Not logged in
  Home   Markets   Shares   Funds   Portfolio   Toolbox   Charting   Alerts   Directory   
 Admin   

Mon 23 May 2011, 7:05 LEW - Lewis Group Limited - Final audited results for the year ended
LEW
LEW                                                                             
LEW - Lewis Group Limited - Final audited results for the year ended            
31 March 2011                                                                   
LEWIS GROUP LIMITED                                                             
Registration number: 2004/009817/06                                             
Share code: LEW                                                                 
ISIN: ZAE000058236                                                              
FINAL AUDITED RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2011                          
MERCHANDISE SALES UP 12%                                                        
GROSS PROFIT IMPROVED FROM 34.9% TO 36.3%                                       
OPERATING PROFIT MARGIN 23%                                                     
HEADLINE EARNINGS PER SHARE UP 21.6%                                            
FINAL DIVIDEND 207 CENTS UP 15.6%                                               
OVERVIEW                                                                        
Lewis Group posted a strong trading performance for the year with steadily      
improving sales and credit collections. The ongoing focus on merchandise        
innovation benefited the group through increased credit sales and gross profit. 
Merchandise sales for the reporting period increased by 12% and revenue rose by 
11.4% to R4.6 billion.                                                          
Headline earnings per share increased by 21.6%. This was mainly due to the      
improvement in the gross profit margin from 34.9% to 36.3% and the decline in   
debtor costs as a percentage of net debtors from 10.9% to 10.2%.                
After maintaining the total dividend at 323 cents per share for the past two    
challenging years, the board is pleased to advise a 15.6% increase in the final 
dividend to 207 cents, bringing the total dividend for the year to              
363 cents, returning to a 50% payout of earnings.                               
TRADING AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE                                               
The merchandise strategy of sourcing exclusive and differentiated furniture     
ranges was enhanced with a second launch of merchandise in October 2010, which  
contributed to the increase in the gross margin.                                
Furniture and appliance sales increased by 12.1% and electronic goods sales by  
11.9%. Merchandise sales in the flagship Lewis brand, which comprise 84.2% of   
total sales, increased by 12.6% and Best Home and Electric improved sales by    
17.9%. Credit sales as a percentage of total sales grew from 68.5% in 2010 to   
71.4% this year.                                                                
The higher credit sales mix resulted in a 13.5% increase in revenue from        
ancillary services which comprise monthly service and initiation fees on credit 
contracts. Insurance revenue grew by 22.2% owing to the higher proportion of    
longer term contracts in the debtor base. Finance charges increased by only 1.4%
reflecting the impact of lower interest rates.                                  
Operating costs, excluding debtor costs, increased by 11.8%, impacted by the    
higher performance-related employment cost, the launch of My Home and the higher
occupancy and employment costs associated with the opening of 40 new stores     
during the period. Operating costs as a percentage of revenue at 35.1% is well  
within management`s target range of 35% to 36%.                                 
Operating profit margin increased to 23.0% (2010: 22.1%) and resulted in a 16.0%
growth in operating profit which reached the R1 billion mark. Headline earnings 
per share grew by 21.6% to 781.1 cents (2010: 642.6 cents).                     
Inventory continues to be tightly managed with a stock turn of 5.7 times.       
Cash generated from operations increased by R300 million through improved       
trading and strong debtor collections. The group`s gearing ratio improved to    
26.8% from 27.5%, well below management`s maximum level of 35%.                 
DEBTOR MANAGEMENT                                                               
The improving quality of the book is reflected in the decline in debtor costs   
from 10.9% to 10.2%. Collections gained momentum throughout the year as the     
economic health of our customer base continued to improve.                      
An analysis of the group`s debtors book based on payment ratings shows an       
improvement in the percentage of customers in the "satisfactory paid" category  
to 74.5% compared to 72.7% last year. The number of customers classified in the 
slow-paying and non-performing categories showed a commensurate decline.        
