South African industrial group Imperial Holdings on Wednesday reported a 26,1% rise in headline earnings per share to 1 222,1 cents for the year ended June from 968,8 cents a year ago. Diluted headline earnings per share were also up 26% at 1 148,3 cents.
A capital distribution of 244 cents per share was declared, making the distribution to shareholders for the year up 20% to 474 cents.
Revenue was up 27% to R54,1-billion, while operating profit grew by 31,4% to R4,5-billion and the operating margin increased to 8,2% from 8%.
“While strong growth was recorded in our motor-vehicle distribution and retail operations and related financial services, our remaining mobility businesses also produced good results,” Imperial noted.
Business conditions were favourable but competitive in all areas of the group’s businesses. Consumer demand for motor vehicles remained high with year-on-year growth in new-vehicle sales of 22% during the financial period.
“Consumer spending is showing signs of cooling down following recent increases in interest rates. Further rate increases are possible, but sales growth is expected to continue, as the fundamental factors driving vehicle demand still remain firmly in place,” it said.
During the year, Imperial increased it exposure to the infrastructure building and resources sectors of the economy with the acquisition of the MCC group, which owns and operates 1 039 units of earthmoving equipment. This acquisition, which was effective from December 2005, has already made a positive contribution, Imperial noted.
In the current climate of growth in construction and strong global demand for commodities, Imperial aims to increase its investment in this sector.
“Combining with our vehicle leasing, fleet management and logistics operations, we expect to benefit substantially from corporate and government spending patterns in South Africa over the next four years,” it said.
It was also a year of new growth initiatives in all parts of the group with several acquisitions and new ventures.
The main contributor to the increase in revenue was the Logistics division, internationally due to the sale of the low-margin clearing and forwarding business JH Bachmann, and locally through increased operating efficiencies.
Looking ahead, Imperial said it feels positive about the coming year, despite the expected slowdown in consumer spending and its effects on vehicle-sales growth.
It said the group has an extensive exposure to the broader South African economy, which is well positioned for sustainable growth.
The group benefits not only from a healthy consumer-led upswing, but also from different economic conditions that are beginning to emerge. A substantial portion of the group’s debt carries fixed interest rates, and higher interest rates benefit its leasing operations. The residual values of its vehicle fleets are also better underpinned by a weaker rand.
A weaker rand also provides strong impetus to the aviation and tourism operations.
“Internationally, we are well positioned in a strengthening German economy, particularly driven by its steel exports to Asian economies and a relatively strong automotive sector.
“Accordingly, we expect another good year of growth in earnings,” it concluded. — I-Net Bridge