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Thu 11 May 2006, 8:52 Netcare - Results for the six months ended 31 Marc
NTC
 NTC                                                                             
Netcare - Results for the six months ended 31 March 2006                        
NETWORK HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS LIMITED                                             
Registration number 1996/008242/06                                              
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)                                  
(JSE share code: NTC)                                                           
(ISIN code: ZAE000011953)                                                       
("Netcare" or "the Company" or "the Group")                                     
Unaudited Interim Results for the six months ended 31 March                     
2006                                                                            
(Incorporating first time adoption of International Financial                   
Reporting Standards)                                                            
HIGHLIGHTS                                                                      
- 11.8% increase in Revenue                                                     
- 22.0% increase in diluted HEPS                                                
 (before abnormal item)                                                         
- 20.0% increase in Capital Distribution                                        
- Significant corporate activity                                                
- Expansion initiatives in South Africa                                         
- Acquisition of General Healthcare Group (United Kingdom)                      
Restated      Restated           
                                  Unaudited   Unaudited       Audited           
                                   31 March    31 March  30 September           
                                       2006        2005          2005           
(Rm)        (Rm)          (Rm)           
ASSETS                                                                          
Non-current assets                  4,550.8     3,946.1       4,280.7           
Property, plant and equipment       3,282.4     2,908.5       3,134.1           
Goodwill and development                                                        
expenditure                           456.9       313.1         325.0           
Associated companies,                                                           
investments and loans (note 1)        792.8       691.2         802.9           
Deferred taxation asset                18.7        33.3          18.7           
Current assets                      2,464.8     2,009.4       1,991.5           
Investments and loans (note 1)        104.6       117.5          75.8           
Inventories                           285.7       274.4         274.6           
Accounts receivable                 1,585.4     1,407.4       1,348.2           
Cash and cash equivalents             489.1       210.1         292.9           
Total assets                        7,015.6     5,955.5       6,272.2           
GROUP BALANCE SHEET                                                             
AT 31 MARCH 2006                                                                
                                                  Restated        Restated      
                                    Unaudited    Unaudited         Audited      
                                     31 March     31 March    30 September      
2006         2005            2005      
                                         (Rm)         (Rm)            (Rm)      
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                                                          
Capital and reserves                  3,623.6      3,062.3         3,418.1      
Share capital and premium             1,067.8        711.1           597.2      
Treasury shares                     (1,588.9)      (897.5)         (897.5)      
Reserves                              4,064.9      3,173.5         3,642.6      
Ordinary shareholders" equity         3,543.8      2,987.1         3,342.3      
Minority interest                        79.8         75.2            75.8      
Non-current liabilities               1,052.4        995.1           714.2      
Interest-bearing debt                   800.2        794.1           492.9      
Deferred lease liability                158.3        156.7           159.5      
Deferred taxation liability              93.9         44.3            61.8      
Current liabilities                   2,339.6      1,898.1         2,139.9      
Accounts payable and provisions       1,209.9      1,055.6         1,217.4      
Interest-bearing debt                 1,125.9        721.3           913.4      
Taxation payable                          3.8        121.2             9.1      
Total equity and liabilities          7,015.6      5,955.5         6,272.2      
Ordinary shareholders" equity per                                               
share(cents)                            244.4        209.3           231.1      
GROUP INCOME STATEMENT                                                          
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2006                                          
                                                                    Restated    
                                                                     Audited    
Year    
                                                Restated               ended    
                                   Unaudited   Unaudited                  30    
                                    31 March    31 March           September    
2006        2005        %       2005    
                                        (Rm)        (Rm)   Change       (Rm)    
Revenue                              4,009.2     3,585.9     11.8    7,533.7    
Cost of sales                      (1,211.8)   (1,108.6)           (2,312.4)    
Gross profit                         2,797.4     2,477.3             5,221.3    
Other income                            89.5        76.2               165.0    
Administrative and other expenses                                               
(note 4)                           (2,332.7)   (2,066.0)           (4,234.1)    
Operating profit                       554.2       487.5     13.7    1,152.2    
Financial income (note 2)               50.7        29.6                75.7    
Financial expenses (note 3)           (93.3)      (81.7)             (176.0)    
Share of profit of associates           20.4        21.8                62.9    
Profit before taxation                 532.0       457.2             1,114.8    
Taxation                             (160.2)     (116.2)             (299.5)    
Profit for the period                  371.8       341.0               815.3    
Attributable to:                                                                
Ordinary shareholders                  367.8       340.0     16.4      813.6    
Minority interests                       4.0         1.0                 1.7    
                                       371.8       341.0      9.0      815.3    
GROUP EARNINGS PER SHARE                                                        
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2006                                          
                                                                    Restated    
                                             Restated                Audited    
                                 Unaudited  Unaudited             Year ended    
31 March   31 March           30 September    
                                      2006       2005       %           2005    
                                      (Rm)       (Rm)  Change           (Rm)    
Profit attributable to                                                          
ordinary shareholders                367.8      340.0     8.2          813.6    
Impairment of goodwill                                                  19.9    
Impairment of investments              2.7        7.0                    293    
Reversal of impairment of land                                                  
and buildings                                                          (9.8)    
Net capital (profit) / loss on                                                  
disposal of subsidiary and                                                      
assets                               (0.4)                               6.1    
Headline earnings                    370.1      347.0     6.7          859.1    
Earnings per share (cents)                                                      
Headline - basic                      25.6       24.3     5.3           60.0    
         - diluted                    25.0       23.6     5.9           58.3    
Attributable - basic                  25.4       23.9     6.3           56.8    
             - diluted                24.8       23.1     7.4           55.2    
SUPPLEMENTARY GROUP EARNINGS PER SHARE INFORMATION                              
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2006                                          
Restated      
                                        Restated                   Audited      
                           Unaudited   Unaudited                Year ended      
                            31 March    31 March              30 September      
2006        2005       %              2005      
                                (Rm)        (Rm)  Change              (Rm)      
Headline earnings              370.1       347.0     6.7             859.1      
Abnormal items - net of                                                         
taxation                        57.6                                   2.5      
Headline earnings -                                                             
before abnormal items          427.7       347.0    23.3             861.6      
Headline earnings per                                                           
share before abnormal                                                           
items (cents)                                                                   
- basic                         29.5        24.3    21.4              60.2      
- diluted                       28.8        23.6    22.0              58.5      
GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT                                                       
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2006                                          
