Wrap Text
Unaudited interim group results for the 26 weeks ended 23 December 2018 and cash dividend declaration
Woolworths Holdings Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Registration number 1929/001986/06
Share code: WHL
Share ISIN: ZAE000063863
Bond code: WHLI
('the Group', 'the Company' or 'WHL')
UNAUDITED INTERIM GROUP RESULTS FOR THE 26 WEEKS ENDED 23 DECEMBER 2018
AND CASH DIVIDEND DECLARATION
HIGHLIGHTS
Turnover and concession sales: +1.9% to R39.4 billion
Headline earnings per share: -2.9% to 200.4 cps
Adjusted diluted headline earnings per share: -9.2% to 202.9 cps
Earnings per share: at 197.5 cps
Interim dividend per share: -15.2% to 92.0 cps
Return on equity: 16.6% from 20.1%
COMMENTARY
Group sales for the 26 weeks ended 23 December 2018
increased by 1.9% (+2.7% in constant currency) compared to
the 26 weeks ended 24 December 2017. Sales growth was
impacted by one day less of pre-Christmas trade, compared
to last year.
Woolworths Fashion, Beauty and Home ('FBH')
Sales declined by 2.0% (comparable stores were 2.4% lower),
impacted by a significantly smaller winter clearance sale in
the first quarter. Sales in the second quarter of the year have,
however, shown positive growth. Price movement was 1.7%
for FBH, (and 0.8% for Fashion). Gross profit margin increased
by 0.5% to 47.1%, from higher full-priced sales and reduced
markdowns. Net retail space increased by 0.6%.
Store costs grew by 4.3% and other operating costs were 3.3%
up on the prior period. Despite the gross margin improvement
and good cost control, the lower trading activity led to
operating profit declining by 11.8% to R915 million.
Woolworths Food
Woolworths Food sales increased by 6.3% (and by 7.0% if
adjusted for the earlier close), while comparable store sales
increased by 4.2%, with strong volume growth. Price movement
was 1.2%. Gross margin was 40 bps lower, as a result of
price investment.
Store costs increased by 7.9%, driven by higher volumes and
additional net space of 1.4%. Other operating costs were
1.1% higher. Operating profit increased by 0.6% to R1 071 million,
with operating profit margin at the targeted 7.0%.
Woolworths Financial Services
Woolworths Financial Services had a strong half, with the
average debtors book growing by 4.0%. The annualised
impairment rate for the six months ended 31 December 2018
reduced by 1.5% to 3.5%, and profit before tax grew by 5.0%.
The Group implemented IFRS 9 with effect from 1 July 2018.
David Jones
David Jones sales increased by 1.0% for the period. Sales
softened after the Black Friday weekend in late November,
in line with the rest of the market. Comparable store sales
grew by 0.9% (2.4% for the first 20 weeks, and ?0.8% in the final
six weeks, adjusted for the one-day pre-Christmas). Growth
from new stores largely offset the sales disruption from the
Elizabeth Street store refurbishment.
Net retail space grew by 2.7%. Further net space reductions
to improve the productivity of the store portfolio are planned.
Store costs increased by 1.3%, and comparable store costs
were well controlled at 0.1%, while other operating costs were
7.6% lower than the prior period, as a result of cost savings
instituted at the beginning of the year. Operating profit
declined by 28.8% to A$47.0 million.
Country Road Group
Country Road Group sales increased by 2.3%, and by 0.5% in
comparable stores. Gross profit margin improved by 0.3% to
64.0%, from higher full-priced sales and improved sourcing.
Store and other operating costs increased by 2.8%, with
comparable store costs increasing by 0.3%. Net retail space
contracted by 1.7%. Operating profit increased by 3.4% to
A$61.0 million.
Group earnings
Headline earnings per share ('HEPS') and adjusted diluted HEPS,
both of which exclude the A$712.5 million impairment of David
Jones assets recognised in the prior period, decreased by 2.9%
and 9.2% respectively. Earnings per share, which includes the
impairment, increased to 197.5 cents per share.
Outlook
Trading conditions are unlikely to improve in the short-term in
either South Africa, where the consumer remains under considerable
pressure from a weak economy, and in Australia, where consumer
sentiment remains constrained.