STORE EXPANSION                                                                 
The group achieved its goal of opening 40 stores, bringing the store base to 582
at year-end. During the period 21 Lewis, 15 Best Home and Electric and 4 My Home
stores were opened, with 17 of the new Lewis outlets being smaller format       
stores.                                                                         
PROSPECTS                                                                       
There are encouraging signs of a sustainable improvement in spending in the     
Lewis target market. Consumer confidence is improving and demand for credit is  
growing, supported by higher real wage increases granted to the public sector   
and trade union groups, stabilising unemployment, continuing infrastructure     
spend and service delivery.                                                     
However, management remains cautious on the pace of the economic recovery in an 
environment where job creation is key to sustained growth and consumers are     
experiencing increasing fuel, electricity and utility costs.                    
The store expansion programme will continue and 40 new outlets are planned for  
the year ahead, with the focus on small stores with lower cost structures and   
higher sales densities.                                                         
DIVIDEND DECLARATION                                                            
Notice is hereby given that a final cash dividend of 207 cents in respect of the
year ended 31 March 2011 has been declared payable to holders of ordinary       
shares.                                                                         
The following dates are applicable:                                             
Last date to trade "cum" dividend                         Friday, 15 July 2011  
Date trading commences "ex" dividend                      Monday, 18 July 2011  
Record date                                               Friday, 22 July 2011  
Date of payment                                           Monday, 25 July 2011  
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday,  
18 July 2011 and Friday, 22 July 2011.                                          
For and on behalf of the board.                                                 
David Nurek                                     Johan Enslin                    
Chairman                                        Chief Executive Officer         
Cape Town                                                                       
23 May 2011                                                                     
EXTERNAL AUDITORS` OPINION                                                      
The external auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., have audited the group`s    
annual financial statements and the abridged financial statements contained     
herein for the twelve months ended 31 March 2011. A copy of their unqualified   
reports are available on request at the company`s registered office.            
INCOME STATEMENT                                                                
                                                                    12 months   
ended   
                                                                     31 March   
                                                                         2011   
                                                                           Rm   
Notes            Audited   
Revenue                                                                4 577.7  
Merchandise sales                                                      2 290.3  
Finance charges earned                                                   919.6  
Insurance premiums earned                                                752.4  
Ancillary services                                                       615.4  
Cost of merchandise sales                                            (1 458.6)  
Operating costs                                                      (2 066.6)  
Employment costs                                                       (693.5)  
Administration and IT                                                  (208.1)  
Debtor costs                                              2            (458.9)  
Marketing                                                              (156.5)  
Occupancy costs                                                        (186.1)  
Transport and travel                                                   (147.5)  
Depreciation                                                            (46.5)  
Other operating costs                                                  (169.5)  
Operating profit                                                       1 052.5  
Investment income                                                         82.0  
Profit before finance costs                                            1 134.5  
Net finance costs                                         3             (91.9)  
Profit before taxation                                                 1 042.6  
Taxation                                                               (330.7)  
Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders                         711.9  
Reconciliation of headline earnings:                                            
Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders                         711.9  
Adjusted for                                                                    
Surplus on disposal of property, plant and equipment                     (7.2)  
Surplus on disposal of available-for-sale assets                        (19.2)  
Tax effect                                                                 3.4  
Headline earnings                                                        688.9  
Number of ordinary shares (000)                                                 
In issue                                                                98 058  
Weighted average                                                        88 194  
Diluted weighted average                                                89 185  
Earnings per share (cents)                                               807.2  
Headline earnings per share (cents)                                      781.1  
Diluted earnings per share (cents)                                       798.2  
Diluted headline earnings per share (cents)                              772.4  
                                                                    12 months   
                                                                        ended   
31 March   
                                                                         2010   
                                                         %                 Rm   
                                                    change            Audited   
Revenue                                               11.4%            4 110.6  
Merchandise sales                                                      2 045.5  
Finance charges earned                                                   907.1  
Insurance premiums earned                                                616.0  
