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MPACT LIMITED - Audited preliminary annual results for the year ended 31 December 2018 and declaration of cash dividend

Release Date: 13/03/2019 08:30
Code(s): MPT     PDF:  
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Audited preliminary annual results for the year ended 31 December 2018 and declaration of cash dividend

Mpact Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Company registration number 2004/025229/06)
Income tax number: 9003862175
JSE Share Code: MPT        JSE ISIN: ZAE 000156501
( "Mpact" or  "the Group" or  "the Company")

AUDITED PRELIMINARY SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 DECEMBER 2018 AND DECLARATION OF CASH DIVIDEND

SALIENT FEATURES

-    Revenue up 5% to R10.6 billion
-    Underlying operating profit up 47% to R672 million
-    Underlying earnings per share up 25% to 208.0 cents
-    Return on Capital Employed ( "ROCE ") increased to 10.7%
-    Gearing improved to 32.2%
-    Total gross dividend increased 27% to 70 cents per share

COMPANY PROFILE

Mpact is the largest paper and plastics packaging business in southern Africa, with leading market positions
in recovered paper collection, corrugated packaging, recycled-based cartonboard and containerboard,
polyethylene-terephthalate ( "PET ") preforms and trays, recycled PET ( "rPET ") and plastic jumbo bins. These
leading market positions allow Mpact to meet the increasing requirements of its customers and achieve
economies of scale and cost effectiveness at its various operations.

Mpact's integrated business model is uniquely focused on closing the loop in plastic and paper packaging 
through recycling and beneficiation of recyclables.

As at 31 December 2018 Mpact employed 5,062 people (December 2017: 4,889 people) and had 40
operating sites, 21 of which are manufacturing operations, located in South Africa, Namibia, and
Mozambique. Sales in South Africa account for approximately 87% of Mpact's total revenue for the current
year while the balance was predominantly to customers in the rest of Africa.

GROUP PERFORMANCE

The Group's financial results reflect a strong trading performance in the second half of the year in the Paper
business which benefitted from the Felixton mill upgrade, lower recovered paper prices and increased
corrugated packaging sales. In contrast, the Plastics business had a difficult year.

Group revenue of R10.6 billion was 4.9% higher than the prior year, with external sales volumes in line with
the prior year.

Underlying operating profit increased by 47.3% when compared to the prior year to R672.4 million, and
Return on Capital Employed improved to 10.7% (2017: 7.7%).

Paper business

Segment revenue increased by 7.0% to R8.3 billion. External sales volumes, excluding recycling, increased
by 3.7% with higher sales volumes of containerboard and corrugated packaging.

The increase in containerboard sales volumes was due to higher production following the Felixton mill
upgrade. Growth in fruit packaging, volumes predominantly in citrus, avocados and bananas, was partially
offset by declines attributable to the drought in the Eastern and Western Cape.

Underlying operating profit increased by 56.7% to R694.4 million as a result of improved gross profit. Margins
increased as a result of a lower recovered paper costs and higher global containerboard prices.

Plastics business

Segment revenue of R2.4 billion was 3.0% lower than the prior year. Sales volumes in the Plastics
Converting business were down 10.6% as a result of backward integration by customers and the effects of
the sugar tax on preform sales. In addition, crate and jumbo bin sales were lower than the prior year due to
subdued demand attributable in part to the drought.

Underlying operating profit of R49.5 million declined 29%. The FMCG business had a pleasing year but the
challenges in trays and films continued.

The delays in turning the performance of our PET recycling plant around were disappointing. The Mpact
Polymers' balance sheet was successfully restructured during the year with support from the Industrial
Development Corporation ( "IDC "), the other shareholder in the business. It did however take longer than
expected to negotiate the terms of the restructuring which delayed us ordering the much needed bottle
washing and wet grinding equipment. The new washing line was eventually installed in February 2019 and
the wet grinding equipment is scheduled to be installed at the end of April 2019. As part of the restructure,
the IDC increased its shareholding by 10% to 31% and R146 million of senior debt was converted into an
interest free loan. 

Net finance costs

Net finance costs increased by 8.5% to R219.9 million (December 2017: R202.6 million) due to R28 million of
interest capitalised to the Felixton mill upgrade project in the prior year.

Tax

The Group tax expense for the year was R102.2 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 23.8% (2017: tax
income of R26.4 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of -10.1%). The current year effective tax rate
of 23.8% is lower than the statutory rate mainly due to the recognition of certain assessed tax losses not
previously recognised and the benefit of S12I tax incentives on other qualifying assets. The decrease was
partially offset by the non-recognition of deferred tax on certain tax losses in Mpact Polymers. In the prior year,
the Group benefited from a S12I tax incentive of R114 million on the Felixton mill project.

Earnings per share

Basic and headline earnings per share for the year were 185.1 cents and 195.6 cents respectively (December
2017: 162.1 cents and 164.5 cents, respectively). Underlying earnings per share were 208.0 cents, an increase
of 25.1% when compared to the prior year of 166.3 cents.