However, we believe that structural changes made within our FBH
business in South Africa, and the completion of the transformational
projects within David Jones, with the exception of the Elizabeth Street
store refurbishment, will enable both businesses to recover from recent
underperformance and ensure longer-term growth and profitability.
We expect the current momentum in Woolworths Food and Country Road
Group to continue.
Any reference to future financial performance included in this
statement has not been reviewed or reported on by the
Group's external auditors, and does not constitute an earnings
forecast.
CHANGES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As previously advised on the JSE Stock Exchange News
Service, the following changes to the Board of Directors
were effected during the period:
- Ms Sizakele Mzimela resigned as a director with
effect from 5 November 2018. The Board expresses its
appreciation to Ms Mzimela for her contribution and
wishes her well in her future endeavours.
- As part of the WHL Board succession planning process,
Mr Hubert Brody has been appointed as Deputy Chairman
of the Board with effect from 12 November 2018.
- Messrs Simon Susman (Chairman) and Tom Boardman (Lead
Independent Director) will step down from their respective
positions with effect from the conclusion of the 2019 WHL
Annual General Meeting, each having respectively served
a nine year term.
- It is anticipated that the Board will appoint Mr Brody as
Chairman of the Board and Ms Zarina Bassa as the Lead
Independent Director with effect from the conclusion of the
2019 WHL Annual General Meeting.
- Mr Susman will become Honorary President upon
conclusion of the 2019 WHL Annual General Meeting,
following his stepping down as a director. He will provide
support and advice to the Board and continue his deep
association with the Group by devoting his time to the
continued advancement of WHL's participation in civil and
corporate society.
- Mrs Gail Kelly and Mr Patrick Allaway have resigned as
independent Non-executive Directors with effect from
8 February 2019. The Board expresses its appreciation to
Mrs Kelly and Mr Allaway for their contribution and wishes
them well in their future endeavours.
SN Susman I Moir
Chairman Group Chief Executive Officer
Cape Town, 20 February 2019
DIVIDEND DECLARATION
Recognising the challenging conditions facing retail in general, and the Group in particular, the Board has considered it
prudent to reduce the level of the Group's interest-bearing debt, together with other capital management measures. Consequently,
for a period of approximately two years, with a specific target to reduce debt levels in Australia to approximately A$200 million,
the Group's interim and final dividends will be based on a cover ratio of 1.45 times headline earnings of the combined Woolworths South Africa
('WSA') business segments (FBH, Food and Woolworths Financial services), whilst no dividend will be paid
from the Australian businesses during this period.
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors has declared an interim gross cash dividend per ordinary share ('dividend') of
92.0 cents (73.6 cents net of dividend withholding tax) for the 26 weeks ended 23 December 2018, a 15.2% decrease on the prior
period's 108.5 cents per share. The dividend has been declared from reserves and therefore does not constitute a distribution of
'contributed tax capital' as defined in the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962. A dividend withholding tax of 20% will be applicable to all
shareholders who are not exempt.
The issued share capital at the declaration date is 1 048 413 558 ordinary shares.
The salient dates for the dividend will be as follows:
Last day of trade to receive a dividend Tuesday, 12 March 2019
Shares commence trading 'ex' dividend Wednesday, 13 March 2019
Record date Friday, 15 March 2019
Payment date Monday, 18 March 2019
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, 13 March 2019 and Friday, 15 March
2019, both days inclusive. Ordinary shareholders who hold dematerialised shares will have their accounts at their CSDP or
broker credited or updated on Monday, 18 March 2019. Where applicable, dividends in respect of certificated shares will be
transferred electronically to shareholders' bank accounts on the payment date. In the absence of specific mandates, dividend
cheques will be posted to shareholders.
