Half-year Report

MEIKLES LIMITED

ABRIDGED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2017

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Group Financial Review

Group revenue for the half year ended 30 September 2017 grew by 12% to US$254.0 million from US$225.9 million in the previous year. The contribution to revenue by the different segments of the Group is set out in Note 5.

EBITDA for the period grew by US$5.7 million or 60% from US$9.5 million in the previous year to US$15.3 million. The contribution to EBITDA by the different segments of the Group is set out in Note 5.

Profit before tax from continuing operations was US$5.4 million compared with a loss of US$0.7 million in the previous year. Profit before tax for the six month period was above the result for the full financial year ended 31 March 2017 of US$5.3 million.

The group disposed of its financial services operations on 31 August 2017. The group does accommodate all financial services participants to ensure ease of transacting for customers.  

Segment Commentary

TM Supermarkets trading as TM and PnP

Revenue for the period amounted to US$232.0 million, a growth of 15% from US$202.0 million in the previous year. The growth in revenue included a substantial increase in the number of units sold.

EBITDA for the period grew by 38% to US$13.2 million. Profit before tax was at US$9.1 million, a 49% growth from US$6.1 million in the previous year.

Refurbishment works are in progress at a number of branches with completion expected before the commencement of the festive season. Additional branches are soon to be opened and others are under consideration in terms of forward planning

Tanganda

Revenue grew by 26% to US$12.9 million from US$10.2 million achieved during the six months ended 30 September 2016. International bulk tea export prices continued to firm to average US$1.65/kg in the six month’s period to 30 September 2017 compared with an average of US$1.51 for the same period last year. Bulk tea production of 3 077 tonnes was 37% higher than 2 251 tonnes produced in the comparative prior year period.

The average price on avocadoes of US$1.62/kg was 80% higher than the previous season’s average price of US$0.90/kg due to significant improvement in quality as the trees mature. 629 tonnes of avocadoes were exported compared to 127 tonnes in the previous season.

Macadamia nuts sales of 192 tonnes for the six months to September 2017 were 19% higher than 162 tonnes for the six months to September 2016. Average price of US$4.39/kg was 57% higher than US$2.80/kg realised in the previous period.

EBITDA was US$2.9 million during the six months period ended 30 September 2017. This was a significant growth over US$1.4 million generated during the six months ended 30 September 2016.

In September 2017, Tanganda accessed the concessionary Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s export finance facility which has assisted significantly in sourcing inputs and retiring expensive debt. This development has placed Tanganda in a sound financial position.

Hospitality

Revenue grew by 13% to US$8.7 million, with the growth primarily attributable to a surge in tourist arrivals in Victoria Falls. New airlines commenced flights to Victoria Falls during the period under review. Room occupancy grew by 4.59 and 13.14 percentage points at Meikles Hotel and Victoria Falls Hotel respectively. The average room rate grew marginally at Victoria Falls Hotel. At Meikles Hotel the average room rate declined by 7% as the mix of business during the period was dominated by conference groups.

EBITDA for the period grew by 84% to US$2.1 million from US$1.1 million in the previous year. EBITDA for the six month’s period was 16% above the result for the full financial year ended 31 March 2017.

The lease for the Victoria Falls Hotel was recently renewed. Planning of the refurbishment of the hotel is at an advanced stage.

Stores – Meikles Stores and Meikles Mega Market

Seven outlets were closed during the period under review due to working capital constraints. Savings were realised from various cost control measures implemented during the period. EBITDA for the period resulted in a loss of US$1.8 million  compared with a loss of US$1.6 million in the previous year.

Funding arrangements for working capital requirements have very recently been secured. The division will shortly be in a position to trade in a normal fashion and the turnaround lead period to profit is expected to be relatively short.

Amount owed by Government

Considerable progress has been made in our interaction with Government towards the receipt of the funds that are due to the Company from Government.

An agreement was due to be finalised immediately before the release of our results for the period to 30 September 2017. It is now anticipated that recent events will delay finalisation, but it is not expected that the outcome will be compromised in any way.

Outlook

The Group is expected to increase its EBITDA performance during the second half of the financial year. Strategies to reduce short term borrowings further during the remaining months of the financial year are in the process of being implemented.

Appreciation

I would like to extend my appreciation to our customers, suppliers, shareholders and regulatory authorities for their continued support. I would also like to extend my appreciation to my fellow Directors, and to management and staff for their dedication and commitment.

