Zambeef Products PLC Correction: Full-Year Results & Notice of AGM (3144H)

Share Name	Share Symbol	Market	Type	Share ISIN	Share Description
Zambeef Products Plc	LSE:ZAM	London	Ordinary Share	ZM0000000201	ORD ZMW0.01

	Price Change	% Change	Share Price	Bid Price	Offer Price	High Price	Low Price	Open Price	Shares Traded	Last Trade
	0.00	0.00%	5.75	5.50	6.00	5.75	5.75	5.75	166,964	08:00:00

Industry Sector	Turnover	Profit	EPS - Basic	PE Ratio	Market Cap
Poultry & Poultry Prods-whsl	6.2B	118.61M	0.3946	0.15	17.28M

Zambeef Products (LSE:ZAM)
Historical Stock Chart

From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024

Click Here for more Zambeef Products Charts.

TIDMZAM

RNS Number : 3144H

Zambeef Products PLC

02 December 2020

The following amendment has been made to the 'Full-Year Results and Notice of AGM' announcement released on 2 December 2020 at 8:31am under RNS No 2504H.

"The Group's AGM will be held on the 24(th) of December 2020 via Zoom at 10.00am (Zambian time)."

All other details remain unchanged.

The full amended text is shown below.

2(nd) December 2020

Zambeef Products plc

("Zambeef" or the "Group")

Full-year results for the year ended 30 September 2020 and Notice of AGM

Zambeef (AIM: ZAM), the fully integrated cold chain foods and retail business with operations in Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana, today announces its audited results for the year ended 30 September 2020.

Financial Highlights

 
 Figures in 000's                 2020          2019          %        2020        2019         % 
                                   ZMW           ZMW                    USD         USD 
                              ------------  ------------            ----------  ---------- 
 Revenue                        3,875,104     3,134,967      23.6%    239,648     254,462      -5.9% 
 Cost of sales                 (2,659,482)   (2,053,420)     29.5%   (164,470)   (166,674)     -1.3% 
 Gross profit                   1,215,622     1,081,547      12.4%    75,178      87,788      -14.4% 
 Administrative expenses       (1,005,091)    (920,338)       9.2%   (62,158)    (74,703)     -16.8% 
 Operating profit                210,531       161,209       30.6%    13,020      13,085       -0.5% 
 Finance costs                  (92,322)      (82,790)       11.5%    (5,709)     (6,720)     -15.0% 
 Exchange losses                (137,705)     (36,730)      274.9%    (8,516)     (2,981)     185.7% 
 Share of loss equity 
  accounted investment           (3,177)       (3,036)        4.6%     (197)       (246)      -19.9% 
 Profit before taxation         (22,673)       38,653      -158.7%    (1,402)      3,138     -144.7% 
 Taxation charge                (112,957)      (2,780)     3963.2%    (6,986)      (226)     2991.2% 
 Group income for 
  the year from continuing 
  operations                    (135,630)      35,873      -478.1%    (8,388)      2,912     -388.0% 
 Profit/(Loss) from 
  discontinued operations        33,435       (17,379)      292.4%     2,068      (1,411)     246.6% 
 Group income for 
  the year                      (102,195)      18,494      -652.6%    (6,320)      1,501     -521.1% 
 
 EBITDA*                         435,803       224,904       93.8%    26,951      18,255       47.6% 
 Gross Profit Margin              31.4%        34.50%                  31.4%      34.50% 
 EBITDA Margin                    11.2%         7.2%                   11.2%       7.2% 
 Debt/Equity (Gearing)           20.95%        27.30%                 20.95%      27.30% 
 Debt-To-EBITDA                   1.83          3.94        -53.6%     1.47        3.68       -60.0% 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------

*EBITDA is defined as Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, fair value adjustments, loss of equity accounted investments, loss on disposal and net unrealised foreign exchange losses.

