Financial results

Preliminary profit announcement, reviewed Group results
for the year ended 30 June 2015 and dividend declaration

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Commentary

commentary highlights

#From continuing operations.

Overview for the year ended 30 June 2015

Italtile Limited is a franchisor and retailer of local and imported tiles, sanitaryware, bathware, laminated flooring and other related home-finishing products. The Group’s retail operation comprises three brands: Italtile Retail, CTM and TopT, represented by a total network of 126 stores in Southern and East Africa. The brand offering targets homeowners across the LSM categories 4 to 10.

The Group’s retail operation is strategically supported by a vertically integrated Supply Chain, investments in key suppliers, and an extensive property portfolio.

At the outset of the year, management highlighted a range of opportunities which would be capitalised on to grow the business and gain market share through fulfilling the Group’s chief goal: to deliver an unparalleled shopping experience for its customers. The theme underlying this growth strategy would be retail excellence – an intensive focus on all the customer-facing elements of the Group’s offering. The growth opportunities would be realised under the auspices of a company-wide Business Optimisation Programme (BOP), to be implemented in the key areas across the business in two phases. The programme would commence with the back-end functions including the Supply Chain businesses and the Support Services divisions, while the second phase, scheduled for FY2016, would be implemented in the front-end retail brand operations.

Management is pleased to report that the first phase of the programme, which focused on leveraging the relationship between the Supply Chain and the retail operations, has been implemented, delivering satisfactory results. Enhanced performances were also reported by the Support Services departments, IT, e-commerce and human resources, all functions critical to the Group’s long-term growth strategy and sustainability.

Trading environment

During the review period, while the renovations segment of the building industry continued to grow incrementally, no recovery materialised in the new build segment as infrastructure constraints (water, sanitation and power) hampered the roll-out of new housing developments. This situation is expected to persist in the foreseeable future.

There was also a notable deterioration in investment sentiment and property-related spend as consumer confidence dropped to record low levels in the country. At the top end of the income spectrum, customers adopted a selective “wait and see” approach to property investment; in the middle-income market, the Group’s core target audience, consumers remained highly price sensitive and value conscious as they experienced intensifying pressure on disposable income. Discretionary spend was allocated cautiously, after extensive research, on tried-and-tested high profile brands. Customers with finite resources in the entry level segment continued to invest small amounts in their homes, on an ongoing basis, and as and when funds were available. In rural and outlying areas consumers’ purchasing decisions demonstrated preference for ease of access to one-stop shopping offerings which assisted in overcoming transport and logistical constraints.

Nationally, the trading environment remained competitive. Intensified promotional activity and price-cutting featured throughout the period, as traders sought to reduce inventory levels and free up cash flow in the context of the deteriorating economy and local currency. In these conditions the Group’s sound balance sheet and integrated Supply Chain, which facilitated consistent availability of competitively priced quality merchandise, stood the business in good stead.

Results

Despite the subdued economic climate, the Group recorded double digit growth across its trading regions. Improved sales and profitability were delivered by each of the three retail brands and the Supply Chain businesses, and across most of the merchandise categories.

This performance is largely attributable to better execution of basic retail principles and best practice in store, as well as improvements in the key back-end functions: suppliers, systems, and logistics.

Another notable achievement was the quicker than anticipated roll-out of TopT stores due to the availability of suitable sites. During the period eleven new TopT stores wereopened.

Financial highlights – continuing operations

The financial information outlined below refers to continuing operations only.

System-wide turnover grew 17% to R5,22 billion (2014: R4,46 billion), while same store revenue increased 16%. Average selling price inflation was 7%. In a year-on-year comparison, the Group reported a stronger performance in the first half than the second six months.

Margins were forfeited in both the Supply Chain and retail operations due to the deliberate strategy to absorb increased costs and contain price inflation to entrench the Group’s position as the price leader in a number of categories, and offset the effect of Rand weakness which drove up prices of imported product.

Trading profit increased 21% to R905 million (2014: R751million).

