Resources group Kumba on Wednesday reported a 61% leap in headline earnings per share to 508 cents for the six months ended in June.
This was achieved on the back of 32% growth in revenue to R6,9-billion from a restated R5,247-billion for the previous comparable half-year.
The group declared an interim dividend of 180 cents per share compared with 160 cents per share last time around.
The group’s net operating profit was up 65% to R1,733-billion. This was before an impairment charge of R784-million before tax of the mineral sands assets of Ticor SA, which negatively affected the net operating profit profits.
Kumba said the results reflected a good operational performance despite disruptions due to heavy rainfall in the first quarter. A recovery in the zinc metal price and a further 19% iron ore price increase effective from April 1 this year following the 71,5% average increase in the comparative period last year contributed to the strong results, it said.
Attributable earnings, after accounting for net financing charges of R150-million and a higher taxation charge of R530-million, increased by 13% to R1,067-billion (348 cents per share) for the six months under review.
Total cash of R2,282-billion retained from operations was used partly to settle lower finance charges of R121-million, higher cash taxes of R895-million, increased dividends of R492-million and capital expenditure of R861-million, of which R585-million was invested in new production capacity. Net cash inflow for the period was R182-million.
The group’s net debt decreased from R1,638-billion to R1,481-billion, resulting in a debt to equity ratio of 18%.
Kumba noted that regrettably, and despite a significant improvement in the lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) per 200 000 man-hours worked from 0,52 to 0,34, five fatal injuries were suffered in the period under review. Three of the fatalities occurred in a single accident at the Glen Douglas mine.
“The group remains committed to achieving a safe working environment without fatalities or serious injuries and continues to drive its ongoing safety awareness and preventative programmes. A target LTIFR of less than 0,25 has been set for 2006,” it added.
Looking ahead, Kumba said that strong demand for the group’s portfolio of commodities at favourable price levels, except for titanium feedstock, and a currency at weaker levels, were expected to benefit the results of the group for the next six months.
“Iron ore will benefit from the recent price increase for the full ensuing six months while the continued strong demand for coal at higher prices, and the significant recovery in the zinc metal price, should have a positive impact on the operating results for these commodities. A surplus in the supply of high-grade titanium feedstock and the repairs and modifications to furnace one at Ticor SA will negatively affect the results of the mineral sands operations while sales of zircon, which remain in short supply, and stable off-take of pigment from Ticor Australia, will make a positive contribution,” said. – I-Net Bridge