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Wed 10 Aug 2011, 11:11 BEL - Bell Equipment Limited - Reviewed interim report for the six months ended
BEL
BEL                                                                             
BEL - Bell Equipment Limited - Reviewed interim report for the six months ended 
30 June 2011                                                                    
Bell Equipment Limited                                                          
("Bell" or "the group" or the "company")                                        
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)                                  
(Share code: BEL)                                                               
ISIN: ZAE000028304 Registration number: 1968/013656/06                          
Reviewed interim report for the six months ended 30 June 2011                   
Condensed consolidated statement                                                
of financial position as at                                                     
30 June 2011                          Reviewed        Reviewed         Audited  
30 June         30 June     31 December   
R`000                                     2011            2010            2010  
ASSETS                                                                          
Non-current assets                     734 757         733 242         733 472  
Property, plant and equipment                                                   
(note 5)                               499 998         453 898         481 023  
Intangible assets                       80 724          51 124          70 775  
Interest-bearing investments and                                                
long-term receivables                   20 199          57 632          34 378  
Deferred taxation                      133 836         170 588         147 296  
Current assets                       2 448 546       1 972 427       1 911 808  
Inventory                            1 635 284       1 396 041       1 355 613  
Trade and other receivables and                                                 
prepayments                            695 621         496 570         457 890  
Current portion of interest-bearing                                             
long-term receivables                   36 139          27 256          40 359  
Other financial assets                     461           2 054               -  
Taxation                                 4 045           8 031           4 285  
Cash resources                          76 996          42 475          53 661  
TOTAL ASSETS                         3 183 303       2 705 669       2 645 280  
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                                                          
Capital and reserves                 1 561 282       1 408 147       1 418 709  
Stated capital (note 6)                228 605         228 605         228 605  
Non-distributable reserves             110 529          99 852          90 488  
Retained earnings                    1 197 821       1 075 959       1 087 162  
Attributable to equity holders of                                               
Bell Equipment Limited               1 536 955       1 404 416       1 406 255  
Non-controlling interest                24 327           3 731          12 454  
Non-current liabilities                267 677         365 210         255 540  
Interest-bearing liabilities            83 041         218 410          84 175  
Repurchase obligations and deferred                                             
leasing income                          89 994          54 614          79 902  
Deferred warranty income                70 888          73 072          66 735  
Long-term provisions and lease                                                  
escalation                              23 754          19 114          24 728  
Current liabilities                  1 354 344         932 312         971 031  
Trade and other payables               944 588         511 343         699 158  
Current portion of interest-bearing                                             
liabilities                              3 373          34 985           4 974  
Current portion of repurchase                                                   
obligations and                                                                 
deferred leasing income                 62 390          26 620          61 926  
Current portion of deferred warranty                                            
income                                  22 785          18 733          23 852  
Current portion of provisions and                                               
lease escalation                        42 796          36 815          41 783  
Other financial liabilities                278             303           4 271  
Taxation                                23 599          11 744          23 138  
Short-term interest-bearing debt       254 535         291 769         111 929  
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES         3 183 303       2 705 669       2 645 280  
Number of shares in issue    (`000)     94 958          94 958          94 958  
Net asset value per share   (cents)      1 644           1 483           1 494  
Condensed consolidated                                                          
income statement                                                                
for the six months                                                              
ended 30 June 2011                    Reviewed        Reviewed         Audited  
6 months        6 months       12 months   
                                        ended           ended           ended   
                                      30 June         30 June     31 December   
R`000                                     2011            2010            2010  
Revenue                              2 141 708       1 502 344       3 410 691  
Cost of sales                      (1 644 956)     (1 177 975)     (2 684 220)  
Gross profit                           496 752         324 369         726 471  
Other operating income                  63 787          63 496         132 180  
Expenses                             (400 507)       (350 773)       (734 014)  
Profit from operating activities                                                
(note 2)                               160 032          37 092         124 637  
Net interest paid (note 3)             (8 902)        (36 013)        (58 404)  
Profit before taxation                 151 130           1 079          66 233  
Taxation                              (35 928)           9 669        (29 509)  
Profit for the period                  115 202          10 748          36 724  
Profit for the period attributable                                              
to:                                                                             
- equity holders of Bell Equipment                                              
Limited                                103 329           8 323          25 576  
- non-controlling interest              11 873           2 425          11 148  