Overheads were reduced as a result of improved management of utilities, and containment of delivery and transport costs. Efficiencies were also gained across the Administration functions.

Earnings per share increased 32% to 75,9 cents (2014: 57,4cents), while headline earnings per share rose 22% to 71,6 cents (2014: 58,7 cents). Earnings reflect the impact of the following:

  • An IFRS 2 charge of R12 million (2014: R17 million) related to the Italtile Staff Share Scheme, of which R7million (2014: R11 million) is an accelerated charge related to franchise staff;
  • The increased contribution of R62 million (2014: R29 million) to Group profit from associates Ceramic Industries (Pty) Ltd and Ezeetile;
  • Net finance income of R11 million (2014: net finance cost of R9 million) attributable to the settlement of long-term debt and improved net cash holdings of the Group;
  • A lower effective tax rate resulting from reduced consolidated Dividend Withholding Tax charges compared with the prior corresponding period and the income tax benefit of share awards vesting and payments in the current period;
  • A gain of R14 million derived from the loss of control of a subsidiary (SER-Export s.p.a.) to an associate, following the disposal by the Group of a portion of its shareholding in this company; and
  • A once-off gain of R19 million resulting from the reclassification to income of foreign currency translation reserve related to Italtile Mauritius Proprietary Limited, previous bearer of certain of the Group’s non-South African trademarks, following the liquidation distribution of that company’s net assets to South Africa.

Inventories rose to R479 million (2014: R408 million) in line with increased sales growth, although controls ensured stock turn was commensurate, and stock losses were contained. Stock management across the business has been prioritised as a key strategic initiative.

Capital expenditure of R219 million (2014: R166 million) was incurred largely on the Group’s property investment portfolio related to an ongoing store upgrade programme and the acquisition of four properties during the period. Investments were also made in IT requirements related to the BOP. In the review period dividend payments totalled R212 million, and loans totalling R136 million were settled, resulting in net cash reserves of R392 million (2014: R249 million) at the end of the period.

The Group’s net asset value was 296 cents per share (2014: 243 cents per share).

Operational review

Retail brands
The retail operations comprising Italtile Retail, CTM and TopT, performed well, reflected by each brand’s growth and gain in new market share across most trading regions and merchandise categories.

Italtile Retail
This business delivered solid results, primarily based on improved efficiencies, intensified cost management, and increased market share. Notable growth was recorded by the Commercial Projects division which completed an extensive portfolio of projects, ranging from office blocks, shopping centres and warehouses, to bespoke buildings in the education, health and religious sectors. Italtile Retail is recognised in South Africa as the leading supplier of environmentally sensitive products, a factor which affords the brand an advantage in the commercial projects industry.

CTM
CTM reported double digit sales growth across all of its trading regions. Notably, the coastal markets which have historically under-performed their counterparts, outpaced the inland regions.

Growth was achieved across the range of merchandise categories, with creditable results reported by the Bathroom Boulevard and laminate flooring segments. The value of the average basket also increased, reflecting an improvement in product range, mix and price, and more effective customer interactions.

In-store efficiencies were enhanced through better analysis of trading data and standardisation of best practice disciplines across the store network.

Capacity and capability improvements were effected through staff changes at senior management and store operator level, while advancements were made in recruitment processes and personnel development, contributing to closer alignment with the brand’s growth ambitions.

The brand’s web store reported an improved performance for the year, increasing online sales above expectations.

TopT
TopT reported sound results for the period, growing turnover and profit and gaining market share in new and existing markets.

During the year the business made progress in achieving its priority objectives, including the goal to roll out five to ten new stores annually. Eleven stores were opened across five provinces in the reporting period and a further three opened shortly after year-end. The brand is now represented in seven provinces.

Within the business, cost management and stock turn improved; supplier relationships were extended and improved; and enhancements were made in store layouts, ranges, systems and processes. Particular attention was paid to appointing and developing fit-for-purpose staff, and the management team was restructured to facilitate the brand’s growth forecasts.

