing environment increased the PBIT
contribution from R199 million to R261 million.

All of the automotive components businesses improved efficiencies, as production volumes of
Metair's main customers increased from last year. A further contributing factor to the 12.5%
turnover growth in the Automotive Components Vertical for the period was the continued expansion
and deepening of localisation, and therefore the parts we manufacture for our customers.

Technology Shifts

During the period under review Metair obtained a 35% shareholding in a Li-ion startup business
namely Prime Motors in Romania for R16 million. Our partner, Prime Motors, has secured a state of
the art Li-ion coating and cell assembly manufacturing line during the period that will be leased to
Prime Motors and installed in our facilities in Romania. Metair and Prime Motors are involved in several
Li-ion projects with OEM's that could spearhead Metair's entrance into the Li-ion market in the future.

Governance

Metair remains extremely diligent in this regard and continues to challenge its approach,
design and application in this area. It is of particular focus at this time as corporate South
Africa is challenged on this subject taking into consideration what has happened to a
number of listed companies in the past few months.

At Metair, governance refers to the system whereby we direct, grow and control our business
and ensure accountability, transparency and honesty, with balanced focus on performance and
conformance taking into account the interests of all stakeholders.

Strategy

A key driver of long-term sustainability and longevity in the automotive mobility and industrial space
is our ability to follow the market, breathe with the market and to adjust timely to technology shifts.
This requires local, international and global relevance. Metair's strategy to secure relevance will
be placed in line with the external environment, operational conditions, earnings and shareholder
value delivery. Given the recent and ongoing volatility in emerging market currencies, especially in
Turkey, the board has prioritised the continued focus on maintaining Mutlu’s good performance and 
therefore decided to terminate the due diligence process and negotiations in regards to the recently 
announced possible acquisition of Tovarna Akumulatorskih Baterij d.d. ("TAB") in Slovenia.

Capital allocation will remain a key focus in the next six months.

Prospects

The prospect statement as contained in the Integrated Annual Report of Metair for 2017 indicated
that the group had a positive outlook of Metair's performance for the year ahead.

The good improvement in the first half actual results is supportive of this statement for the 2018 full
year in a stable trading exchange rate environment. Unfortunately, the current Lira volatility could impact 
the group's prospect statement.

However, we are pleased to announce that the Energy Storage Vertical secured automotive
supply contracts with two strategic aftermarket customers. The annualised potential volumes of
an additional 1.5 million units from these supply contracts is in line with the group's long term
strategy to increase its export business.

Results will depend on inter alia, model change effect, exchange rates, long term volumes,
commodity price movements, seasonal winter demand, geopolitical conditions and margin progress
in both the Automotive Components and Energy Storage Verticals during the second half of the year.
Any forward-looking statements in this announcement have not been reviewed or reported on by
the company's auditors.



Date: 16/08/2018 07:05:00 Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited ('JSE'). 
The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or completeness of
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