Media group Caxton and CTP Publishers and Printers lifted headline earnings per share from 75 cents to 94 cents for the year ended June — an increase of 26%.
This was achieved on the back of a 10% growth in turnover from R2,9-billion to R3,2-billion.
Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders have more than doubled over the last three years from about R182-million rand to R433-million.
“The last year’s performance has been assisted by the buoyant conditions that prevailed in the economy generally, and in retail trading in particular. South Africa appears to have entered into a far more stable and enduring economic pattern which bodes well for the future of the country.
“It is a pattern which is characterised by a firmer currency, a lower interest rate environment and disciplined fiscal management. This has resulted in a more confident consumer who has seen his or her most valuable asset, their home, appreciating considerably in value and this has lead to a new found confidence and a willingness to spend.
“As a consequence, retailers have experienced what can probably be described as the best trading conditions in their history, which in turn has positively impacted on the advertising market. In addition, more money is flowing into the economy from the vast increase in the income of a number of the previously disadvantaged population as they take their rightful place in society,” the group said on Tuesday.
Net income from operating activities increased from R414,3-million to R551,1-million which equates to a 33% rise. The trading margin amounted to 17,2%, considerably up from last year’s 14,2% and which reflects the efficiencies achieved during the year, according to Caxton.
The board has declared a dividend of 40 cents, up from 35 cents in 2004, per share to ordinary shareholders, and a preference dividend of 338 cents, up from 262 cents in 2004, per preference share to all preference shareholders.
Looking ahead, Caxton said: “It has been one of the longest continuous periods during which South African retailers have prospered from the substantially improved levels of consumer spending. The climate appears to be destined for further growth albeit not at the levels seen over the past year.
“The economy is however being pressurised from the large increase in the price of oil and the number of strikes which have recently taken place. South Africa cannot be an island of prosperity in a world in turmoil. Future growth and development is largely dependant on what takes place in the world’s major economies.
“The company has spent aggressively on new equipment and is in a good position to process its customer’s increasing requirements which are anticipated to become more demanding. Subject to the economy remaining on track for continued growth, results for the forthcoming year should show further growth slightly ahead of inflation.” – I-Net Bridge