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW

The financial year ended 30th September 2020 ("YE 2020") was characterised by a difficult operating and economic environment due to adverse macro-economic fundamentals and the Covid-19 pandemic. The Zambian Kwacha weakened by 54% against the USD, resulting in high inflation and reduced customer spending.

The Group also experienced challenges stemming from reduced electricity supply because of continued load-shedding, resulting in high diesel generator fuel expenditure and repairs and maintenance costs. This, coupled with a 49% increase in the electricity tariff at the beginning of the calendar year, significantly increased operational costs and eroded margins.

Despite the challenges noted above, Zambeef posted an operating profit of ZMW210.5 million (USD13.0 million), a 30.6% growth in Kwacha terms and 0.5% reduction in US Dollar terms, compared with ZMW161.2 million (USD13 million) in 2019. The Group's strong underlying performance was driven by growth in the Stockfeed, Dairy and Beef divisions. The Groups achievement, in the face of challenging operational and economic headwinds, demonstrates its strength as a diversified and vertically integrated operation.

KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Revenue and gross profit increased by 24% and 12% respectively in Kwacha terms for the Group due to pricing across most of the divisions despite an increase in input costs. However, due to the depreciation of the Zambian Kwacha, results in USD reduced by 6% and 15% respectively in comparison to 2019.

The continued focus on cost control helped deliver a below inflationary increase of 10% from ZMW 921 million in the previous corresponding period to ZMW 1 billion in the period under review.

Finance costs reduced by 15% in USD which can be attributed to the net debt reduction following improved operating cashflow generation and Sinazongwe sale proceeds. No new long term debt positions were undertaken by the Group and payments were made towards reducing principal amounts on term debt.

The Group ultimately recorded a loss of ZMW 102 million (USD 6.3 million) for 2020 compared to a profit of ZMW 18.5 million (USD 1.5 million) in the previous period. The loss can be mainly attributed to the operating profit growth erosion by foreign exchange losses, financing costs and the impairment of deferred tax.

Zambeef's management remains committed to focusing on core divisions to generate cash flow that will be channelled towards deleveraging the business and investing in higher returning projects. Our plans are underpinned by:

o Consistent revenue growth through optimising existing retail infrastructure, driving our CCFP and Stockfeed operations;

o Continued capital investment in the best performing areas of the business;

o Cash generation through improved margins, cost control, working capital management and prudent capital expenditure;

o Continued divestment of non-core assets; and

o Environmental and food safety improvement projects.

Zambeef's management will continue to focus resources on the Group's profitable business divisions, while improving those divisions that need additional attention to ensure that all areas of the business contribute fully to Group profitability.

Commenting on these results, Chairman Mr. Michael Mundashi said:

"On the back of a challenging 2019 financial year, 2020 followed suit and proved to be an even tougher year for the Zambeef Group. The 2020 financial year was characterised by difficult economic and market conditions that were exacerbated by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite significant growth in the first half of the financial year, macro-economic headwinds - in particular those associated with the Kwacha depreciation - accumulated in the second half and negatively impacted the bottom line financial performance."

"The Board believes the key to sustainable growth, while mitigating the effects of economic cycles lies in remaining committed to achieving its strategic priorities. As such, the key focus remains on the core divisions that generate sustainable and strong cash flows, while reducing debt to release cash for reinvestment in higher returning projects.

"We expect the macro-economic climate to remain challenging in the 2021 financial year, characterised by an increase in volatility. The country's national debt level remains a threat to macro-economic stability in the short to medium term. We anticipate the COVID-19 pandemic will have minimal impact on our operations in 2021 as Zambia will adjust to living with the virus and resume life under the 'new normal'.

"Zambeef continues to de-risk the business by focusing on the reduction of debt to reduce the impact of foreign currency volatility on future earnings. The net debt for the Group declined by 41% in Dollar terms and 10% in Kwacha terms during the 2020 financial year.

"The Group is committed to the continued strengthening of its earnings potential and unlocking value through reducing debt levels in the medium term. This will mitigate foreign exchange and interest rate risk exposures, and free up cash for reinvestment in higher returning projects."

