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Thu 1 Mar 2018, 8:00 ASCENDIS HEALTH LIMITED - Interim Results for the six months ended 31 December 2017
ASC 201803010012A
Interim Results for the six months ended 31 December 2017

Ascendis Health Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Registration number       2008/005856/06
JSE share code            ASC
ISIN                      ZAE000185005
("Ascendis" or "the group" or "the company")

INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenue up 27% to R4.0 billion

Gross margin strengthened to 44.2%

Comparable organic revenue growth of 7%

Comparable organic EBITDA growth of 5%

Normalised headline earnings up 20% to R353 million

Normalised HEPS up 7% to 75.8 cents

EPS up 24% to 52.8 cents

Balance sheet strengthened as R1.1 billion debt settled

COMMENTARY

Group profile

Ascendis Health is a South African-based global health and care group which owns a portfolio of market-leading brands for
humans, animals and plants.

The brands are housed in the Pharma-Med, Consumer Brands and Phyto-Vet divisions, with revenue diversified across
products, channels, geographic regions and currencies.

- Pharma-Med: prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs; medical devices
- Consumer Brands: nutraceuticals; complementary medicines; derma-cosmeceuticals and sports nutrition
- Phyto-Vet: animal and plant health and care.

The international acquisitions of pharmaceutical manufacturer Remedica in Cyprus, European sports nutrition specialist
Scitec (both in 2016) and nutraceuticals business Sun Wave Pharma (2017) in Romania has transformed Ascendis Health into
a global healthcare business. Products are exported to over 120 countries globally and 59% of the group's earnings are now
generated outside of South Africa.

Financial performance

Note: The group is reporting normalised results from continuing operations which have been adjusted for once-off transaction
costs in the current and prior financial years.

Group revenue for the six months increased by 27% to R4.0 billion (H1 2017: R3.1 billion).

Revenue generated outside of South Africa increased by 50% to R1.9 billion and comprises 48% (H1 2017: 41%) of the group's
total sales.

The group's gross margin strengthened by 160 basis points to 44.2%. This was driven by the acquisitions of Sun Wave Pharma,
Cipla Vet and Cipla Agrimed in June 2017.

Normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 28% to R653 million. The EBITDA
margin improved by 10 basis points to 16.5% despite increased investment in marketing and new markets.

Normalised operating profit for the six months rose by 28% to R602 million. Normalised headline earnings increased by 20%
to R353 million, with normalised HEPS 7% higher at 75.8 cents. The weighted average number of shares in issue increased by
12% during the reporting period, mainly in relation to the rights issue and vendor placements in November and December 2017.

Cash flow of R327 million was generated from operations, with a cash conversion rate of 50%, mainly impacted by strong
growth in the cash intensive businesses like Remedica and Medical Devices.

Vendor debt of R1.1 billion was settled during the reporting period, which included an accelerated payment of EUR50 million to
the sellers of Remedica to reduce the group's overall debt position.

The directors have elected not to declare an interim dividend and to retain the cash to settle debt obligations.

Segmental performance

                                                                       Pharma-Med   Consumer Brands   Phyto-Vet
Revenue                                                                   R1 989m           R1 345m       R628m   
Revenue growth                                                                20%               39%         28%   
Revenue contribution                                                          50%               34%         16%   
EBITDA                                                                      R425m             R165m       R107m   
EBITDA growth                                                                 24%               24%         43%   
EBITDA margin                                                               21.4%             12.3%       17.0%   
EBITDA contribution                                                           61%               24%         15%   

Growth in Pharma-Med was driven mainly by the pharma business of Remedica and the Medical Devices business, with
Remedica experiencing better than expected turnover growth of 16.5% and EBITDA growth of 14.3%. The division continues 
to benefit from synergy projects in progress in Europe and South Africa.

Consumer Brands benefited from the acquisition and strong growth of Sun Wave Pharma which increased revenue by 29.9% and 
EBITDA by 97.7%. EBITDA margins were however impacted by the sports nutrition businesses in South Africa and Europe owing 
to higher global whey protein prices and low infill rates to customers in South Africa. In addition, Scitec's lack of 
direct online presence weighed on sales, which declined by 7.8%, and margins. Remedial strategies have been implemented, 
with Scitec launching a new sales and marketing programme, building digital capabilities, online strategies and specific 
plans for core markets and entering new selective markets.

Phyto-Vet experienced good growth in revenue and EBITDA but was impacted in part by the ongoing drought in the Eastern
and Western Cape, the availability of funds and foreign exchange risk in some of its export markets, especially Zimbabwe. 
The performance was boosted by the recently acquired Cipla business which was successfully integrated into Phyto-Vet, 
and reported sales growth of 17.9% and EBITDA growth of 12.4% on a comparable basis.

Management changes

As advised to shareholders on 27 February 2018, Thomas Thomsen has been appointed as chief executive officer (CEO)
and an executive director of Ascendis Health with effect from 1 March 2018. Thomas (48) succeeds Dr Karsten Wellner(57)
who has been the CEO since the founding of the group in 2011. Karsten will work with Thomas over the next four months 
to ensure a smooth transition. Karsten will stand down as CEO on 1 March 2018 and as a board director on 30 June 2018.

Outlook

The group will continue to pursue organic and more focused synergistic growth strategies across the South African and
international businesses to increase revenue growth and profitability.

After synergy benefits realised EBITDA of R19 million in the past six months, the group is targeting to accelerate
synergy savings in the next 12 to 18 months, mainly in the South African pharma and Medical Devices businesses.

Management is targeting to improve the EBITDA margin to 17% - 18% in the short to medium term. Reducing gearing levels and
improving cash generation remain priorities. Projects are underway to optimise inventory levels in the Pharma-Med and
Consumer Brands segments and to improve debt collection from private sector and government debtors in Pharma-Med.

Operationally the key focus will be on the Scitec turnaround strategy and implementation, extracting synergies from the
recent acquisitions of Remedica, Scitec, Sun Wave Pharma and Cipla, effectively driving higher organic growth, while also
ensuring an efficient leadership transition following the appointment of the new CEO.

A strategic business review has been initiated to create a sustainable market position for Ascendis Health and to accelerate
organic growth following the completion of several acquisitions locally and offshore since the company's listing in 2013.
The review is expected to be completed late in the 2018 financial year.

Dr Karsten Wellner                       Thomas Thomsen                           Kieron Futter
Executive Director                       Chief Executive Officer                  Chief Financial Officer