Supply Chain
The Group’s vertically integrated Supply Chain businesses, International Tap Distributors, Cedar Point and Distribution Centre, underpin the retail brand operations and enhance customer service through continuous and consistent availability of the right product at the right time and place. Each of these businesses reported increased turnover and profitability, reflecting improved sales to the store network across the brand portfolio. In light of the weaker currency, margin pressure was experienced as a result of the deliberate strategy to limit average price increases to support the competitive offering in-store.

Investment in associates

Ceramic Industries (Pty) Ltd (“Ceramic”)
Ceramic is Italtile’s primary supplier of tiles, sanitaryware and baths. The strategic 20% investment which the Group holds in this business serves to provide tactical advantage and underpin its growth programme.

In the year under review Ceramic increased its contribution to Group profit to R55 million from R24 million in the prior period. This strong improvement is attributable to higher production volumes, supported by Rand weakness, which led to better capacity utilisation and enhanced efficiencies. In addition, improved margins were achieved through price recovery and intensified management of input costs.

Ceramic’s new plant, Gryphon, is scheduled to commence manufacturing in November 2015. The factory will produce large format glazed porcelain tiles which will compete favourably with imported product.

Ezeetile
The Group holds an effective 46% stake in Ezeetile, a national manufacturer of grout, adhesive and related products. Following an extensive organisation-wide restructuring programme, the operation made progress in achieving enhanced efficiencies in the factories and gaining market share. For the year under review, the business contributed R7million (2014: R5 million) to Group profits.

Property investment portfolio

This division has strategic advantage for the Group’s retail operations through ensuring that the brands are represented by well-maintained stores situated on highly visible, accessible sites. Management’s goal to deliver an optimal shopping experience for customers is advanced through this division’s continuous evaluation and enhancement of its property portfolio. As at 30 June 2015 the portfolio had an estimated market value of R2,0 billion (2014: R1,9 billion). During the review period R157 million (2014: R96 million) was invested in an ongoing store upgrade programme and the acquisition of four properties. Eleven new TopT stores were opened and nine stores across all brands were renovated.

Management’s strategy to introduce flexibility to the CTM store size format is underway, designed to ensure that new stores are optimally aligned with their specific market size, and affording the brands the opportunity to extend their presence in new, smaller non-traditional markets where they are currently under-represented. A pipeline of sites has been secured which will ensure that the Group’s three-year expansion plan is on track.

The Group also owns and manages a small portfolio of retail properties in Australia, which are leased out. During the period one of the five owned properties was sold. A net loss of R3 million (AUD360 000) was made on the sale, reflecting the weak state of the commercial property market in that country. The carrying value of the balance of the portfolio is R97 million (2014: R129 million).

Staff Share Scheme

The Group’s equity-settled Staff Share Scheme is designed to incentivise employees to participate in the growth and profitability of the business. During the reporting period a second allotment of 3,6 million shares (2014: first allotment of 15,0 million shares) was made to 171 eligible local and foreign employees of the Group and franchisees (2014: 499eligible local employees).

Prospects

The trading environment is likely to remain largely unchanged. In the event of further Rand weakness, continued rationalisation, especially amongst smaller independent traders, is anticipated.

If prevailing conditions do not deteriorate further and the Group succeeds in capitalising on the growth opportunities which exist in the business and the market place, Italtile should deliver results in line with its current performance in the next reporting period.

The opportunities for growth are internal and external:

  • The Business Optimisation Programme will be rolled out to the retail brand operations. Further investment will be made in systems, technology and human resources to achieve the programme’s goals; it is anticipated that full implementation of this intervention will take up to three years.
  • In the light of sustained demand for the Group’s offering and steady growth in market share in traditional and new markets, the business will continue to expand its retail footprint across all three brands. The pace of this programme will be determined by availability of suitable sites and franchisees.

