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THL Tongaat Hulett Limited

917.9903
0.00 (0.00%)
28 Mar 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Tongaat Hulett Limited LSE:THL London Ordinary Share ZAE000096541 ORD R1
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 917.9903 0.00 00:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Tongaat Hulett Limited Interim results -half year ended 30 September 2018 (9493G)

09/11/2018 2:42pm

UK Regulatory


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TIDMTHL

RNS Number : 9493G

Tongaat Hulett Limited

09 November 2018

Tongaat Hulett Limited

Registration No: 1892/000610/06

JSE share code: TON

ISIN: ZAE000096541

INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2018

SALIENT FEATURES

   --    Revenue increased 9% to R8,808 billion (2017: R8,118 billion) 
   --    Operating profit decreased 64% to R530 million (2017: R1,471 billion) 
   --    Sugar production increased by 13% to 954 000 tons (2017: 848 000 tons) 
   --    Major land transactions remain under negotiation 

-- Sugar imports into South Africa declining after increased duty protection implemented in August 2018

   --    Headline loss of R87 million (2017: headline earnings of R661 million) 
   --   Operating cash inflow after working capital of R183 million (2017: R53 million outflow) 

COMMENTARY

Tongaat Hulett encountered significant challenges during the six months ended 30 September 2018. Operating profit for the period of R530 million was 64% below the R1,471 billion earned in the six months ended 30 September 2017 ("the comparative period"). In the land conversion and development activities, the major transactions under negotiation for the period were not concluded by 30 September 2018. Operating profit from the starch and glucose operation benefitted from lower maize costs. The difficult local market conditions experienced by the sugar operations in South Africa and Mozambique during the second half of 2017/18 continued into the first half of 2018/19, with a resultant negative impact on both revenue and cane valuations.

The sugar operations recorded a combined operating profit of R1,138 billion (2017: R1,308 billion), before cane valuations. Sugar production for the six month period increased to 954 000 tons (2017: 848 000 tons), including the raw sugar equivalent production in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Revenue from the higher production was offset by the lower world market raw sugar price, which was on average 22% below the comparative period. The charge against operating profit of R796 million (2017: R473 million) in respect of cane valuations was R323 million higher than the comparative period, to which Mozambique and South Africa contributed R172 million and R130 million respectively. In Mozambique, the movement in cane valuations was attributable to lower domestic prices and a reduction in the business' cane area due to the expiry of some lease arrangements with private farmers. In South Africa, the movement in cane valuations arose from lower domestic prices and a lower cane age profile as the harvest programme was further advanced than the comparative period. After adjusting for the impact of cane valuations, operating profit amounted to R342 million (2017: R835 million).

The Zimbabwe sugar operations generated operating profit of R537 million (2017: R580 million), before cane valuations. Increased water availability and the accelerated sugarcane root replanting programme have improved cane yields and resulted in sugar production of 306 000 tons (2017: 280 000 tons). Strong growth in local market sugar sales continued. Liquidity constraints in the local market have resulted in considerable cost-push inflationary pressure. After adjusting for cane valuations, operating profit was R319 million (2017: R358 million).

The South African sugar operations recorded operating profit of R205 million (2017: R273 million), before cane valuations. Improvements in cane yields, quality and milling performance increased sugar production to 431 000 tons (2017: 380 000 tons). In response to competition from imported sugar, local prices were reduced both in July 2017 and March 2018 by a cumulative 22%, resulting in lower margins relative to the comparative period. After extensive engagement with the International Trade Administration Commission and the South African government, the US dollar-based reference price, used in the calculation of the import duty, was increased in August 2018 from US$566 to US$680 per ton. In addition to the higher duty protection, subsequent reviews and adjustments to the tariff have been implemented timeously. The above interventions resulted in a decline in the volume of imported sugar entering the local market over the past six months to 112 000 tons (2017: 301 000 tons). Local prices increased in September 2018 returning to pre-July 2017 levels. Local sales volumes were negatively affected by the continued availability of imported sugar in the market. In August 2018 a sizeable "buy-in" ahead of the price increase occurred. After adjusting for cane valuations, operating profit was R13 million (2017: R211 million).