CA Reddiar
Group Company Secretary
Cape Town, 20 February 2019
INTERIM GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Restated*
52 weeks 26 weeks 26 weeks
to 24 Jun to 23 Dec to 24 Dec
2018 2018 2017 %
Rm Notes Rm Rm change
70 572 Revenue 37 016 36 147 2.4
75 232 Turnover and concession sales 39 383 38 645 1.9
(6 640) Concession sales (3 368) (3 471) (3.0)
68 592 Turnover 36 015 35 174 2.4
41 700 Cost of sales 21 788 20 791 4.8
26 892 Gross profit 14 227 14 383 (1.1)
1 909 Other revenue 974 931 4.6
23 542 Expenses 12 225 12 181 0.4
16 960 Store costs 8 933 8 688 2.8
6 582 Other operating costs 3 292 3 493 (5.8)
5 259 Operating profit 2 976 3 133 (5.0)
6 927 Impairment of David Jones assets ? 6 927
71 Investment income 27 42 (35.7)
1 124 Finance costs 556 588 (5.4)
(2 721) Profit/(loss) before earnings from joint ventures 2 447 (4 340) >100
287 Earnings from joint ventures 157 149 5.4
(2 434) Profit/(loss) before tax 2 604 (4 191) >100
1 115 Tax 711 669 6.3
(3 549) Profit/(loss) for the period 1 893 (4 860) >100
Other comprehensive income:
Amounts that may be reclassified to profit or loss
182 Fair value adjustments on financial instruments, after tax 174 (121)
263 Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries 324 (102)
Amounts that may not be reclassified to profit or loss
1 Post-retirement medical benefit liability: actuarial gain, after tax ? ?
446 Other comprehensive income for the period 498 (223)
(3 103) Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period 2 391 (5 083)
(3 549) Profit/(loss) attributable to: 1 893 (4 860)
(3 550) Shareholders of the parent 1 892 (4 861)
1 Non-controlling interests 1 1
(3 103) Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to: 2 391 (5 083)
(3 104) Shareholders of the parent 2 390 (5 084)
1 Non-controlling interests 1 1
Reconciliation of headline earnings
(3 550) Basic earnings/(loss) attributable to shareholders of the parent 1 892 (4 861) >100
Net (profit)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
42 and intangible assets (8) 20
6 954 Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 47 6 927
(119) Tax impact of adjustments (12) (104)
3 327 Headline earnings 1 919 1 982 (3.2)
126 Relocation costs (net of grants received) and store exit costs 80 80
147 Onerous leases (released)/raised (26) 147
(6) Unrealised foreign exchange losses/(gains) 2 19
(75) Tax impact of adjustments (16) (69)
3 519 Adjusted headline earnings 9.1 1 959 2 159 (9.3)
(369.5) Earnings/(loss) per share (cents) 2 197.5 (505.9) >100
346.3 Headline earnings per share (cents) 200.4 206.3 (2.9)
366.3 Adjusted headline earnings per share (cents) 204.5 224.7 (9.0)
(367.3) Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (cents) 2 196.0 (503.1) >100
344.2 Diluted headline earnings per share (cents) 198.8 205.1 (3.1)
364.1 Adjusted diluted headline earnings per share (cents) 202.9 223.4 (9.2)
960.6 Number of shares in issue (millions) 956.8 960.6 (0.4)
960.8 Weighted average number of shares in issue (millions) 957.8 960.9 (0.3)
* Comparative information has been restated for the change in classification of trunking revenue within the Woolworths Logistics segment, as it
was established that gross rebates received from suppliers should have been presented as part of Cost of sales and not Turnover. Consequently,
R123 million previously reported under Turnover and concession sales has been reclassified to Cost of sales. The reclassification has had no impact
on the prior period statement of financial position, statement of changes in equity, statement of cash flows, nor on earnings per share and other
share measures.
INTERIM GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 24 Jun At 23 Dec At 24 Dec