Ancillary services                                                       542.0  
Cost of merchandise sales                                            (1 330.6)  
Operating costs                                                      (1 872.8)  
Employment costs                                                       (607.4)  
Administration and IT                                                  (194.7)  
Debtor costs                                                           (434.2)  
Marketing                                                              (134.3)  
Occupancy costs                                                        (165.1)  
Transport and travel                                                   (135.9)  
Depreciation                                                            (46.3)  
Other operating costs                                                  (154.9)  
Operating profit                                      16.0%              907.2  
Investment income                                                         77.5  
Profit before finance costs                                              984.7  
Net finance costs                                                      (121.2)  
Profit before taxation                                                   863.5  
Taxation                                                               (272.1)  
Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders      20.4%              591.4  
Reconciliation of headline earnings:                                            
Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders                         591.4  
Adjusted for                                                                    
Surplus on disposal of property, plant and equipment                     (6.5)  
Surplus on disposal of available-for-sale assets                        (23.6)  
Tax effect                                                                 4.2  
Headline earnings                                     21.8%              565.5  
Number of ordinary shares (000)                                                 
In issue                                                                98 058  
Weighted average                                                        88 002  
Diluted weighted average                                                88 330  
Earnings per share (cents)                            20.1%              672.0  
Headline earnings per share (cents)                   21.6%              642.6  
Diluted earnings per share (cents)                    19.2%              669.5  
Diluted headline earnings per share (cents)           20.7%              640.2  
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                                               
                                                 12 months          12 months   
                                                     ended              ended   
31 March           31 March   
                                                      2011               2010   
                                                        Rm                 Rm   
                                                   Audited            Audited   
Net profit for the year                               711.9              591.4  
Fair value adjustments of                                                       
available-for-sale investments                         38.1               87.1  
Fair value adjustments of                                                       
available-for-sale investments                         42.8               99.4  
Tax effect                                            (4.7)             (12.3)  
Disposal of available-for-sale                                                  
investments recognised                               (17.8)             (21.3)  
Disposal of available-for-sale investments           (19.2)             (23.6)  
Tax effect                                              1.4                2.3  
Foreign currency translation reserve                  (4.1)              (7.4)  
Total comprehensive income for the year               728.1              649.8  
BALANCE SHEET                                                                   
                                                        31 March     31 March   
                                                            2011         2010   
                                                              Rm           Rm   
Notes      Audited      Audited   
Assets                                                                          
Non-current assets                                                              
Property, plant and equipment                               278.7        251.1  
Deferred taxation                                            20.1         13.0  
Investments - insurance business                   5        857.1        716.0  
                                                         1 155.9        980.1   
Current assets                                                                  
Inventories                                                 256.3        210.0  
Trade and other receivables                        4      3 835.0      3 427.6  
Investments - insurance business                   5        240.2        178.1  
Cash on hand and deposits                                    84.3         62.2  
4 415.8      3 877.9   
Total assets                                              5 571.7      4 858.0  
Equity and liabilities                                                          
Capital and reserves                                                            
Shareholders` equity and reserves                         3 728.1      3 273.7  
Non-current liabilities                                                         
Long-term interest-bearing borrowings              6        400.0        350.0  
Deferred taxation                                            85.1         84.5  
Retirement benefits                                          59.4         51.8  
                                                           544.5        486.3   
Current liabilities                                                             
Trade and other payables                           7        567.0        450.0  
Taxation                                                     49.1         36.6  
Short-term interest-bearing borrowings             6        683.0        611.4  
                                                         1 299.1      1 098.0   
Total equity and liabilities                              5 571.7      4 858.0  
CASH FLOW STATEMENT                                                             
                                                      12 months     12 months   
                                                          ended         ended   
                                                       31 March      31 March   
2011          2010   
                                                             Rm            Rm   
                                             Note       Audited       Audited   
Cash generated from operations                   8         777.0         478.1  
Dividends and interest received                             66.0          59.9  