The Mozambique sugar operations recorded operating profit of R341 million (2017: R394 million), before cane valuations. Sugar production increased to 176 000 tons (2017: 153 000 tons) due to the earlier commencement of the milling season. The stronger Metical resulted in a higher local price of sugar in Mozambique than in neighbouring markets in US dollar terms, creating price arbitrage opportunities. Local market sales volumes were below the comparative period. Realisations from export sales, which represent more than 50% of the industry's production, were impacted by low international prices and the stronger currency. The construction of the 90 000 ton sugar refinery at the Xinavane sugar mill was completed within budget. After adjusting for cane valuations, operating profit was R7 million (2017: R232 million).

The starch and glucose operation achieved an operating profit of R300 million (2017: R240 million). Margins continued to benefit from lower maize prices that traded closer to export parity levels after the prior season record crop and a surplus crop in the current season reflecting a recovery from the drought-affected maize prices experienced in the comparative period. Increased co-product realisations also contributed to improved margins. The benefit of new market development initiatives and the ongoing success in displacing imports, was masked by weaker local demand, particularly in the alcoholic beverage sector, and by customer production constraints within the coffee creamer sector. Overall, domestic volumes declined by 7% relative to the comparative period. The improved competitiveness of local maize prices supported an increase in export volumes. The ongoing focus on reducing costs and improving operational efficiencies continued to yield positive results.

Land conversion and development activities recorded an operating loss of R30 million (2017: operating profit of R441 million). Negotiations around some transactions in the period were not concluded and substantial commercial engagements are continuing with a number of prospects. Revenue for the period was generated from the sale of 0,6 developable hectares in Bridge City (2017: 68 developable hectares across various areas).

Tongaat Hulett's operating cash flow after working capital improved by R236 million to R183 million (2017: R53 million outflow). Proceeds from previous land sales totalling R112 million were collected by 30 September 2018, with a further R630 million being received in October 2018. Tongaat Hulett's working capital requirements reduced by R705 million, with the South African sugar operations benefitting from the sizeable "buy-in" ahead of the September 2018 price increase. New capital expenditure of R343 million comprised R325 million in respect of the refinery project in Mozambique and R18 million on completing the energy efficiency project at the refinery in Durban. Expenditure on ongoing capital requirements and sugarcane root replanting totalled R595 million (2017: R709 million). During the period, capital expenditure was limited to essential replacement items only. The sugarcane root replanting programme, aside from normalising after the drought, took into account current market fundamentals in determining the required pace of replanting. Finance costs of R477 million (2017: R413 million) were commensurate with the level of borrowings over the period. Overall, the period reflected a net cash outflow after dividends of R1,601 billion (2017: R1,683 billion).

Tongaat Hulett's net debt at 30 September 2018 was R7,754 billion (2017: R6,514 billion) with headroom on its borrowings facilities of R1,8 billion. The capital structure of each business continues to be reviewed and over the past six months, the South African borrowings benefitted from the receipt of R362 million from the Mozambique sugar operations. A dividend payment of R114 million was received from Triangle in Zimbabwe, bringing the total dividend received since the beginning of September 2017 to R372 million. A process to remit a further dividend from Zimbabwe is currently underway.

Taking the above into account, Tongaat Hulett recorded a headline loss for the period of R87 million, being a decrease of 113% against the comparative period. After consideration of Tongaat Hulett's current financial position, the Board has deemed it appropriate to not declare an interim dividend (2017: 100 cents per share).

OUTLOOK

Sugar - To focus on generating cash flow and increasing returns on capital employed

The challenges facing the South African and Mozambique sugar operations are receiving urgent attention.

Tongaat Hulett's existing sugarcane footprint, under normal growing conditions and on completion of foreseeable planting partnerships, has the potential to produce 1 600 000 tons of sugar. Total sugar production in 2018/19 is estimated to be between 1 311 000 tons and 1 352 000 tons, compared to the 1 171 000 tons produced in 2017/18. Sugar production in 2019/20 is expected to exceed 1 400 000 tons, underpinned by the prospect of normal summer rainfall and improvements in cane yields. All sugar operations continue to focus on reducing operating costs through increased production efficiency.

In Zimbabwe, the Tugwi-Mukosi dam has secured the availability of bulk water for irrigation for the next two years. The additional production will support higher export sales into regional deficit markets at premium prices. Recently, a favourable outcome was reached with the government providing Tongaat Hulett with security of tenure over its assets in Zimbabwe. Tongaat Hulett's outlook on its Zimbabwe operations remains positive.

In South Africa, indications are that imported sugar is working itself out of the market although the extent of the "buy-in" at the lower price may slow sales volumes in the second half of the year. Consequently, export sales into world price related markets will increase. A return to the sugar industry's normalised local sales levels of 1 650 000 tons is expected in 2019/20. The higher duty protection will assist in rebuilding margins of both growers and millers, the full benefit of which, together with further growth in sugar production, will be reflected in the 2019/20 financial results.