2018 2018 2017
Rm Notes Rm Rm
ASSETS
28 650 Non-current assets 29 145 27 901
13 959 Property, plant and equipment 3 14 360 13 556
13 410 Intangible assets 3 13 749 13 046
978 Investment in joint ventures 793 1 064
59 Fair value lease adjustment 65 62
56 Other loans 54 50
18 Derivative financial instruments 7 ? ?
170 Deferred tax 124 123
11 497 Current assets 13 851 12 147
7 542 Inventories 9 298 8 146
1 487 Trade and other receivables 1 596 1 553
174 Derivative financial instruments 7 340 35
271 Tax 197 241
2 023 Cash and cash equivalents 2 420 2 172
40 147 TOTAL ASSETS 42 996 40 048
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
13 126 TOTAL EQUITY 13 898 12 186
13 113 Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent 13 884 12 172
13 Non-controlling interests 14 14
15 076 Non-current liabilities 16 387 15 298
11 711 Interest-bearing borrowings 13 029 12 323
1 906 Operating lease accrual and fair value lease adjustment 1 922 1 731
404 Post-retirement medical benefit liability 383 394
297 Provisions 283 275
- Derivative financial instruments 7 6 8
758 Deferred tax 764 567
11 945 Current liabilities 12 711 12 564
8 728 Trade and other payables 10 257 9 457
752 Provisions 1 093 1 002
115 Operating lease accrual and fair value lease adjustment 117 114
77 Derivative financial instruments 7 22 306
124 Tax 158 175
2 149 Overdrafts and interest-bearing borrowings 1 064 1 510
27 021 TOTAL LIABILITIES 29 098 27 862
40 147 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 42 996 40 048
1 365 Net asset book value per share (cents) 1 451 1 267
GROUP ANALYSIS
40 147 Total assets 42 996 40 048
13 198 Woolworths* 14 209 13 682
18 804 David Jones 20 229 18 617
7 130 Country Road Group 7 713 6 647
969 Woolworths Financial Services 784 1 056
46 Treasury 61 46
7 542 Inventories 9 298 8 146
3 610 Woolworths* 4 403 3 802
2 747 David Jones 3 658 3 166
1 185 Country Road Group 1 237 1 178
27 021 Total liabilities 29 098 27 862
6 143 Woolworths* 7 003 7 313
5 474 David Jones 6 088 5 964
1 573 Country Road Group 1 894 1 297
13 831 Treasury 14 113 13 288
3 839 Approved capital commitments 2 748 3 176
1 811 Woolworths* 1 291 1 285
1 648 David Jones 1 164 1 511
380 Country Road Group 293 380
* Includes Woolworths Fashion, Beauty and Home, Woolworths Food and Woolworths Logistics.
INTERIM GROUP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
52 weeks 26 weeks 26 weeks
to 24 Jun to 23 Dec to 24 Dec
2018 2018 2017
Rm Notes Rm Rm
Cash flow from operating activities
7 371 Cash inflow from trading 3 968 4 301
(305) Working capital movements 148 (17)
7 066 Cash generated by operating activities 4 116 4 284
71 Investment income received 27 42
(1 117) Finance costs paid (567) (596)
(1 037) Tax paid (559) (548)
4 983 Cash generated by operations 3 017 3 182
325 Dividends received from joint ventures 125 100
(2 782) Dividends paid to ordinary shareholders (1 257) (1 735)
2 526 Net cash inflow from operating activities 1 885 1 547
Cash flow from investing activities
Investment in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets to
(1 664) maintain operations (1 197) (903)
Investment in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets to
(1 004) expand operations (202) (662)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment and
79 intangible assets 7 7
(12) Loans (advanced)/repaid 9 (6)
(2 601) Net cash outflow from investing activities (1 383) (1 564)
Cash flow from financing activities
(122) Settlement of share-based payments through share purchase 5 (206) (107)
(1) Share purchase costs ? (1)
(12) Finance lease payments (8) (8)
3 306 Borrowings raised 3 914 2 042
(3 000) Borrowings repaid (4 500) (2 000)
171 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities (800) (74)
96 (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (298) (91)
1 761 Net cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 1 878 1 761
21 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 34 (5)
1 878 Net cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 1 614 1 665
GROUP ANALYSIS
7 066 Cash generated by operating activities 4 116 4 284
5 249 Woolworths 2 619 2 932
414 David Jones 762 480
1 403 Country Road Group 735 872
INTERIM GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Total Total Total
52 weeks Share- Non- 26 weeks Share- Non- 26 weeks
to 24 Jun holders of controlling to 23 Dec holders of controlling to 24 Dec
2018 the parent interests 2018 the parent interests 2017
Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm
Shareholders' interest at
19 066 the beginning of the period 13 113 13 13 126 19 038 28 19 066
Effect of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15
? adoption (refer to note 6.1) (223) ? (223) ? ? ?
Shareholders' interest at
the beginning of the period
19 066 (restated) 12 890 13 12 903 19 038 28 19 066
Movements for the period:
(3 549) Profit/(loss) for the period 1 892 1 1 893 (4 861) 1 (4 860)
446 Other comprehensive income 498 ? 498 (223) ? (223)
Total comprehensive
(3 103) income/(loss) for the period 2 390 1 2 391 (5 084) 1 (5 083)
Share-based payments,
including issues,
(55) settlements and costs (139) ? (139) (62) ? (62)
Dividends to ordinary
(2 782) shareholders (1 257) ? (1 257) (1 735) ? (1 735)
? Transfer between reserves ? ? ? 15 (15) ?