Johannesburg

1 March 2018

UNAUDITED CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
at 31 December 2017
                                                                                                 Unaudited six
                                                                                  Unaudited six   months ended                  
                                                                                   months ended    31 December        Audited   
                                                                                    31 December           2016   30 June 2017   
                                                                                           2017       Restated       Restated   
                                                                                          R'000          R'000          R'000   
Property, plant and equipment                                                         1 029 873      1 022 594        991 668   
Intangible assets and goodwill                                                        9 038 862      7 674 272      9 112 429   
Derivative financial assets                                                               1 136              -          2 760   
Investments accounted for using the equity method                                        11 185            747              -   
Other financial assets                                                                   31 239         51 053         29 168   
Deferred income tax assets                                                               50 450         18 403         40 109   
Non-current assets                                                                   10 162 745      8 767 069     10 176 134   
Inventories                                                                           1 751 572      1 407 801      1 597 726   
Trade and other receivables                                                           2 018 951      1 428 542      1 881 591   
Other financial assets                                                                   23 470         66 028         32 761   
Current tax receivable                                                                   36 819         60 423         39 824   
Derivative financial assets                                                               6 575            221         53 012   
Cash and cash equivalents                                                               502 426        562 670        634 719   
Assets held for sale as part of a discontinued operation                                 68 320              -         68 320   
Current assets                                                                        4 408 133      3 525 685      4 307 953   
Total assets                                                                         14 570 878     12 292 754     14 484 087   
Stated capital                                                                        6 560 751      5 479 404      5 447 899   
Other reserves                                                                        (932 953)      (867 004)      (782 088)   
Retained earnings                                                                       692 139        468 697        475 645   
Equity attributable to equity holders of parent                                       6 319 937      5 081 097      5 141 456   
Non-controlling interest                                                                155 848        103 853        154 886   
Total equity                                                                          6 475 785      5 184 950      5 296 342   
Borrowings and other financial liabilities                                            4 480 532      3 724 716      4 002 769   
Deferred income tax liabilities                                                         458 009        396 036        459 289   
Deferred vendor liabilities                                                             640 101      1 130 424      1 437 394   
Put-option on equity instrument                                                         113 967        107 750        113 055   
Derivative financial liability                                                           12 651         27 668          6 444   
Finance lease liabilities                                                                23 615          2 987         20 486   
Long-term employee benefits                                                               9 120              -         15 188   
Investments accounted for using the equity method                                             -              -          1 066   
Non-current liabilities                                                               5 737 995      5 389 581      6 055 691   
Trade and other payables                                                              1 229 493        786 948      1 250 209   
Derivative financial liability                                                           38 247         11 893         38 156   
Borrowings and other financial liabilities                                              512 076        270 992      1 027 037   
Current tax payable                                                                      12 628         51 185         21 239   
Deferred vendor liabilities                                                             373 903        424 632        651 374   
Long-term employee benefits                                                               2 730              -              -   
Provisions                                                                               25 775         15 128         26 595   
Finance lease liabilities                                                                 9 728          2 079          9 900   
Bank overdraft                                                                          152 518        155 366        107 544   
Current liabilities                                                                   2 357 098      1 718 223      3 132 054   
Total liabilities                                                                     8 095 093      7 107 804      9 187 745   
Total equity and liabilities                                                         14 570 878     12 292 754     14 484 087   

UNAUDITED CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the six months interim period
                                                                              Unaudited six      Unaudited six
                                                                                month ended        month ended        Audited   
                                                                                31 December   31 December 2016   30 June 2017   
                                                                                       2017           Restated       Restated   
                                                                                      R'000              R'000          R'000   
Revenue                                                                           3 962 098          3 110 275      6 435 027   
Cost of sales                                                                   (2 212 449)        (1 786 488)    (3 622 025)   
Gross profit                                                                      1 749 649          1 323 787      2 813 002   
Other income                                                                          8 834             21 354         41 579   
Selling and distribution cost                                                     (363 734)          (279 265)      (615 324)   
Administrative expenses                                                           (681 407)          (540 412)    (1 087 417)   
Other operating expenses                                                          (236 737)          (171 043)      (403 517)   
Operating profit                                                                    476 605            354 421        748 323   
Finance income                                                                        2 502             40 310         40 734   
Finance expense                                                                   (193 984)          (164 207)      (346 728)   
Gains/(losses) from equity accounted investments                                     13 164            (1 136)        (1 452)   
Profit before taxation                                                              298 287            229 388        440 877   
Taxation                                                                           (36 730)           (27 142)       (62 581)   
Profit from continuing operations                                                   261 557            202 246        378 296   
Loss from discontinued operation                                                   (28 810)            (3 313)       (70 976)   
Profit for the period                                                               232 747            198 933        307 320   
Other comprehensive income                                                                                                      
Items that may be reclassified to profit and loss                                                                               
Foreign currency translation reserve                                              (162 749)          (295 313)      (255 101)   
Effects of cash flow hedges                                                         (3 445)           (11 860)         27 803   
Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss                                                                          
Revaluation of property, plant and equipment                                              -                  -          1 149   
Other comprehensive loss for the year net of tax                                  (166 194)          (307 173)      (226 149)   
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year                                       66 553          (108 240)         81 171   
Profit attributable to:                                                                                                         
Owners of the parent                                                                216 494            173 499        283 131   
Non-controlling interest                                                             16 253             25 434         24 189   
                                                                                    232 747            198 933        307 320   
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to:                                                                              
Owners of the parent                                                                 65 591           (58 904)        110 907   
Non-controlling interest                                                                962           (49 336)       (29 736)   
                                                                                     66 553          (108 240)         81 171   
Earnings from continuing operations                                                                                             
Basic and diluted earnings per share (cents)                                           52.8               42.7           85.9   
Total earnings                                                                                                                  
Basic and diluted earnings per share (cents)                                           46.6               41.9           68.7   
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation                                                                    
(EBITDA)                                                                            652 611            510 916      1 085 564   

UNAUDITED CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the six months ended 31 December 2017
                                                                                                             Put option                                   Total
                                                                                                                   non-                            attributable
                                                                          Foreign                           controlling                               to equity         Non-
                                                              Stated  translation   Revaluation     Hedging    interest  Total other    Retained     holders of  controlling       Total
                                                             capital      reserve       reserve     reserve     reserve    reserves*      income      the group     interest      equity
Balance as at 30 June 2016                                 2 138 684     (91 782)        14 699    (37 958)   (117 744)     (26 706)     396 949      2 276 142      179 302   2 455 444
Profit for the period                                              -            -             -           -           -            -     173 499        173 499       25 434     198 933
Other comprehensive(loss)/ income                                  -    (220 543)             -      26 098           -            -    (37 958)      (232 403)     (74 770)   (307 173)
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year                     -    (220 543)             -      26 098           -            -     135 541       (58 904)     (49 336)   (108 240)
Issue of ordinary shares                                   3 446 239            -             -           -           -    (450 114)           -      2 996 125            -   2 996 125
Raising fees capitalised                                    (41 717)            -             -           -           -            -           -       (41 717)            -    (41 717)
Purchase of own/treasury shares                             (63 802)            -             -           -           -            -           -       (63 802)            -    (63 802)
Dividends                                                          -            -             -           -           -            -    (52 459)       (52 459)            -    (52 459)
Foreign currency translation reserve                               -        2 873             -           -      14 512      (3 068)           -         14 317     (14 317)           -
Statutory reserve: Farmalider allocaiton to reserve                -            -             -           -           -       23 130    (11 334)         11 796     (11 796)           -
Total contributions by and distributions to owners of
the group recognised directly in equity                    3 340 720        2 873             -           -      14 512    (430 052)    (63 793)      2 864 260     (26 113)   2 838 147
Balance as at 31 December 2016                             5 479 404    (309 452)        14 699    (11 860)   (103 232)    (456 758)     468 697      5 081 498      103 853   5 185 351
Profit for the period                                              -            -             -           -           -            -     109 632        109 632      (1 245)     108 387
Other comprehensive income/(loss)                                  -      112 475         1 149       1 705           -            -    (55 150)         60 179       20 845      81 024
Total comprehensive income for the year                            -      112 475         1 149       1 705           -            -      54 482        169 811       19 600     189 411
Issue of ordinary shares                                    (13 994)            -             -           -           -            -           -       (13 994)            -    (13 994)
Raising fees capitalised                                      17 408            -             -           -           -            -           -         17 408            -      17 408
Purchase of own/treasury shares                             (34 919)            -             -           -           -            -           -       (34 919)            -    (34 919)
Dividends                                                          -            -             -           -           -            -    (60 299)       (60 299)       13 384    (46 915)
Reclassification of reserve into retained earnings                 -            -             -           -           -     (13 280)      13 280              -            -           -
Foreign currency translation reserve                               -     (13 346)             -           -     (8 562)        3 322           -       (18 586)       18 586           -
Statutory reserve: Farmalider allocation to reserve                -            -             -           -           -        1 052       (515)            537        (537)           -
Total contributions by and distributions to owners of
the group recognised directly in equity                     (31 505)     (13 346)             -           -     (8 562)      (8 906)    (47 534)      (109 853)       31 433    (78 420)
Balance as at 30 June 2017                                 5 447 899    (210 323)        15 848    (10 155)   (111 794)    (465 664)     475 645      5 141 456      154 886   5 296 342
Profit for the period                                              -            -             -           -           -            -     216 494        216 494       16 253     232 747
Other comprehensive loss                                           -    (147 458)             -     (3 445)           -            -           -      (150 903)     (15 291)   (166 194)
Total comprehensive (loss)/ income for the year                    -    (147 458)             -     (3 445)           -            -     216 494         65 591          962      66 553
Issue of ordinary shares                                   1 035 027            -             -           -           -            -           -      1 035 027            -   1 035 027
Raising fees capitalised                                       (519)            -             -           -           -            -           -          (519)            -       (519)
Purchase of own/treasury shares                               78 344            -             -           -           -            -           -         78 344            -      78 344
Foreign currency translation reserve                               -        5 765             -           -       5 746     (11 473)           -             38            -          38
Total contributions by and distributions to owners of
the group recognised directly in equity                    1 112 852        5 765             -           -       5 746     (11 473)           -      1 112 890            -   1 112 890
Balance as at 31 December 2017                             6 560 751    (352 016)        15 848    (13 600)   (106 048)    (477 137)     692 139      6 319 937      155 848   6 475 785 