Net debt

Net debt of R2.1 billion (December 2017: R2.2 billion) decreased by 5.3% mainly as a result of lower capital
expenditure and tax paid during the year, offset by working capital outflows. The gearing ratio decreased to
32.2% (December 2017: 34.8%).

OUTLOOK

Recent developments in South Africa suggest government is serious about fiscal discipline, tackling
corruption and restoring the performance of state-owned enterprises, which gives some hope for our future
growth prospects. In the short term however, we expect subdued growth to persist. Profit margins will be
adversely impacted by the carbon tax and above inflationary cost increases in electricity, water and other
administered services.

Our focus in the year ahead will be on achieving the full benefits of our capital projects, realising the potential
of the Mpact Polymers plant and improving profitability in the underperforming Plastics businesses.

We expect to see further improvement in the operating performance of the Paper business as the recent
projects are optimised and fruit volumes improve in the Western Cape following the drought. We will also
increase our product development efforts to capitalise on opportunities arising from the shift towards recycled
products.

Cash dividend

Notice is hereby given that the Board has declared a final gross cash dividend of 55 cents for the year ended
31 December 2018 (44 cents net of dividend withholding tax) per ordinary share. The dividend has been
declared from income reserves. A dividend withholding tax of 20% will be applicable to all shareholders who
are not exempt.

The Company's total number of issued ordinary shares at the date of this announcement is
173,304,517. Mpact's income tax reference number is 9003862175.

 Salient dates for the cash dividend distribution


                                                                                                       2019
Publication of dividend declaration                                                     Wednesday, 13 March
Last day of trade to receive a dividend                                                    Tuesday, 2 April
Shares commence trading  "ex " dividend                                                  Wednesday, 3 April
Record date                                                                                 Friday, 5 April
Payment date                                                                                Monday, 8 April

All times provided are South African local times. The above dates and times are subject to change. Any
material change will be announced on the SENS.

Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, 3 April 2019 and
Friday, 5 April 2019, both days inclusive.

AJ Phillips                                                BW Strong
Chairman                                                   Chief Executive Officer
13 March 2019

SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR                                                      
LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                                                                 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018                                                                 
                                                                                 2018        2017   
                                                                     Note         R'm         R'm   
Revenue from contracts with customers                                  2a    10 612.3    10 119.7   
Cost of sales                                                               (6 576.8)   (6 473.8)   
Gross profit                                                                  4 035.5     3 645.9   
Administration and other operating expenses(1)                              (2 820.7)   (2 646.7)   
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments                                    (595.7)     (555.5)   
Operating profit                                                        3       619.1       443.7   
Share of  profit  from equity accounted investees                                23.3        20.0   
Net profit on sale of joint arrangements and subsidiaries               8         6.7           -   
Profit from operations and equity accounted investees                           649.1       463.7   
Net finance costs                                                             (219.9)     (202.6)   
Investment income                                                                12.2        11.4   
Finance costs                                                                 (232.1)     (214.0)   
Profit before tax                                                      2b       429.2       261.1   
Tax (expense)/income                                                    4     (102.2)        26.4   
Profit for the year                                                             327.0       287.5   
Other comprehensive (loss)/income                                                                   
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss                                  
Actuarial gains on post-retirement benefit scheme                                10.7         4.9   
Tax effect                                                                      (3.0)       (1.4)   
Fair value adjustment of investment in equity instrument                       (20.5)           -   
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss                                       
Effects of cash flow hedge                                                        5.6       (5.1)   
Tax effect                                                                      (1.6)         1.4   
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations                       (1.2)         1.8   
Other comprehensive (loss)/income                                              (10.0)         1.6   
Total comprehensive income for the year                                         317.0       289.1   
Profit attributable to:                                                                             
Equity holders of Mpact                                                         316.2       275.2   
Non-controlling interests                                                        10.8        12.3   
Profit for the year                                                             327.0       287.5   
Total comprehensive income attributable to:                                                         
Equity holders of Mpact                                                         306.2       276.6   
Non-controlling interests                                                        10.8        12.5   
Total comprehensive income for the year                                         317.0       289.1   
Earnings per share (EPS) for profit attributable to equity holders                                  
of Mpact:                                                                                           
Basic EPS (cps)                                                         5       185.1       162.1   
Diluted EPS (cps)                                                       5       184.9       162.0   

(1)Administrative and other operating expenses includes an expected credit loss on trade receivables of R24.5 million
(2017: R28.7 million) and an impairment loss on foreign cash balances of R4.8 million (2017: R4.8 million).

SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL                              
POSITION                                                                    
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018                                                      
                                                                                  2018      2017   
                                                                        Note       R'm       R'm   
ASSETS                                                                                             
Goodwill and other intangible assets                                           1 102.0   1 110.2   
Property, plant and equipment                                                  3 737.3   3 822.0   
Investments in equity accounted investees                                        108.1     102.0   
Financial assets                                                                  94.8      50.0   
Deferred tax assets                                                                8.6       6.9   
Non-current assets                                                             5 050.8   5 091.1   
Inventories                                                                    1 748.1   1 431.2   
Trade and other receivables                                                    2 352.9   2 266.2   
Cash and cash equivalents                                                        705.9     350.6   
Derivative financial instruments                                                   0.9       2.1   
Current tax receivables                                                           20.5      40.4   
Current assets                                                                 4 828.3   4 090.5   
Total assets                                                                   9 879.1   9 181.6   
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                                                                             
Capital and reserves                                                                               
Stated capital                                                             6   2 669.2   2 621.4   
Retained earnings                                                              1 722.3   1 470.7   
Other reserves                                                                    26.6      41.3   
Total attributable to equity holders of Mpact                                  4 418.1   4 133.4   
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries                                        110.8     109.5   
Total equity                                                                   4 528.9   4 242.9   
Interest and non-interest bearing borrowings                                   1 400.8   1 387.6   
Retirement benefits obligation                                                    40.2      48.9   
Deferred tax liabilities                                                         227.3     212.2   
Deferred income                                                                   18.0      23.5   
Derivative financial instruments                                                   3.9       9.5   
Non-current liabilities                                                        1 690.2   1 681.7   
Short-term portion of borrowings                                               1 429.7   1 206.7   
Trade and other payables                                                       2 213.6   2 021.7   
Provisions                                                                         6.2       4.6   
Deferred income                                                                    5.5       5.5   
Derivative financial instruments                                                   0.7      17.1   
Current tax liabilities                                                            4.3       1.4   
Current liabilities                                                            3 660.0   3 257.0   
Total liabilities                                                              5 350.2   4 938.7   
Total equity and liabilities                                                   9 879.1   9 181.6   


SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

                                                                                 2018       2017
                                                                                  R'm        R'm
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital                      1 217.6    1 019.4
Net (increase)/decrease in working capital                                    (234.8)        5.6
Cash generated from operations                                                  982.8    1 025.0
Dividends from equity accounted investees                                        14.2       20.1
Taxation paid                                                                  (72.2)    (113.6)
Net cash inflows from operating activities                                      924.8      931.5
Cash flows from investing activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other intangibles              (534.1)    (856.4)
Proceeds from the disposal of property, plant and equipment                       3.7       16.7
Proceeds from disposal of joint arrangement                                       4.0          -
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiary                                             29.4          -
Cash disposed of on disposal of joint arrangement                               (6.4)          -
Loan advances to associates                                                    (29.4)          -
Loan repayments/(advances) from external parties                                  0.9      (3.5)
Interest received                                                                13.5       11.4
Net cash outflows from investing activities                                   (518.4)    (831.8)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net borrowings raised                                                           230.9      196.3
Finance costs paid                                                            (229.0)    (232.0)
Acquisition of non-controlling interest                                             -     (18.1)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests                                     (6.5)      (6.5)
Dividends paid to equity holders of Mpact Limited                              (46.7)     (46.5)
Subscription of preference shares by non-controlling interest                    18.9          -
Purchase of treasury shares                                                    (22.1)     (50.1)
Net cash outflows from financing activities                                    (54.5)    (156.9)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                            351.9     (57.2)
Net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                              342.8      400.0
Net cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                    694.7      342.8

SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
                                                                                                                                              Total
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER                                  Share-        Cash      Post-                                          attributable
2018                                                             based        flow retirement       Other                                 to equity           Non-
                                                     Stated    payment       hedge    benefit reserves(1)     Treasury    Retained       holders of    controlling      Total
                                                                                                      