Shareholders' interest
13 126 at the end of the period 13 884 14 13 898 12 172 14 12 186
239.0 Dividend per ordinary share (cents) 92.0 108.5
1.45 Dividend cover (based on headline earnings) 2.18 1.90
INTERIM SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
Restated
52 weeks 26 weeks 26 weeks
to 24 Jun to 23 Dec to 24 Dec
2018 2018 2017 %
Rm Notes Rm Rm change
REVENUE
68 592 Turnover 36 015 35 174 2.4
13 687 Woolworths Fashion, Beauty and Home 7 078 7 223 (2.0)
29 332 Woolworths Food 15 396 14 488 6.3
429 Woolworths Logistics 243 209 16.3
14 455 David Jones 7 602 7 597 0.1
10 689 Country Road Group 5 696 5 657 0.7
1 980 Other revenue and investment income 1 001 973 2.9
18 Woolworths Fashion, Beauty and Home 7 7 ?
130 Woolworths Food 66 68 (2.9)
2 221 David Jones 1 154 1 116 3.4
81 Country Road Group 25 19 31.6
11 Treasury 13 29 (55.2)
(481) Intragroup 11 (264) (266) (0.8)
70 572 Total Group 37 016 36 147 2.4
GROSS PROFIT
6 390 Woolworths Fashion, Beauty and Home 3 337 3 367 (0.9)
7 343 Woolworths Food 3 783 3 616 4.6
6 206 David Jones 3 342 3 684 (9.3)
6 712 Country Road Group 3 642 3 599 1.2
241 Intragroup 11 123 117 5.1
26 892 Total Group 14 227 14 383 (1.1)
PROFIT/(LOSS) BEFORE TAX
1 707 Woolworths Fashion, Beauty and Home 915 1 038 (11.8)
2 167 Woolworths Food 1 071 1 065 0.6
286 Woolworths Financial Services 157 149 5.4
650 David Jones 468 663 (29.4)
1 032 Country Road Group 636 602 5.6
(1 062) Treasury (540) (535) 0.9
4 780 Total Group ? adjusted 2 707 2 982 (9.2)
(7 214) Adjustments (103) (7 173)
(146) Relocation costs (net of grants received) and store exit costs (127) (80)
(147) Onerous leases released/(raised) 26 (147)
6 Unrealised foreign exchange (losses)/gains (2) (19)
(6 927) Impairment of David Jones assets ? (6 927)
(2 434) Total Group ? unadjusted 2 604 (4 191) >100
1 712 Woolworths Fashion, Beauty and Home 913 1 021 (10.6)
2 168 Woolworths Food 1 071 1 063 0.8
286 Woolworths Financial Services 157 149 5.4
(6 527) David Jones 448 (6 491) >100
991 Country Road Group 555 602 (7.8)
(1 064) Treasury (540) (535) 0.9
NOTES
1. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE AND BASIS OF PREPARATION
The interim Group Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the framework concepts and the
measurement and recognition requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations
adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), IAS 34: Interim Financial Reporting, the South African
Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the Accounting Practices Committee,
Financial Pronouncements as issued by the Financial Reporting Standards Council (FRSC), the requirements of the
Companies Act of South Africa and the JSE Limited Listings Requirements.
Accounting policies applied in the preparation of these interim Group Financial Statements are consistent with those
applied in the preparation of the Group Annual Financial Statements for the 52-week period ended 24 June 2018, and are
consistent with the prior period, except for the new standards adopted, as detailed in note 6. The interim Group Financial
Statements have been prepared on the going concern and historical cost bases, except where otherwise indicated.
The presentation and functional currency is the South African rand, rounded to the nearest million, except where otherwise indicated.
The interim Group Financial Statements have been prepared under the supervision of the Group Finance Director, Reeza
Isaacs CA(SA), and are the full responsibility of the directors.
2. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The difference between earnings per share and diluted earnings per share is due to the impact of unexercised options
under the Group's share incentive schemes (refer to note 5).