Earnings per share (basic)                                                      
(note 4)                   (cents)         109               9              27  
Earnings per share (diluted)                                                    
(note 4)                   (cents)         109               9              27  
Condensed consolidated statement                                                
of comprehensive income                                                         
for the six months ended                                                        
30 June 2011                          Reviewed        Reviewed         Audited  
6 months        6 months       12 months   
                                        ended           ended           ended   
                                      30 June         30 June     31 December   
R`000                                     2011            2010            2010  
Profit for the period                  115 202          10 748          36 724  
Other comprehensive income (loss)                                               
Exchange differences arising during                                             
the  period                             24 953        (23 797)        (37 295)  
Exchange differences on translating                                             
foreign operations                      25 611        (21 957)        (34 823)  
Reclassification to profit or loss                                              
of foreign currency                                                             
translation reserve on discontinued                                             
operation                              (3 340)               -               -  
Exchange differences on foreign                                                 
reserves                                 2 682         (1 840)         (2 472)  
Loss arising on revaluation of                                                  
properties                                   -               -         (4 054)  
Taxation relating to components of                                              
other comprehensive income (loss)            -               -           1 135  
Other comprehensive income (loss)                                               
for the period, net of tax              24 953        (23 797)        (40 214)  
Total comprehensive income (loss)                                               
for the period                         140 155        (13 049)         (3 490)  
Total comprehensive income (loss)                                               
attributable to:                                                                
- equity holders of Bell Equipment                                              
Limited                                128 282        (15 474)        (14 638)  
- non-controlling interest              11 873          2 425          11 148   
Condensed consolidated statement                                                
of cash flows for the six months                                                
ended 30 June 2011                      Reviewed      Reviewed         Audited  
6 months      6 months       12 months   
                                          ended         ended           ended   
                                        30 June       30 June     31 December   
R`000                                       2011          2010            2010  
Cash operating profit before working                                            
capital changes                          232 335        67 313         202 325  
Cash (utilised in) generated from                                               
working capital                        (264 778)       133 617         418 724  
Cash (utilised in) generated from                                               
operations                              (32 443)       200 930         621 049  
Net interest paid                        (8 902)      (36 013)        (58 404)  
Taxation (paid) refunded                (22 552)         1 183           1 624  
Net cash (utilised in) generated from                                           
operating activities                    (63 897)       166 100         564 269  
Net cash flow utilised in investing                                             
activities                              (63 160)         (773)        (90 381)  
Net cash flow generated from (utilised                                          
in) financing activities                   7 786      (18 674)       (136 209)  
Net cash (outflow) inflow              (119 271)       146 653         337 679  
Net short-term interest-bearing debt                                            
at beginning of the period              (58 268)     (395 947)       (395 947)  
Net short-term interest-bearing debt                                            
at end of the period                   (177 539)     (249 294)        (58 268)  
Consolidated statement of changes in equity                                     
for the six months ended 30 June 2011                                           
                     Attributable to equity holders of Bell Equipment Limited   
                                             Non-                               
                                    distributable      Retained                 
R`000                  Stated capital     reserves      earnings         Total  
Balance at 31 December                                                          
2009 - audited                228 605      123 984     1 066 540     1 419 129  
Recognition of                                                                  
share-based payments                -          761             -           761  
Total comprehensive                                                             
(loss) income for the                                                           
period                              -     (23 797)         8 323      (15 474)  
Realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                           -      (1 522)         1 522             -  
Deferred taxation on                                                            
realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                           -          426         (426)             -  
Balance at 30 June                                                              
2010 - reviewed               228 605       99 852     1 075 959     1 404 416  
Recognition of                                                                  
share-based payments                -        1 003             -         1 003  
Total comprehensive                                                             
(loss) income for the                                                           
period                              -     (16 417)        17 253           836  
Realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                           -        (374)           374             -  
Deferred taxation on                                                            
realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                           -          105         (105)             -  
Transfer of debit                                                               
foreign currency                                                                
translation reserve to                                                          
retained earnings                   -        6 319       (6 319)             -  
Balance at 31 December                                                          
2010 - audited                228 605       90 488     1 087 162     1 406 255  
Recognition of                                                                  
share-based payments                -        2 418             -         2 418  
Total comprehensive                                                             
income for the period               -       24 953       103 329       128 282  
Realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                           -      (1 404)         1 404             -  
Deferred taxation on                                                            
realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                           -          393         (393)             -  
Reversal of prior year                                                          
transfer of debit                                                               
foreign currency                                                                
translation reserve to                                                          
retained earnings                   -      (6 319)         6 319             -  
Balance at 30 June                                                              
2011 - reviewed               228 605      110 529     1 197 821     1 536 955  
                                            Non-controlling     Total capital   
R`000                                               interest      and reserves  
Balance at 31 December                                                          
2009 - audited                                         1 306         1 420 435  
Recognition of                                                                  
share-based payments                                       -               761  
Total comprehensive                                                             
(loss) income for the                                                           
period                                                 2 425          (13 049)  
Realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                                                  -                 -  
Deferred taxation on                                                            
realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                                                  -                 -  
Balance at 30 June                                                              
2010 - reviewed                                        3 731         1 408 147  
Recognition of                                                                  
share-based payments                                       -             1 003  
Total comprehensive                                                             
(loss) income for the                                                           
period                                                 8 723             9 559  
Realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                                                  -                 -  
Deferred taxation on                                                            
realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                                                  -                 -  
Transfer of debit                                                               
foreign currency                                                                
translation reserve to                                                          
retained earnings                                          -                 -  
Balance at 31 December                                                          
2010 - audited                                        12 454         1 418 709  
Recognition of                                                                  
share-based payments                                       -             2 418  
Total comprehensive                                                             
income for the period                                 11 873           140 155  
Realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                                                  -                 -  
Deferred taxation on                                                            
realisation of                                                                  
revaluation reserve on                                                          
depreciation of                                                                 
buildings                                                  -                 -  
Reversal of prior year                                                          
transfer of debit                                                               
foreign currency                                                                
translation reserve to                                                          
retained earnings                                          -                 -  
Balance at 30 June                                                              
2011 - reviewed                                       24 327         1 561 282  
Abbreviated notes to interim report for the six months ended 30 June 2011       
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES                                                          
The accounting policies and methods of computation are consistent with those    
applied in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2010, which  
complied with International Financial Reporting Standards, except for the       
adoption of new and revised Standards and Interpretations.                      
In the current period the group has adopted all of the new and revised Standards
and Interpretations relevant to its operations and effective for annual         
reporting periods beginning 1 January 2011. The adoption of these new and       
revised Standards and Interpretations has not had any significant impact on the 
amounts reported in this interim report, but instead have primarily resulted in 
disclosure changes.                                                             
The following revised Standards adopted in the current year affected the        
disclosure in this interim report:                                              
Amendments to IAS 34 - Interim Financial Reporting                              
The amendments clarified certain disclosures relating to events and transactions
that are significant to an understanding of the changes in the group`s          
circumstances since the last annual financial statements. This interim report   
reflects these amended disclosure requirements, where applicable.               
