5 Nov 2010 09:00
Barloworld Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1918/000095/06)
(Share code: BAW)
(ISIN: ZAE000026639)
("Barloworld or the Company")
INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT
Barloworld is today publishing its interim management statement covering the period from 1 April 2010 to 30 September 2010 (the second half of the financial year).
Trading results improved significantly in the second half of this financial year compared with the first half. Increased demand, mainly in the southern African mining sector, led to higher profits in Equipment southern Africa in the six months to September 2010. Automotive continued to produce good results in a competitive trading environment, notwithstanding lower used vehicle profitability. Trading in our international operations remained difficult but results were better than the first half as the restructuring activities yielded cost reductions. Further savings were made in net finance charges, as borrowings declined on the back of strong cash flows, while interest rates remained low.
Following the drop in profits in the first half of the year, results for the twelve months to 30 September 2010 are expected to be lower than those for last year.
Operating profits are expected to be 25% to 35% lower than last year. Group headline earnings per share (HEPS) and headline earnings per share from continuing operations are expected to be 35% to 45% lower than financial year 2009.
The decline in HEPS is mainly attributable to the lower operating profit, a higher average taxation rate and reduced contributions from associates.
Basic earnings per share (including both continuing and discontinued operations) are expected to be between breakeven and a loss of 10 cents compared to a profit of 322 cents in FY 2009. This is mainly due to the lower HEPS, the loss incurred on the disposal of the Scandinavian Car Rental business, as well as the Logistics goodwill impairment booked in the first half of the year.
Operating cash generation has been strong across the group, resulting in a further strengthening of the group balance sheet. The disposal of the Scandinavian business in July reduced borrowings by almost R1 billion.In September, new long-term bonds were issued in the South African corporate debt market, raising R1 billion. The proceeds were used to repay short-term debt.
This financial information has not been reviewed or reported on by Barloworld's auditors.
Barloworld Limited expects to announce its results for the year to 30 September 2010 on 17 November 2010.
Sandton Sponsor:
5th November 2010 J.P. Morgan Equities Ltd.
About Barloworld
Barloworld is a distributor of leading international brands providing integrated rental, fleet management, product support and logistics solutions. The core divisions of the group comprise Equipment (earthmoving and power systems), Automotive (car rental, motor retail and fleet services), Handling (materials handling and agriculture) and Logistics (logistics management and supply chain optimisation). We offer flexible, value adding, integrated business solutions to our customers backed by leading global brands. The brands we represent on behalf of our principals include Caterpillar, Hyster, Avis, Audi, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volkswagen and others.
Barloworld has a proven track record of long-term relationships with global principals and customers. We have an ability to develop and grow businesses in multiple geographies including challenging territories with high growth prospects. One of our core competencies is an ability to leverage systems and best practices across our chosen business segments. As an organisation we are committed to sustainable development and playing a leading role in empowerment and transformation..
The company was founded in 1902 and currently has operations in 38 countries around the world with approximately 60% of our eighteen thousand employees in South Africa.
Corporate information
Registered office and business address
Barloworld Limited, 180 Katherine Street
PO Box 782248, Sandton, 2146, South Africa
Tel: +27 11 445 1000
Email: invest@barloworld.com
Transfer secretaries - South Africa
Link Market Services South Africa (Proprietary) Limited
(Registration number 2000/007239/07)
11 Diagonal Street, Johannesburg, 2001
(PO Box 4844, Johannesburg)
Tel: +27 11 630 0000
Registrars - United Kingdom
Equiniti Limited, Aspect House, Spencer Road
Lancing, West Sussex, BN99 6DA, England
Tel: +44 190 383 3381
Transfer secretaries - Namibia
Transfer Secretaries (Proprietary) Limited
(Registration number 93/713)
Shop 8, Kaiser Krone Centre, Post Street Mall
Windhoek, Namibia
(PO Box 2401, Windhoek, Namibia)
Tel: +264 61 227 647
Directors
Non-executive: DB Ntsebeza (Chairman), SAM Baqwa, AGK Hamilton*, S Mkhabela, MJN Njeke, SS Ntsaluba, TH Nyasulu, G Rodriguez de Castro de los Rios†, SB Pfeiffer•
Executive: CB Thomson (Chief Executive), PJ Blackbeard, PJ Bulterman, M Laubscher,
OI Shongwe, DG Wilson
*British •American †Spanish
Enquiries: Barloworld Limited: Sibani Mngomezulu,
Tel +27 11 445 1000
E-mail invest@barloworld.com
College Hill: Jacques de Bie, Tel +27 11 447 3030
E-mail Jacques.deBie@collegehill.co.za
For background information visit www.barloworld.com