In Mozambique, robust measures are being taken to stem the flow of illegal sugar imports from the region in order to recover local market share. The commissioning of the Xinavane refinery will be completed by mid-November 2018 and will deliver a step-change improvement to the sales mix in Mozambique. The refined sugar will replace imported white sugar, satisfy the country's growing industrial demand and enhance returns from the domestic price premium relative to the realisations from export markets. An estimated 7 000 tons of refined sugar will be produced in the second half of 2018/19, with the full year benefit to be realised in 2019/20. Good progress continues to be made with sales volumes into regional deficit markets.

Starch and Glucose - Favourable maize outlook and sustained profit margins

The starch and glucose operation remains well positioned to grow sales volumes and enhance its product and market mix, underpinned by available production capacity, ongoing improvements in operating efficiencies and continued market development.

In the current economic conditions, some recovery in consumer demand is expected in the second half of the financial year. Sales volumes will benefit from the resolution of a major customer's production constraints in the coffee creamer sector, the commissioning of increased capacity in powdered glucose, the continuation of the import replacement strategy and new business development initiatives. Further growth in export markets is anticipated, supported by a competitive maize price and a weaker currency.

The current season maize crop of 12,9 million tons, combined with 3,7 million tons of carry-over stock from the previous season, should see maize prices remain competitive and close to export parity levels, thereby sustaining margins. Co-product revenue is expected to increase in the second half of the year, supported by market fundamentals.

Land Conversion and Development - Set to unlock further value from a solid platform

Tongaat Hulett has a unique portfolio of prime land located around Durban, which is one of South Africa's primary growth corridors. The land conversion and development activities have transitioned this portfolio into a solid platform for value creation for many stakeholders.

The registration of transfer of land already sold will generate considerable cash inflows. Proceeds totalling R630 million were collected during October 2018, leaving land debtors of R1,934 billion, most of which is expected to be collected over the next twelve months, as administrative, planning and other conditions are fulfilled.

The opening of new development areas around King Shaka International Airport, Ballito and Ntshongweni (west of Durban), is expanding the geographic market spread beyond the currently dominant greater Umhlanga region.

Land released from agriculture totals 3 566 developable hectares. Development and commercial focus is concentrated on 621 developable hectares, representing 2,8 million square metres of new building floor area, of which 189 hectares are shovel ready and can accommodate 1,3 million square metres of new building floor area.

Conclusion

Tongaat Hulett recognises the imperative to restore returns for its shareholders to an acceptable level, improve cash generation and reduce debt levels. Therefore, the business is accelerating a review process across all its operations with the objective of unlocking value.

In light of the current debt levels, tight cash flow management will continue to receive focussed attention across the business. Various initiatives are in progress to reduce working capital requirements, limit capital expenditure and improve operating cash flows. Tongaat Hulett expects an improved cash flow performance in the second half of the financial year. The unwinding of Tongaat Hulett's black economic empowerment structure is expected to be completed by 31 January 2019.

Tongaat Hulett remains focussed on improving its financial performance, notwithstanding the current operating environment, with progress on establishing a platform for earnings growth beyond 2018/19.

For and on behalf of the Board

   Bahle Sibisi                                                       Sydney Mtsambiwa 
   Chairman                                                          Interim Chief Executive Officer 

Amanzimnyama

Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal

9 November 2018

 
                                                        Income Statement 
 
 Condensed consolidated                                                   Unaudited                       Unaudited     Audited 
                                                                           6 months                        6 months   12 months 
                                                                                 to                              to          to 
                                                                       30 September                    30 September    31 March 
 Rmillion                                                                      2018                            2017        2018 
--------------------------------------------------   ------------------------------  ------------------------------  ---------- 
 
 Revenue                                                                      8 808                           8 118      16 982 
                                                     ------------------------------  ------------------------------  ---------- 
 
 Operating profit                                                               530                           1 471       1 958 
 Net financing costs (note 
  1)                                                                          (477)                           (413)       (878) 
 
 Profit before tax                                                               53                           1 058       1 080 
 
 Tax (note 2)                                                                  (57)                           (267)       (249) 
 
 (Loss)/profit for the period                                                   (4)                             791         831 
                                                     ------------------------------  ------------------------------  ---------- 
 