                                                    capital    reserve     reserve    reserve                   shares    earnings        Mpact Ltd       interest     equity
                                                        R'm        R'm         R'm        R'm         R'm          R'm         R'm              R'm            R'm        R'm
Balance at 31 December 2016                         2 532.7       37.4       (3.2)       15.3         8.7       (29.9)     1 346.3          3 907.3          113.3    4 020.6
Total comprehensive income for the year                   -          -       (3.7)        3.5         1.6            -       275.2            276.6           12.5      289.1
Dividends paid(2)                                      88.7          -           -          -           -        (0.6)     (134.6)           (46.5)              -     (46.5)
Purchase of treasury shares(3)                            -          -           -          -           -       (50.1)           -           (50.1)              -     (50.1)
Share plan charges for the year                           -       27.5           -          -           -            -           -             27.5              -       27.5
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests               -          -           -          -           -            -           -                -          (6.5)      (6.5)
Issue/exercise of shares under employee share
scheme                                                    -     (17.2)           -          -           -        30.3        (9.4)              3.7              -        3.7
Increase in shareholding by non-controlling
interest(4)                                               -          -           -          -           -           -            -                -            8.6        8.6
Put option held by non-controlling shareholder of
subsidiary(5)                                             -          -           -          -        21.7           -        (7.1)             14.6              -       14.6
Purchase of non-controlling interest(6)                   -          -           -          -           -           -          0.3              0.3         (18.4)     (18.1)
Balance at 31 December 2017                         2 621.4       47.7       (6.9)       18.8        32.0      (50.3)      1 470.7          4 133.4          109.5    4 242.9
Total comprehensive income for the year                   -          -         4.0        7.7      (21.7)           -        316.2            306.2           10.8      317.0
Dividends paid(2)                                      47.8          -           -          -           -       (1.0)       (93.5)           (46.7)              -     (46.7)
Purchase of treasury shares(3)                            -          -           -          -           -      (22.1)            -           (22.1)              -     (22.1)
Share plan charges for the year                           -       28.2           -          -           -           -            -             28.2              -       28.2
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests               -          -           -          -           -           -            -                -          (6.5)      (6.5)
Issue/exercise of shares under employee share
scheme                                                    -     (25.0)           -          -           -        15.2          7.0            (2.8)              -      (2.8)
Purchase of preference shares by non-controlling
interest(7)                                               -          -           -          -           -           -            -                -           18.9       18.9
Increase in shareholding by non-controlling
interest(4)                                               -          -           -          -           -            -        21.9             21.9         (21.9)          -
Balance at 31 December 2018                         2 669.2       50.9       (2.9)       26.5        10.3       (58.2)     1 722.3          4 418.1          110.8    4 528.9

(1)Other reserves consist of foreign currency translation reserve and fair value adjustments to equity investments. In the prior financial year it also 
   included the put option held by non-controlling shareholders.
(2)Dividends declared amounted to R93.5 million (2017: R134.6 million) of which R47.8 million (2017: R88.7 million) related to a capitalisation issue. 
   The dividend per share for the year was 55c per share (2017: 80c per share).
(3)Treasury shares purchased represent the cost of shares in Mpact Limited purchased in the market and held by the Mpact Incentive Scheme Trust to satisfy 
   share awards under the Group's share incentive scheme. As at 31 December 2018, there are 2 403 309 (2017: 1 914 874) treasury shares on hand.
(4)A subsidiary company had a capitalisation issue, whereby the minority shareholder subscribed for additional shares in the subsidiary.
(5)Derecognition of put option reserve as the option had expired.
(6)During the prior financial year, the Group acquired the remaining interest in Pyramid Holdings (Pty) Limited as well as Mpact Recycling (Pty) Limited.
(7)The non-controlling shareholder of Mpact Polymers subscribed for the subsidiary's preference shares on 1 August 2018.

NOTES TO THE SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation

These preliminary summarised consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the
framework concepts and measurement and recognition requirements of International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS), the SAICA Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the Accounting Practices Committee
and Financial Reporting Pronouncements as issued by Financial Reporting Standards Council, the JSE
Limited's listing requirements and the Companies Act of South Africa and contains at a minimum the information
required by IAS 34: Interim Financial Reporting.

These summarised consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 have been audited
by Deloitte & Touche, who expressed an unmodified opinion thereon. The auditor also expressed an unmodified
opinion on the consolidated financial statements from which these summarised consolidated financial
statements were derived. A copy of the auditor's report on the summarised consolidated financial statements
and of the auditor's report on the consolidated financial statements are available for inspection at the company's
registered office, together with the consolidated financial statements. The auditor's report does not necessarily
report on all of the information contained in this announcement.

Shareholders are therefore advised that in order to obtain a full understanding of the nature of the auditor's
engagement, they should obtain a copy of that report together with the accompanying financial information from
the registered office of the company. Any reference to future financial performance included in this
announcement has not been reviewed or reported by the Company's auditors.

The preparation of these summarised consolidated financial statements was supervised by the Chief Financial
Officer, BDV Clark CA(SA).

The directors take full responsibility for the preparation of the summarised consolidated financial statements
and the financial information has been correctly extracted from the underlying consolidated financial statements.

Accounting policies

The accounting policies and methods of computation used are consistent with the prior year, except for new
and revised standards adopted to the consolidated annual financial statements.

The Group has adopted the following Standards and amendments to published Standards during the current
year, which had no significant impact on the Group's results:

- IFRIC 22 - Foreign currency transactions and advance considerations

The amendment clarifies the exchange rate to use in transactions that involve advance consideration paid or
received in foreign currency.

- IFRS 2 - Share-based payment

The amendment addresses the classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions.

- IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments

The Group applied the standard retrospectively, however has used the exemption not to restate comparative
information for prior periods, therefore the comparative information continues to be reported under IAS 39. The
group has made use of the practical expedients in the standard, in particular the use of the provision matrix,
which helps in measuring the loss allowance for short-term trade receivables.

On adoption date, the ECL model did not result in a change in the IAS 39 allowances for trade receivables
because of their short term nature. The ECL model also did not result in an impairment for other financial assets.
Therefore, there was no need to adjust the retained earnings, financial assets and liabilities on 1 January 2018.