                                                              Restated          
                                               Restated        Audited          
Unaudited   Unaudited     Year ended          
                                   31 March    31 March   30 September          
                                       2006        2005           2005          
                                       (Rm)        (Rm)           (Rm)          
Cash received from customers        3,787.9     3,456.6        7,462.7          
Cash paid to suppliers and                                                      
employees                         (3,305.4)   (2,872.3)      (5,842.8)          
Cash generated from operating                                                   
activities                            482.5       584.3        1,619.9          
Interest paid                        (93.3)      (81.7)        (176.0)          
Taxation paid                       (133.4)     (201.4)        (465.7)          
Capital distributions               (217.2)     (163.7)        (307.8)          
Net cash retained from operating                                                
activities                             38.6       137.5          670.4          
Cash flows from investing                                                       
activities                          (336.2)     (243.8)        (612.9)          
Capital expenditure                 (279.2)     (145.9)        (494.7)          
Capital expenditure to maintain                                                 
operations                          (207.1)     (121.9)        (187.4)          
Capital expenditure to expand                                                   
operations                           (72.1)      (24.0)        (307.3)          
Proceeds from sale of non current                                               
assets                                  8.4                       40.3          
Interest received                      34.7        15.5           46.5          
Net investment in businesses and                                                
loans to businesses                  (97.8)      (81.2)        (172.8)          
Share buy-backs                       (2.3)      (32.2)         (32.2)          
Cash flows from financing                                                       
activities                            497.0       170.9           89.9          
Movement in interest-bearing                                                    
liabilities                           501.4       163.3           54.1          
Net equity movements                  (4.4)         7.6           35.8          
Increase in cash and cash                                                       
equivalents                           199.4        64.6          147.4          
Cash and cash equivalents at                                                    
beginning of period                   292.9       145.5          145.5          
Net cash resources assumed on                                                   
acquisition of businesses             (3.2)                                     
Cash and cash equivalents at  end                                               
of period                             489.1       210.1          292.9          
GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY                                            
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2006                                          
                                Share                 Non-      Share           
                              capital              distri-      based           
and   Treasury   butable    payment           
(Rm)                          premium     shares  reserves    reserve           
Interest of all                                                                 
shareholders                                                                    
Balance at beginning of                                                         
period                          597.2    (897.5)     212.2                      
Adjustment to opening                                                           
balances for changes in                                                         
accounting policies                                               4.8           
Balance at beginning of                                                         
period as restated              597.2    (897.5)     212.2        4.8           
Negative goodwill                                                               
derecognised                                                                    
Fair value deficit on                                                           
investments net of tax                               (0.8)                      
Currency translation                                                            
reserves and other                                                              
movements                                             25.2                      
Net income/ (expense)                                                           
recognised directly in                                                          
equity                                                24.4                      
Attributable earnings                                                           
Total recognised income and                                                     
expense for the period                                24.4                      
Issue of shares                 687.8                                           
HPFL treasury shares                     (689.1)                                
Share buy-backs                            (2.3)                                
Capital distributions         (217.2)                                           
Share-based payment reserve                                      57.6           
Balance at end of period      1,067.8  (1,588.9)     236.6       62.4           
                                                                    Restated    
                                  Distri-              Unaudited   Unaudited    
butable    Minority   31 March    31 March    
(Rm)                             reserves    interest       2006        2005    
Interest of all shareholders                                                    
Balance at beginning of period    3,430.4        75.8    3,418.1     2,904.6    
Adjustment to opening balances                                                  
for changes in accounting                                                       
policies                            (4.8)                            (108.6)    
Balance at beginning of period                                                  
as restated                       3,425.6        75.8    3,418.1     2,796.0    
Negative goodwill derecognised                                         116.6    
Fair value deficit on                                                           
investments net of tax                                     (0.8)       (5.4)    
Currency translation reserves                                                   
and other movements                (27.5)                  (2.3)       (4.0)    
Net income/ (expense)                                                           
recognised directly in equity      (27.5)                  (3.1)       107.2    
Attributable earnings               367.8         4.0      371.8       341.0    
Total recognised income and                                                     
expense for the period              340.3         4.0      368.7       448.2    
Issue of shares                                            687.8        14.0    
HPFL treasury shares                                     (689.1)                
Share buy-backs                                            (2.3)      (32.2)    
Capital distributions                                    (217.2)     (163.7)    
Share-based payment reserve                                 57.6                
Balance at end of period          3,765.9        79.8    3,623.6     3,062.3    
                                    Restated                                    
                                     Audited                                    
                                  Year ended                                    
30 Sept                                    
(Rm)                                    2005                                    
Interest of all shareholders                                                    
Balance at beginning of period       2,796.0                                    
Adjustment to opening balances                                                  
for changes in accounting                                                       
policies                                                                        
Balance at beginning of period                                                  
as restated                          2,796.0                                    
Negative goodwill derecognised         116.6                                    
Fair value deficit on                                                           
investments net of tax                (10.3)                                    
Currency translation reserves                                                   
and other movements                    (8.5)                                    
Net income/ (expense)                                                           
recognised directly in equity           97.8                                    
Attributable earnings                  815.3                                    
Total recognised income and                                                     
expense for the period                 913.1                                    
Issue of shares                         44.2                                    
HPFL treasury shares                                                            
Share buy-backs                       (32.2)                                    
Capital distributions                (307.8)                                    
Share-based payment reserve              4.8                                    
Balance at end of period             3,418.1                                    
KEY FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                                       
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2006                                          
                                                               Restated         
Restated       Audited         