 (Loss)/profit attributable 
  to: 
  Shareholders of Tongaat 
   Hulett                                                                     (110)                             724         713 
  Non-controlling interests                                                     106                              67         118 
                                                                                (4)                             791         831 
                                                     ------------------------------  ------------------------------  ---------- 
 
 (Loss)/earnings per share 
  (cents) 
  Basic                                                                      (93.7)                           628.5       618.0 
  Diluted                                                                    (93.7)                           628.5       618.0 
 
                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 Headline (loss)/earnings 
  attributable to 
  Tongaat Hulett shareholders 
   (note 3)                                                                    (87)                             661         617 
                                                     ------------------------------  ------------------------------  ---------- 
 
 Headline (loss)/earnings 
  per share (cents) 
  Basic                                                                      (74.1)                           573.8       534.8 
  Diluted                                                                    (74.1)                           573.8       534.8 
 
 Dividend per share (cents)                                                     0.0                           100.0       160.0 
 
 Currency conversion 
    Rand/US dollar closing                                                    14.21                           13.46       11.89 
    Rand/US dollar average                                                    13.39                           13.21       13.00 
    Rand/Metical average                                                       0.22                            0.21        0.21 
    Rand/Euro average                                                         15.73                           15.03       15.15 
    US dollar/Euro average                                                     1.18                            1.14        1.17 
 
 
                                Segmental Analysis 
 
 Condensed consolidated                       Unaudited      Unaudited     Audited 
                                               6 months       6 months   12 months 
                                                     to             to          to 
                                           30 September   30 September    31 March 
 Rmillion                                          2018           2017        2018 
---------------------------------------   -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 REVENUE 
 
 Sugar 
    Zimbabwe                                      2 584          2 063       3 918 
    Eswatini                                        170            162         210 
    Mozambique                                    1 108          1 191       1 584 
    South Africa                                  3 046          2 004       6 332 
                                          -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Sugar operations - total                         6 908          5 420      12 044 
 Starch operations                                1 872          1 993       3 913 
 Land Conversion and Developments                    28            705       1 025 
 
 Consolidated total                               8 808          8 118      16 982 
                                          -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 The adoption of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with 
  Customers in the current period has resulted in a net 
  increase in revenue of R558 million. In the sugar operations, 
  revenue in South Africa increased by R621 million, in 
  Mozambique by R12 million and decreased by R101 million 
  in Zimbabwe and in the land conversion and development 
  operations it increased by R26 million. The prior periods 
  were prepared under the previous revenue recognition 
  standard, IAS 18 Revenue. 
 
 
 OPERATING PROFIT 
 
 Sugar 
    Zimbabwe                                        319            358         563 
    Eswatini                                          3             34          29 
    Mozambique                                        7            232         159 
    South Africa                                     13            211          86 
                                          -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Sugar operations - total                           342            835         837 
 Starch operations                                  300            240         572 
 Land Conversion and Developments                  (30)            441         661 
 Centrally accounted and consolidation 
  items                                            (46)           (39)        (59) 
 Other capital items                               (31)                       (39) 
 BEE IFRS 2 charge and transaction 
  costs                                             (5)            (6)        (14) 
 
 Consolidated total                                 530          1 471       1 958 
                                          -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
 ANALYSIS OF SUGAR OPERATING 
  PROFIT 
 
 Sugar operations - before 
  cane valuations                                 1 138          1 308         467 
    Zimbabwe                                        537            580         363 
    Eswatini                                         55             61           4 
    Mozambique                                      341            394          71 
    South Africa                                    205            273          29 
                                          -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Cane valuations - income statement 
  effect                                          (796)          (473)         370 
    Zimbabwe                                      (218)          (222)         200 
    Eswatini                                       (52)           (27)          25 
    Mozambique                                    (334)          (162)          88 
    South Africa                                  (192)           (62)          57 
                                          -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Sugar operations - after cane 
  valuations                                        342            835         837 
    Zimbabwe                                        319            358         563 
    Eswatini                                          3             34          29 
    Mozambique                                        7            232         159 
    South Africa                                     13            211          86 
                                          -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
 
                     Statement of Financial Position 
 
 Condensed consolidated               Unaudited      Unaudited    Audited 
                                   30 September   30 September   31 March 
 Rmillion                                  2018           2017       2018 
-------------------------------   -------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 ASSETS 
 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment           15 906         14 184     13 922 
 Long-term receivable                       693            649        681 
 Goodwill                                   407            388        346 
 Intangible assets                          476            409        447 
 Investments                                 25             30         25 
                                  -------------  -------------  --------- 
                                         17 507         15 660     15 421 
 