* Other reserves include a Farmalider statutory reserve of R37.2 million. In terms of Spanish legislation a portion of the periods profits should be recognised in a non-distributable reserve.
During the 2017 financial period Ascendis raised equity capital by means of a Rights Offer. Also included in other reserves is the difference between the R22,00 subscription price and the presiding 
fair value on the date of issue.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the six months ended 31 December 2017

                                                                                                  Unaudited six                 
                                                                                  Unaudited six    months ended                 
                                                                                   months ended     31 December       Audited   
                                                                                    31 December            2016       30 June   
                                                                                           2017        Restated          2017   
                                                                                          R'000           R'000         R'000   
Cash inflow from operating activities                                                   327 099         406 197       787 383   
Interest income received                                                                  2 502          22 999        40 734   
Finance costs paid                                                                    (172 460)       (143 233)     (299 172)   
Income taxes paid                                                                      (63 303)        (85 627)     (160 232)   
Net cash inflow from operating activities                                                93 838         200 336       368 713   
Cash flows from investing activities                                                                                            
Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                              (88 340)        (59 020)     (117 885)   
Proceeds on the sale of property, plant and equipment                                     5 400          14 304         3 623   
Purchase of other intangibles assets                                                  (106 938)        (44 615)     (119 062)   
Proceeds on the sale of intangible assets                                                 4 473               -           767   
Payment for acquisition of subsidiaries - net of cash                                         -     (4 583 000)   (5 454 161)   
Repayments on deferred vendor liabilities                                           (1 093 193)       (204 692)     (246 343)   
Payment for settlement of foreign exchange contracts                                   (96 427)               -     (119 513)   
Repayment of loans advanced to related parties                                                -          91 794        46 932   
Loans advanced to related parties                                                             -        (90 075)       (9 199)   
Loans advanced to external parties                                                            -               -      (16 854)   
Repayment of loans advanced to external parties                                           7 220           9 794        14 072   
Net cash utilised in investing activities                                           (1 367 805)     (4 865 510)   (6 017 623)   
Cash flows from financing activities                                                                                            
Proceed from issue of shares                                                          1 035 027       2 890 608     2 981 281   
Proceed on the sale of treasury shares                                                   67 357           3 828        37 888   
Payments made to acquire treasury shares                                                      -        (65 978)     (137 678)   
Proceeds from borrowings raised                                                         388 880       3 920 760     5 140 675   
Repayment of borrowings                                                               (395 240)     (1 582 688)   (1 663 244)   
Repayment of loans from related parties                                                       -               -      (26 290)   
Finance lease raised                                                                      9 500               -             -   
Finance lease payments                                                                  (7 582)         (2 310)       (1 803)   
Dividends paid                                                                                -        (52 458)     (112 758)   
Net cash inflow from financing activities                                             1 097 942       5 111 762     6 218 071   
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents                                  (176 025)         446 588       569 161   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                        527 175        (22 396)      (22 396)   
Effect of exchange difference on cash balances                                          (1 242)        (16 888)      (19 590)   
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                              349 908         407 304       527 175   

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Corporate information

Ascendis Health Limited is a health and care brands company. The group operates through three health care areas: Consumer
Brands, Pharma-Med and Phyto-Vet. Consumer Brands consists of health and personal care products sold to the public,
primarily at the retail store level. The group offers over the counter (OTC) medicines and consumer brands products, including
vitamins and minerals, homeopathic, herbal products, dermaceuticals, functional foods, functional super foods, sports
nutrition, health beverages, weight management and therapeutic cosmetics. Pharma-Med consists of the sale of prescription
and selected OTC pharmaceuticals, and includes medical devices. Phyto-Vet supplies health and care products to the plant
and animal markets. Phyto-Vet manufactures and supplies over 3 500 different products supplied to over 4 500 retail stores.

These consolidated condensed group interim financial results as at 31 December 2017 comprise of the company and its
subsidiaries (together referred to as the group) and the group's interest in equity accounted investments.

Going concern

The directors consider that the group has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future and that it
is therefore appropriate to adopt the going-concern basis in preparing the group's financial statements. The directors have
satisfied themselves that the group is in sound financial position and that it has access to sufficient borrowing facilities to
meet its foreseeable cash requirements.

Basis of preparation

The interim consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the requirements of the JSE Limited Listings
Requirements for interim reports, and the requirements of the Companies Act applicable to interim financial statements.
The Listings Requirements require interim reports to be prepared in accordance with the framework concepts and the
measurement and recognition requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and the SAICA Financial
Reporting Guides as issued by the Accounting Practices Committee and Financial Pronouncements as issued by the Financial
Reporting Standards Council and also, as a minimum, contain the information required by IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.
The accounting policies applied in the preparation of the interim consolidated financial statements are in terms of IFRS and are
consistent with those accounting policies applied in the preparation of the previous consolidated annual financial statements.

The unaudited condensed group interim financial results for the six-month period ended 31 December 2017 have been
prepared under the supervision of Chief Financial Officer, Kieron Futter (CA)SA. The interim financial statements have been
prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the measurement of certain financial instruments and land and buildings at
fair value. The financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis using accrual accounting.