This interim report complies with International Accounting Standard 34 - Interim
Financial Reporting, AC 500 Standards as issued by the Accounting Practices     
Board, the disclosure requirements of the JSE Limited`s Listing Requirements and
the requirements of the Companies Act of South Africa. The preparation of this  
interim report was supervised by the Group Financial Director, KJ van Haght CA  
(SA).                                                                           
Reviewed     Reviewed         Audited   
                                        6 months     6 months       12 months   
                                           ended        ended           ended   
                                         30 June      30 June     31 December   
R`000                                        2011         2010            2010  
2. PROFIT FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                             
Profit from operating activities is                                             
arrived at after taking into account:                                           
Income                                                                          
Currency exchange gains                    47 649       63 579         113 868  
Decrease in warranty provision              3 006        1 695               -  
Deferred warranty income                   21 181       22 834          42 507  
Import duty rebates                        26 235       21 226          44 845  
Royalties                                   2 240        1 120           2 677  
Net surplus on disposal of property,                                            
plant and equipment and intangible                                              
assets                                        119          101               -  
Expenditure                                                                     
Amortisation of intangible assets           5 778        4 437           8 782  
Auditors` remuneration - audit and other                                        
services                                    3 739        3 789           8 629  
Currency exchange losses                   52 556       55 477         132 217  
Depreciation of property, plant and                                             
equipment                                  46 337       45 018          93 746  
Increase in warranty provision                  -            -           5 178  
Net loss on disposal of property, plant                                         
and equipment and intangible                                                    
assets                                          -            -             180  
Operating lease charges                                                         
- equipment and motor vehicles             11 136       10 321          20 623  
- land and buildings                       30 703       29 688          59 500  
Research expenses (excluding staff costs)  10 987       10 943          16 093  
Staff costs                               395 329      268 574         547 511  
3. NET INTEREST PAID                                                            
Interest paid                              14 731       43 205          69 890  
Interest received                         (5 829)      (7 192)        (11 486)  
Net interest paid                           8 902       36 013          58 404  
4. EARNINGS PER SHARE                                                           
Basic earnings per share is arrived at                                          
as follows:                                                                     
Profit for the period attributable to                                           
equity holders of                                                               
Bell Equipment Limited            (R`000) 103 329        8 323          25 576  
Weighted average number of ordinary                                             
shares in issue                                                                 
during the period                  (`000)  94 958       94 958          94 958  
Basic earnings per share          (cents)     109            9              27  
Diluted earnings per share is arrived at                                        
as follows:                                                                     
Profit for the period attributable to                                           
equity holders of                                                               
Bell Equipment Limited            (R`000) 103 329        8 323          25 576  
Fully converted weighted average number                                         
of shares                          (`000)  94 963       94 966          94 960  
Diluted earnings per share        (cents)     109            9              27  
Headline earnings per share is arrived                                          
at as follows:                                                                  
Profit for the period attributable to                                           
equity holders of                                                               
Bell Equipment Limited            (R`000) 103 329        8 323          25 576  
Net (surplus) loss on disposal of                                               
property, plant and                                                             
equipment and intangible assets   (R`000)   (119)        (101)             180  
Tax effect of net (surplus) loss on                                             
disposal of property,                                                           
plant and equipment and intangible                                              
assets                            (R`000)      33           28            (50)  
Reclassification of foreign currency                                            
translation reserve                                                             
on discontinued operation         (R`000) (3 340)            -               -  
Headline earnings                 (R`000)  99 903        8 250          25 706  
Weighted average number of                                                      
ordinary shares in issue during                                                 
the period                         (`000)  94 958       94 958          94 958  
Headline earnings per share                                                     
(basic)                           (cents)     105            9              27  
Diluted headline earnings per share is                                          
arrived at as follows:                                                          
Headline earnings calculated                                                    
above                             (R`000)  99 903        8 250          25 706  
Fully converted weighted average                                                
number of shares                   (`000)  94 963       94 966          94 960  
Headline earnings per share                                                     
(diluted)                         (cents)     105            9              27  
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT                                                
Net book value at beginning of                                                  
the period                                481 023      520 452         520 452  
Loss on revaluation                             -            -         (4 054)  
Additions                                 107 634       12 515         108 099  
Disposals                                (48 877)     (27 329)        (36 457)  