The Group has also adopted the consequential amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures and
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements.

- IFRS 15 - Revenue from contracts with customers

Sale of goods

For contracts with customers the sale of products is generally expected to be the only performance obligation.
The Group's revenue recognition occurs at a point in time when control of the product is transferred to the
customer, generally on delivery of the products. The adoption of IFRS 15 did not have any impact on the Group's
revenue and profit or loss.

Variable consideration

Some contracts with customers provide for trade discounts or volume rebates. Currently, the Group recognises
revenue from the sale of goods measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of
allowances, trade discounts and volume rebates. Such provisions give rise to variable consideration under IFRS
15, and will be estimated at contract inception and updated thereafter.

There was no impact to Revenue on the application of the variable consideration requirements.

- IFRS 16 - Leases

The Group will adopt IFRS 16 once it is effective on 1 January 2019.

Land and buildings are the most significant lease agreements that will affect the Group. Based on the Group's
current assessment, the impact on adoption is expected to be between the range of R374 million to R485 million
of additional liabilities that will be recognised in the statement of financial position with a corresponding property,
plant and equipment. Profit before tax is expected to decrease between the range of R21 million to R51 million.
The incremental borrowing rate ranges from 8.80% to 10.50%. The Group intends to apply the simplified
transition approach and will not restate comparative amounts for the year prior to adoption.

Special items to determine underlying operating profit

Special items are those items of financial performance that the Group believes should be separately disclosed
to assist in the understanding of the underlying financial performance achieved by the Group and its businesses.
Such items are material by nature or amount to the financial year's results. These items include impairment
charges on tangible and intangible assets, impairment related to equity accounted investees, impairment to
financial asset investments and impairment of foreign cash balances or reversals of any such items. Restructure
costs associated with the closure of a plant where such cost would typically be included in earnings before
interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) will also be included in special items.

2. OPERATING SEGMENTS
2(a) Operating segment revenue

                                  2018                                  2017                    
                                Inter-     Revenue from               Inter-     Revenue from   
                    Segment    segment   contracts with   Segment    segment   contracts with   
                    revenue   revenue1        customers   revenue   revenue1        customers   
                        R'm        R'm              R'm       R'm        R'm              R'm   
Paper               8 285.7     (55.1)          8 230.6   7 744.9     (79.9)          7 665.0   
Plastics            2 381.9      (0.2)          2 381.7   2 454.7          -          2 454.7
                   10 667.6     (55.3)         10 612.3  10 199.6     (79.9)         10 119.7

(1)Inter-segment transactions are conducted on an arm's length basis.

                                                                             2018       2017
                                                                              R'm        R'm
External revenue by product type
Recycled containerboard, cartonboard and other materials                  4 041.5    3 662.0
Corrugated packaging, bags and sacks                                      4 189.1    4 003.0
Plastic packaging solutions                                               2 381.7    2 454.7
Total                                                                    10 612.3   10 119.7
External revenue by location of customer
South Africa (country of domicile)                                        9 269.9    9 012.0
Rest of Africa                                                            1 103.6      958.7
Rest of World                                                               238.8      149.0
Total                                                                    10 612.3   10 119.7
There are no external customers which account for more than 10% of the
Group's total external revenue.


2(b) Operating segment underlying operating profit/(loss)
Paper                                                                       694.4      443.0
Plastics                                                                     49.5       69.7
Corporate                                                                  (71.5)     (56.1)
Segments total before special items                                         672.4      456.6
Special items(2)                                                           (53.3)     (12.9)
Share of profit from equity accounted investees                              23.3       20.0
Net finance costs                                                         (219.9)    (202.6)
Net profit on sale of joint arrangements and subsidiaries                     6.7          -
Profit before tax                                                           429.2      261.1

Significant components of operating profit
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
Paper                                                                       331.5      312.6
Plastics                                                                    232.9      215.2
Corporate                                                                    31.3       27.7
Segments total                                                              595.7      555.5

(2)Special items include impairment on property, plant and equipment of R29.6 million (2017: R4.9 million), impairment on
foreign cash balance of R4.8 million (2017: R4.8 million), impairment on goodwill and intangible assets of Rnil million (2017:
R3.2 million), impairment on an associate loan of R1.2 million (2017: Rnil million) and restructure costs of R17.7 million
(2017: Rnil million).