 Current assets                          17 218         17 002     13 694 
  Inventories                             6 886          6 139      3 072 
  Growing crops (note 4)                  2 290          2 137      2 755 
  Trade and other receivables             5 092          5 137      5 183 
  Tax                                        42                        22 
  Cash and cash equivalents               2 908          3 589      2 662 
                                  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 
 TOTAL ASSETS                            34 725         32 662     29 115 
                                  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 
 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
 
 Capital and reserves 
 Share capital                              135            135        135 
 Share premium                            1 544          1 544      1 544 
 BEE held consolidation shares            (635)          (621)      (623) 
 Retained income                          9 064          9 525      9 401 
 Other reserves                           1 763          1 095      (286) 
                                  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Shareholders' interest                  11 871         11 678     10 171 
 
 Non-controlling interests                2 197          2 038      1 838 
                                  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Equity                                  14 068         13 716     12 009 
 
 Non-current liabilities                  8 190          8 408      8 215 
  Deferred tax                            2 324          2 483      2 376 
  Long-term borrowings                    5 023          5 127      5 048 
  Provisions                                843            798        791 
                                  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 Current liabilities                     12 467         10 538      8 891 
  Trade and other payables 
   (note 5)                               6 099          4 682      4 165 
  Short-term borrowings                   5 639          4 976      4 077 
  Non-recourse equity-settled 
   BEE borrowings                           615            602        603 
  Tax                                       114            278         46 
                                  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 
 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES            34 725         32 662     29 115 
                                  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 
                      Statement of Other Comprehensive Income 
 
 Condensed consolidated                       Unaudited      Unaudited     Audited 
                                               6 months       6 months   12 months 
                                                     to             to          to 
                                           30 September   30 September    31 March 
 Rmillion                                          2018           2017        2018 
---------------------------------------   -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 (Loss)/profit for the period                       (4)            791         831 
 
 Other comprehensive income/(loss)                2 357            463     (1 163) 
 
   Items that will not be reclassified 
    to profit or loss: 
    Foreign currency translation                  2 347            469     (1 155) 
    Actuarial loss on post-retirement 
     benefits                                                                 (10) 
    Tax on actuarial loss                                                        2 
 
   Items that may be reclassified 
    subsequently to profit or loss: 
    Hedging reserve                                  13            (8) 
    Tax on movement in hedging 
     reserve                                        (3)              2 
 
 
 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 
  for the period                                  2 353          1 254       (332) 
                                          -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 
  attributable to: 
  Shareholders of Tongaat Hulett                  1 924          1 161       (237) 
  Non-controlling interests                         429             93        (95) 
                                                  2 353          1 254       (332) 
                                          -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
                         Statement of Changes in Equity 
 
 Condensed consolidated                    Unaudited      Unaudited     Audited 
                                            6 months       6 months   12 months 
                                                  to             to          to 
                                        30 September   30 September    31 March 
 Rmillion                                       2018           2017        2018 
------------------------------------   -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Balance at beginning of period               10 171         10 781      10 781 
 Adjustment on initial adoption 
  of IFRS 15 (note 11)                         (159) 
 
 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 
  for the period                               1 924          1 161       (237) 
  (Loss)/profit for the period                 (110)            724         706 
  Movement in hedging reserve                     10            (6) 
  Foreign currency translation                 2 024            443       (943) 
                                       -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Dividends paid                                 (66)          (220)       (330) 
 BEE share-based payment charge                    2              5          12 
 Share-based payment charge                       26              8          10 
 Settlement of share-based payment 
  awards                                        (27)           (57)        (65) 
 
 Shareholders' interest                       11 871         11 678      10 171 
 
 Non-controlling interests                     2 197          2 038       1 838 
  Balance at beginning of period               1 838          1 957       1 957 
  Adjustment on initial adoption 
   of IFRS 15 (note 11)                         (23) 
 
  Total comprehensive income/(loss) 
   for the period                                429             93        (95) 
    Profit for the period                        106             67         117 
    Foreign currency translation                 323             26       (212) 
                                       =============  =============  ========== 
  Dividends accrued                             (26) 
  Dividends paid                                (21)           (12)        (24) 
                                       -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Equity                                       14 068         13 716      12 009 
                                       -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
                             Statement of Cash Flows 
 