Items included in the annual financial statements of each entity in the group are measured using the functional currency of
the primary economic environment in which that entity operates. The interim financial statements are presented in Rand. This
represents the presentation and functional currency of Ascendis Health Limited. The group owns the following entities which
operate in primary economic environments which are different to the group:

Akusa - United States of America                               Heritage Resources Limited - Isle of Man
Ascendis Australia - Australia                                 Nimue UK - United Kingdom
Ascendis International - Malta                                 Remedica - Cyprus
Ascendis Wellness - Romania                                    Scitec - Hungary
Farmalider - Spain                                              

For each of these entities a functional currency assessment has been performed. Where the entity has a functional currency
different to that of the group they are translated upon consolidation in terms of the requirements of IFRS.

Judgement and estimates

In preparing these unaudited condensed group interim financial results, management made judgements, estimates and
assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income
and expenses.

The significant judgements made by management in applying the group's accounting policies and the key source of
estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied to the audited group annual financial statements for the year ended
30 June 2017.

1.  Group Segmental Analysis

    Ascendis Health owns a portfolio of brands within three core health care areas, namely Consumer Brands, Pharma-Med
    and Phyto-Vet. Within these healthcare areas the group has five reportable segments.
 
    The group executive committee (EXCO) considers the three core health care areas, as well as the reportable segments
    to make key operating decisions and assess the performance of the business. The EXCO is the group's chief operating
    decision maker.
 
    The reportable segments were identified by considering the nature of the products, the production process, distribution
    channels, the type of customer and the regulatory environment in which the business units operate. In addition to the
    above, similar economic characteristics such as currency and exchange regulations, trade zones and the tax environment
    were also considered to incorporate and assess the different markets in which the group operate. The reportable
    segments included in the groups divisions are:
 
    - Consumer Brands (human health), incorporating Sports Nutrition, Skin and all of the Ascendis Over The Counter
      (OTC) and Complementary and Alternative Medicines Consumer Brands products. This division includes two
      reportable segments:

      - Consumer Brands Africa segment: Operating predominantly in the South African market.
      - Consumer Brands Europe segment: Operating predominantly in the European market.

    - Phyto-Vet (animal and plant health), incorporating all of the Ascendis animal and plant health and care products.
    - Pharma-Med (human health), incorporating Ascendis' pharmaceutical and medical devices products. This division
      includes two reportable segments:

      - Pharma-Med Africa segment: Operating predominantly in the South African market.
      - Pharma-Med Europe segment: Operating predominantly in the European market.
 
    Restated
 
    The December 2016 unaudited results have been restated in terms of IFRS 5 for the purposes of the discontinued
    operations disclosure. Please refer to the restatement note (Note 3) for more information.
 
    (a) Statement of comprehensive income measures applied
    
                                                                          Unaudited six      Unaudited six
                                                                           months ended       months ended            Audited
                                                                            31 December   31 December 2016       30 June 2017
                                                                                   2017           Restated           Restated
    Revenue split by segment                                                      R'000              R'000              R'000
    Consumer Brands                                                           1 345 464            968 306          1 953 521   
    Africa                                                                      374 490            357 342            515 943   
    Europe                                                                      970 974            610 964          1 437 578   
    Phyto-Vet                                                                   628 100            491 041            922 991   
    Pharma-Med                                                                1 988 534          1 650 928          3 558 515   
    Africa                                                                    1 072 138          1 000 456          2 093 175   
    Europe                                                                      916 396            650 472          1 465 340   
    Total revenue                                                             3 962 098          3 110 275          6 435 027   
    Revenue generated by geographical location                                                                                  
    South Africa                                                              2 074 727          1 848 838          3 675 806   
    Cyprus                                                                      643 194            438 986            987 762   
    Spain                                                                       273 202            211 487            477 578   
    Other Europe                                                                894 333            541 920          1 284 175   
    Other                                                                        76 642             69 044              9 706   
    Total revenue                                                             3 962 098          3 110 275          6 435 027   
    
    There has been no inter-segment revenue during the financial period. All revenue figures represents revenue from
    external customers.
    
    The group has an expanding international footprint and currently exports products to 120 countries, mainly in
    Africa and Europe.
    
    51% of the group's revenue is generated through the wholesale and retail market (2017: 54%). In this market, 4%
    (2017: 4%) of the total group revenue is derived from a single customer and 12% (2017: 13%) of the group's revenue
    is generated from government institutions (local and international).
    
    The group evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax,
    depreciation and amortisation). The financial information of the group's reportable segments is reported to the
    EXCO for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segment and assessing its performance.
    The percentage disclosed represents the EBITDA/sales margin.
    
                                                                                         Unaudited six months
                                                              Unaudited six months              ended               Audited
                                                                     ended                31 December 2016       30 June 2017
                                                               31 December 2017                Restated             Restated    
    EBITDA split by segment                                          R'000                      R'000                 R'000      
    Consumer Brands                                            164 969      12%           132 670     14%       290 024   15%   
    Africa                                                      35 333       9%            71 855     20%       115 721   22%   
    Europe                                                     129 636      13%            60 815     10%       174 303   12%   
    Phyto-Vet                                                  106 957      17%            74 835     15%       140 543   15%   
    Pharma-Med                                                 424 558      21%           343 085     21%       730 743   21%   
    Africa                                                     170 019      16%           148 561     15%       328 550   16%   
    Europe                                                     254 539      28%           194 524     30%       402 193   27%   
    Head Office                                               (43 873)                   (39 674)              (75 746)         
    Total EBITDA                                               652 611                    510 916             1 085 564         
    Non-controlling interest proportionate share              (14 835)                   (32 759)              (39 502)         
    Total EBITDA attributable to the parent                    637 776                    478 157             1 046 062         
    
                                                                              Unaudited six      Unaudited six                  
                                                                               months ended       months ended        Audited   
                                                                                31 December   31 December 2016   30 June 2017   
                                                                                       2017           Restated       Restated   
    Reconciliation of EBITDA to consolidated results                                  R'000              R'000          R'000   
    Consolidated operating profit                                                   476 605            354 420        748 323   
    Total impairment, amortisation and depreciation                                 146 917             95 497        228 453   
    Business combination costs                                                       21 804             54 089         89 722   
    Restructuring costs                                                               7 285              6 910         19 066   
    Non-controlling interest proportionate share                                   (14 835)           (32 759)       (39 502)   
    Total EBITDA attributable to the parent                                         637 776            478 157      1 046 062   
    
    * Restructuring and business integration costs excluded from EBITDA for performance measurement purposes.
    
                                                                          Unaudited six      Unaudited six
                                                                           months ended       months ended            Audited
                                                                            31 December   31 December 2016       30 June 2017
                                                                                   2017           Restated           Restated
    Net finance cost split by segment                                             R'000              R'000              R'000 
    Consumer Brands Africa                                                                                                      
    Finance income                                                                  590              3 196              1 449   
    Finance expense                                                             (5 005)              (582)           (11 347)   
    Consumer Brands Europe                                                                                                      
    Finance income                                                                  212                207              2 952   
    Finance expense                                                            (78 677)           (32 131)           (84 747)   
    Phyto-Vet                                                                                                                   
    Finance income                                                                  820                479              1 320   
    Finance expense                                                             (5 917)              (911)           (11 751)   
    Pharma-Med Africa                                                                                                           
    Finance income                                                                  753              1 778              3 890   
    Finance expense                                                               (397)            (9 070)            (2 300)   
    Pharma-Med Europe                                                                                                           
    Finance income                                                                   10                133                418   
    Finance expense                                                            (12 399)           (18 214)           (41 216)   
    Head Office                                                                                                                 
    Finance income                                                                  117             34 517             30 705   
    Finance expense                                                            (91 589)          (103 299)          (195 367)   
    Total consolidated net finance cost                                       (191 482)          (123 897)          (305 994)   
    
    Finance income and costs are managed centrally through the group's Treasury function housed within Ascendis
    Financial Services (included in Head Office) and Scitec (Consumer Brands Europe). The EXCO evaluates the finance
    income and expenses based on utilisation within subsidiaries as illustrated above.
    