Copies of Zambeef's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2020 and Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) will shortly be available on the Group's website.

The Group's AGM will be held on the 24th of December 2020 via Zoom at 10.00 a.m. (Zambian time).

 
 For further information, please visit www.zambeefplc.com or 
  contact: 
 
 Zambeef Products plc                           Tel: +260 (0) 211 
                                                 369003 
 Walter Roodt, Chief Executive Officer 
  Faith Mukutu, Chief Financial Officer 
 
 Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated & Financial   Tel: +44 (0) 20 7409 
  Adviser)                                       3494 
 James Spinney 
 Ritchie Balmer 
 Rob Patrick 
 
 FinnCap (Broker)                               Tel: +44 (0) 20 7220 
                                                 0500 
 Christopher Raggett 
 Powerscourt (Financial PR)                     Tel: +44 (0)20 7250 
                                                 1446 
 Nick Dibden 
  Bethany Johannsen 
 Pangaea Securities Tel: +260 (0) 211 220 707 
  Ceaser Siwale 
  Wendy Tembo

About Zambeef Products PLC

The Zambeef Products PLC is the largest integrated cold chain food products and agribusiness in Zambia and one of the largest in the region, involved in the production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chicken, pork, dairy, eggs, fish, flour and stockfeed; throughout Zambia and the surrounding region, as well as Nigeria and Ghana. The Group also has large cereal row cropping operations (principally maize, soya beans and wheat), with approximately 7,787 hectares of row crops under irrigation, which are planted twice a year and a further 8,694 hectares of rain-fed crops available for planting each year.

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

CHAIRMANS REVIEW

It is my pleasure to present to you my inaugural report as Chairman of Zambeef PLC with respect to the financial year ended 30 September 2020.

On the back of a challenging 2019 financial year, 2020 followed suit and proved to be an even tougher year for the Zambeef Group. The 2020 financial year was characterised by difficult economic and market conditions that were exacerbated by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite significant growth in the first half of the financial year, macro-economic headwinds, in particular those associated with the Kwacha depreciation, accumulated in the second half and negatively impacted on profitability.

The Group generated operating profit of ZMW 210.5million (USD 13.0 million) compared with ZMW 161.2 million (USD 13.1 million) in the prior financial year. Loss before tax was ZMW 22.7 million (USD 1.4 million) compared with a profit before tax of ZMW 38.7 million (USD 3.1 million) achieved in the prior financial year. The loss position is mainly attributed to a deferred tax asset impairment, higher financing and exchange losses following the depreciation of the local currency.

The Board believes the key to sustainable growth, while mitigating the effects of adverse economic cycles, lies in remaining committed to achieving its strategic priorities. As such, the key focus remains on the core divisions that generate sustainable and strong cash flows, while reducing debt to release cash for reinvestment in higher returning projects.

The Economic Environment

The global economy experienced a deep recession in 2020 as a result of the unprecedented reduction in production output and consumer demand following the slowdown in the first half of the calendar year. This COVID-19 related slowdown took a toll on the Zambian economy, which in turn impacted our customer base.

The COVID-19 pandemic, although a health crisis, had far-reaching effects on global trade and transformed social interaction. In the Zambian context, despite proactive and timely monetary and fiscal policy interventions by the government to support the economy, GDP is projected to contract by 4.2% in 2020 and rebound to growth of 1.8% in 2021.

The Zambian economy, which was already battling the effects of a high debt burden, cash illiquidity and waning global investor confidence, was left vulnerable when global commodity prices dropped amidst the reduction in global trade following the onset of the pandemic. The sharp depreciation of the local currency that came about as a result of reduced foreign currency inflows had a detrimental effect on the economy. Consumer price inflation closed at 15.7%, 730 basis points above the rate recorded the prior year.

