JOIN DRIVERN TAXI AS PARTNER DRIVER TODAY!
HALF-YEAR RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2013
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act No. 38, Zambia Sugar Plc announces its results for the six month period ended 30 September 2013
Unaudited
Six Months
Audited
12 Months
September September March 2013 2012 2013
ZMW’000 ZMW’000 ZMW’000
Revenue 916 016 817 536 1 534 573
| Operating profit | 144 212 | 144 555 | 316 189 | ||
| Net finance costs | (66 675) | (71 635) | (141 683) | ||
| Profit before taxation | 77 537 | 72 920 | 174 506 | ||
| Taxation | (9 544) | (8 657) | (33 407) | ||
| Profit after tax | 67 993 | 64 263 | 141 099 | ||
| Other comprehensive income | (4 076) | 946 | 5 022 | ||
| Total comprehensive income | 63 917 | 65 209 | 146 121 | ||
| Profit attributable to:Zambia Sugar’s shareholders | 66 110 | 62 733 | 136 822 | ||
| Non-controlling interest | 1 883 | 1 530 | 4 277 | ||
| 67 993 | 64 263 | 141 099 | |||
| Total comprehensive income attributable to: | |||||
| Zambia Sugar’s shareholders | 62 034 | 63 679 | 141 844 | ||
| Non-controlling interest | 1 883 | 1 530 | 4 277 | ||
| 63 917 | 65 209 | 146 121 | |||
| Determination of headline earnings | |||||
| Profit attributable to shareholders of Zambia Sugar Plc | 66 110 | 62 733 | 136 822 | ||
| Adjusted for: | |||||
| Net (gain)loss on sale of property, plant and equipment | – | (139) | (170) | ||
| Headline earnings for the year (ZMW) | 66 110 | 62 594 | 136 652 | ||
| Headline earnings per share (ZMW) * | 0.21 | 0.20 | 0.43 | ||
| Basic and diluted earnings per share (ZMW) * | 0.21 | 0.20 | 0.43 | ||
| Dividends per share (ZMW) * | 0.08 | 0.08 | 0.22 | ||
| Weighted average number of shares (‘000) * | 316 571 | 316 571 | 316 571 | ||
| Number of shares in issue (‘000) * | 316 571 | 316 571 | 316 571 |
* September 2012 and March 2013 have been restated to reflect the consolidation and division of share capital approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of the company held on 27 August 2013.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
As the sugar season runs from 1 April to 31 March, operating profits incorporated in the results comprise one half of the latest estimate for the year ending 31 March 2014.
COMMENTARY FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2013Review
Total revenue for the half-year increased by 12% to ZMW916 million on the back of higher sales volumes. However, profit from operations of ZMW144 million remained flat, largely as a result of a material decline in export prices and increased costs, which have impacted negatively on the operating margin. Net finance costs have continued to decrease following ongoing repayment of the expansion related loan. Headline earnings for the half-year increased by 5% to ZMW66 million.
The factory started crushing in the first week of April and quickly settled into a steady state. Operations in the first six months have been good with an improvement in throughput, time efficiencies and recoveries compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Total sugar production increased by 9% to 327,000 tons whilst refined output increased by 22% to
37,000 tons. The re-commissioned 30 MW turbo alternator set has stabilised power supply to the mill, greatly improving production efficiencies. The reduced water supply to the crop in the previous year following failure of the turbo alternator set has resulted in lower cane yields year on year. On the positive side, water supply to the crop in the current season has been satisfactory given the stable power supply and is expected to benefit yields in the 2014/15 season.
The domestic market has performed reasonably well on the back of sound economic fundamentals. Whilst demand in the industrial sugar sector started on a weak note it has stabilised and is expected to meet expectations going forward. Regional market returns have been dampened by the lower world market price of sugar. The situation has been further aggravated by an extension of import duty waivers in some markets. However, the logistic supply advantage of the company’s regional location continues to be maximised. Bulk raw sugar exports to the European Union have moved efficiently, and are on track to meet annual supply commitments.
Prospects
Sugar production for the full year is not expected to exceed that of the previous year due to late season cane yields being lower than previously anticipated. The financial impact of this yield drop, to the extent attributable to irrigation constraints resulting from failure of the 30MW turbo alternator set in 2012/13, is an insured loss and will be substantially mitigated by the inclusion of insurance proceeds. Regional pricing pressure is expected to continue, resulting in a strain on operating margins. Management continues to focus on costs to mitigate the impact on profits for the full year.
Dividends
Notice is hereby given that the directors of Zambia Sugar Plc on 8 November approved the payment of an interim dividend, for the six months ended 30 September 2013 of ZMW0.08 per share (2012: ZMW0.08).
In compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act CAP 354 of the Laws of Zambia and the Listing Rules of the Lusaka Stock Exchange, the dividend shall be payable to the shareholders registered in the share register of the Company at the close of business on 6 December 2013.
The dividend payment will be effected on 9 December 2013.
To facilitate smooth and expedient payment of dividends, shareholders are reminded to provide their bank account details to the Share Transfer Secretaries at the address below:
The Country Manager, Corserve Transfer Agent, Plot No. 6 Mwaleshi Road, Olympia Park, Lusaka, Zambia.
Contact Person: Mr Setfree Nhapi
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
TEL: +260 -211-295888
CELL: +260-976-242108
By order of the Board
LM Sievu Nakambala Estate
Company Secretary 12 November 2013