    The European debt facilities are housed within Consumer Brands Europe.
    
                                                                             Unaudited six     Unaudited six
                                                                              months ended      months ended          Audited
                                                                               31 December  31 December 2016     30 June 2017
                                                                                      2017          Restated         Restated
    Tax expense split by segment                                                     R'000             R'000            R'000
    Consumer Brands                                                               (17 611)           (9 604)          (1 592)
    Africa                                                                         (4 512)          (10 563)            3 706
    Europe                                                                        (13 099)               959          (5 298)
    Phyto-Vet                                                                      (4 158)          (10 761)          (8 992)
    Pharma-Med                                                                    (14 526)           (4 953)         (50 457)
    Africa                                                                        (23 022)          (13 108)         (42 352)
    Europe                                                                           8 496             8 155          (8 105)
    Head Office                                                                      (435)           (1 824)          (1 540)
    Total consolidated tax expense                                                (36 730)          (27 142)         (62 581)
    
    The EXCO monitors taxation expenses per segment to ensure optimal tax practices are being adhered to.
    
    (b) Statement of financial position measures applied
    
                                                                        Unaudited six months ended          Audited
                                       Unaudited six months ended           31 December 2016             30 June 2017
                                           31 December 2017                      Restated                  Restated
    Assets and liabilities split                 R'000                            R'000                      R'000
    by segment                               Assets    Liabilities           Assets    Liabilities       Assets   Liabilities   
    Consumer Brands                       5 288 879    (3 837 746)        3 929 809    (2 955 857)    5 558 299   (4 494 222)   
    Africa                                1 139 574       (97 664)          990 276      (138 303)    1 526 655     (751 425)   
    Europe                                4 149 305    (3 740 082)        2 939 533    (2 817 554)    4 031 644   (3 742 797)   
    Phyto-Vet                             1 429 559      (326 867)          929 773      (300 534)    1 505 728     (472 121)   
    Pharma-Med                            7 355 048    (3 838 688)        6 741 632    (2 113 219)    7 405 499   (2 433 957)   
    Africa                                2 573 268      (427 426)        2 243 214      (531 983)    2 620 118     (555 912)   
    Europe                                4 781 780    (3 411 262)        4 498 418    (1 581 236)    4 785 381   (1 878 045)   
    Head Office                             497 392       (91 792)          691 540    (1 738 194)       14 561   (1 787 445)   
    Total consolidated assets                                                                                                   
    and liabilities                      14 570 878    (8 095 093)       12 292 754    (7 107 804)   14 484 087   (9 187 745)   
        
    The fixed assets presented below represents the material non-current assets held in various geographic locations.
    
                                                                          Unaudited six      Unaudited six
                                                                           months ended       months ended            Audited
                                                                            31 December   31 December 2016       30 June 2017
                                                                                   2017           Restated           Restated
    Fixed assets by geographic location                                           R'000              R'000              R'000
    South Africa                                                                317 219            323 572            278 204   
    Cyprus                                                                      486 961            488 213            499 447   
    Other Europe                                                                225 693            210 809            214 017   
    Total Fixed assets per geographic location                                1 029 873          1 022 594            991 668   
    
2.  Earnings per share, diluted earnings per share and headline earnings per share (cents)

    The calculation of headline earnings per share is based on the profit attributable to equity holders of the parent, after
    excluding all items of a non-trading nature, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during
    the year. The presentation of headline earnings is not an IFRS requirement, but is required by JSE Listings Requirements
    and Circular 2 of 2015.
 
    Weighted average number of shares in issue is calculated as the number of shares in issue at the beginning of the period,
    increased by shares issued during the period weighted on a time basis for the period during which they have participated
    in the profit of the group. Shares which are held by a subsidiary company as treasury shares have been adjusted on a
    time basis when determining the weighted average number of shares in issue.
 
    The group has determined no instruments exist in the interim period that will give rise to the issue of ordinary shares that
    results in a dilutive effect. Based on this assessment, basic earnings per share also represents diluted earnings per share.
 
    The results below represent the unaudited earnings, diluted and headline earnings for the six months ended:
     
                                                                                                                      Unaudited six months ended                  Audited year ended
                                                                     Unaudited six months ended                            31 December 2016                          30 June 2017
                                                                          31 December 2017                                      Restated                               Restated
                                                                                R'000                                            R'000                                  R'000
                                                                Continuing    Discontinued                 Continuing   Discontinued                  Continuing      Discontinued
                                                                operations      operations        Total    operations     operations        Total     operations        operations         Total
    (a)  Basic earnings per share                                                                                                                                                                  
         Profit attributable to owners of the parent               245 304        (28 810)      216 494       176 812        (3 313)      173 499        354 107          (70 976)       283 131
         Earnings                                                  245 304        (28 810)      216 494       176 812        (3 313)      173 499        354 107          (70 976)       283 131
         Weighted average number of ordinary shares in
         issue                                                                              464 796 223                               413 810 040                                    412 323 054

         Earnings per share (cents)                                   52.8           (6.2)         46.6          42.7          (0.8)         41.9           85.9            (17.2)          68.7
    (b)  Headline earnings per share                                                                                                                                                               
         Profit attributable to owners of the parent               245 304        (28 810)      216 494       176 812        (3 313)      173 499        354 107          (70 976)       283 131
         Adjusted for:                                                                                                                                                                            
         Loss/(profit) on the sale of property, plant and
         equipment                                                   4 923               -        4 923       (1 999)              -      (1 999)            937                 -           937
         (Profit)/ loss on investment disposal                           -               -            -       (2 456)              -      (2 456)            165                 -           165
         Goodwill and intangible asset impairment                        -               -            -             -              -            -         21 730            26 860        48 590
         IFRS 3 bargain purchase                                         -               -            -             -              -            -        (1 938)                 -       (1 938)
         Non-controlling interest portion allocation                 (429)               -        (429)         2 002              -        2 002          (340)                 -         (340)
         Tax effect                                                (1 442)               -      (1 442)           211              -          211          (269)                 -         (269)
         Headline earnings                                         248 356        (28 810)      219 546       174 570        (3 313)      171 257        374 392          (44 116)       330 276
         Weighted average number of shares in issue                                         464 796 223             -                 413 810 040              -                     412 323 054

         Headline earnings per share (cents)                         53.4           (6.2)         47.2          42.2          (0.8)         41.4           90.8            (10.7)          80.1
   
    (c)  Normalised headline earnings per share                                                                                                                                                   
         Since Ascendis Health is a health and care company and not an investment company, normalised headline earnings is calculated by excluding amortisation and certain costs from the
         group's earnings. Costs excluded for normalised headline earnings purposes include restructuring costs to streamline, rationalise and structure companies in the group. It also includes the
         cost incurred to acquire and integrate the business combinations into the group and the listed environment.
         
         Reconciliation of normalised headline earnings                                                                                                                                            
         Headline earnings                                         248 356        (28 810)      219 546       174 570        (3 313)      171 257        374 392          (44 116)       330 276
         Adjusted for                                                                                                                                                                              
         Business combination costs                                 21 804               -       21 804        54 089              -       54 089         89 722                 -        89 722
         Refinancing costs                                               -               -            -        12 365              -       12 365         27 730                 -        27 730
         Restructuring costs                                         7 286               -        7 286         6 910              -        6 910         19 066                 -        19 066
         Tax effect thereof                                        (1 834)               -      (1 834)         (836)              -        (836)        (6 272)                 -       (6 272)
         Amortisation                                               95 646               -       95 646        55 519              -       55 519        115 857                 -       115 857
         Tax effect thereof                                       (18 727)               -     (18 727)       (8 175)              -      (8 175)       (23 328)                 -      (23 328)
         Normalised headline earnings                              352 531        (28 810)      323 721       294 442        (3 313)      291 129        597 167          (44 116)       553 051
         Weighted average number of shares in issue                      -                  464 796 223             -                 413 810 040              -                     412 323 054

         Normalised headline earnings per share (cents)               75.8           (6.2)         69.6          71.2          (0.8)         70.4          144.8            (10.7)         134.1
    
    Normalised diluted headline earnings per share is calculated on the same basis used for calculating diluted earnings per share, other than normalised headline earnings being
    the numerator.
    
    Restatement
    
    Normalised headline earnings per share has been restated to exclude the interest on deferred vendors of R18.8 million and R47.6 million respectively. Upon further consideration,
    management has decided this item does not meet the definition of integration costs and should not be added back for normalised headline earnings.

3.  Restatement

    Restatements relating to the 30 June 2017 audited results:

    Statement of financial position: IFRS 3 re-measurement

    At 30 June 2017, the Cipla purchase price allocation was provisional due to the complexity of the business and the
    timing of the Cipla acquisition.

    On completion of the acquisition take-on working capital assessments, and the finalisation of the purchase price
    allocation, the following adjustments to the initial day one take-on balances as disclosed in the June 2017 financial
    period were required: Goodwill increased by R27.9 million, intangible assets reduced by R30.5 million, deferred tax
    liability reduced by R8.5 million and deferred vendor liability increased by R6 million.

    The restatement did not have a material impact on profit and loss.

    Normalised headline earnings: Interest on deferred vendor liabilities.

    During the June 2017 financial period, the group adjusted it's normalised headline earnings for interest on deferred
    vendor liabilities. Upon further consideration and following engagement with various stakeholders, management has
    concluded that even though the interest on deferred vendor liabilities does not result in the flow of cash to vendors, it
    is similar in nature to the finance costs of debt raised with financial institutions, and normalised earnings should not be
    adjusted for this cost.

    This restatement affects the June 2017 (R47.6 million) and December 2016 (R18.8 million) comparative periods.

    Restatements relating to the 31 December 2016 unaudited results:

    Statement of financial position: Put-option on equity instrument

    This balance was previously presented as part of the deferred vendor liability on the face of the balance sheet. However,
    since the put-option relates to a future acquisition, the nature is considered to be different from the deferred vendors
    listed. It is therefore considered to be more appropriate to be disclosed as a separate line item.

    Statement of comprehensive income: Discontinued operations

    In the 2017 annual financial statements, Ascendis presented discontinued operations. The 2016 unaudited
    financial statements have been restated in terms of IFRS 5 for the purposes of the discontinued
    operations disclosure.

4.  Events after reporting period

   Capital repurchase

   In terms of the group's share repurchase programme that has been registered with the JSE, Ascendis Financial Services
   acquired 2.8 million shares in Ascendis Health Limited subsequent to 31 December 2017.

   These shares are considered to be treasury shares for the group and the total value invested in treasury shares is
   R41.3 million.

5.  Stated capital
                                                                              Unaudited six
                                                                               months ended      Unaudited six
                                                                                31 December       months ended        Audited
                                                                                       2017   31 December 2016   30 June 2017
    Stated capital                                                                    R'000              R'000          R'000 
    Opening balance                                                               5 447 899          2 138 684      2 138 684   
    Issue of ordinary shares                                                      1 035 027          3 446 239      3 432 245   
    Listing fees capitalised to stated capital                                        (519)           (41 717)       (24 309)   
    Movement in treasury shares on hand                                              78 344           (63 802)       (98 721)   
    Closing balance                                                               6 560 751          5 479 404      5 447 899   
    
    General issue of shares for cash
    
    The group raised R750 million equity capital by way of a rights offer to qualifying shareholders that concluded
    in December 2017. 37.5 million shares were offered for subscription to the qualifying shareholders on the basis of
    18.25 rights offer shares for every 100 shares held, at a subscription price of R22.00 per rights offer share.
    
    The group also raised further capital through the general issuance of shares through private placements. The Group
    uses a 30-day volume weighted average price to determine the discount at which the shares were issued. The total
    number of shares issued during the course of the financial period was 16 million shares, issued at share prices ranging
    between R15 and R19 per share, depending on the share price on the date of issue.
    
    The total number of shares issued as part of the above mentioned transactions were 53.5 million raising a total of
    R1 305 million in equity capital.
    
    Treasury shares
    
    The unissued shares are under the control of the directors of the company subject to the provisions of the Companies
    Act 2008, as amended, and the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited. The reserve for the company's treasury shares
    comprises the cost of the company's shares held by the group.
    
    Total listing fees of R42.2 million have been capitalised to share capital. All shares issued were fully paid up.
    
                                                                                      Unaudited six   Unaudited six             
                                                                                       months ended    months ended   Audited   
                                                                                        31 December     31 December   30 June   
                                                                                               2017            2016      2017   
    Reconciliation of number of shares in issue:                                               '000            '000      '000   
    Opening balance reported                                                                431 344         298 608   298 608   
    Issue of shares - ordinary shares                                                        53 531         137 066   137 066   
    Treasury shares                                                                                                             
    Held at the beginning of the period                                                       4 596             266       266   
    Held at the end of period                                                               (1 172)         (3 109)   (4 596)   
    Closing balance                                                                         488 299         432 831   431 344   
    
6.  Borrowings and other financial liabilities

    For the purposes of financing the acquisition of international businesses, as well as to allow for a structure that supports
    growth and an integrated treasury function, Ascendis implemented a new debt structure arranged and underwritten by
    ABSA Bank Limited and HSBC Bank Plc. The structure consists of a syndicated facility denominated in local currency
    and Euro currency. During the year, the total remaining debt related to the former local debt
    structure was fully paid off.

    In terms of the existing debt structure, the total facilities drawn down on amounts to R1 519 million and EUR221 million.

    International loans

    The group has a EUR180 million facility, of which EUR173 million remains outstanding. This facility matures in August 2021.
    The debt balance consists of the ZAR translated amount of R2 573 million net of debt capitalisation costs of R59.5 million.
    Capital repayments commenced on 30 June 2017 and is payable on a bi-annual basis. Interest is charged at 4% and is
    repayable quarterly. The group has access to a EUR47 million revolving credit facility.

    Syndicated South African facility

    The syndicated facility is administered through ABSA Bank with various local registered financial institutions.
    The R1 519 million debt consists of two facilities of R850 million and R669 million each. The R850 million facility matures
    in 2021 with the full capital amount due at the maturation date. Interest is charged at JIBAR plus 4.2% and is payable
    quarterly. The R669 million facility is payable bi-annually with a maturation date of December 2020. Interest is charged
    at JIBAR plus 3.75% and is payable quarterly. Included with this balance is debt capitalisation fees of R42.2 million.
    Additional facilities relating to letter of credit and performance guarantees exist.

    Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value net of transaction costs incurred and thereafter at amortised cost.
    The fair value (determined using the discounted cash flow model) approximates the carrying value. The key valuation
    inputs in the fair value assessment are the interest rate (observable) and credit risk (unobservable), making this a level
    2 fair value assessment. The above facilities are subject to financial covenants based on key financial ratios. For the six
    months ended 31 December 2017, the lenders required that the group maintain a normalised leverage ratio below 4.0,
    a minimum of 1.2 cash cover ratio and a minimum of 3.0 interest cover ratio. No events of default occurred during
    the period.

    The table below provides the detailed breakdown of the individual balances making up the total balance .
    
                                                               Unaudited six                                                    
                                                                months ended           Unaudited six                            
                                                                 31 December            months ended                  Audited   
                                                                        2017        31 December 2016             30 June 2017   
                                                                       R'000                   R'000                    R'000   
    Borrowings at amortised cost                                                                                                
    Term loan- South African Debt                                  1 385 777               3 849 280                1 537 366   
    Term loan- European Debt                                       3 025 893                       -                2 588 437   
    Revolving credit facility                                        157 591                       -                  533 586   
    Farmalider: Government finance                                    36 228                  40 386                   37 775   
    Short- term loans with financial institutions                    293 188                       -                  247 000   
    Other financial liabilities at amortised cost                                                                               
    Other South African borrowings                                     8 746                   2 800                    4 177   
    Farmalider: Caixa Bank                                            23 612                  24 816                   18 169   
    Farmalider Populat Bank Limited                                   47 551                  39 025                   48 014   
    Farmalider: Other                                                 14 022                  13 111                   15 282   
    Gane Holdings                                                          -                  26 290                        -   
                                                                   4 992 608               3 995 708                5 029 806   

    The following table represents the split between current and non-current for borrowings and other financial liabilities:

    Non-current                                                    4 480 532               3 724 716                4 002 769   
    Current                                                          512 076                 270 992                1 027 037   
                                                                   4 992 608               3 995 708                5 029 806   
    
7.  Deferred vendor liabilities

    The group structures its acquisitions to include contingent and deferred consideration that is included in the cost of the
    business combination at the fair value on the date of the acquisitions. Subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent
    consideration is recognised in profit and loss. Deferred consideration is subsequently measured at amortised cost.
    All deferred vendor liabilities raised relate to business combinations. No new businesses were acquired in the December
    2017 interim period.

    The table below includes a detailed breakdown of the individual vendor liabilities for the period:

                                                                              Unaudited six      Unaudited six                  
                                                                               months ended       months ended        Audited   
                                                                                31 December   31 December 2016   30 June 2017   
                                                                                       2017           Restated       Restated   
                                                                                      R'000              R'000          R'000   
    Remedica Group                                                                  558 512          1 201 543      1 245 288   
    Scitec Group                                                                          -            265 628        298 009   
    Sunwave Group                                                                   266 729                  -        263 897   
    Cipla Group                                                                      67 421                  -        138 709   
    Ortho Xact                                                                       54 600                  -         68 400   
    Klub M5 Proprietary Limited                                                      53 677             46 183         51 032   
    Ortus Proprietary Limited                                                             -              4 078         10 956   
    Afrikelp Group                                                                    9 913             32 063          9 408   
    Umecom Proprietary Limited                                                        3 152              3 561          3 068   
    Respiratory Care Africa Proprietary Limited                                           -              2 000              -   
                                                                                  1 014 004          1 555 056      2 088 768   
    Non-current                                                                     640 101          1 130 424      1 437 394   
    Current                                                                         373 903            424 632        651 374   
                                                                                  1 014 004          1 555 056      2 088 768   
    Deferred consideration                                                          693 631          1 504 796      1 762 883   
    Contingent consideration                                                        320 373             50 260        325 885   
                                                                                  1 014 004          1 555 056      2 088 768   
    
    The group acquired the Remedica Group in August 2016. The initial deferred consideration of EUR90 million (R1.245 million)
    which was payable in August 2019 was amended following renegotiations with the previous owners. The renegotiated
    terms stipulated the total deferred consideration to be EUR86million, of which EUR46million became payable in August
    2017 and the remaining EUR40 million will be settled in August 2019.
    
    The group acquired the Scitec Group in August 2016. The deferred consideration of EUR20million (R298 million) was
    settled in July 2017.
    
    In April 2017 the group acquired the Cipla Group. R73.2 million of the remaining consideration was paid in July 2017.
    The liability as presented in the June 2017 audited results has been restated as a result of an IFRS 3 measurement period
    adjustment with R 6 million, for more information please refer to the restatement note (Note 3).
    
    In April 2017 the group acquired the Ortho-Xact business. The remaining consideration payable is classified as deferred
    consideration, R13.8 million has been settled since June 2017.
    
    The group acquired Ortus in May 2015. The final settlement of the contingent consideration (R10.9 million) was paid in
    December 2017.
    
    Restatement: The liability balance as presented in the December 2016 unaudited financial statements and the June
    2017 financial statements has been restated. Please refer to the restatement note (Note 3) for more information.
    
8.  Discontinued operations

    On 17 May 2017, the Board made a decision to consolidate the Supply Chain manufacturing activities into the Ascendis
    Pharma plant based in Isando. As part of this restructuring, redundant assets will be disposed of to external third parties
    in a piecemeal sale within the next 12 months. This is considered to be a discontinued operation. As a result assets and
    liabilities which will not be consolidated into Ascendis Pharma will be classified as held for sale.

    The associated assets and liabilities were consequently classified as held for sale in the 2017 financial period and
    continues to be presented in this manner.

    Financial performance and cash flow information

    Financial performance and cash flow information presented for the interim reporting period:
    
                                                                              Unaudited six                                     
                                                                               months ended      Unaudited six                  
                                                                                31 December       months ended        Audited   
                                                                                       2017   31 December 2016   30 June 2017   
                                                                                      R'000              R'000          R'000   
    Loss before income tax                                                         (30 607)            (4 435)       (83 783)   
    Income tax                                                                        1 797              1 122         12 807   
    Loss after income tax expense of discontinued operation                        (28 810)            (3 313)       (70 976)   
    Total comprehensive (loss)/income                                              (28 810)            (3 313)       (70 976)   
    Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities                             (4 742)              3 003       (59 068)   
    Net cash outflow from investing activities                                      (1 948)            (1 399)       (15 968)   
    Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities                              11 106            (3 749)         64 337   
    Net increase/(decrease) in cash generated by the discontinued operation           4 416            (2 145)       (10 699)   
    
    Assets of disposal group classified as held for sale
    
    The following assets were classified as held for sale in relation to the discontinued operation.
    
                                                                              Unaudited six                                     
                                                                               months ended      Unaudited six                  
                                                                                31 December       months ended        Audited   
                                                                                       2017   31 December 2016   30 June 2017   
                                                                                      R'000              R'000          R'000   
    Property, plant and equipment                                                    68 320                  -         68 320   
                                                                                     68 320                  -         68 320   
    
    No liabilities are held as part of the disposal group. Liabilities will either be settled or transferred into Ascendis Pharma.

9.  Income tax expense

    Current and deferred taxes are recognised as income or an expense and included in profit or loss for the period, except
    to the extent that the tax arises from:
 
    - a transaction or event which is recognised, in the same or a different period, to other comprehensive income, or
    - a business combination.
 
    The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws that are enacted or substantially enacted at
    the reporting date in the countries where the group operates and generates taxable income. Management periodically
    evaluates positions taken in our tax returns with regards to situations in which applicable tax regulations is subject to
    interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the relevant
    tax authority.

                                                                                              Unaudited six                     
                                                                              Unaudited six    months ended                     
                                                                               months ended     31 December   Audited 30 June   
                                                                                31 December            2016              2017   
                                                                                       2017        Restated          Restated   
                                                                                      R'000           R'000             R'000   
    Major components of the tax expense                                                                                         
    South African Taxation                                                                                                      
    Current Tax                                                                                                                 
    Current tax on profits for the period                                            43 360          54 757            92 637   
    Recognised in current tax for prior periods                                     (1 579)         (1 869)             3 882   
                                                                                     41 781          52 888            96 519   
    Deferred                                                                                                                    
    Originating and reversing temporary differences                                 (1 638)        (10 925)          (27 879)   
    Increase in tax loss                                                           (12 949)         (3 239)          (38 726)   
    Prior year adjustments                                                              758               -                 -   
                                                                                   (13 829)        (14 164)          (66 605)   
    South African income tax expense                                                 27 952          38 724            29 914   
    Foreign Taxation                                                                                                            
    Current Tax                                                                                                                 
    Current tax on profits for the period                                            14 338          13 545            29 677   
    Recognised in current tax for prior periods                                        (96)           (664)           (8 245)   
                                                                                     14 242          12 881            21 432   
    Deferred                                                                                                                    
    Originating and reversing temporary differences                                 (9 473)        (24 393)           (1 623)   
    Tax loss utilised/(increase) in tax loss                                             22         (1 192)                51   
    Prior year adjustments                                                            2 190               -                 -   
                                                                                    (7 261)        (25 585)           (1 572)   
    Foreign income tax expense                                                        6 981        (12 704)            19 860   
    Total income tax expense                                                         34 933          26 020            49 774   
    Income tax expense attributable to:                                                                                         
    Profit from continuing operations                                                36 730          27 142            62 581   
    Profit from discontinued operations                                             (1 797)         (1 122)          (12 807)   
                                                                                     34 933          26 020            49 774   

                                                                                              Unaudited six                     
                                                                              Unaudited six    months ended                     
                                                                               months ended     31 December   Audited 30 June   
                                                                                31 December            2016              2017   
                                                                                       2017        Restated          Restated   
                                                                                      R'000           R'000             R'000   
    Tax at the South Africa tax rate                                                 28.00%          28.00%            28.00%   
    Amortisation and impairments                                                      1.45%           5.39%             8.89%   
    Disallowable charges - Consulting fees / legal                                    1.95%           3.68%             5.43%   
    Disallowable charges - Donations / sponsorships                                   0.90%           0.04%             1.73%   
    Effect of prior year                                                              1.88%         (0.99%)             3.49%   
    Exempt dividend income                                                         (15.32%)           0.00%             0.00%   
    Fines and penalties                                                               0.18%           0.00%             0.15%   
    Foreign exchange differential                                                     1.41%         (0.19%)             0.00%   
    Foreign tax incentives                                                          (0.94%)        (12.07%)          (11.00%)   
    Increase in /(utilisation of) tax losses                                         11.94%           0.10%           (8.14%)   
    Local tax incentives                                                            (1.41%)         (2.62%)           (1.13%)   
    Lower foreign tax rates                                                        (16.99%)         (4.06%)          (14.61%)   
    Other disallowable charges                                                        0.00%           0.00%             1.49%   
    Exempt income                                                                     0.00%         (5.71%)           (0.37%)   
    Average effective tax rate                                                       13.05%          11.57%            13.93%   

    Reduction in effective tax rate

    The decline in the effective corporate tax rate is predominantly as a result of more favourable corporate tax rates and tax
    incentives available to foreign subsidiaries.

    Research and development tax credits

    Spanish tax legislation provide tax incentives to entities who incur research and development costs. The incentive is
    akin to an investment tax credit. The Research and development innovation credit is received and recognised annually
    since the research and development expenses to which the tax credit relates are key to and part of the normal business
    operations of Farmalider (Spanish subsidiary).

10. Tax paid
                                                                          Unaudited six                                         
                                                                           months ended      Unaudited six                      
                                                                            31 December       months ended   Audited  30 June   
                                                                                   2017   31 December 2016               2017   
                                                                                  R'000              R'000              R'000   
    Balance at beginning of the year                                             18 585           (22 868)            (7 470)   
    Current tax for the year recognised in profit or loss                      (57 697)           (68 302)          (135 315)   
    Adjustment in respect of businesses sold and acquired                             -             14 781              1 138   
    during the year including exchange rate movements                                                                           
    Balance at end of the year                                                 (24 191)            (9 238)           (18 585)   
                                                                               (63 303)           (85 627)          (160 232)   
    
11. Liabilities from financing activities

    This section sets out the analysis of the movements in net Financing Activities:

                                                                Liabilities from financing activities      Other
                                                                                                        Deferred
                                                                                   Finance lease          vendor  
                                                            Borrowings               liabilities    liabilities*   
    Closing balance as at 30 June 2017                       5 029 806                    30 386       2 088 768   
    Cash flows                                                 (6 360)                     1 918     (1 093 193)   
    New loans raised                                           388 880                     9 500               –   
    Capital repayments made                                  (395 240)                   (7 582)     (1 093 193)   
    Non-cash movements                                        (30 838)                     1 039          18 429   
    Foreign exchange adjustments                              (32 920)                       773         (3 091)   
    Interest capitalised                                         2 082                       266          21 520   
    Closing balance as at 31 December 2017                   4 992 608                    33 343       1 014 004   
    
    * The group notes that the cash flows from deferred vendor liabilities are included as investing activities in the cash flow statement,
       however, this information is considered to be useful to the users of the financial statements since deferred vendor liabilities are included
       in the group's net debt position and is therefore included in the above disclosure.

12. Dividend

    The directors have elected not to declare an interim dividend and to retain cash to settle debt obligations.


Andy Sims
Company Secretary
1 March 2018

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country of incorporation and domicile   South Africa
                                         
Directors                               JA Bester
                                        MS Bomela
                                        CD Dillon
                                        K  Futter
                                        B  Harie
                                        Dr KS Pather
                                        GJ Shayne
                                        CB Sampson
                                        TB Thomsen
                                        Dr KUHH Wellner
                                         
Registered office                       31 Georgian Crescent East
                                        Bryanston 
                                        Gauteng
                                        2191
                                         
Business address                        31 Georgian Crescent East
                                        Bryanston
                                        Gauteng
                                        2191
                                         
Postal address                          PostNet Suite #252
                                        Private Bag X21
                                        Bryanston
                                        2021
                                         
Bankers                                 The Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division)
                                        HSBC Bank plc
                                        Nedbank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division)
                                        Standard Chartered Bank
                                         
Auditors                                PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc
                                        Chartered Accountants (S.A.)
                                         
Sponsors                                Questco Corporate Advisory (Pty) Ltd
                                         
Secretary                               A Sims CA(SA)
                                         
Tax reference number                    9810/017/15/3
                                         
                                         
Preparer                                The interim financial statements were internally compiled by: K Futter CA(SA)

ASCENDIS HEALTH LTD

31 Georgian Crescent East
Bryanston
Gauteng
South Africa

t: +27 11 036 9600
e: info@ascendishealth.com

www.ascendishealth.com



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