As part of our sustainability programme, and to support Government efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Zambeef, in collaboration with partners, donated food and non-food items worth ZMW 1.2 million. As a Group, we are always proud to be part of the solution to the challenges facing the communities in which we operate.

Zambeef Debt Position

Zambeef continues to de-risk the business by focussing on the reduction of debt to mitigate the impact of foreign currency volatility on future earnings. The net debt for the Group declined by 41% in Dollar terms and 10% in Kwacha terms during the 2020 financial year. Term debt repayments during the 2020 financial year amounted to USD 8.9 million, reducing the total term debt to USD 18.2 million from USD 27.2 million in the previous financial year. With no new undertakings of debt, this puts the business in a less leveraged position and improves our debt service coverage ratio. However, our exposure to currency risk with our US Dollar denominated debt caused an increase in our term debt balance in Kwacha terms, due to the depreciation of the currency.

Divisional Performance review

Stockfeed

Stockfeed operations performed well during the year against the backdrop of the 2018/2019 drought and operational headwinds. This division was the largest contributor to operating profit for the Group due to a combination of increased sales volumes, and robust cost management on the back of improved operational efficiencies. The division sold 242,700 tonnes of feed in 2020, compared with 218,769 tonnes in 2019.

Retail and Cold Chain Food Products

The combined Retail and Cold Chain Food Products division posted a marginal 1.8% growth in operating profit in Kwacha terms on the back of an 18% growth in revenue. This was despite depressed consumer spending that negatively impacted sales volumes in our retail outlets. Cost pressures due to the depreciation of the Kwacha, continued load shedding and increased electricity tariffs further eroded margins.

Zambeef's chain of 236 retail outlets - both own-brand and within Shoprite supermarkets - remain at the heart of the business, with demand from our customers driving supply. The Group's focus during the 2020 financial year was to optimise our existing retail store performance. For the year ended September 30, 2020, we rolled out four new macro outlets in strategic locations, compared to seven in 2019. We also leveraged Shoprite's growth, opening three new in-store butcheries.

Cropping

Cropping division revenue grew 37% from the previous year, despite a reduction in volumes, due to a good summer crop price and translational currency effects. However, the division experienced a sharp escalation in costs resulting from the increase in electricity tariffs and US Dollar denominated costs. Load shedding caused electricity shortages that affected the winter wheat yield as optimal irrigation programmes could not be followed. Despite the challenges, the division contributed positively to Group operating profit.

Disposal of Non-Core Assets

The Group entered into a binding sale and purchase agreement with Chenguang Biotech (Zambia) Agri-Dev Limited for the sale of Sinazongwe Farm. The disposal was executed in March 2020 for a cash consideration of USD 10 million. Our Chiawa farm remains listed for sale.

Dividend

As a Group, we are steadfast in our dedication to enhancing shareholder value. However, in view of the financial performance and debt levels, the Directors have elected not to pay a dividend for this financial year.

Outlook

We expect the macro-economic climate to remain challenging in the 2021 financial year, characterised by an increase in volatility. The country's national debt level remains a threat to macro-economic stability in the short to medium term.

We anticipate the COVID-19 pandemic will have minimal impact on our operations in 2021 as Zambia will adjust to living with the virus and resume life under the 'new normal'.

The Group is committed to continued strengthening of its earnings potential and unlocking value through reducing debt levels in the medium term. This will mitigate foreign exchange and, interest rate risk exposures and free up cash for reinvestment in higher returning projects.

Acknowledgement

I express my sincere gratitude to my fellow Board members for leading the Group through this challenging year. To our management and staff, I express our utmost appreciation for your dedicated efforts, for producing solid performance, and for exhibiting resilience in challenging and unusual circumstances. The leadership our staff has demonstrated in adhering to safety protocols during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic is highly commendable.