 Condensed consolidated                     Unaudited      Unaudited     Audited 
                                             6 months       6 months   12 months 
                                                   to             to          to 
                                         30 September   30 September    31 March 
 Rmillion                                        2018           2017        2018 
-------------------------------------   -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Operating profit                                 530          1 471       1 958 
 Loss/(surplus) on disposal of 
  property, plant and equipment                    32           (51)       (106) 
 Depreciation                                     550            517       1 001 
 Growing crops valuation and 
  other non-cash items                            866            510       (271) 
 
 Operating cash flow                            1 978          2 447       2 582 
 
 Change in working capital                    (1 795)        (2 500)       (307) 
 
 Cash flow from operations                        183           (53)       2 275 
 
 Tax payments                                   (282)          (218)       (354) 
 Net financing costs                            (477)          (413)       (878) 
 
 Cash flow from operating activities            (576)          (684)       1 043 
 
 Expenditure on property, plant 
  and equipment: 
   New                                          (343)          (109)       (876) 
   Replacement                                  (355)          (218)       (298) 
   Cane roots                                   (226)          (348)       (887) 
 Major plant overhaul cost changes                              (90)         (1) 
 Intangible assets                               (14)           (53)       (106) 
 Proceeds on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                             51         155 
 
 Net cash flow before dividends 
  and financing activities                    (1 514)        (1 451)       (970) 
 
 Dividends paid                                  (87)          (232)       (354) 
 
 Net cash flow before financing 
  activities                                  (1 601)        (1 683)     (1 324) 
 
 Borrowings raised                              1 473          2 568       1 611 
 Non-recourse equity-settled 
  BEE borrowings                                   12           (21)        (19) 
 Settlement of share-based payment 
  awards                                         (27)           (57)        (65) 
 
 
 Net (decrease)/increase in 
  cash and cash equivalents                     (143)            807         203 
 
 Balance at beginning of period                 2 662          2 741       2 741 
 Currency alignment                               389             41       (282) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  end of period                                 2 908          3 589       2 662 
                                        -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
                                    Notes 
 
 Condensed consolidated                 Unaudited      Unaudited     Audited 
                                         6 months       6 months   12 months 
                                               to             to          to 
                                     30 September   30 September    31 March 
 Rmillion                                    2018           2017        2018 
---------------------------------   -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 1. Net financing costs 
    Interest paid                           (546)          (497)     (1 049) 
    Interest capitalised                       21             21          45 
    Interest received                          48             63         126 
                                            (477)          (413)       (878) 
                                    -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 2. Tax 
     Normal                                 (317)          (386)       (199) 
     Deferred                                 296            129        (25) 
     Withholding tax                         (11)           (10)        (25) 
      Rate change                            (25) 
                                             (57)          (267)       (249) 
                                    -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 During the period, the agricultural tax rate in Mozambique 
  increased from 10% to 32% due to a concession previously 
  granted not being extended. Representations are being 
  made to government to reinstate the 10% tax rate for 
  agriculture. 
 
 3. Headline (loss)/earnings 
    (Loss)/profit attributable 
     to shareholders                        (110)            724         713 
    Adjusted for: 
      Capital loss/(surplus) 
       on disposal of land, cane 
         roots and buildings                   32           (52)        (27) 
      Loss on disposal of plant 
       and equipment                                                       3 
      Tax on the above items                  (9)           (11)        (71) 
      Non-controlling interests                                          (1) 
                                             (87)            661         617 
                                    -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 4. Number of shares (000) 
    In issue                              135 113        135 113     135 113 
    Weighted average (basic)              117 441        115 189     115 372 
    Weighted average (diluted)            117 441        115 189     115 372 
 
 5. Growing crops 
 Growing crops, comprising standing cane, is measured 
  at fair value which is determined using an estimate 
  of cane yields and prices which are unobservable inputs 
  and, in accordance with IFRS, categorised as level 
  3 under the fair value hierarchy. Changes in fair value 
  are recognised in profit or loss. A change in yield 
  of one ton per hectare on the estimated yield of 80 
  tons cane per hectare (30 September 2017: 75 tons per 
  hectare and 31 March 2018: 81 tons per hectare) would 
  result in a R28 million (30 September 2017: R28 million 
  and 31 March 2018: R34 million) change in fair value 
  while a change of one percent in the cane price would 
  result in a R23 million (30 September 2017: R25 million 
  and 31 March 2018: R28 million) change in fair value. 
 
 6. Trade and other payables 
 Trade and other payables includes an interest bearing 
  maize obligation of R603 million (30 September 2017: 
  R687 million and 31 March 2018: R486 million). 
 