Dividend

The Board has not declared an interim dividend. However, it is expected that following a conclusion of arrangements on the amount owed by Government, it will be possible to consider the declaration of an interim dividend.

JRT Moxon

Executive Chairman

14 November 2017

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2017
		Unaudited	Unaudited
		30 Sep 2017	30 Sep 2016
		US$ 000	US$ 000
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Revenue		253,989	225,898
Net operating costs		(245,151)	(222,255)
Operating profit		8,838	3,643
Investment income		34	723
Finance costs		(3,440)	(4,215)
Net exchange (losses) / gains		(37)	7
Loss recognised on discounting Treasury Bills		(6)	(774)
Fair value adjustments on biological assets		-	3
Profit / (loss) before tax		5,389	(613)
Income tax expense		(2,672)	(769)
Profit / (loss) for the period from continuing operations		2,717	(1,382)
DISCONTINUED OPERATION
Profit for the period from discontinued operation		554	(76)
Profit / (loss) for the period		3,271	(1,458)
Other comprehensive income / (loss), net of tax
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Reclassification adjustment relating to available-for-sale financial assets disposed of in the current period		47	617
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax		47	617
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) FOR THE PERIOD		3,318	(841)
(Loss) / profit for the period attributable to:
Owners of the parent		(41)	(3,655)
Non-controlling interests		3,312	2,197
		3,271	(1,458)
Total comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to:
Owners of the parent		6	(3,038)
Non-controlling interests		3,312	2,197
		3,318	(841)
(Loss) / earnings per share (cents)
Basic		(0.02)	(1.44)
Continuing operations		(0.24)	(1.41)
Discontinued operations		0.22	(0.03)
Diluted		(0.01)	(1.34)
Continuing operations		(0.21)	(1.31)
Discontinued operations		0.20	(0.03)
Headline loss per share (cents)		(0.29)	(1.12)
Continuing operations		(0.21)	(1.09)
Discontinued operations		(0.08)	(0.03)
Diluted headline loss per share (cents)		(0.27)	(1.04)
Continuing operations		(0.19)	(1.01)
Discontinued operations		(0.08)	(0.03)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2017

		Unaudited	Audited
		30 Sep 2017	31 March 2017
		US$ 000	US$ 000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment		173,253	172,664
Investment property		241	243
Investment in Mentor Africa Limited		20,046	20,046
Biological assets		1,262	1,147
Intangible assets		124	124
Other financial assets		11,823	11,901
Deferred tax		3,859	3,427
Total non-current assets		210,608	209,552
Current assets
Treasury Bills		-	3,024
Inventories		30,710	34,467
Trade and other receivables		16,639	13,969
Biological assets – produce on bearer plants		1,195	1,867
Other financial assets		3,419	4,134
Cash and bank balances		27,552	15,637
Total current assets		79,515	73,098
Total assets		290,123	282,650
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Capital and reserves
Share capital		2,538	2,538
Share premium		1,316	1,316
Other reserves		12,559	12,512
Retained earnings		83,642	83,683
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent		100,055	100,049
Non-controlling interests		30,188	28,591
Total  equity		130,243	128,640
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings		15,446	9,241
Deferred tax		18,551	17,637
Total non-current liabilities		33,997	26,878
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables		75,067	70,155
Borrowings		50,816	56,977
Total current liabilities		125,883	127,132
Total liabilities		159,880	154,010
Total equity and liabilities		290,123	282,650

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2017

	Share capital	Share premium	Other reserves	Retained earnings
	US$ 000	US$ 000	US$ 000	US$ 000
2017 - Unaudited
Balance at 1 April 2017	2,538	1,316	12,512	83,683
(Loss) / profit for the period	-	-	-	(41)
Other comprehensive income for the period	-	-	47	-
Non-controlling interests arising from Mopani Property Development (Private) Limited	-	-	-	-
Balance at 30 September 2017	2,538	1,316	12,559	83,642
2016 - Unaudited
Balance at 1 April 2016	2,538	1,316	11,418	90,096
(Loss) / profit for the period	-	-	-	(3,655)
Other comprehensive income for the period	-	-	617	-
Non-controlling interests arising from Mopani Property Development (Private) Limited	-
Balance at 30 September 2016	2,538	1,316	12,035	86,441

