Final Results

Meikles Africa Ld 13 May 2002 MEIKLES AFRICA LIMITED PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT - 31 MARCH 2002 Financial Highlights - Inflation Adjusted Financial Highlights - Historical • Turnover of $28 billion up 14%. • Turnover of $21 billion up 123% • Net Interest payable has decreased by $1,5 billion. • Operating profit of $2,3 billion compared to a profit of $951 million last year. • Exchange gains of $6 billion compared to $3 billion last year. • Exchange gains of $4 billion compared to $1 billion last year. • Attributable profit of $2,143 million up 277% compared to a profit of $569 million last year. • Attributable profit of $5,9 billion compared to a profit of $1,4 billion last year • Final dividend of 315 cents CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Your Group has produced a commendable set of results for the year despite severe operating conditions, which saw the viability of many companies threatened. It is pleasing to be able to report a 326% increase in attributable earnings on an historical cost basis and a 277% increase in attributable profits on an inflation adjusted basis. The objectives of ensuring that turnover and profit growth exceeded inflation, and of growing the size of the Group both organically and by acquisition were achieved. Your Board has declared a final dividend of $3.15 which, together with the interim dividend of $1.25, makes a total of $4.40 for the year, an increase of 100% over that for the prior year. In accordance with International Accounting Standards Meikles, Africa Limited is required to publish inflation adjusted accounts. The historical accounts are shown as supplementary information. HISTORICAL COST ACCOUNTS Group turnover increased by 123% to $21.1 billion and operating profit increased by 141% to $2.29 billion, both figures exceeding the year on year average official inflation figure of 91.6% by a considerable margin. Exchange gains of $4.3 billion, a decline in net interest payable of $484 million, and our share of Kingdom profits of $586 million result in an increase in profit before taxation from $1.6 billion to $7 billion. At the attributable level, headline earnings per share have shown significant growth from $9.64 to $38.59. OPERATIONS TM Supermarkets • Turnover increased by 117% from $7.2 billion to $15.6 billion • Operating profit grew by 155% to $1.3 billion from $510 million Official inflation for the year to March 2002 was 91.6% and the turnover growth of 117% reflects the growth in our market share. Stocks of high value imported items were increased selectively to ensure the consistent availability of a good range of products. Overall expenses have increased by 115% although a number of fixed and variable operating costs such as utilities, wrapping, employee costs and equipment maintenance reflect much higher percentage increases. One new supermarket at Zengeza was opened in July 2001, and the flagship branch at Borrowdale reopened in December 2001. Borrowdale has received a very enthusiastic reception from the consumers in the area and sales are higher than expected. A new supermarket will open in Chadcombe in May 2002 and the division continues to explore further opportunities. Retail • Turnover rose 120% from $1.5 billion to $3.3 billion. • Operating profit rose by 31% from $399 million to $522 million. The debtors book is now owned by Meikles Financial Services with the shareholding split between Kingdom Financial Holdings (51%) and Meikles (49%). The sale of the debtors book to MFS, including the debtors income has distorted the comparison of operating profit year on year. If a like on like comparison of results was to be made, the operating profit in the Retail Division would show growth in the order of 356%. Our Retail Division continues to manage all aspects of its credit operations on behalf of Kingdom. After a fairly slow start to the year, retail division sales were enhanced by strategic purchases commencing at the end of the second quarter and the improved trend continued strongly for the rest of the year. Strong growth was recorded in clothing, footwear, cosmetics and accessories. The ratio of cash to credit sales improved, and debt collection and bad debts written off were well within budget and similar to the previous year. Clicks results benefitted from the new outlets opened in Bulawayo and Gweru. In line with trends in South Africa, a partnership between the Clicks Health and Beauty chain and Medix Pharmacies was formed towards the end of the year and trading commenced in two stores. After assessing their performances, the Group has taken a significant stake in Medix in order to provide finance for the future expansion of that company. Hotels • Turnover increased by 164% from $795 million to $2.1 billion. • Operating Profit increased by 325% from $122 million to $518 million. Turnover in the Zimbabwe hotels benefitted as a result of the implementation of the tourism rate of exchange for the Zimbabwe dollar. However average occupancies remained depressed at 31.8% for Meikles Hotel (2001: 38.4%), and 34.2% for Victoria Falls Hotel (2001: 32.3%). Tourism has been badly affected by the international perception of the country and recently by the strong travel warnings issued by various governments advising against travel to Zimbabwe. Both hotels remained profitable during the year and Victoria Falls Hotel has maintained a high average room rate despite the low occupancies. The remaining 50% of the Cape Grace Hotel was purchased on 1 December 2001 and full ownership of the hotel is reflected in the accounts for the peak four months of trading to 31 March 2002. The hotel has had an excellent year with turnover growth reflecting high occupancies of 62% for the year (2001: 54%) and a much improved room rate. The Cape Grace continues to achieve the highest average room rate in the five-star market in Cape Town, with an increasing market share. The proportion of full rate business increased during the year partly because of the membership of Leading Small Hotels of the World, and also because of the impact of the publicity generated by the Conde Nast Traveller 'Best Hotel in the World' award last year. The Cape Grace Hotel was also voted Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East for 2001 and Meikles Hotel and Victoria Falls Hotel both won awards. Kingdom Financial Holdings Kingdom continues to make progress with its retail bank and a further 3 branches being added this year. A total of 14 branches are currently operating of which 5 are in or adjacent to Group operations. We fully support Kingdom's regional initiative covering the investments in Botswana, Zambia and Malawi. INFLATION ADJUSTED ACCOUNTS Headline earnings per share of $17.95 (2001: $5.48) reflect the Group's growth in earnings in the current year. Although the Group has achieved an increase in turnover of 13.6% to $28.3 billion, there is an operating loss for the year of $267 million compared to a profit of $475 million in the prior year. The debtors book was transferred to Meikles Financial Services on 1 August 2001 and the related income now accrues to that Company. As a result there has been a decline in operating profit of $936 million. Net interest payable has decreased by $1.5 billion, while the net exchange gains have increased by $3 billion. Included in profit before taxation is $1.1 billion, which represents our 25% interest in Kingdom Financial Holdings. STRATEGY We will continue to look for opportunities for growth in both retail divisions and to concentrate on successfully managing our operations. Our goal is to consolidate our position as the major supermarket and retail business in Zimbabwe, offering a wide range of products at competitive prices with a high standard of service. We are exploring a number of new supermarket opportunities in Zimbabwe and expect to open at least two supermarkets in the coming year. Regional supermarket development has become less attractive and is unlikely to be pursued in the near future. The successful acquisition of the other half of the Cape Grace will lead to additional growth in our earnings in South Africa. I would like to thank my fellow Directors and to congratulate Management and Staff on a job well done during the past year. JOHN MOXON CHAIRMAN Enquiries: Meikles Africa Tel: +263 4 252068 Chris Parvin, Chief Executive College Hill Tel: +44 (0)20 7457 2020 Corinna Dorward Email: corinna.dorward@collegehill.com FINAL DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT On the 9th May 2002, the Board approved a final dividend Number 65 of 315 cents per share on 156,419,087 shares payable to members registered in the books of the company at the close of business on 28th June 2002. The Transfer Books and Register of Members will be closed from 29th June 2002 to 14th July 2002. Dividend cheques will be mailed to shareholders on or about 15th July 2002. The dividends payable to non-resident shareholders will be paid in accordance with Exchange Control Regulations. Shareholders' withholding tax will be deducted where applicable. By order of the Board A.P.LANE-MITCHELL Company Secretary 9 May 2002 All current financial, operational and structural information on Meikles Africa Limited can be obtained as changes in these areas occur by visiting Meikles Africa's website at: http:/www.meiklesafrica.co.zw CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT For the year ended 31 March 2002 INFLATION ADJUSTED HISTORICAL COST Audited Audited Audited Audited (all amounts in millions Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended of dollars) 31 March 2002 31 March 2001 31 March 2002 31 March 2001 Turnover 28,296 24,905 21,096 9,451 Cost of sales (21,932) (19,345) (14,551) (6,865) Gross Profit 6,364 5,560 6,545 2,586 Operating expenses (7,158) (6,375) (4,547) (2,159) Other income 527 1,290 296 524 Operating (loss)/profit (267) 475 2,294 951 Net interest (281) (1,785) (188) (672) Exchange gains 6,086 3,034 4,329 1,138 Share of result of 1,135 250 586 200 associate Net monetary loss (3,084) (1,237) - - Profit before taxation 3,589 737 7,021 1,617 Taxation (1,170) 51 (841) (108) Profit after taxation 2,419 788 6,180 1,509 Minority interest (276) (219) (235) (112) Net profit attributable 2,143 569 5,945 1,397 to shareholders Basic earnings per share ($) 13,77 3,71 38,20 9,12 IIMR Headline earnings 17,95 5,48 38,59 9,64 per share ($) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES For the year ended 31 March 2002 Net profit for the year attributable to shareholders 2,143 569 5,945 1,397 Net gains not recognised in the income statement - Increase / (decrease) in value of quoted investments 763 (7) 336 (3) - Capital gains deferred tax 26 99 (63) 1 Total recognised gains and losses 2,932 661 6,218 1,395 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET At 31 March 2002 INFLATION ADJUSTED HISTORICAL COST Audited Audited Audited Audited at at at at 31 March 2002 31 March 2001 31 March 2002 31 March 2001 ASSETS Non-current assets 14,835 11,662 8,903 3,393 Current assets 11,886 11,171 11,523 5,125 Total assets 26,721 22,833 20,426 8,518 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Capital and reserves 15,026 12,254 10,430 4,211 Minority interest 457 323 159 67 Non-current liabilities 6,796 7,189 5,395 2,802 Current liabilities 4,442 3,067 4,442 1,438 Total equity and liabilities 26,721 22,833 20,426 8,518 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY For the year ended 31 March 2002 INFLATION ADJUSTED -Audited Share Share Non- Retained Total Capital Premium Distributable Earnings and Reserves Shareholders for Dividend Balance at 1 April 2001 164 10,300 1,991 (201) 12,254 Net gains not recognised in income statement: -Increase in valuation of quoted investments - - - 789 789 Currency translation difference for Cape - - 499 - 499 Grace Hotel Share options exercised 1 86 - - 87 Net profit - - - 2,143 2,143 Dividend for 2001 - final - - - (494) (494) Dividend for 2002 - interim - - - (252) (252) Balance at 31 March 2002 165 10,386 2,490 1,985 15,026 Balance at 1 April 2000 163 10,223 1,724 (81) 12,029 Net gains not recognised in income statement: -Increase in valuation of quoted investments - - - 92 92 Currency translation difference for Cape - - 267 - 267 Grace Hotel Share options exercised 1 77 - - 78 Net profit - - - 569 569 Dividend for 2000 - final - - - (507) (507) Dividend for 2001 - interim - - - (274) (274) Balance at 31 March 2001 164 10,300 1,991 (201) 12,254 HISTORICAL COST - Audited Share Share Non- Retained Total Capital Premium distributable Earnings and Reserves Shareholders for Dividend Balance at 1 April 2001 15 928 262 3,006 4,211 Net gains not recognised in income statement: -Increase in valuation of quoted investments - - - 273 273 Currency translation difference for Cape - - 365 - 365 Grace Hotel Share options exercised 1 63 - - 64 Net profit - - - 5,945 5,945 Dividend for 2001 - final - - - (232) (232) Dividend for 2002 - interim - - - (196) (196) Balance at 31 March 2002 16 991 627 8,796 10,430 Balance at 1 April 2000 15 896 145 1,871 2,927 Net gains not recognised in income statement: -Decrease in valuation of quoted investments - - - (2) (2) Currency translation difference for Cape - - 117 - 117 Grace Hotel Share options exercised - 32 - - 32 Net profit - - - 1,397 1,397 Dividend for 2000 - final - - - - (153) (153) Dividend for 2001 - interim - - - (107) (107) Balance at 31 March 2001 15 928 262 3,006 4,211 CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the year ended 31 March 2002 INFLATION ADJUSTED HISTORICAL COST Audited Audited Audited Audited Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 March 2002 31 March 2001 31 March 2002 31 March 2001 Cash flows from operating activities Profit before taxation 3,589 737 7,021 1,617 Adjustment for: Non-operating cash flow (5,661) (1,160) (4,165) (466) Non-cash items (1,574) 908 (181) 62 Operating cash flow before working (3,646) 485 2,675 1,213 capital changes (Used in)/generated from working capital (93) 404 (979) (72) changes Operating cash flow (3,739) 889 1,696 1,141 Income tax paid (483) (360) (197) (101) Net cash generated from operating (4,222) 529 1,499 1,040 activities Net cash generated from/(used in) 522 350 (1,371) (392) investing activities Net cash used in financing activities (2,817) (3,180) (1,053) (356) Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 6,086 3,034 4,329 1,138 Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and (431) 733 3,404 1,430 cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2001 7,202 6,469 3,376 1,946 Cash acquired with Cape Grace Hotel and 46 - 37 - Medix Limited Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2002 6,817 7,202 6,817 3,376 Segmental Analysis INFLATION ADJUSTED Year ended 31 March 2002 (all amounts in millions of dollars) Hotels Supermarkets Retail Corporate Group Turnover 2,708 21,139 4,449 - 28,296 Operating profit 34 (61) (390) 150 (267) Net Interest (281) Net exchange gain 6,086 Share of result of associate 1,135 Monetary loss (3,084) Taxation (1,170) Minority interest (276) Attributable profit 2,143 Segment assets 9,411 5,984 2,874 8,452 26,721 Segment liabilities 6,417 4,286 3,554 (3,019) 11,238 Capital expenditure 1,846 865 222 37 2,970 Depreciation and amortisation 728 318 281 (199) 1,128 Year ended 31 March 2001 Turnover 2,054 18,915 3,936 - 24,905 Operating profit 127 446 116 (214) 475 Net interest 1,785 Net exchange gain 3,034 Share of result of associate 250 Monetary loss (1,237) Taxation 51 Minority interest (219) Attributable profit 569 Segment assets 6,058 4,516 3,323 8,936 22,833 Segment liabilities 4,425 4,417 6,361 (4,947) 10,256 Capital expenditure 259 473 197 35 964 Depreciation and amortisation 317 290 480 123 1,210 Segmental Analysis HISTORICAL COST Year ended 31 March 2002 (all amounts in millions of dollars) Hotels Supermarkets Retail Corporate Group Turnover 2,113 15,649 3,334 - 21,096 Operating profit 518 1,301 522 (47) 2,294 Net interest (188) Net exchange gain 4,329 Share of result in associate 586 Taxation (841) Minority interest (235) Attributable profit 5,945 Segmental assets 7,136 4,480 3,339 5,471 20,426 Segment liabilities 6,249 3,797 2,744 (2,953) 9,837 Capital expenditure 130 617 157 32 936 Depreciation and amortisation 160 68 53 6 287 Year ended 31 March 2001 Turnover 795 7,173 1,483 - 9,451 Operating profit 122 510 399 (80) 951 Net in interest (672) Net exchange gain 1,138 Share of result in associate 201 Taxation (108) Minority interest (113) Attributable profit 1,397 Segment assets 2,192 2,038 2,140 2,147 8,518 Segment liabilities 1,063 1,769 1,567 (159) 4,240 Capital expenditure and goodwill 114 178 67 13 372 Depreciation and amortisation 69 40 42 58 209 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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