Subsequent events

No events, other than those disclosed in note 4 to the condensed financial information, have occurred subsequent to the reporting period that require any additional disclosures or adjustments.

Cash dividend

The Group has maintained its dividend cover of three times. The Board has declared a final gross cash dividend of 13,0 cents per share (2014: 10,0 cents per share), which together with the interim gross cash dividend of 12,0 cents per share (2014: 9,0 cents per share), produces a total gross cash dividend declared for the year ended 30 June 2015 of 25,0cents per share (2014: 19,0 cents per share), an increase of 32%.

Dividend announcement

The Board has declared a final gross cash dividend (number98) for the year ended 30 June 2015 of 13,0 cents per ordinary share to all shareholders recorded in the books of Italtile as at the record date of Friday, 18 September 2015.

In accordance with paragraphs 11.17(a)(i) to (x) and 11.17(c) of the JSE Listings Requirements, the following additional information is provided:

  • The dividend has been declared out of income reserves.
  • The local Dividend Withholding Tax rate is 15% (fifteen percent).
  • The gross local dividend amount is 13,00000 cents per share for shareholders exempt from the dividends tax.
  • The net local dividend amount is 11,05000 cents per share for shareholders liable to pay the dividends tax.
  • The local Dividend Withholding Tax amount is 1,95000 cents per share for shareholders liable to pay the dividends tax.
  • Italtile’s income tax reference number is 9050182717.
  • The Group has 1 033 332 822 shares in issue including 21 078 846 shares held by the Italtile Share Incentive Trust and 88 000 000 shares held as BEE treasury shares.

Timetable for cash dividend

The cash dividend timetable is structured as follows: the last day to trade cum dividend in order to participate in the dividend will be Friday, 11 September 2015. The shares will commence trading ex dividend from the commencement of business on Monday, 14 September 2015 and the record date will be Friday, 18 September 2015. The dividend will be paid on Monday, 21 September 2015. Share certificates may not be rematerialised or dematerialised between Monday, 14 September 2015 and Friday, 18 September 2015, both days inclusive.

The full Reviewed Group Results Announcement has been released on SENS and is available for viewing on the company’s website (www.italtile.com); furthermore, it is available for inspection at the registered offices of Italtile and the sponsors Merchantec Capital during business hours. Copies of the full announcement are available at no cost on request and may be obtained from the Company Secretary who is contactable on: +27 11 882 8200 or: [email protected].

For and on behalf of the Board

N Booth
Chief Executive Officer

B Wood
Chief Financial Officer

No forward looking statements in this announcement have been reviewed or reported on by the Group's auditors.

The Condensed Group Results Announcement for the year ended 30 June 2015 on pages 6 to 12 has been reviewed by Ernst & Young Inc. (“EY”). EY’s unmodified review conclusion does not necessarily report on all of the information contained in this Condensed Group Results Announcement. Shareholders are therefore advised that in order to obtain a full understanding of the nature of auditors’ engagement, they should obtain a copy of EY’s unmodified review opinion together with the accompanying financial information from the Company Secretary at the company’s registered office.

Johannesburg

25 August 2015

 

Corporate information

Italtile Limited

Share code: ITE

ISIN: ZAE000099123

Registration number: 1955/000558/06

Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa (“Italtile” or “the Group”)

Registered office: The Italtile Building, cnr William Nicol Drive and Peter Place, Bryanston
(PO Box 1689, Randburg 2125)

Transfer secretaries:
Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited,
70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg 2001 (PO Box 61051, Marshalltown 2107)

Executive directors:
N Booth (Chief Executive Officer),
B G Wood (Chief Financial Officer),
J N Potgieter (Chief Operating Officer)

Non-executive directors:
G A M Ravazzotti (Non-executive Chairman),
S M du Toit, S I Gama, N Medupe, S G Pretorius,
A Zannoni* (*Italian)

Company Secretary: E J Willis

Sponsor: Merchantec Capital

Auditors: Ernst & Young Inc.

 

Italtile      TopT      CTM