	Attributable  to owners of parent	Non-controlling interests	Total
	US$ 000	US$ 000	US$ 000
2017 - Unaudited
Balance at 1 April 2017	100,049	28,591	128,640
(Loss) / profit for the period	(41)	3,312	3,271
Other comprehensive income for the period	47	-	47
Non-controlling interests arising from Mopani Property Development (Private) Limited	-	(1,715)	(1,715)
Balance at 30 September 2017	100,055	30,188	130,243
2016 - Unaudited
Balance at 1 April 2016	105,368	21,182	126,550
(Loss) / profit for the period	(3,655)	2,197	(1,458)
Other comprehensive income for the period	617	-	617
Non-controlling interests arising from Mopani Property Development (Private) Limited	-	1,050	1,050
Balance at 30 September 2016	102,330	24,429	126,759

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2017
		Unaudited	Unaudited
		30 Sep 2017	30 Sep 2016
CONTINUING AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS		US$ 000	US$ 000
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit / (loss) before tax		5,943	(709)
Adjustments for:
- Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment and investment property		6,658	5,998
- Net interest		3,399	3,502
- Net exchange losses / (gains)		37	(7)
- Profit on disposal of subsidiary		(768)	-
- Fair value adjustments on biological assets		-	(3)
- Loss recognised on discounting Treasury Bills		6	774
- Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment		176	99
Operating cash flow before working capital changes		15,451	9,654
Decrease / (increase) in inventories		3,757	(557)
(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables		(2,963)	2,139
Increase in trade and other payables		4,289	5,850
Cash generated from operations		20,534	17,086
Income taxes paid		(1,567)	(794)
Net cash generated from operating activities		18,967	16,292
Cash flows from investing activities
Payment for property, plant and equipment		(7,465)	(6,317)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment		117	33
Proceeds from sale of Treasury Bills and coupon interest		3,075	1,950
Net movement in service assets		(73)	27
Net movement in other  investments		816	(378)
Net movement in biological assets		557	(23)
Net cash inflow on disposal of subsidiary		1,060	-
Investment income		12	33
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,901)	(4,675)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net decrease in interest bearing borrowings		45	(6,333)
Proceeds on disposal of partial interest in a subsidiary without loss of control		-	1,050
Finance costs		(3,444)	(4,227)
Dividend paid – minority shareholders		(1,715)	-
Net cash used in financing activities		(5,114)	(9,510)
Net increase in cash and bank balances		11,952	2,107
Cash and bank balances at the beginning of the period		15,637	10,494
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash and bank balances		(37)	(54)
Cash and bank balances at the end of the period		27,552	12,547

NOTES TO THE ABRIDGED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS

1. Basis of preparation

The abridged unaudited financial results are prepared from statutory records that are maintained under the historical cost basis except for biological assets and certain financial instruments which are measured at fair value. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets. These abridged unaudited financial results do not include all information and disclosures required to fully comply with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with the Group’s annual report per 31 March 2017.

2. Accounting policies

Accounting policies and methods of computation applied in the preparation of these abridged unaudited financial results are consistent, in all material respects, with those used in the prior year.

3. Going concern

The Directors assess the ability of the Group to continue in operational existence in the foreseeable future at each reporting date. As at 30 September 2017, the Directors have assessed the Group’s ability to continue operating as a going concern and believe that the preparation of these unaudited financial results on a going concern basis is still appropriate.

4. Treasury Bills

Below is an analysis of the movement in the Treasury Bills’ balance during the period:

		Group and Company	Group and Company	Group and Company	Group and Company
		30 Sep 2017	30 Sep 2017	31 March 2017	31 March 2017
		US$ 000	US$ 000	US$ 000	US$ 000
		Fair (Market) value	Nominal value	Fair (Market) value	Nominal value
Balance at the beginning of the period		3,024	3,071	11,106	12,247
Interest charge for the period		11	4	1,061	409
Coupon interest received		(75)	(75)	(551)	(551)
Treasury Bills disposed /matured during the period		(2,960)	(3,000)	(8,592)	(9,034)
Balance at the end of the period		-	-	3,024	3,071

The Treasury Bills have been designated as “available-for-sale” (AFS) financial assets and were initially recognised / measured at fair (market) value. The fair (market) value of the Treasury Bills on initial recognition, and at each Statement of Financial Position date, was calculated based on a yield to maturity of 17%. This yield to maturity was determined with reference to the percentage discount to the nominal value of the Treasury Bills at which the Company has been able to sell certain of the Treasury Bills in the open market during the preceding financial periods.