As a Board we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Chair of the Audit Committee, Dr. Lawrence Sikutwa, who will be retiring effective 31st December 2020. His leadership, strong commercial acumen and professionalism will be greatly missed. He has played a significant role in the Group and we all wish him the very best.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REVIEW

Overview

The financial year ended 30th September 2020 was characterised by a difficult operating environment because of adverse macro-economic fundamentals, worsened by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

COVID-19 negatively impacted economic activity and increased unemployment, which directly affected the number of customers visiting our retail outlets.

The Zambian Kwacha weakened 54% against the US Dollar during the financial year, resulting in high inflation and reduced customer spending.

The Group also experienced challenges stemming from reduced electricity supply because of continued load shedding, resulting in high diesel generator fuel expenditure and repairs and maintenance costs. This, coupled with a 49% increase in the electricity tariff at the beginning of the calendar year, significantly increased operational costs and eroded margins.

Despite the challenges noted above, Zambeef achieved an operating profit of ZMW 210 million (USD 13.02 million), equating to 30.6% growth in Kwacha terms and a 0.5% reduction in US Dollar terms, compared with ZMW 161.2 million (USD 13.09 million) in 2019.

Our revenue was ZMW 3.9 billion (USD 239.6 million) and we achieved a gross profit of ZMW 1.22 billion (USD 75.2 million), respectively 23.6% and 12.4% above the prior year in Kwacha terms, but both down by 5.8% and 14.4% in US Dollar terms, respectively.

The Group's strong underlying performance was driven by growth in the stockfeed, dairy and beef divisions. Management continued driving efficiencies to enable sustained top-line growth while looking for opportunities to optimise costs. Tight management of overhead costs resulted in strong Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA), and improved operational leverage.

An increase in foreign exchange losses, particularly in the second half, resulted in an erosion of bottom-line performance. The depreciation of the Kwacha led to increased financing costs and exchange losses on our dollar denominated debt. Further, the impairment charge on a deferred tax asset of ZMW 47 million resulted in the Group posting a loss after tax of ZMW 135.6 million (USD 8.4 million) compared with a profit of ZMW 38.7 million (USD 2.9 million) in the prior financial year, a 478% and 388% reduction in Kwacha and Dollar terms respectively.

The Group delivered strong growth in operating profit during the first half of the year, supported by a stable macro-economic environment. The second half of the year saw the Group deliver encouraging results despite the challenging operating and economic environment, which was worsened by COVID-19 lockdowns.

The resilient performance demonstrates our strengths as a diversified and vertically integrated business with competitive brands, strong customer relationships, and an experienced management team.

Management continued driving efficiencies to enable sustained revenue growth while continuing to optimise costs. Our over-arching focus remains on achieving our long-term strategic objectives as they are the core principles that allowed us to achieve relative success during the financial year under review.

Strategic focus

Our strategic focus is to optimise our asset use and maximise returns. Proceeds from the sale of the Sinazongwe Farm and the prospective disposal of the Chiawa farm will enable us to pay down our debt further as we continue de-leveraging. We remain focused on our core businesses, in which we strive to be the best in class.

Retail and Cold Chain Food Products (CCFP)

The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and its associated protocols affected footfall in our stores. Despite an increase in revenue, depressed customer spending was evident through volume reductions across most of our product lines. The increase in revenue was mainly driven by price increases and greater sales volume of traded goods. Shoprite in-store butcheries were a source of revenue growth as Shoprite expanded its footprint with three new outlets.

High feed prices in the poultry and pork divisions negatively impacted input costs and resulted in margin erosion in some of our product lines. Despite this, the Group continued to grow revenues in the Retail and Cold Chain Food Products (CCFP) division from the prior full-year period. The beef and dairy divisions performed well, aside from some challenges in the supply of product.

However, retail and CCFP operating profits increased only marginally, having recorded volume declines in some product lines and cost pressures arising from the depreciation of the Kwacha and increased energy costs.