Finance costs                                             (95.1)       (127.2)  
Taxation paid                                            (328.0)       (214.2)  
Cash retained from operating activities                    419.9         196.6  
Net cash outflow from investing activities               (227.3)       (126.3)  
Net cash outflow from financing activities               (292.1)         162.7  
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash                                        
equivalents                                               (99.5)         233.0  
Cash and cash equivalents at the                                                
beginning of the year                                    (249.2)       (482.2)  
Cash and cash equivalents at the                                                
end of the year                                          (348.7)       (249.2)  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY                                                  
                                                      12 months     12 months   
                                                          ended         ended   
                                                       31 March      31 March   
2011          2010   
                                                             Rm            Rm   
                                                        Audited       Audited   
Share capital and premium                                   93.5          93.5  
Opening balance                                             93.5          97.8  
Cost of own shares acquired                                    -         (4.3)  
Other reserves                                             207.1         171.3  
Opening balance                                            171.3         107.4  
Other comprehensive income:                                                     
Fair value adjustments of available-for-sale                                    
investments                                                 38.1          87.1  
Disposal of available-for-sale investments                           recognised 
(17.8)        (21.3)                                                            
Foreign currency translation reserve                       (4.1)         (7.4)  
Share-based payment                                         18.4          10.9  
Transfer of share-based payment reserve to retained                             
income on vesting                                          (8.4)        (11.5)  
Transfer to contingency reserve                              9.6           6.1  
Retained earnings                                        3 427.5       3 008.9  
Opening balance                                          3 008.9       2 695.1  
Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders           711.9         591.4  
Profit on sale of own shares                                 3.5           1.4  
Transfer of share-based payment reserve to retained                             
income on vesting                                            8.4          11.5  
Transfer to contingency reserve                            (9.6)         (6.1)  
Distribution to shareholders                             (295.6)       (284.4)  
Balance at the end of the year                           3 728.1       3 273.7  
SEGMENTAL REPORT                                                                
Best Home   
                                                     Lewis       and Electric   
Reportable segments                                      Rm                 Rm  
2011                                                                            
Revenue                                             3 853.5              588.5  
Operating profit                                      919.7              126.0  
Operating margin                                      23.9%              21.4%  
Segment assets                                      3 422.3              491.5  
2010                                                                            
Revenue                                             3 470.3              503.4  
Operating profit                                      808.7               96.2  
Operating margin                                      23.3%              19.1%  
Segment assets                                      3 072.8              410.4  
                                                    My Home             Total   
Reportable segments                                      Rm                 Rm  
2011                                                                            
Revenue                                               135.7            4 577.7  
Operating profit                                        6.8            1 052.5  
Operating margin                                       5.0%              23.0%  
Segment assets                                        102.3            4 016.1  
2010                                                                            
Revenue                                               136.9            4 110.6  
Operating profit                                        2.3              907.2  
Operating margin                                       1.7%              22.1%  
Segment assets                                         62.4            3 545.6  
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                               
1. Basis of accounting                                                          
The results for the 12 months to 31 March 2011 are prepared in accordance with  
the recognition and measurement principles of International Financial Reporting 
Standards, including IAS 34 (Interim Financial Reporting) and in compliance with
the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited. The accounting policies are       
consistent with those applied in the annual financial statements for the year   
ending 31 March 2010 except for:                                                
The short-term portion of long-term borrowings has been excluded from cash and  
cash equivalents in the cash flow statement. Comparatives have been reclassified
accordingly.                                                                    
31 March     31 March   
                                                            2011         2010   
                                                              Rm           Rm   
                                                         Audited      Audited   
2. Debtor costs                                                                 
Bad debts, repossession losses and bad debt recoveries      336.0        331.5  
Movement in debtors` impairment provision                   122.9        102.7  
                                                           458.9        434.2   
3. Net finance costs                                                            
Interest paid                                                87.1         94.7  
Interest earned                                             (3.2)        (6.0)  
Losses on forward exchange contracts                          8.0         32.5  
91.9        121.2   