3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Group acquired property, plant and equipment at a fair value of R949 million (2017: R759 million) and intangible assets
at a fair value of R224 million (2017: R558 million).
4. GOVERNMENT GRANTS
During the period, the Group received government grants, previously accrued for, from the State of Victoria, Australia, in
respect of operating expenses and capital expenditure, on the establishment of an Australian regional head office for
the Group's subsidiaries, David Jones and Country Road Group. Grants are accounted for in terms of IAS 20: Government
Grants, whereby grants received in respect of income, are deducted from the related expenses, and grants received in
respect of capital expenditure are recognised in profit before tax on a systematic basis over the useful life of the assets.
There are no unfulfilled conditions and contingencies attached to the grants recognised in the current period.
5. ISSUE AND PURCHASE OF SHARES
4 456 899 (2017: 1 776 791) ordinary shares totalling R244 million (2017: R107 million) were purchased from the market by
Woolworths Proprietary Limited for the purposes of share incentive schemes and are held as treasury shares by the
Group. 440 892 (2017: 248 666) ordinary shares totalling R38 million (2017: R16 million) were sold to the market in terms of
the Group's Restricted Share Plan. 149 360 (2017: 270 836) ordinary shares totalling R12 million (2017: R18 million) previously
purchased were allocated to employees in terms of the Group's Restricted Share Plan.
99 830 (2017: 201 023) ordinary shares totalling R5 million (2017: R12 million) were issued and allocated to employees in terms
of the Group's other share incentive schemes.
6. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The adoption of certain new standards, which became effective in the current period, has resulted in minor changes to
accounting policies and disclosure, none of which have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the
Group, except as disclosed below.
Standards issued and effective
6.1 IFRS 9: Financial Instruments and IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The Group adopted IFRS 9: Financial Instruments and IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers with effect from
25 June 2018, using the modified retrospective approach and by application of the practical methods permitted
under the standard.
As a result, the cumulative effect of initial application of the standards is recognised as an adjustment to equity
at the beginning of the current financial reporting period. Comparative information has not been restated, and
continues to be reported in terms of the previous applicable standards, IAS 39 and IAS 18.
IFRS 9 adjustment
The carrying value of the Group's investment in the joint venture with ABSA Limited, Woolworths Financial Services,
reduced by R217 million, with the corresponding debit taken to equity. The adjustment has had no impact on the prior
period results, earnings per share and other share measures.
IFRS 15 adjustment
The Group recognises revenue from the principal activities of retailing and associated activities, such as logistics
services and concession sales commission. Management's assessment of applying the new standard on the Group's
financial statements identified the following areas, for which a R6 million cumulative debit adjustment to equity has
been processed:
- Right of return provision
- Gift card breakage
Excluding the abovementioned adjustments, there is no other material impact from application of IFRS 9 and
IFRS 15 for the Group.
Standards issued, not yet effective
6.2 IFRS 16: Leases
The Group will adopt IFRS 16 from 1 July 2019, and has undertaken an assessment of the financial impact of the new
standard. IFRS 16, which replaces IAS 17, requires most leases to be recognised in the statement of financial position,
with the current distinction between operating and finance leases removed.
Due to the significant number of leases, the application of the standard is expected to have a material impact
on the Group's financial statements, which will result in changes to the statement of financial position, whereby
a right-of-use asset and lease liability will be recognised. Changes to the statement of comprehensive income
will result in the current operating lease costs being replaced by an amortisation of the right-of-use asset and
associated finance costs.
The standard will further impact a number of statutory and performance measures, such as operating profit,
operating profit margin, Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA), EBITDA margin,
earnings per share, return on assets, net debt, net debt to EBITDA ratio, debt to equity ratio, and cash generated from operations,
and will require normalisation of performance measures and covenants.
The Group continues to assess the impact of the standard on its Annual Financial Statements, and will apply it
on either the full or modified retrospective basis.
7. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying value of trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and borrowings approximate their fair values.