Depreciation                             (46 337)     (45 018)        (93 746)  
Translation differences                     6 555      (6 722)        (13 271)  
Net book value at end of the period       499 998      453 898         481 023  
Additions for the six months ended June                                         
2011 include rental assets reclassified                                         
from inventory of R92,2 million (June                                           
2010: R7,8 million).                                                            
6. STATED CAPITAL                                                               
Authorised                                                                      
100 000 000 (June 2010: 100 000 000)                                            
ordinary shares of no par value                                                 
Issued                                                                          
94 958 000 (June 2010: 94 958 000)                                              
ordinary shares of no par value           228 605      228 605         228 605  
7. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS                                              
Contracted                                  8 400        2 739           1 135  
Authorised, but not contracted             34 415       26 748          58 240  
Total capital expenditure commitments      42 815       29 487          59 375  
8. ABBREVIATED                                                                  
SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS                     Operating                                
R`000                  Revenue     profit (loss)        Assets     Liabilities  
June 2011                                                                       
South African                                                                   
sales operation      1 170 073            57 682       766 584         684 712  
South African                                                                   
manufacturing and                                                               
logistics                                                                       
operation            1 242 502            30 277     2 004 252         812 857  
European operation     368 455             7 217       540 749         463 877  
Rest of Africa and                                                              
other                                                                           
international                                                                   
operations             354 635            45 820       385 441         244 621  
All other                                                                       
operations                   -             1 854       397 416          34 312  
Inter-segmental                                                                 
eliminations         (993 957)            17 182     (911 139)       (618 358)  
Total - reviewed     2 141 708           160 032     3 183 303       1 622 021  
June 2010                                                                       
South African                                                                   
sales operation        883 078            19 448       849 143         815 842  
South African                                                                   
manufacturing and                                                               
logistics                                                                       
operation              610 641          (21 380)     1 671 995         511 008  
European operation     261 135           (7 560)       416 354         318 767  
Rest of Africa and                                                              
other                                                                           
international                                                                   
operations             354 189             8 265       307 073         234 833  
All other                                                                       
operations                   -             1 836       398 250          35 858  
Inter-segmental                                                                 
eliminations         (606 699)            36 483     (937 146)       (618 786)  
Total - reviewed     1 502 344            37 092     2 705 669       1 297 522  
December 2010                                                                   
South African                                                                   
sales operation      2 049 623            63 748       784 432         742 630  
South African                                                                   
manufacturing and                                                               
logistics                                                                       
operation            2 155 565            51 696     1 675 770         490 071  
European operation     532 495          (34 006)       381 263         315 627  
Rest of Africa and                                                              
other                                                                           
international                                                                   
operations             540 929            18 581       238 637         170 058  
All other                                                                       
operations                   -             5 064       362 975          29 470  
Inter-segmental                                                                 
eliminations       (1 867 921)            19 554     (797 797)       (521 285)  
Total - audited      3 410 691           124 637     2 645 280       1 226 571  
Abbreviated notes to interim report for the six months ended 30 June 2011       
(continued)                                                                     
Reviewed     Reviewed         Audited   
                                        6 months     6 months       12 months   
                                           ended        ended           ended   
                                         30 June      30 June     31 December   
R`000                                        2011         2010            2010  
9. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES                                                       
9.1 The repurchase of units sold to                                             
customers and financial institutions                                            
has been guaranteed by the group for                                            
an amount of                                3 476        1 618           3 105  
In the event of repurchase, it is                                               
estimated that these units would                                                
presently realise                           4 870        4 324           9 512  
Net contingent liability                        -            -               -  
9.2 The group has assisted customers                                            
with the financing of equipment                                                 
purchased through a financing venture                                           
with WesBank, a division of FirstRand                                           
Bank Limited. In respect of the                                                 
different categories of financing                                               
provided by WesBank, the group is liable                                        
for the full balance due to                                                     
WesBank by default customers with regard                                        
to Bell-backed deals and a                                                      
portion of the balance with regard to                                           
Bell-shared risk deals.                                                         
At period end the amount due by                                                 
customers to WesBank for which the                                              
group is liable totalled                   87 286      151 342         124 110  
In the event of default, the units                                              
financed would be recovered and it is                                           
estimated that they would presently                                             
realise the following towards the                                               
above liability                            86 452      136 455         117 294  
                                             834       14 887           6 816   
Less: provision for non-recovery            1 600        6 500           4 900  
Net contingent liability                        -        8 387           1 916  
Where customers are in arrears with                                             
WesBank and there is a shortfall                                                
between the estimated realisation values                                        
of units and the balances due                                                   
by the customers to WesBank, an                                                 
assessment of any additional security is                                        
done and a provision for any shortfall                                          
is made.                                                                        
9.3 The residual values of certain                                              
equipment sold to financial institutions                                        
has been guaranteed by the group.                                               
In the event of a residual value                                                
shortfall, the group would be exposed to                                        
an amount of                                8 843       15 484          12 985  
Less: provision for residual value risk         -          533           1 255  
Net contingent liability                    8 843       14 951          11 730  
The above includes deposits held by                                             
financial institutions as security for                                          
residual values on units guaranteed by                                          
the group. The recoverability of                                                
these deposits is dependent on the units                                        
realising the guaranteed residual                                               
values at the end of the guarantee                                              
period. The provision for residual value                                        
risk is based on the assessment of the                                          
probability of return of the units.                                             
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS                                                  
Shareholders                                                                    
John Deere Construction and Forestry                                            
Company                                                                         
- sales                                    87 643       15 488          61 367  
- purchases                               259 477      142 345         398 967  
- amounts owing to                        111 743       92 779          66 501  
- amounts owing by                         31 447       10 316           4 235  
11. INDEPENDENT AUDITORS` REPORT                                                
The financial information set out in the interim report has been reviewed, but  
not audited, by the company`s auditors, Deloitte & Touche. Their unmodified     
review report is available for inspection at the company`s registered office.   
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS                                                           
No fact or circumstance material to the appreciation of this interim report has 
occurred between 30 June 2011 and the date of this report.                      
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer`s review                                   
INTRODUCTION                                                                    
We are pleased to report on Bell`s positive financial results for the first six 
months of the 2011 financial year. In particular, it is pleasing to advise      
shareholders that the company has shown a sizeable improvement in profitability 
and that with a full order book, it is envisaged that this will continue through
the second half of the current financial year.                                  
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW                                                               
In recent weeks all eyes have been focused on the USA and their struggle to     
address their liquidity crisis. Whilst it is encouraging to see that they have  
overcome their immediate debt constraints, it is patently obvious that they are 
not going to emerge from their economic problems overnight. This, together with 
the various Eurozone concerns, suggests that global markets are going to take   
years rather than months before they emerge from these troubled times.          
Notwithstanding these difficulties, Bell has benefitted from the fact that such 
times invariably result in increasing demand for commodities, resulting in      
greater demand for the company`s products which service the mining industry.    
FINANCIAL RESULTS                                                               
The company has recorded first half earnings of R115 million (June 2010: R11    
million) which is equivalent to 109 cents per share (June 2010: 9 cents per     
share). There were three major contributors to this significant improvement in  
profitability: sales increased by 43%, gross profit margins improved to 23,2%   
and interest on borrowings reduced by 75% to just R8,9 million for the period   
under review.                                                                   
The company`s net asset value per share has risen by a little under 11% since   
June 2010 to 1,644 cents. Gearing has been more than halved over the past year  
to 17% (June 2010: 36%) although this figure has risen since the last year- end 
as a result of the additional inventory and receivables being carried in order  
to accommodate the increased sales demand. The board and management are well    
aware of the risks posed by allowing these two elements of the company`s working
capital to rise unchecked and it is expected that borrowings at year-end will   
have reduced once more. In line with these increases, trade payables have       
similarly risen reflecting the surge in business towards the end of the period  
under review.                                                                   
The statement of cash flows explains more fully the consequences of Bell`s      
gearing up of its operations in the second quarter. The demands on its working  
capital together with outflows due to taxation and investing activities have    
resulted in a net outflow for the six months of R119 million. As alluded to     
above, a positive cash flow is anticipated in the second half of the year.      