4. Trade and other receivables                                                  
Instalment sale and loan receivables                      5 454.7      4 705.2  
Provision for unearned finance charges and unearned                             
maintenance income                                        (271.4)      (207.5)  
Provision for unearned initiation fees                    (102.6)       (88.5)  
Provision for unearned insurance premiums                 (562.6)      (438.2)  
Net instalment sale and loan receivables                  4 518.1      3 971.0  
Debtors` impairment provision                             (758.3)      (635.4)  
                                                         3 759.8      3 335.6   
Other receivables                                            75.2         92.0  
                                                         3 835.0      3 427.6   
The credit terms of instalment sale and loan receivables range from 6 to 36     
months (2010: 6 to 36 months). Amounts due from instalment sale and loan        
receivables after one year are reflected as current, as they form part of the   
normal operating cycle.                                                         
The average effective interest rate on instalment sale and loan receivables is  
24.1% (2010: 27.8%) and the average term of the sale is 27.9 months (2010: 27.7 
months).                                                                        
5. Investments - insurance business                                             
Listed shares                                               365.2        308.1  
Fixed income securities                                     491.9        407.9  
Money market                                                240.2        178.1  
                                                         1 097.3        894.1   
Analysed as follows:                                                            
Non-current                                                 857.1        716.0  
Current                                                     240.2        178.1  
                                                         1 097.3        894.1   
6. Borrowings                                                                   
Unsecured long-term borrowings at interest rates linked                         
to the 3 month JIBAR                                        400.0        350.0  
Unsecured short-term borrowings at interest rates linked                        
to the 3 month JIBAR and at money market rates              683.0        611.4  
                                                         1 083.0        961.4   
7. Trade and other payables                                                     
Trade payables                                               72.7         64.1  
Accruals and other payables                                 178.1        134.4  
Due to reinsurers                                           144.8        121.1  
Insurance provisions                                        171.4        130.4  
                                                           567.0        450.0   
8. Cash generated from operations                                               
Operating profit                                          1 052.5        907.2  
Adjusted for:                                                                   
Share-based payment                                          18.4         10.9  
Depreciation                                                 46.5         46.3  
Surplus on disposal of property, plant and equipment        (7.2)        (6.5)  
Movement in debtors` impairment provision                   122.9        102.7  
Movement in retirement benefits provision                     7.6        (2.1)  
Movement in other provisions                                 54.9         71.5  
                                                         1 295.6      1 130.0   
Changes in working capital:                               (518.6)      (651.9)  
(Increase)/decrease in inventories                         (51.0)         17.0  
Increase in trade and other receivables                   (534.4)      (644.3)  
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables              66.8       (24.6)  
                                                           777.0        478.1   
KEY RATIOS                                                                      
12 months     12 months   
                                                          ended         ended   
                                                       31 March      31 March   
                                                           2011          2010   
Operating efficiency ratios                                                     
Gross profit margin %                                      36.3%         34.9%  
Operating profit margin %                                  23.0%         22.1%  
Number of stores                                             582           548  
Number of permanent employees (average)                    6 842         6 668  
Trading space (sqm)                                      231 184       225 891  
Inventory turn                                               5.7           6.0  
Current ratios                                               3.4           3.5  
Credit ratios                                                                   
Credit sales %                                             71.4%         68.5%  
Bad debts as a % of net debtors                             7.4%          8.3%  
Debtor costs as a % of the net debtors                     10.2%         10.9%  
Debtors` impairment provision as a % of net debtors        16.8%         16.0%  
Arrear instalments on satisfactory accounts as a                                
percentage of net debtors                                  10.1%          9.3%  
Arrear instalments on slow-paying and non-performing                            
accounts as a percentage of net debtors                    19.9%         19.8%  
Debtors` impairment provision on non-performing                                 
accounts                                                   78.8%         74.9%  
Credit applications decline rate                           31.5%         27.5%  
Shareholder ratios                                                              
Net asset value per share (cents)                          4 225         3 719  
Gearing ratio                                              26.8%         27.5%  
Dividend cover                                               2.0           1.9  
Return on average equity (after-tax)                       20.3%         19.2%  
Return on average capital employed (after-tax)             17.2%         17.2%  
Return on average assets managed (pre-tax)                 21.8%         21.9%  
Notes:                                                                          
1. All ratios are based on figures at the end of the year unless otherwise      
disclosed.                                                                      
2. The net asset value has been calculated using 88 237 000 shares in issue     
(2010: 87 030 000).                                                             