 7. Capital expenditure 
  commitments 
     Contracted                               129            282         398 
     Approved                                 101            708         240 
                                              230            990         638 
                                    -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 8. Operating lease commitments                66             82          60 
                                    -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 9. Guarantees and contingent 
  liabilities                                 142             79          91 
                                    -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 10. Basis of preparation 
 The condensed consolidated financial statements for 
  the six months ended 30 September 2018 have been prepared 
  in accordance with and containing the information required 
  by IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, the SAICA Financial 
  Reporting Guides as issued by the Accounting Practices 
  Committee, the Financial Pronouncements as issued by 
  the Financial Reporting Standards Council, and comply 
  with the Companies Act of South Africa and the JSE 
  Limited Listing Requirements. These condensed consolidated 
  financial statements do not include the fair value 
  disclosures for financial instruments as required by 
  IAS 34 paragraph 16A(j), which are available on the 
  company's website, at the registered office or on request. 
  The directors take full responsibility for these condensed 
  consolidated financial statements, which have been 
  prepared under the supervision of the Interim Chief 
  Financial Officer, Mr RD Aitken CA(SA). The results 
  have not been audited, and any reference to future 
  financial performance has not been reviewed or reported 
  on, by the company's auditor. 
 

11. Accounting policies

The accounting policies applied in the preparation of the financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2018 comply with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and are consistent, in all material respects, with those applied for the financial year ended 31 March 2018, except for the adoption of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments ("IFRS 9") and IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("IFRS 15") as detailed below. The other new and revised accounting pronouncements, effective from 1 April 2018, were adopted by Tongaat Hulett with no impact on the financial results.

Financial Instruments

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement ("IAS 39") and sets out the new requirements for the classification and measurement of financial instruments, introduces an expected credit loss model for the measurement of impairment losses and establishes a closer alignment between hedge accounting and risk management practices.

The application of the requirements of IFRS 9 to Tongaat Hulett is as follows:

   -    Classification and measurement requirements: There is no impact on Tongaat Hulett. 
   -     Impairment requirements: 

In terms of IAS 39, financial assets (e.g. trade receivables, contract assets, lease receivables, loan commitments) were impaired using an incurred loss model when there was objective evidence of default. Under IFRS 9, an impairment is based on an expected credit loss ("ECL") model which takes into account historical credit loss experience adjusted for current and future economic conditions. The ECL to be recognised is based on the expected losses that may arise within the next twelve months. If there is a significant increase in credit risk, or if the company elects to do so, the ECL is based on the lifetime of the financial asset.

As Tongaat Hulett's sugar and starch operations are short term in nature (e.g. terms of 14 days in the South African sugar operations and 30 days in the starch operation) the impact of IFRS 9 is insignificant. In the developments operation, the financial assets are mainly secured by the value of the serviced land as reflected in the transaction price. The registration of the property is delayed as a protection mechanism for the recovery of the full amount due. Based on the above, no impairment adjustments have been processed for the period.

   -     Hedge accounting requirements: 

Hedge accounting is applied in the starch operation to account for maize futures. Tongaat Hulett has elected to adopt the transitional provisions of IFRS 9 which allow a choice to continue with the hedge accounting requirements of IAS 39 rather than adopting the new IFRS 9 requirements.

The adoption of IFRS 9 has had no material impact on Tongaat Hulett's earnings and no retrospective adjustments have been made to the financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers replaces all existing IFRS revenue requirements and establishes a single, principles-based model to account for revenue arising from contracts with customers. Under IFRS 15, revenue is recognised as Tongaat Hulett satisfies performance obligations and transfers control of goods or services to its customers, compared with the previous accounting standard that recognised revenue based on an assessment of the risks and rewards of ownership.

The measurement of revenue is determined based on the amount to which Tongaat Hulett expects to be entitled in the exchange for the goods or services and is allocated to each specific performance obligation in the contract. Depending on whether certain criteria are met, revenue is recognised either over time or at a point in time, as and when the performance obligations are met, and control of the goods or services is transferred to the customer.

IFRS 15 affects Tongaat Hulett's commercial transactions within its land conversion and development activities as well as certain of the customary transactions within the sugar operations where sugar is sold to industry (or similar) bodies. The impact of adopting IFRS 15 is detailed below:

   -     Land Conversion and Development: 

A commercial land transaction involves the conclusion of an unconditional, binding contract which transfers the risks and rewards of ownership of the land to the purchaser and conveys on Tongaat Hulett an obligation to provide the necessary services infrastructure to the site. In terms of the previous accounting standard, revenue on a commercial land transaction was recognised as a single transaction at the time the contract became unconditional.