Interest income on the Treasury Bills is recognised using the effective interest rate method and is included in “Investment income” in the Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.

5. Segment information

	Unaudited	Unaudited
	30 Sep 2017	30 Sep 2016
	US$ 000	US$ 000
Revenue
Supermarkets	231,973	202,029
Agriculture	12,927	10,223
Hotels	8,685	7,688
Departmental stores	1,040	2,572
Wholesaling	89	4,107
Corporate*	(725)	(721)
	253,989	225,898
EBITDA
Supermarkets	13,229	9,577
Agriculture	2,980	1,444
Hotels	2,101	1,140
Departmental stores	(825)	(467)
Wholesaling	(948)	(1,158)
Corporate*	(1,277)	(982)
	15,260	9,554
The EBITDA figures are before Group management fees.

NOTES TO THE ABRIDGED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS

5. Segment information (continued)

	Unaudited	Audited
	30 Sep 2017	31 March 2017
	US$ 000	US$ 000
Segment assets
Supermarkets	108,937	98,532
Agriculture	76,451	76,038
Hotels	46,467	46,460
Departmental stores	26,473	26,899
Wholesaling	4,988	4,196
Corporate*	26,807	30,525
	290,123	282,650
Segment liabilities
Supermarkets	50,479	43,314
Agriculture	29,557	30,944
Hotels	22,263	22,782
Departmental stores	18,108	17,286
Wholesaling	10,237	8,690
Corporate*	29,236	30,994
	159,880	154,010
*Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated from the corporate amounts. Corporate also includes other subsidiaries that are immaterial to warrant separate disclosure.

	Unaudited	Unaudited
	30 Sep 2017	30 Sep 2016
6. Other information	US$ 000	US$ 000
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and investment property	6,566	5,361
Impairment of property, plant and equipment	92	637
Capital commitments authorised by the Directors but not contracted for	-	13,466
Group’s share of capital commitments of joint operations	3,000	2,641

	Unaudited	Audited
	30 Sep 2017	31 March 2017
	US$ 000	US$ 000
7. Net borrowings
Non-current borrowings	15,446	9,241
Current borrowings	50,816	56,977
Total borrowings	66,262	66,218
Cash and cash equivalents	(27,552)	(15,637)
Net borrowings	38,710	50,581
Comprising:
Secured	55,453	55,773
Unsecured	10,809	10,445
	66,262	66,218
The weighted average cost of borrowings for the year was 13.90% per annum (31 March 2017: 13.63% per annum). The Group has issued cross company guarantees worth US$35.2 million (31 March 2017: US$29.8 million) for Group borrowing facilities.

NOTES TO THE ABRIDGED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS

8. Discontinued operation

On 31 August 2017, the Company signed an agreement to dispose of Tuscarora Investments (Private) Limited (trading as Meikles Financial Services), which carried out the Group’s financial services operations. The proceeds of sale exceeded the carrying amount of the related net assets and, accordingly, no impairment losses were recognised. The disposal of the financial services operations is consistent with the Group’s long-term policy to focus its activities on its main segments, namely retail, agriculture, hospitality, wholesaling and security services. The results of the discontinued operations included in profit for the period are as set out below. The comparative profit and cash flows from discontinued operation have been re-presented to include the operation classified as discontinued in the current period.

	Unaudited	Unaudited
	30 Sep 2017	30 Sep 2016
	US$ 000	US$ 000
Profit / (loss) for the period from discontinued operation
Net fees and commission income	297	310
Net operating costs	(518)	(396)
Operating loss	(221)	(86)
Investment income	11	2
Interest expense	(4)	(12)
Loss before tax	(214)	(96)
Income tax credit	-	20
Loss for the period	(214)	(76)
Profit on disposal of operation	768	-
Profit / (loss) for the period from discontinued operation	554	(76)
Cash flows from discontinued operation
Net cash outflows from operating activities	(98)	(280)
Net cash flows from investing activities	1	(33)
Net cash inflows from financing activities	168	283
Net cash flows from discontinued operation	71	(30)
		Unaudited
Analysis of assets and liabilities over which control was lost		30 Sep 2017
		US$ 000
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		224
Other financial assets		1,156
Trade and other receivables		255
Inventory		7
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment		197
Deferred tax asset		216
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables		(1,763)
Net assets disposed off		292
Proceeds on disposal		1,060
Profit on disposal of operation		768

Meikles Limited Website : http://www.meiklesltd.com/