3. Total assets exclude the deferred tax asset.                                 
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ANALYSIS                                                    
The company applies a payment rating assessment to each customer individually,  
which categorises customers into 13 payment categories. This assessment is      
integral to the calculation of the debtors` impairment provision. The 13 payment
categories have been summarised into four main groupings of customers.          
An analysis of the debtors book based on the payment ratings is set out below:  
                                                          Number of customers   
Debtor`s Payment Analysis                                     2011        2010  
Satisfactory paid                                                               
Customers fully paid up to date                                                 
including those who have paid 70%                  No.     521 304     498 370  
or more of amounts due over the                    %         74.5%       72.7%  
contract period.                                                                
Slow payers                                                                     
Customers who have paid between                    No.      55 439      58 476  
65% and 70% of amounts due over                    %          7.9%        8.5%  
the contract period.                                                            
Non-performing customers                                                        
Customers who have paid between                    No.      44 436      48 446  
55% and 65% of amounts due over                    %          6.4%        7.1%  
the contract period.                                                            
Non-performing customers                                                        
Customers who have paid 55%                        No.      78 174      80 417  
or less of amounts due over the                    %         11.2%       11.7%  
contract period.                                                                
                                                          699 353     685 709   
                                                      Impairment  provision %   
Debtor`s Payment Analysis                                 2011            2010  
Satisfactory paid                                                               
Customers fully paid up to date                                                 
including those who have paid 70%                           1%              0%  
or more of amounts due over the                                                 
contract period.                                                                
Slow payers                                                                     
Customers who have paid between                                                 
65% and 70% of amounts due over                            27%             23%  
the contract period.                                                            
Non-performing customers                                                        
Customers who have paid between                                                 
55% and 65% of amounts due over                            44%             43%  
the contract period.                                                            
Non-performing customers                                                        
Customers who have paid 55%                                                     
or less of amounts due over the                            98%             94%  
contract period.                                                                
                                                        16.8%           16.0%   
The debtors` impairment provision is allocated to the summary categories based  
on the number of customers.                                                     
Executive directors: J Enslin (Chief Executive Officer), L A Davies (Chief      
Financial Officer)                                                              
Non-executive directors: D M Nurek (Chairman) (Ind.), H Saven (Ind.),           
B J van der Ross (Ind.), Professor F Abrahams (Ind.), Z B M Bassa (Ind.),       
M S P Marutlulle (Ind.), A J Smart                                              
Company secretary: M G McConnell                                                
Registered office: 53A Victoria Road, Woodstock, 7925                           
Registration number: 2004/009817/06                                             
Share code: LEW                                                                 
ISIN: ZAE000058236                                                              
Transfer secretaries: Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Ltd                 
70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001; PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107        
Auditors: PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc.                                           
Sponsor: UBS South Africa (Pty) Ltd                                             
These results are also available on our website: www.lewisgroup.co.za           
Date: 23/05/2011 07:05:23 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.                  
The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the    
JSE Limited (`JSE`). The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or            
implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or   
completeness of the information published on SENS. The JSE, their officers,     
employees and agents accept no liability for (or in respect of) any direct,     
indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind or nature,     
howsoever arising, from the use of SENS or the use of, or reliance on,          
information disseminated through SENS.
Profile Group (Pty) Ltd. has taken care in preparing all information on this website, but does not accept any liability for errors or out-of-date information.
Other Profile Group sites: FundsData Online (unit trust data)  |  Profile Group corporate site
Terms of Use |  Privacy Policy |  PAIA manual |  FAQs/Help |  Site Map |  © Copyright Reserved 2026  ]
  


Powered by ProfileData

Profile Mobile App Google Play Store Apple App Store


Follow us on: