Commentary

Italtile Limited has succeeded in delivering its tenth consecutive year of turnover and earnings improvement. The group (including franchised operations) reported an improvement in turnover of 27% to R788 million (2000: R619 million). Like-for-like, turnover growth from group-owned stores was 20% this year, as a further three group-owned operations were franchised in line with company strategy. Operating profit rose 27%, from R64 million to R82 million while headline earnings per share increased by 24% to 317 cents per share (2000: 254 cents per share). The group remains ungeared.

Despite adverse trading conditions, Italtile retained its position as market leader and as the largest purchaser of ceramic tiles in the world. This status enabled the company to continue to source product internationally at very competitive prices, notwithstanding the unfavourable exchange rate.

The period under review saw the group pursuing its objectives of aggressive cost control and improved margins. Stock management was prudent in the light of a depreciating currency and a growing business.

The group's trend to position itself as a major franchisor was consolidated with several key developments:

• The company will shortly introduce its first Italtile franchise and plans to expand this division significantly. With its extensive experience in franchising CTM stores, the group is confident that the Italtile franchise model will be as successful as its sister operation.

• Having established itself as a leading franchisor, the company is implementing an advanced element to the existing franchise model, which provides for a joint venture arrangement between the company and the franchisee. This model has several benefits, including encouraging entrepreneurship while protecting the company's income, and improving accessibility to financing for entrepreneurs.

• The group has launched an empowered-franchise concept, comprising 50/50 partnerships between franchisees and black partners. The intention is to increase black ownership, while ensuring mentoring and skills transfer. This new division targets rural areas, bringing the CTM brand directly into the heart of the community. To date such stores have been opened in Chamdor and Groblersdal. It is anticipated that further stores will be trading by June 2002.

• The successful introduction of an ERP system (SAP R3) has provided a platform for the organisation which enables a more efficient response to customer's needs.

• The group invested a further R31 million in fixed property during the year under review, bringing the value of the property portfolio to R162 million.

Southern African Operations

Pleasing growth was reported by both divisions, CTM and Italtile. The company now trades out of 15 group-owned CTM stores, 43 franchised CTM stores and 11 Italtile stores. Expansion into Africa will be cautious, with opportunities currently being explored in Zambia and Malawi.

International Operations

Six additional CTM stores have been opened in Australia over the past financial year, bringing the total to nine stores across three states. Having achieved this satisfactory presence, and in line with the company's conservative expansion policy, focus will be on consolidating the brand's current presence, with only two further new stores planned in the short term. Expansion has been and will continue to be funded through company reserves.

The company has invested heavily in marketing in order to establish the CTM brand in previously untraded states and expects that the loss shown as a result of these set-up costs should be reversed in financial year 2002. The company remains positive about its investment in Australia.

Directorate

After two and a half years as Chief Executive Officer, and with the ongoing expansion of the company both locally and internationally and the attendant financial demands arising from that growth, Peter Swatton elected to relinquish his position and resume his former role as Chief Financial Officer. Gianni Ravazzotti, founder of the company and Executive Chairman, will fill the position of CEO for an interim period until such time as a replacement for Swatton is appointed.

Prospects

The Board believes that with continued store expansion, focus on cost control and improved margins the group will maintain a steady growth performance. The Board perceives particularly attractive growth opportunities afforded by the newly launched empowered-franchise vehicle.

Accounting Policies

The accounting policies applied have been consistent with those of the prior year.

Dividend

The Board has declared a final dividend of 31 cents, which together with the interim dividend of 29 cents produces a total dividend of 60 cents (2000: 54 cents), an 11% improvement. The group will retain its dividend cover at approximately five times.

For and on behalf of the Board

G A M Ravazotti Chairman

P D Swatton Chief Financial Officer

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