In terms of IFRS 13: Fair Value Measurement, the Group's borrowings are measured at amortised cost and its derivative
financial instruments at fair value. These are determined to be Level 2 under the fair value hierarchy. Derivatives are valued
using valuation techniques with market observable inputs, with derivatives being mainly in respect of interest rate swaps and
foreign exchange forward contracts. The most frequently applied valuation technique include forward pricing and swap
models, using present value calculations. The models incorporate various inputs, including the credit quality of counterparties,
foreign exchange spot and forward rates, interest rate curves and forward rate curves of the underlying index.
8. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Group companies are party to legal disputes and investigations that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Whilst
the outcome of these matters cannot readily be foreseen, they are not expected to have any material financial effect.
9. PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Adjusted headline earnings and constant currency information presented in these interim Group Financial Statements
constitute pro forma financial information.
2018 2017 %
Rm Rm change
9.1 Adjusted headline earnings
Headline earnings 1 919 1 982 (3.2)
Adjustments 40 177
Relocation costs (net of grants received) and store exit costs 80 80
Onerous leases (released)/raised (26) 147
Unrealised foreign exchange losses 2 19
Tax impact of adjustments (16) (69)
Adjusted headline earnings 1 959 2 159 (9.3)
9.2 Constant currency information
Turnover and concession sales 39 688 38 645 2.7
Notes
1. The accounting policies adopted by the Group in the latest Annual Financial Statements, except for the new standards
adopted, as detailed in note 6, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, have been used in preparing the
pro forma financial information.
2. Adjusted headline earnings is arrived at, after excluding from headline earnings, costs of a non-recurring nature.
3. Constant currency information has been presented to illustrate the impact of changes in the Group's major
foreign currency, the Australian dollar. In determining the constant currency information, amounts denoted
in Australian dollars for the current period have been adjusted by application of the aggregated monthly
average Australian dollar exchange rate for the prior period. The foreign currency fluctuations of our rest of
Africa operations are not considered material, and have therefore not been applied in determining the constant
currency turnover and concession sales growth rate. The aggregated monthly average Australian dollar
exchange rate is R10.26 for the current period and R10.45 for the prior period.
4. The pro forma financial information, which is the responsibility of the Group's directors, has been presented
for illustrative purposes only and is consistent with the prior reporting period, and has not been reviewed or
reported on by the Group's external auditors.
5. Accordingly, the pro forma financial information may not fairly present the Group's financial position, changes
in equity, results of operations or cash flows.
10. BORROWING FACILITIES
Unutilised banking and debt facilities amount to R9 283 million (2017: R11 033 million) as follows:
2018 2017
Rm Rm
Committed 9 033 10 233
Uncommitted 250 800
Total 9 283 11 033
Notes to the value of R3.82 billion have been issued to date under the Domestic Medium Term Note (DMTN) programme,
which is a further source of funding to the Group. The DMTN programme was approved by the JSE on 17 March 2017 and
is guaranteed by Woolworths Proprietary Limited. It will be used to raise debt on an ongoing basis.
11. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Group entered into related-party transactions, the substance of which is disclosed in the Group's 2018 Annual
Financial Statements. Intragroup adjustments relate to the sale of concession goods between segments and supply chain
distribution adjustments.
12. EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE REPORTING DATE
No event material to the understanding of these interim Group Financial Statements has occurred between the end of the
financial period and the date of approval.
13. APPROVAL OF INTERIM GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The interim Group Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 20 February 2019.
14. AUDIT OPINION
These interim Group Financial Statements have not been reviewed or audited.
DIRECTORATE AND STATUTORY INFORMATION
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Simon Susman (Chairman), Hubert Brody (Deputy Chairman),
Zarina Bassa, Tom Boardman (Lead Independent Director),
Andrew Higginson (British), Nombulelo Moholi
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Ian Moir (Group Chief Executive Officer) (Australian),
Reeza Isaacs (Group Finance Director), Sam Ngumeni,
Zyda Rylands
GROUP COMPANY SECRETARY
Chantel Reddiar
SHARE CODE
WHL
SHARE ISIN
ZAE000063863
BOND CODE
WHLI
REGISTERED ADDRESS
Woolworths House, 93 Longmarket Street
Cape Town 8001, South Africa
PO Box 680, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
REGISTRATION NUMBER
1929/001986/06
TAX NUMBER
9300/149/71/4
JSE SPONSOR
Rand Merchant Bank (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited)
TRANSFER SECRETARIES
Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited
15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank 2196, South Africa
Date: 21/02/2019 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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