Stockfeed (Novatek)

The division delivered strong operating profit growth of 72.9% in Kwacha terms and 31.7% in US Dollar terms, and maintained margins due to volume growth, pricing and cost optimisation. Maize prices remained high, especially in the first half following the drought experienced in Southern Africa in the 2018/2019 farming season. This, coupled with a weak currency directly impacting input costs, necessitated upward pricing of Novatek products.

The poultry sector continues to be an important source of business for Novatek, accounting for 74% of revenue during the year. Export sales volumes continued to grow and were a major contributor to revenue growth, notwithstanding that for a large part of the year only fish feeds could be exported due to a continuing feed export ban.

Cropping

In the cropping division, operating profit grew by a marginal 4.7% in Kwacha terms and declined 20% in US Dollar terms due to escalating input costs and insufficient electricity supply. Zambia experienced a good rainfall season and the pricing of summer commodities was favourable. The year saw total production decrease by 7% to 133,547 tonnes, mainly because of a reduction in wheat yields and the impact of the Sinazongwe farm sale.

Management continued to manage the risk of disease, with the potential for an outbreak of Bacterial Leaf Streak (BLS) well contained during the winter.

Outlook

Zambeef management remains committed to achieving bottom line growth in line with our strategic objective of de-risking the business.

However, we expect the volatility in the economy to continue impacting the spending power of our customers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way we do business. Although it appears to have been contained in Zambia and the region, any escalations could cause enforced lockdowns, which could negatively impact business. The Group remains committed to implementing and enforcing safety protocols in our outlets and places of work.

 
 Key Market Indicators 
 
 Reporting Period Monthly Averaged            2020    2019   Change 
  Comparatives 
 Economy 
 ROE ZMW/USD            ZMW                   16.2    12.3      31% 
 TBS 364day             %                     24.5    24.7      -1% 
 Annual Inflation 
  rate                  %                     15.7     8.4      87% 
 Copper                 $/Ton                6,610   6,102       8% 
 
 Commodities 
 Maize                  $/ton                  252     207      22% 
 Soya Beans             $/ton                  382     400      -5% 
 SE Cake                $/ton                  403     442      -9% 
 Wheat                  $/Ton                  415     447      -7% 
 
 Input Prices 
 Maize Bran             K/Ton                1,190   1,434     -17% 
 Broiler Grower         K/50kg                 310     242      28% 
 Pig Grower             K/50Kg                 251     200      26% 
 Layer feed             K/50kg                 231     175      32% 
 Day-old chick          K/DOC                  6.8     5.9      15% 
 
 Selling Prices 
 Beef Mixed cut         K/Kg                  37.7    36.1       5% 
 Chicken Frozen         K/Kg                  28.2    28.9      -2% 
 Chicken Live Market    K/Chicken             52.0    38.2      36% 
 Egg Tray               K/tray of 30 Eggs     35.6    28.0      27%

DIVISIONAL PERFORMANCE

Table 1 (ZMW) and Table 2 (USD) below provide a summary of the consolidated performance of the key business divisions to EBIT level.

Table 1: Divisional financial summary in ZMW'000

 
                         REVENUE                 GROSS PROFIT                OVERHEADS                   EBIT 
-------------                                                        -------------------------  ---------------------- 
                   2020          2019          2020         2019         2020          2019        2020        2019 
   DIVISION       ZMW'000       ZMW'000       ZMW'000      ZMW'000      ZMW'000       ZMW'000     ZMW'000     ZMW'000 
-------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Retailing      2,396,313       2,038,675     243,377      213,502 
-------------                              -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 CCFP           1,516,371       1,388,492     401,276      367,657 
-------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Less 
  InterCo.      (1,399,926)   (1,303,519) 
-------------                              -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Combined 
  Retail & 
  CCFP           2,512,758      2,123,648     644,653      581,159     (535,095)     (473,415)    109,558     107,744 
-------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Stockfeed       1,331,965        986,075     255,888      191,011     (129,539)     (103,751)    126,349      73,092 
-------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Cropping        651,560          474,202     266,405      270,116     (160,618)     (126,413)    105,787     101,082 
-------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Others          203,609          210,348     48,676       39,261      (25,226)       (21,930)     25,226      15,361 
-------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total           4,699,892      3,794,273    1,215,622    1,081,547    (850,478)     (725,509)    366,920     297,279 
-------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Less: 
  Intra/Inter 
  Group Sales    (824,788)      (659,306) 
-------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Central 
  Overhead                                                             (156,389)     (136,070)   (156,389)   (136,070) 
-------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Group Total     3,875,104      3,134,967   1,215,622     1,081,547   (1,005,091)    (861,579)    210,531     161,209 
-------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ----------

Table 2: Divisional financial summary in USD'000

 
                              REVENUE               GROSS PROFIT             OVERHEADS                 EBIT 
-------------------                                                   ----------------------  --------------------- 
                        2020      2019 USD'000     2020       2019       2020        2019        2020       2019 
      DIVISION         USD'000                    USD'000    USD'000    USD'000     USD'000     USD'000    USD'000 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Retailing             148,194      165,477       15,051     17,330 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 CCFP                   93,777      112,703       24,817     29,842 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Less InterCo.         (86,576)    (105,806)         - 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Combined 
  Retail & 
  CCFP                 155,395      172,374       39,868     47,173     (33,092)    (38,427)     6,775      8,745 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Stockfeed              82,373       80,390       15,825     15,503     (8,011)     (9,571)      7,814      5,933 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Cropping               40,294       38,490       16,476     21,925     (9,933)     (13,720)     6,542      8,205 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Others                 12,592       17,074        3,010      3,187     (1,450)     (1,940)      1,560      1,247 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Total                 290,654      307,977       75,178     87,788     (52,486)    (63,658)    22,691      24,130 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Less: Intra/Inter 
  Group Sales         (51,006)      (53,515)         -                                             - 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Central 
  Overhead                                           -                  (9,672)     (11,045)    (9,692)    (11,045) 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Group Total           239,648      254,462       75,178     87,788     (62,158)    (74,703)    13,020      13,085 
-------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------

DIVISIONAL REVIEW

Taking each of our key business areas in turn:

Retail and Cold Chain Food Products

Table 3 (ZMW) and Table 4 (USD) below show performance of each key business area of the combined Retail and Cold Chain Food Products divisions.

Table 3: Retail and Cold Chain Food Products ZMW'000

 
                              REVENUE               GROSS PROFIT             OVERHEADS                EBIT 
------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ----------------------  -------------------- 
 DIVISION               2020          2019         2020       2019       2020        2019        2020       2019 
                       ZMW'000       ZMW'000      ZMW'000    ZMW'000    ZMW'000     ZMW'000     ZMW'000    ZMW'000 
------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 Retailing Zambia      2,177,555     1,853,721 
------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 Retailing West 
  Africa                 218,758       184,954 
------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 Total Retailing       2,396,313     2,038,675 
------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 CCFP                  1,516,271     1,388,492 
------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 Less Interco        (1,399,926)   (1,303,519) 
------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 Combined Retail 
  & CCFP               2,512,758     2,123,648   644,653    581,159    (535,095)   (473,415)   109,558    107,744 
------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------

Table 4: Retail and Cold Chain Food Products USD'000

 
                            REVENUE              GROSS PROFIT             OVERHEADS                EBIT 
------------------  -----------------------  --------------------  ----------------------  -------------------- 
     DIVISION          2020         2019        2020       2019       2020        2019        2020       2019 
                      USD'000      USD'000     USD'000    USD'000    USD'000     USD'000     USD'000    USD'000 
------------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 Retailing Zambia      134,666      150,464 
------------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 Retailing West 
  Africa                13,528       15,013 
------------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 Total Retailing       148,194      165,477 
------------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 CCFP                   93,777      112,703 
------------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 Less InterCo.        (86,576)    (105,806) 
------------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 Combined Retail 
  & CCFP               155,395      172,374    39,868     47,172     (33,092)    (38,427)     6,776      8,746 
------------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------

In line with our strategic focus to fully optimise our existing infrastructure and drive efficiencies through our retail network, we rolled out two new retail outlets in strategic locations across Zambia during the year, compared with seven in 2019. Shoprite, in which we operate instore butcheries, expanded by another three retail outlets in Zambia.