                                                                             2018      2017   
                                                                              R'm       R'm   
2(c) Operating segment assets                                                                 
Segment assets(3)                                                                               
Paper                                                                     5 475.3   5 144.5   
Plastics                                                                  1 951.9   1 954.7   
Corporate(4)                                                              1 364.5   1 329.5   
Inter-segment elimination                                                  (21.4)     (8.4)   
Segment total                                                             8 770.3   8 420.3   
Unallocated:                                                                                  
Investments in equity accounted investees                                   108.1     102.0   
Deferred tax assets                                                           8.6       6.9   
Other non-operating assets(5)                                               191.4     251.8   
Trading assets                                                            9 078.4   8 781.0   
Financial assets                                                             94.8      50.0   
Cash and cash equivalents                                                   705.9     350.6   
Total assets                                                              9 879.1   9 181.6   
Non-current non-financial assets(6)                                                            
South Africa (country of domicile)                                        4 816.5   4 879.3   
Rest of Africa                                                               22.8      52.9   
Total                                                                     4 839.3   4 932.2   
Additions to non-current non-financial assets(7)                       
Paper                                                                       258.6     569.3   
Plastics                                                                    212.9     178.9   
Corporate                                                                    62.6     108.2 
Segments total                                                              534.1     856.4 

(3) Segment assets are operating assets and as at 31 December 2018 consist of property, plant and equipment of R3 737.3
million (2017: R3 822.0 million), goodwill and other intangible assets of R1 102.0 million (2017: R1 110.2 million). Inventories
of R1 748.1 million (2017: R1 431.2 million) and operating receivables of R2 182.9 million (2017: R2 056.9 million).

(4) Good will of R1 019.8 million (2017: R1 019. 8 million) is allocated to Corporate's assets.
(5) Other non-operating assets consist of derivative assets of R0.9 million (2017: R2.1 million), other non-operating receivables
of R170.0 million (2017: R209.3 million) and current tax receivable of R20.5 million (2017: R40.4 million).

(6) Non-current non-financial assets consist of property, plant and equipment and goodwill and other intangible assets, but
excludes deferred tax assets and non-current financial assets.

(7) Additions to non-current non-financial assets reflect cash payments and accruals in respect of additions to property, plant
and equipment and intangible assets. Additions to non-current non-financial assets, however, exclude additions to
deferred tax assets and non-current financial assets.

                                                                                       2018      2017
                                                                                        R'm       R'm

3. OPERATING PROFIT
Operating profit for the year has been arrived at after charging:
Impairment charge on goodwill and intangible assets                                       -       3.2
Impairment charge on property, plant and equipment                                     29.6       4.9
Impairment charge on foreign cash balances                                              4.8       4.8
Amortisation of intangibles                                                            11.9      13.3
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                                         554.2     534.1

                                                                                       2018      2017
                                                                                        R'm       R'm

4. TAX (EXPENSE)/INCOME
Current tax                                                                          (96.9)   (104.6)
Deferred tax                                                                          (5.3)     131.0
Total tax (expense)/income                                                          (102.2)      26.4

The negative tax rate in the prior financial year was mainly due to the recognition of the S12I tax incentive
relating to the Felixton mill project.

                                                                                     2018        2017   
                                                                                    Cents       Cents   
                                                                                per share   per share   
5. EARNINGS PER SHARE                                                                                 
Earnings per share (EPS)                                                                                
Basic EPS                                                                           185.1       162.1   
Diluted EPS                                                                         184.9       162.0   
Headline earnings per share for the financial year(1)                                                     
Basic headline EPS                                                                  195.6       164.5   
Diluted headline EPS                                                                195.3       164.4   
Underlying earnings per share for the financial year(2)                                                   
Basic underlying EPS                                                                208.0       166.3   
Diluted underlying EPS                                                              207.7       166.2   

(1)The presentation of headline EPS is mandated under the JSE Listings Requirements. Headline earnings has been
calculated in accordance with Circular 4/2018, "Headline Earnings", as issued by the South African Institute of Chartered
Accountants.
(2)Underlying earnings is arrived at after adjusting profit attributable to equity holders of Mpact for special items, net of tax.

The calculation of basic and diluted EPS and basic and diluted headline EPS is based on the following data:

                                                                                2018           2017
                                                                            Earnings       Earnings
                                                                                 R'm            R'm
Profit for the financial year attributable to equity holders of Mpact          316.2          275.2
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                     29.6            4.9
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets                                 -            3.2
Profit on sale of joint arrangements and subsidiaries                          (6.7)              -
Profit on disposal of tangible assets                                          (0.1)          (3.3)
Related tax                                                                    (4.9)          (0.8)
Headline earnings for the financial year                                       334.1          279.2
Profit for the financial year attributable to equity holders of Mpact          316.2          275.2
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                     29.6            4.9
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets                                 -            3.2
Impairment of foreign cash balances                                              4.8            4.8
Impairment of loan to associate                                                  1.2              -
Restructure costs                                                               17.7              -
Related tax                                                                   (14.3)          (5.8)
Underlying earnings for the financial year                                     355.2          282.3
                                                                            Weighted       Weighted
                                                                           number of      number of
                                                                              shares         shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue(3)                   170 784 638    169 746 140
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares(4)                              253 484         78 066
Weighted average number of ordinary shares adjusted for the effect of
dilution                                                                 171 038 122    169 824 206

(3)The weighted average number of shares takes into account the weighted average effect of changes in treasury shares and
the capitalisation issue of shares during the year.

(4)Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue, on the assumption of
conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares.