Under IFRS 15, the commercial land transaction is split into two distinct performance obligations with revenue being apportioned between them.

   -           Sale of the land: 

The revenue attributed to the sale of land is recognised at the point in time when the relevant agreement becomes unconditional and binding on the purchaser and the purchaser can exercise effective control over the land.

   -           Provision of services infrastructure: 

The revenue attributed to the necessary services infrastructure, is deferred and recognised over the period the obligation is fulfilled, using the percentage completion method with reference to the services costs incurred relative to the total estimated services costs.

   -     South African sugar operations: 

In March each year, in terms of the sugar industry agreement, the South African Sugar Association ("SASA") is obliged to purchase all unsold sugar stocks designated for the local market to determine the final sucrose price for the season. Revenue was previously recognised at that point in time as ownership of the sugar had legally transferred to SASA and payment had been received.

Applying the IFRS 15 transfer of control requirements, since the South African sugar operations retain control over the physical sugar stocks and have the responsibility to market and sell the sugar on behalf of SASA, revenue is not recognised under IFRS 15 until the sugar is delivered to the end-customer.

   -     Zimbabwe sugar operations 

In September and March each year, a third-party commodity trader purchases a bulk volume of sugar designated for the local market. Revenue was previously recognised at those points in time as ownership of the sugar had legally transferred to the commodity trader and payment had been received.

Applying the IFRS 15 transfer of control requirements, the Zimbabwe sugar operations retain control over the physical sugar stocks and have the responsibility to market and sell the sugar on behalf of the commodity trader, revenue is not recognised under IFRS 15 until the sugar is delivered to the end customer.

   -     Mozambique sugar operations 

As sugar is produced by the Mozambique sugar operations, it is sold to the Distribuidora Nacional de Acucar Limitada ("DNA"), a body established to market, sell and distribute the industry's sugar production into local and certain preferential export markets. Sugar that is surplus to the DNA's requirements is repurchased by the Mozambique sugar operations, in proportion to their share of industry, for sale to other export markets. Revenue was previously recognised at the date of sale to the DNA as ownership of the sugar had legally transferred to the DNA and payment had been received.

Applying the IFRS 15 transfer of control requirements, since the Mozambique sugar operations retain responsibility to market, sell and distribute the surplus sugar, revenue from the sale of such surplus sugar is no longer recognised at the time of sale to the DNA, but rather when the sugar has subsequently been exported to the end-customer.

Tongaat Hulett has elected not to restate comparative information and, in terms of the transitional requirements of IFRS 15, has adopted the modified retrospective approach whereby the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard has been recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of equity at the date of initial application, being 1 April 2018. Comparative information has not been restated and is reported under the previous standard.

The effect of the adoption of IFRS 15 at 31 March 2018 on the statement of financial position would have been a decrease in equity of R182 million (Tongaat Hulett: R159 million and non-controlling interests: R23 million) comprising of an increase in inventory (i.e. sugar stocks) of R1,068 billion, an increase in trade and other payables (i.e. deferred revenue) of R1,195 billion, a decrease in trade and other receivables of R122 million and a decrease of R67 million in the deferred tax liability.

12. Subsequent events

There were no material events between 30 September 2018 and the date of this report.

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Tongaat Hulett Limited

Registration No: 1892/000610/06

JSE share code: TON

ISIN: ZAE000096541

Directorate:

C B Sibisi (Chairman), S M Beesley, F Jakoet, J John, R P Kupara^, T N Mgoduso,

N Mjoli-Mncube, S G Pretorius, T A Salomão+

Company secretary:

M A C Mahlari

Executive:

S D Mtsambiwa^ (Interim Chief Executive Officer), R D Aitken (Interim Chief Financial Officer)

   + Mozambican     ^ Zimbabwean 

Registered office:

Amanzimnyama Hill Road, Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal

P O Box 3, Tongaat 4400

Telephone: +27 32 439 4019

Transfer secretaries:

South Africa:

Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited

Telephone: +27 11 370 7700

United Kingdom:

Link Asset Services

Telephone: +44 203 7285540

Sponsor:

Investec Bank Limited

Telephone: +27 11 286 7000

www.tongaat.com

e-mail: info@tongaat.com

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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November 09, 2018 09:42 ET (14:42 GMT)

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