                                     Unaudited  Unaudited    Year ended         
                                      31 March   31 March  30 September         
                                          2006       2005          2005         
Ordinary shares (millions)                                                      
In issue                               1,450.0    1,427.0       1,446.2         
Weighted average number of shares      1,448.3    1,425.2       1,431.5         
Diluted weighted average number of                                              
shares                                 1,482.9    1,472.9       1,473.8         
Distributions                                                                   
Capital  distributions  (cents   per                                            
share)                                    12.0       10.0          25.0         
Other salient features                                                          
Operating margin (%)                     15.3*       13.6          15.3         
Effective taxation rate (%)               30.0       25.0          25.9         
Operating  profit  return   on   net                                            
assets (%)                               26.7*       24.8          29.1         
Return on shareholders" equity (%)       24.8*       23.9          28.3         
Debt: equity ratio (%)                    39.7       42.6          32.6         
Interest cover (times)                     9.7        7.6           9.1         
*Excludes effect of HPFL transaction                                            
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES                                                             
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2006                                          
Abnormal items                                                                  
Health Partners for Life ( BEE                                                  
transaction), share-based                                                       
payment costs in terms of IFRS 2                                                
("HPFL IFRS charge")                   57.6                                     
Legal expenses incurred on                                                      
single exit pricing regulations                                        3.5      
5. Operating lease charges             67.0        57.4              130.4      
6. Commitments                                                                  
Capital commitments contracted        365.7       223.8              260.0      
Operating lease commitments           747.9       824.0              798.6      
7. Contingent liabilities             627.9       378.7              381.1      
                                                Restated       Restated         
Unaudited   Unaudited        Audited         
                                    31 March    31 March   30 September         
                                        2006        2005           2005         
                                        (Rm)        (Rm)           (Rm)         
1. Associated companies,                                                        
investments and loans                                                           
Non-current                                                                     
Investments and loans to                                                        
associated companies                   759.9       610.0          728.4         
Investments and loans (from) /to                                                
joint ventures                        (25.6)        30.1           11.7         
Other loans                             58.5        51.1           62.8         
792.8       691.2          802.9         
Current                                                                         
Held-for-trading investments            66.1        72.9           49.9         
Loans                                   38.5        44.6           25.9         
104.6       117.5           75.8         
                                       897.4       808.7          878.7         
Directors" valuation of                                                         
investments and loans to                                                        
associated companies                 1,198.4       701.6          823.9         
2. Financial income                                                             
Fair value adjustments on held-                                                 
for-trading investments                 16.0        14.1           29.2         
Interest income                         34.7        15.5           46.5         
                                        50.7        29.6           75.7         
3. Financial expenses                                                           
Interest expense                        90.1        81.7          176.0         
Preference share dividend                3.2                                    
                                        93.3        81.7          176.0         
4. Administrative and other                                                     
expenses                                                                        
Administrative and other                                                        
expenses includes the following                                                 
items:                                                                          
Depreciation and amortisation                                                   
Depreciation of property, plant                                                 
and equipment                          125.6       117.4          248.2         
Amortisation of development                                                     
expenditure                              2.4         0.5            3.4         
INTRODUCTION                                                                    
The Netcare Board is pleased to report that significant                         
strategic, financial and operational progress was achieved                      
during the six month period ended 31 March 2006.                                
STRATEGIC REVIEW                                                                
The  past six months have been transforming for Netcare as the                  
developments  within the South African market and  acquisition                  
of  General Healthcare Group ("GHG") elevates Netcare  into  a                  
global  healthcare  company. Netcare  has  identified  a  dual                  
strategy  of  becoming the leading African  healthcare  Group,                  
committed to its growth strategy within the local market while                  
pursuing  further growth opportunities in the  United  Kingdom                  
("UK").                                                                         
As  the macro environment continues to evolve through positive                  
developments arising from tax reforms; the Government Employee                  
Medical  Scheme  ("GEMS");  the  Low  Income  Medical   Scheme                  
("LIMS") and the growing formally employed sector, Netcare  is                  
well  positioned to work with stakeholders in improving access                  
and   affordability  to  quality  healthcare  for  more  South                  
Africans. Evidence of this continues through improved  volumes                  
in  the  business units and as demand for healthcare  from  an                  
aging population increases.                                                     
From  a  corporate  perspective  the  Group  has  successfully                  
completed the following significant transactions:                               
the  implementation of the Health Partners for Life  broad                  
     based black economic empowerment transaction ("HPFL");                     
    the acquisition by Medicross of Primecure;                                  
    the unwind of the Netpartner cross shareholding; and                        
the  acquisition of a controlling interest in GHG  in  the                  
     UK.                                                                        
Further   references  to  other  strategic  developments   are                  
contained herein.                                                               
At  a  management  level, the formalisation of  the  executive                  
committees  ("Exco")  in both South Africa  and  the  UK  have                  
ensured  that  the organisation is operationally well  managed                  
with clear transformation and succession planning in place, as                  
well  as  strategically aligned and defined deliverables  with                  
performance based rewards.                                                      
During the period the Exco reviewed the Group"s key leadership                  
strategies  and  added  Organisational  Growth  and  Embracing                  
Transformation to the existing themes of:                                       
    Best and Safest Patient Care;                                               
    Growing with Passionate People;                                             
    Physician Partnerships; and                                                 
Operational Efficiency                                                      
These  themes  remain  the cornerstone of Netcare"s  strategic                  
focus and development going forward.                                            
As  12  May  is  International Nurses Day, we pay  tribute  to                  
members  of the nursing profession. We salute you as a  member                  
of  a noble profession.  We commend you for your dedication to                  
caring  for  others and unselfishly helping  to  preserve  the                  
sanctity of life.  Your commitment, care and passion  help  us                  
realise  our  standards  of excellent  patient  care  and  you                  
provide   invaluable  support  to  the  doctors  and   medical                  
professionals  with  whom  you work.   Your  devotion  to  our                  
patients  is a major reason why Netcare continues  to  deliver                  
quality patient care.  Our patients place their lives in  your                  
hands,  feeling safe in the knowledge that you will give  them                  
the  best care and attention possible.  You are a lifeline  to                  
those in need and make us proud. Thank you!                                     