                                                                                  2018          2017   
                                                                                   R'm           R'm   
6. STATED CAPITAL                                                                                    
Authorised share capital
217,500,000 shares of no par value                                                   -             -   
Issued share capital                                                                                   
Issue of shares of no par value                                                2 621.4       2 532.7   
Capitalisation issue                                                              47.8          88.7   
                                                                               2 669.2       2 621.4   
The following table illustrates the movement within the number of            Number of     Number of   
shares issued:                                                                  shares        shares   
Shares in issue at beginning of year                                       171 461 623   168 485 360   
Issued in terms of the scrip distribution made during the financial year     1 842 894     2 976 263   
Shares in issue at end of year                                             173 304 517   171 461 623   


Included in other reserves are amounts paid by Mpact Limited to Mpact Limited Incentive Scheme Trust for the
acquisition of Mpact shares to be utilised in terms of the Share Plans. As at 31 December 2018, the Trust held
2 403 309 shares (2017: 1 914 874).

7. ACQUISITION OF NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
2018

There were no acquisitions in the current financial year.

2017

Acquisition of additional interest in Pyramid Holdings Proprietary Limited

On 1 July 2017, the Group acquired the remaining 49% interest in the voting shares of Pyramid Holdings
Proprietary Limited. The cash consideration was R1. The negative carrying value of the non-controlling interest
was R1.1 million on the date of acquisition. A deficit of R1.1 million was recognised in retained earnings. The
Group elected to recognise the difference of the consideration paid and the carrying value of the non-controlling
interest in retained earnings.

Acquisition of additional interest in Mpact Recycling Proprietary Limited

On 1 July 2017, the Group increased its interest in a subsidiary by 1.5%, resulting in the dilution of the non-
controlling shareholder.

On 1 November 2017, the Group acquired the remaining 9% interest of Mpact Recycling Proprietary Limited.
The cash consideration was R18.1 million. The carrying value of the non-controlling interest was R19.5 million
on the date of acquisition. A surplus of R1.4 million was recognised in retained earnings. The Group elected to
recognise the difference of the consideration paid and the carrying value of the non-controlling interest in
retained earnings.

8. DISPOSAL OF EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTEES AND SUBSIDIARIES
2018

(a) Pretoria Box Manufacturers
During the current financial year, the Group disposed of its entire interest in the joint arrangement for proceeds
of R15.0 million and a carrying value of R8.8 million. The net asset value comprised of property, plant and
equipment of R3.3 million, inventory of R3.4 million, trade and other receivables of R16.0 million, cash and cash
equivalents of R5.9 million and trade and other payables of R19.8 million. A profit of R6.2 million has been
recognised in the statement of profit or loss. At 31 December 2018, the proceeds had not yet been received
and will be settled through a loan account with the purchaser.

(b) Rusmar Packaging (Pty) Limited
During the current financial year, the Group disposed of its entire interest in the joint arrangement for proceeds
of R4.0 million and a carrying value of R3.0 million. A profit of R1.0 million has been recognised in the statement
of profit or loss.

(c) Shoebill (Pty) Limited
During the current financial year, the Group disposed of its entire interest in the subsidiary for proceeds of R29.4
million and a net asset value of R29.4 million. The net asset value comprised solely of property, plant and
equipment. The sale is in line with the Groups' business strategy.

(d) Pyramid Holdings (Pty) Limited
During the current financial year, the Group disposed of its entire interest in the subsidiary for proceeds of Rnil
million and a net asset value of R0.5 million. The net asset value comprised of other receivables of R0.1 million,
cash and cash equivalents of R0.5 million other payables of R.0.1 million. A loss of R0.5 million has been
recognised in the statement of profit or loss. The sale is in line with the Groups' business strategy.

There were no disposals in the prior financial year.

9. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
                                                                                              2018            2017
                                                                                               R'm             R'm
Capital expenditure contracted for at the reporting date in respect of plant
and equipment, but not yet incurred is as follows:
Contracted for                                                                              142.3            142.4
Approved, not yet contracted for                                                            596.5            590.9
Total capital commitments                                                                   738.8            733.3
The capital commitments will be financed from existing cash resources and
unutilised borrowing facilities.

10. FAIR VALUE ESTIMATION
The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter
derivatives) are determined using standard valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximise the use
of observable market data where available and rely as little as possible on Group-specific estimates.

The significant inputs required to fair value all of the Group's financial instruments are observable.

Specific valuation methodologies used to value financial instruments include:
- the fair values of interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts are calculated as the present value of
expected future cash flows based on observable yield curves and exchange rates; and
- other techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis, are used to determine the fair values of other
financial instruments.