OPERATIONS REVIEW                                                               
Despite the current uncertainties in the global markets, the ongoing demand for 
our product and high order book has led Bell to increase production at its South
African and German factories. Coupled to the increased production an additional 
approximately 1 000 people have been employed during the past 12 months.        
Currently both manufacturing facilities are running at about 75% of capacity    
bringing production and employment levels close to the company`s pre-recession  
position.                                                                       
A national strike in the Metal and Engineering industries at the beginning of   
July impacted negatively on production. Production schedules have since been    
adjusted to reduce the backlog over a relatively short period of time.          
The first six months have been challenging in terms of the supply of production 
materials, including castings, tyres and hydraulic components. Cost recovery    
will continue to improve into the second half with cost escalation being fully  
recovered through market pricing.                                               
Overall the company has maintained its market share during this period. Although
certain products lost market share in South Africa due to supply constraints,   
this situation should ease in the remaining six months. However, it is          
particularly pleasing to note that the Bomag products have gained substantial   
ground.                                                                         
As part of Bell`s drive to offer a full product range, the company has signed a 
distribution agreement with Liebherr to sell excavators into Africa and South   
Africa. These machines will be launched in these territories in September and   
should offer increased revenue during the second half of 2011.                  
While there is a high level of uncertainty in global markets, certain sectors   
are active including some territories in sub-Saharan Africa where the mining and
agricultural industries have experienced a strong rebound, as well as           
Australasia, which is being driven strongly by mining.                          
Government policies relating to infrastructure and industrialisation continue to
be positive for Bell. Good progress has been made with the Medium & Heavy       
Commercial Vehicle Programme (M&HCV) and the Motor Industry Development         
Programme (MIDP) review and it is possible that support will also be forthcoming
for other Bell products classified as "yellow metal" products, especially in    
relation to research, development and localisation. Concerns remain around      
effective implementation of steps for South Africa to become more competitive,  
maintain a stable Rand and increase job creation.                               
Meanwhile Bell`s R&D teams continue to work to keep the company at the cutting  
edge of technology and are forging ahead with future product upgrades. In a     
recent development, Bell ADTs in Europe are now fitted with the Mercedes Benz   
SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) engine, which is Stage 3b exhaust emissions 
compliant, keeping the brand at the forefront of global innovation.             
CAUTIONARY                                                                      
As readers may be aware, Bell is presently trading under a cautionary           
announcement. The issues being deliberated are nearing resolution but at the    
date of this report are not complete, with the result that we are unable to     
offer any further clarity at this stage.                                        
PROSPECTS                                                                       
We are confident that the second half to the financial year will continue to be 
encouraging, notwithstanding the uncertain global economic situation. The rise  
in commodity prices has resulted in increasing mining activity worldwide with   
the result that Bell`s order book for mining related products is as full as it  
has ever been.                                                                  
Michael Mun-Gavin                                  Gary Bell                    
Chairman                                           Chief Executive              
05 August 2011                                                                  
Directors: MA Mun-Gavin* (Chairman), GW Bell (Group Chief Executive), KJ van    
Haght (Group Financial Director), DM Gage (USA)#, L Goosen, K Manning (USA)#, RM
Buchignani (USA)#, JR Barton*, B Harie*, TO Tsukudu*, DJJ Vlok*                 
Alternate directors: TA Averkamp (USA)#, GP Harris, AR McDuling                 
Resignations: D de Bastiani (26 July 2011)                                      
Appointments: RM Buchignani (5 August 2011)                                     
# Non-executive directors * Independent non-executive directors                 
Company Secretary: R Verster                                                    
Registered office: 13 - 19 Carbonode Cell Road, Alton, Richards Bay, 3900       
Transfer secretaries: Link Market Services South Africa (Pty) Limited, PO Box   
4844, Johannesburg, 2000                                                        
Sponsor: Rand Merchant Bank (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited)              
Date: 10/08/2011 11:11:07 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.                  
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