FINANCIAL REVIEW                                                                
The six month period under review generated pleasing growth in                  
revenue,  operating  profit and headline earnings  before  the                  
HPFL IFRS charge of 11.8%, 25.5%, and 23.3% respectively.                       
A  pro-forma analysis of Revenue and Operating Profit  of  the                  
business groupings of Netcare is set out below:                                 
                                       REVENUE                                  
                                 Unaudited  Unaudited                           
31 March   31 March                           
                                      2006       2005         %                 
                                       R"m        R"m  Increase                 
Hospital and Trauma                3,116.0    2,807.7      11.0                 
Ancillary Healthcare businesses      763.6      718.2       6.3                 
Netcare International                129.6       60.0     116.0                 
Total - pre abnormal items         4,009.2    3,585.9      11.8                 
Abnormal  items  -  HPFL   IFRS                                                 
charge*                                                                         
Total after abnormal items         4,009.2    3,585.9      11.8                 
                                   OPERATING PROFIT                             
                                 Unaudited  Unaudited                           
31 March   31 March                           
                                      2006       2005         %                 
                                       R"m        R"m  Increase                 
Hospital and Trauma                  506.3      403.4      25.5                 
Ancillary Healthcare businesses       93.9       80.3      16.9                 
Netcare International                 11.6        3.8     205.3                 
Total - pre abnormal items           611.8      487.5      25.5                 
                                    (57.6)                                      
Abnormal  items  -  HPFL   IFRS                                                 
charge*                                                                         
Total after abnormal items           554.2      487.5      13.7                 
*IFRS  2  requires  that  share-based payments  (the  category                  
within which the HPFL transaction falls) be expensed over  the                  
vesting period of those payments. An expense of R 57.6 million                  
("the  HPFL  IFRS  charge")  has been  recognised  during  the                  
interim period in regard to those allocations which have  been                  
issued and have a limited probability of forfeiture.                            
The  pro-forma financial information is the responsibility  of                  
the directors of Netcare.                                                       
After  taking  the  HPFL  IFRS charge into  consideration  the                  
results  reflect  a positive increase in operating  profit  of                  
13.7%   to   R554.2  million  (2005:  R487.5  million)   which                  
translates into an increase in fully diluted HEPS of  5.9%  to                  
25.0 cents per share (2005: 23.6 cents per share).                              
The  Group"s strong cash generation was applied towards, inter                  
alia,  tax  payments of R133.4 million (2005: R201.4 million),                  
capital  expenditure of R279.2 million (2005: R145.9 million),                  
increased  capital  distributions  of  R217.2  million  (2005:                  
R163.7  million) and other investments of R97.8 million (2005:                  
R81.2  million).  Despite  these  factors,  as  well  as   the                  
significant   equity  impact  of  the  treasury  shares,   the                  
debt:equity ratio declined to a sound 39.7% (2005: 42.6%).                      
In  terms  of the Group"s commitment to infrastructure  and  a                  
broadened  hospital network within South Africa, the following                  
capital expenditure has been incurred or is in progress:                        
    investments  in new facilities and material expansions  in                  
Tableview,  Ballito, Margate, Richards Bay  and  selected                  
     other hospitals across the country;                                        
    investment  in  SAP  based  enterprise  systems  aimed  at                  
     improving  efficiencies, service,  quality  and  reducing                  
reporting cycles;                                                          
    investment  in new technology and equipment with  the  aim                  
     of  improving  the  delivery of  quality  healthcare  and                  
     attracting the best medical professionals;                                 
the  pending acquisition of the Umhlanga Hospital property                  
     (currently leased) with plans to expand; and                               
    investment  in  an  aeromedical fleet  to  extend  Netcare                  
     911"s reach into Africa.                                                   
OPERATIONAL REVIEW                                                              
CORE HOSPITAL NETWORK AND TRAUMA                                                
The  businesses forming part of this division achieved organic                  
revenue  growth of 11.0% with patient days increasing by  4.1%                  
on the prior period (with the Easter holidays having fallen in                  
the 1st half of the comparative period and due in the 2nd half                  
of  the  current  year). Interestingly, over 50%  of  this  is                  
attributable  to patients over the age of sixty, reflecting  a                  
global   trend  of  an  aging  population  driving  healthcare                  
utilisation.   Other   key  indicators   include   admissions,                  
maternity  cases and theatre cases all being up on  the  prior                  
period  by 4.6%, 5.5% and 3.9% respectively. Importantly,  the                  
percentage   of   revenue  generated  from  private   patients                  
utilising Netcare facilities increased.                                         
The  improved  operating performance,  exhibited  by  a  25.5%                  
increase   in  operating  profit  against  the  aforementioned                  
increase in revenue is largely attributable to improvements in                  
nursing  and administration efficiencies and better  financial                  
performance at Netcare 911.                                                     
Progress has been made with regard to the development  of  the                  
100-bed  Blaauwberg hospital in the Western Cape and the  100-                  
bed Alberlito hospital on the north coast of KwaZulu Natal. In                  
addition,  the  significant  investments  in  technology   and                  
infrastructure in recent years is realising benefits.                           
Netcare has been awarded preferred bidder status for the  Port                  
Alfred  hospital  and Grahamstown hospital as  Public  Private                  
Partnerships ("PPP"s"). In addition, Netcare has been  awarded                  
a  250-bed license to establish a new private hospital in East                  
London  and  a  200-bed  licence with a group  of  empowerment                  
partners  for  a  hospital  in  Polokwane.  These  green-field                  
developments  will  add to the Group"s  network  in  terms  of                  
enterprise development and access in areas which are currently                  
outside of Netcare"s geographical footprint.                                    
Netcare 911                                                                     
Following  the  attainment  of  breakeven  performance  within                  
Netcare  911  during  the past financial  year,  the  business                  
continued  to  focus on major strategic initiatives  aimed  at                  
growing  revenues  and developing its local and  international                  
geographic  spread. The investments in aircraft and  resultant                  
performance  of  the aeromedical division continues  to  yield                  
good growth.                                                                    
ANCILLARY HEALTHCARE BUSINESSES                                                 
Administration and Logistical Services                                          
Netcare"s  interests in administration and logistical  support                  
services have continued to yield satisfactory results as these                  
businesses provide various healthcare providers with  business                  
infrastructures  in  order to enable them  to  specialise  and                  
enhance their business practices.                                               
Primary Care Services                                                           
Medicross  achieved reasonably static results as  compared  to                  
the  prior  period  which  was pleasing  given  the  increased                  
competition within the retail pharmacy sector and pricing  and                  
regulatory dynamics.                                                            
Medicross acquired Primecure in February 2006. The acquisition                  
of  Primecure is evidence of Netcare"s commitment  to  primary                  
healthcare  as  a  "core" business together with  the  Group"s                  
tertiary medical facilities.                                                    
With  over 100 primary care centres nationally, the  Group  is                  
committed to finding innovative ways to expand on the existing                  
infrastructure  and  intellectual capital  by  broadening  its                  
offering  both  locally and abroad.  In addition,  significant                  
progress  has  been made by Primecure as a  provider  to  GEMS                  
which  is  seen  as  a  solid platform to improve  access  and                  
affordability to private healthcare and assist in reducing the                  
challenges being experienced in the public sector.                              
Netcare  has  made progress in exploring the  business  models                  
required  to  penetrate  the lower  LSM  markets  as  part  of                  
Government"s strategy to broaden healthcare accessibility  and                  
affordability.                                                                  
Netcare Diagnostics                                                             
The   business  units  forming  part  of  Netcare  Diagnostics                  
continue  to  benefit  from  volume  /  margin  sensitivities,                  
rationalisation  and economies of scale usually  exhibited  by                  
these  kinds of operations. Following their solid performances                  
in  2005, these businesses reflected performance increases  in                  
line  with  inflation over the period. The Board is  reviewing                  
its strategy in regard to certain of these investments in line                  
with the Group"s growth and development plans.                                  
Community Hospital Group ("CHG") pharmacies                                     
The  CHG pharmacies continued to perform well as the hospitals                  
forming part of CHG experienced similar growth to that of  the                  
Netcare hospitals.                                                              
NETCARE INTERNATIONAL                                                           
Netcare  UK  performed well for the six month period.  Revenue                  
increased  by  116.0% to R129.6 million (2005: R60.0  million)                  
with  operating profit having improved 205.3% to R11.6 million                  
(2005:  R3.8  million).  The  period  has  been  evidenced  by                  
significant tender activity as the NHS continues to  outsource                  
services to the private sector.                                                 
During the period Netcare UK concluded two 5-year contracts to                  
provide  primary  care services in Commuter  Walk  in  Centres                  
("CWICs") at Kings Cross Station in London and Leeds  Station,                  
which are expected to commence in July/August 2006.                             
In  addition,  shareholders are referred to  the  announcement                  
made  on 25 April 2006 relating to Netcare"s acquisition of  a                  
controlling interest in GHG ("the GHG acquisition").  The  GHG                  
acquisition transforms Netcare into one of the world"s largest                  
hospital  groups with significant potential for future  growth                  
and  value  creation for all stakeholders,  both  locally  and                  
internationally.  As  GHG  is  currently  in  the  process  of                  
formally  revaluing each of the properties  in  its  extensive                  
property   portfolio  which  is  required  to   finalise   the                  
restatement  of its financial results in line  with  IFRS  and                  
those of Netcare, it is not yet possible to quantify the  pro-                  
forma  financial  effects of the transaction  with  reasonable                  
certainty. As a result the pro-forma financial effects of  the                  
GHG acquisition will only be announced once these implications                  
have been finalised and reviewed by the reporting accountants.                  
Further  announcements and a Circular, including the financial                  
effects, will be released in due course.                                        
ASSOCIATES                                                                      
Netpartner                                                                      
In  line  with Netcare"s strategy of neutrality from a service                  
provider   and  healthcare  funder  perspective,  the   cross-                  
shareholding  with  Netpartner is  in  the  process  of  being                  
unwound  pending the necessary approvals.  The unwinding  will                  
simplify   the  corporate  structures  and  have   significant                  
benefits  for  both Netcare and Netpartner, as well  as  other                  
stakeholders  within  the  industry and  importantly  releases                  
value    for    Netpartner   shareholders    (including    BEE                  
shareholders), through, inter alia, giving them a direct stake                  
in Netcare. This will also result in an increase in the direct                  
BEE equity ownership within Netcare. Shareholders are referred                  
to  the  SENS  announcement published  on  23  March  2006.  A                  
Circular  is expected to be posted to shareholders during  the                  
last week of May 2006.                                                          
Community Hospital Group ("CHG")                                                
The  investment in CHG continues to yield solid  returns  with                  
options being explored in relation to this entity.                              
TRANSFORMATION                                                                  
Health Partners for Life ("HPFL")                                               
Following  the  effective  implementation  of  Netcare"s  HPFL                  
transaction  during  October 2005, the  Board  is  pleased  to                  
announce  that  this transaction is being rolled  out  to  the                  
approximately  45  000  stakeholders  with  meaningful   value                  
creation already having been achieved.                                          
The  Group is committed to driving various initiatives in  the                  
areas   of,   inter   alia,   equity   ownership,   enterprise                  
development,  employment equity, procurement,  HIV  and  AIDS,                  
access   and   corporate  social  responsibility  in   further                  
transforming Netcare into the future.                                           
Netcare is proud to have qualified, for the third successive                    
year since its inception, for inclusion as a constituent in                     
the 2006 JSE Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) index.                       
CHANGES IN DIRECTORATE                                                          
Dr  J  Shevel  resigned  as  a Non-Executive  director  on  22                  
November 2005.                                                                  
Given  the corporate activity within Netcare, and the  Group"s                  
transformation initiatives, further changes to  the  Board  of                  
Directors  are  expected to be announced in due  course  as  a                  
result of the GHG acquisition.                                                  
PROSPECTS                                                                       
The world"s population is living longer and new technology  is                  
enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment of hitherto incurable                  
or  inoperable  diseases.  These are  well  documented  trends                  
internationally  and  with 65% of healthcare  utilisation  and                  
costs  driven  by people over 60 years of age,  it  will  have                  
profound  consequences on healthcare provision  and  capacity.                  
Even in South Africa, adjusting for the impact of the HIV/AIDS                  
pandemic,  the population is aging. Internationally the  trend                  
of  governments  to  become both providers and  purchasers  of                  
healthcare   is   increasing  and   provides   a   substantial                  
opportunity  for growth. This remains an important  avenue  of                  
development for Netcare.                                                        
Having regard to;                                                               
    positive   advancements  in  seeking  ways  to  grow   the                  
     medically insured population of South Africa;                              
    increased utilisation arising from aging populations;                       
new   facilities  being  planned  and  built  due  to  new                  
     licences  and PPP"s being awarded to Netcare  which  will                  
     broaden the Group"s network of medical facilities;                         
    improved   stakeholder  interaction  to  find  sustainable                  
solutions to the challenges of access and affordability;                   
    the Group"s expanded footprint in Primary Care;                             
    the  rollout  of the SAP integrated information technology                  
     platform;                                                                  
the  medium term significance of Netcare"s acquisition  of                  
     a  controlling  interest  in  GHG  in  one  of  the  most                  
     attractive healthcare markets worldwide,                                   
and  in  the  absence of any unforeseen circumstances  in  the                  
South   African  and  global  economies  and  the   healthcare                  
regulatory environment (including the outcome of the  Pharmacy                  
regulations),  it  is considered that the  Group  has  a  well                  
balanced  portfolio  of sustainable healthcare  businesses  to                  
continue  to  generate meaningful returns and growth  for  all                  
stakeholders over time.                                                         
ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND JSE REQUIREMENTS                                        
Basis  of  preparation and International  Financial  Reporting                  
Standards ("IFRS") adoption                                                     
These  interim  consolidated financial  statements  have  been                  
prepared   in   accordance  with  IAS34,   Interim   Financial                  
Reporting.                                                                      
Accounting policies used are consistent with those used in the                  
published  September 2005 annual financial statements,  except                  
as disclosed herein.                                                            
The  interim announcement has been prepared in accordance with                  
the Listing Requirements of the JSE Limited.                                    
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS                                     
In  accordance  with  the  Listing  Requirements  of  the  JSE                  
Limited,  the  Group is adopting IFRS with the effect  from  1                  
October  2005. As the Group publishes comparative  information                  
in its financial statements, the date of transition to IFRS is                  
1  October  2004, which represents the start of  the  earliest                  
period  of  comparative information presented.  The  financial                  
information  has  been prepared in accordance  with  IFRS  and                  
interpretations in effect on 31 March 2006.                                     
Effect of the first time adoption of IFRS                                       
IFRS1 allows a number of exemptions upon adoption of IFRS  and                  
the  Group  has elected to utilise the following  transitional                  
arrangements:                                                                   
    Business  combinations:  The  Group  has  elected  not  to                  
     retrospectively apply the requirements of IFRS3, Business                  
Combinations  for  business  combinations  that  occurred                  
     prior to 1 October 2004. As a result, the carrying amount                  
     of goodwill was the amortised amount at 30 September 2004                  
     less   any   impairment.  Previously  amortised  goodwill                  
eliminated against reserves has not been re-instated.                      
    Property,  plant and equipment: A first-time  adopter  may                  
     elect to use the fair value of individual property, plant                  
     and  equipment at transition date as the deemed cost. The                  
Group   has  elected  to  continue  accounting   on   the                  
     historical cost basis.                                                     
    Employee  benefits: The Group has elected not to  use  the                  
     corridor  approach that leaves some actuarial  gains  and                  
losses unrecognised.                                                       
    Cumulative    foreign    currency   translation    reserve                  
     adjustment:  The cumulative foreign currency  translation                  
     reserve existing on transition will be retained.                           
Share-based payments: The Group has elected not  to  apply                  
     the provisions of IFRS2, Share-based payments, to equity-                  
     settled  awards granted on or before 7 November 2002,  or                  
     to  awards  granted after that date but which had  vested                  
prior to 1 October 2004.                                                   
Adjustments on adoption of IFRS                                                 
The Group has changed its accounting policies with regards  to                  
share-based payments and goodwill to comply with IFRS.                          
IFRS 3 Business Combinations                                                
     The Group previously recognised acquired goodwill at cost                  
     less  accumulated  amortisation and  any  impairment.  In                  
     terms  of IFRS3, goodwill is no longer amortised  but  is                  
subject  to impairment reviews, both annually  and  where                  
     there are indications that the carrying value may not  be                  
     recoverable.                                                               
    IFRS 2 Share-based Payments                                                 
The  fair  value at the date of granting the  options  is                  
     charged  to  income  over  the  relevant  option  vesting                  
     periods,  adjusted to reflect actual and expected  levels                  
     of vesting.                                                                
Other adjustments                                                               
    GAAP Monitoring Panel ("GMP")                                               
     The  JSE Limited, based upon the recommendations  of  the                  
     GMP, requested Netcare to restate its interim results for                  
the  six  months ended 31 March 2005. Refer to  the  SENS                  
     announcement dated 11 November 2005.                                       
     The   restatement  removed  from  Netcare"s  attributable                  
     earnings,  its  interest in the mark-to-market  gains  on                  
Netcare  shares held by its associate company, Netpartner                  
     Investments  Limited. Such gains were considered  by  the                  
     GMP   to  arise  from  transactions  with  Netcare"s  own                  
     shareholders  and  accordingly  should  not   have   been                  
included in Netcare"s income.                                              
     The   restatement  includes  in  Netcare"s   attributable                  
     earnings the effect of the cross-holding between  Netcare                  
     and Netpartner.                                                            
IAS 17 Leases                                                               
     As guided by Circular 7/2005, issued by the South African                  
     Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Group revised its                  
     interpretation  of  IAS  17.  Lease  payments   are   now                  
recognised  as an expense on a straight-line  basis  over                  
     the lease term.                                                            
    Reclassification                                                            
     Held-for-trading   investments  and   loans   have   been                  
reclassified to current assets.                                            
                                                  IFRS effects                  
                              As previously      IFRS 3      IFRS 2             
                                   reported    Adoption    Adoption             
Rm          Rm          Rm             
Reconciliation of profit for                                                    
the year ended September                                                        
2005                                                                            
Profit before share of                                                          
profit of associates and                                                        
taxation                            1,056.7                   (4.8)             
Share of profit of                                                              
associates                             62.9                                     
Profit before taxation              1,119.6                   (4.8)             
Taxation                            (299.5)                                     
Profit for the year                   820.1                   (4.8)             
Attributable to:                                                                
Ordinary shareholders                 818.4                   (4.8)             
Minority interests                      1.7                                     
                                      820.1                   (4.8)             
Reconciliation of profit for                                                    
the six months ended 31                                                         
March 2005                                                                      
Profit before share of                                                          
profit of associates and                                                        
taxation                              436.3         5.3       (2.4)             
Share of profit of                                                              
associates                             34.4                                     
Profit before taxation                470.7         5.3       (2.4)             
Taxation                            (117.3)                                     
Profit for the period                 353.4         5.3       (2.4)             
Attributable to:                                                                
Ordinary shareholders                 352.4         5.3       (2.4)             
Minority interests                      1.0                                     
                                      353.4         5.3       (2.4)             
IFRS  impact  and change in comparative period classifications                  
and disclosures                                                                 
                                         Other adjustments                      
                                 GMP    IAS 17   Reclassi-         As           
                            revision  revision    fication   restated           
Rm        Rm          Rm         Rm           
Reconciliation of profit                                                        
for the year ended                                                              
September 2005                                                                  
Profit before share of                                                          
profit of associates and                                                        
taxation                                                      1,051.9           
Share of profit of                                                              
associates                                                       62.9           
Profit before taxation                                        1,114.8           
Taxation                                                      (299.5)           
Profit for the year                                             815.3           
Attributable to:                                                                
Ordinary shareholders                                           813.6           
Minority interests                                                1.7           
                                                                815.3           
Reconciliation of profit                                                        
for the six months ended                                                        
31 March 2005                                                                   
Profit before share of                                                          
profit of associates and                                                        
taxation                                 (3.8)                  435.4           
Share of profit of                                                              
associates                    (12.6)                             21.8           
Profit before taxation        (12.6)     (3.8)                  457.2           
Taxation                                   1.1                (116.2)           
Profit for the period         (12.6)     (2.7)                  341.0           
Attributable to:                                                                
Ordinary shareholders         (12.6)     (2.7)                  340.0           
Minority interests                                                1.0           
                              (12.6)     (2.7)                  341.0           
                                          IFRS effects                          
As                                           
                           previously    IFRS 3     IFRS 2                      
                             Reported  Adoption   Adoption                      
                                   Rm        Rm         Rm                      
Reconciliation of Balance                                                       
Sheet at 31 March 2005                                                          
ASSETS                                                                          
Non-current assets            3,954.3     121.9                                 
Property, plant and                                                             
equipment                     2,908.5                                           
Goodwill and development                                                        
expenditure                     191.2     121.9                                 
Associated companies,                                                           
investments and loans           821.3                                           
Deferred taxation asset          33.3                                           
Current assets                1,891.9                                           
Total assets                  5,846.2     121.9                                 
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                                                          
Capital and reserves          3,064.3     121.9                                 
Share capital and premium       711.1                                           
Treasury shares               (897.5)                                           
Reserves                      3,175.5     121.9                                 
Ordinary shareholders"                                                          
equity                        2,989.1     121.9                                 
Minority interest                75.2                                           
Non-current liabilities         883.8                                           
Interest-bearing debt           794.1                                           
Deferred lease liability                                                        
Deferred taxation                                                               
liability                        89.7                                           
Current liabilities           1,898.1                                           
Total equity and                                                                
liabilities                   5,846.2     121.9                                 
There are no adjustments                                                        
to the September 2005                                                           
balance sheet                                                                   
Other adjustments                             
                                 GMP     IAS 17  Reclassi-           As         
                            revision   revision   fication     restated         
                                  Rm        Rm          Rm           Rm         
Reconciliation of Balance                                                       
Sheet at 31 March 2005                                                          
ASSETS                                                                          
Non-current assets            (12.6)               (117.5)      3,946.1         
Property, plant and                                                             
equipment                                                       2,908.5         
Goodwill and development                                                        
expenditure                                                       313.1         
Associated companies,                                                           
investments and loans         (12.6)               (117.5)        691.2         
Deferred taxation asset                                            33.3         
Current assets                                       117.5      2,009.4         
Total assets                  (12.6)                            5,955.5         
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                                                          
Capital and reserves          (12.6)   (111.3)                  3,062.3         
Share capital and premium                                         711.1         
Treasury shares                                                 (897.5)         
Reserves                      (12.6)   (111.3)                  3,173.5         
Ordinary shareholders"                                                          
equity                        (12.6)   (111.3)                  2,987.1         
Minority interest                                                  75.2         
Non-current liabilities                  111.3                    995.1         
Interest-bearing debt                                             794.1         
Deferred lease liability                  156.7                   156.7         
Deferred taxation                                                               
liability                                (45.4)                    44.3         
Current liabilities                                             1,898.1         
Total equity and                                                                
liabilities                   (12.6)                            5,955.5         
There are no adjustments                                                        
to the September 2005                                                           
balance sheet                                                                   
CAPITAL DISTRIBUTION                                                            
In  accordance  with  the authority  given  to  the  Board  of                  
Directors  by  way  of  an ordinary resolution  passed  on  27                  
January  2006, the Board of Directors has declared an  interim                  
Capital   Distribution  (number  14),  out  of  share  premium                  
amounting  to 12 cents per ordinary share (2005:10  cents  per                  
share) payable to shareholders recorded in the register of the                  
Company on Friday,14 July 2006. This represents an increase of                  
20.0% over the comparative prior period.                                        
In  compliance  with the requirements of STRATE the  following                  
dates are applicable -                                                          
                                             2006                               
Last date to trade `CUM" the                                                    
capital distribution `LDT"                   Friday, 7 July                     
Trading commences `EX" the                                                      
capital distribution                         Monday, 10 July                    
Record date                                  Friday, 14 July                    
Date of payment                              Monday, 17 July                    
Share    certificates   may   not   be   dematerialised    nor                  
rematerialised between Monday,10 July 2006 and Friday, 14 July                  
2006, both dates inclusive.                                                     
By order of the Board                                                           
Michael I Sacks                                                                 
Chairman                                                                        
Dr Richard Friedland                                                            
Chief Executive Officer                                                         
Peter Nelson                                                                    
Chief Financial Officer                                                         
Sandton                                                                         
9 May 2006                                                                      
This announcement is available on                                               
www.netcareinvestor.co.za                                                       
Executive Directors:                                                            
Dr RH Friedland (Chief Executive Officer);                                      
PG Nelson (Chief Financial Officer); IM Davis;                                  
Dr VLJ Litlhakanyane; N Weltman                                                 
Non-Executive Directors:                                                        
MI Sacks (Chairman); APH Jammine; JM Kahn;                                      
Prof MB Kistnasamy; HR Levin; Dr JA Van Rooyen                                  
Company Secretary:                                                              
J Wolpert                                                                       
Registered Address:                                                             
76 Maude Street (corner West Street), Sandton                                   
2196. Private Bag X34, Benmore 2010                                             
Transfer Secretaries:                                                           
Ultra Registrars (Proprietary) Limited, 11                                      
Diagonal Street, Johannesburg 2001.                                             
PO Box 4844, Johannesburg 2000                                                  
Sponsor:                                                                        
Merrill Lynch South Africa (Proprietary) Limited,                               
Registration number 1995/001805/07,                                             
138 West Street, Sandown, Sandton 2196                                          
Date: 11/05/2006 08:54:21 AM Produced by the JSE SENS Department                
                                                                                
                                                                                
Profile Group (Pty) Ltd. has taken care in preparing all information on this website, but does not accept any liability for errors or out-of-date information.
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