                                                            At fair value
                                 Fair value   At amortised        through   At fair value
Financial assets                  hierarchy           cost profit or loss     through OCI       Total
                                                       R'm            R'm             R'm         R'm
2018
Trade and other receivables(1)                     2 336.1              -               -     2 336.1
Loans receivable                    Level 2           94.8              -               -        94.8
Equity investment                   Level 3              -              -               -           -
Derivative financial
instruments                         Level 2              -            0.9               -         0.9
Cash and cash equivalents(1)                         705.9              -               -       705.9
Total                                              3 136.8            0.9               -     3 137.7

                                                            At fair value
                                 Fair value      Loans and        through      Available-
                                  hierarchy    receivables profit or loss        for-Sale       Total
                                                       R'm            R'm             R'm         R'm
2017
Trade and other receivables(1)                     2 266.2              -               -     2 266.2
Loans receivable                    Level 2           29.5              -               -        29.5
Equity investment                   Level 3              -              -            20.5        20.5
Derivative financial
instruments                         Level 2              -            2.1               -         2.1
Cash and cash equivalents(1)                         350.6              -               -       350.6
Total                                              2 646.3            2.1            20.5     2 668.9
                                                            At fair value
                                                Fair value        through    At amortised
Financial liabilities                            hierarchy profit or loss            cost       Total
                                                       R'm            R'm             R'm         R'm
2018
Borrowings                                         Level 2              -       (2 830.5)   (2 830.5)
Trade and other payables(1)                                             -       (2 213.6)   (2 213.6)
Derivative financial instrument                    Level 2          (4.6)               -       (4.6)
Total                                                               (4.6)       (5 044.1)   (5 048.7)
2017
Borrowings                                         Level 2              -       (2 594.3)   (2 594.3)
Trade and other payables(1)                                             -       (2 021.7)   (2 021.7)
Derivative financial instrument                    Level 2         (26.6)               -      (26.6)
Total                                                              (26.6)       (4 616.0)   (4 642.6)

(1)The carrying value reasonably approximates the fair value.

11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Group has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries, its associates, joint ventures and directors.

The Group, in the ordinary course of business, enters into various sales, purchase and services transactions
with joint ventures and associates and others in which the Group has a material interest. These transactions
are under terms that are no less favourable than those arranged with third parties.

Details of transactions and balances between the Group and related parties are disclosed below:

                                                                               2018             2017
                                                                                R'm              R'm
Sales to joint arrangements                                                       -            122.5
Sales to associates                                                           613.4            702.4
Purchases from associates                                                         -              0.4
Loans to associates                                                            33.5              6.8
Receivables due from joint arrangements                                           -             40.9
Receivables due from associates                                               161.2            173.0
Payables due to joint arrangements                                                -              1.6
Payables due to associates                                                     21.2             16.3

12. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND CONTINGENT ASSETS
(a) Contingent liabilities for the Group comprise aggregate amounts at 31 December 2018 of R10.6 million
(2017: R10.0 million) in respect of loans and guarantees given to banks and other third parties.
(b) A Group mill is the subject of a land claim, which should not have a material impact on the financial position
of the Group.
(c) There were no significant contingent assets for the Group at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017.
(d) As advised to the shareholders on 26 May 2016, the Company is subject to a Competition Commission
investigation. The Directors are unable to determine the outcome of the investigation.

13. EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER THE REPORTING DATE
In terms of an agreement, on 1 January 2019, the Group increased its shareholding in West Coast Papers
(Pty) Limited from 49% to 60% for R8 million following the fulfillment of all the conditions precedent. The
increase in shareholding has resulted in West Coast Papers (Pty) Limited being classified as a subsidiary.
The Group is finalising the acquisition date fair value calculations and will provide the relevant disclosure in
the 2019 interim results.

The Board declared an ordinary dividend of 55 cents per share on 13 March 2019 payable on 8 April 2019 to
shareholders registered on 5 April 2019.

There were no other significant or material subsequent events which would require adjustment to or
disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

DIRECTORS:
On 21 December 2018, Mr PCS Luthuli was appointed as non-executive director to the
Mpact Limited Board.


Independent Non-Executive:
AJ Phillips (Chairman), NP Dongwana, NB Langa-Royds, PCS Luthuli, M Makanjee,
TDA Ross, AM Thompson


Executive:
BW Strong (Chief Executive Officer), BDV Clark (Chief Financial Officer)

Company secretary:
MN Sepuru

Registered office:
4th Floor, No.3 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose Arch, 2196
(Postnet Suite #179, Private Bag X1, Melrose Arch, 2076)

Transfer secretaries:
Link Market Services South Africa Proprietary Limited
13th Floor, Rennie House, 19 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein, 2001
(PO Box 4844, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa)

Sponsors:
Rand Merchant Bank (a division of FirstRand Bank Limited)
1 Merchant Place, corner Fredman Drive and Rivonia Road, Sandton, 2196
(PO Box 786273, Sandton, 2 146)

Auditors:
Deloitte & Touche
Deloitte Place, The Woodlands, Woodland Drive, Woodmead, Sandton, 2196
(Private Bag X6, Gallo Manor, 2052)



Date: 13/03/2019 08:30:00 Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited ('JSE'). 
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