Net sales in the combined Retail and Cold Chain Food Products (CCFP) divisions increased by 18% to ZMW2,513 million (2019: ZMW2,124 million) in Kwacha terms and decreased by 10% to USD155 million (2019: USD172 million) in US dollar terms. The gross profit margin decreased marginally for a second year in a row, to 25.7% (2019: 27.4%) despite an 11% growth in gross profit in absolute Kwacha terms, due to escalating costs of inputs amid high inflation and the depreciation of the Kwacha. Overheads increased by 14% to ZMW535 million (2019: ZMW473 million) in Kwacha terms, but fell by 14% in US dollar terms to USD33 million (2019: USD38 million).

The combined Retail and CCFP divisions generated an EBIT margin of 4.4% (2019: 5.1%). The adverse macro-economic conditions and increased generator fuel costs led to the increase in input costs. Operating profit increased by 1.7% to ZMW110 million (2019: ZMW108 million) in Kwacha terms and decreased by 22.5% to USD6.8 million (2019: USD8.7 million) in US dollar terms.

Zambia Retail

Zambia retail revenue increased 17.5% to ZMW2,178 million (2019: ZMW1,854 million) while gross profit increased by 9.7%. However, due to the depreciation in the Kwacha relative to the US dollar, revenue decreased by 10.5% to USD135 million (2019: USD150 million) in US dollar terms.

Strong revenue growth was driven by stockfeed, chicken, cooking oil and other traded goods. Difficult trading conditions and disruptions in supply channels resulted in volume declines across most product lines. However, pricing adjustments helped the Retail division offset that volume related revenue decline.

West Africa Retail

Optimising operations was the main focus in our West Africa business this past year. Revenue increased 18.3% in Kwacha terms and declined 10% in Dollar terms from ZMW185 million (USD15.0 million) in 2019 to ZMW219 million (USD13.5 million) in 2020. During the period, the overhead costs in Kwacha rose by 23%. West African retail continues 9% to Group retail revenue, and remains profitable. The driver of profitability was mutton and pork sales, which increased, while chicken and beef sales decreased due to supply constraints.

Beef

Beef is the largest contributor to revenue in the CCFP division. Beef sales volumes decreased by 1.8% compared with the previous financial year, with the reduced number of cattle slaughtered owing to supply constraints following a drought in the previous year that also impacted average slaughter weights. Notwithstanding, the division posted 10% growth in revenue and 28% growth in gross profit due to a favourable sales mix and pricing.

Poultry (Zamchick, Zamhatch and ZamEgg)

Combined revenue from the three poultry divisions increased by 17% in 2020. Despite revenue growth, gross profit declined by 27% from ZMW126 million in 2019 to ZMW92 million in 2020, mainly due to higher feed prices. The divisions recorded a combined operating profit of ZMW2.6 million for 2020, a 95% decline from last year (ZMW49 million) and the sharpest decline in operating performance amongst our divisions during the financial year.

The informal and small-scale chicken farming sector increased supply where the formal sector could not supply effectively due to operational headwinds. Increased costs and electricity supply challenges had a lower impact on the informal sector, which positively contributed to sales volumes for Zamhatch and Novatek stockfeeds.

Zamchick volumes and revenue increased by 4% and 21% respectively compared with the prior year. High stockfeed price negatively impacted margins, resulting in a 26% reduction in gross profit for the division. Operational challenges were experienced during the 2019/2020 summer rain season as the industry faced widespread dysbacteriosis, which negatively impacted broiler growth performance.

The egg division, which is characterised by price elasticity, experienced a 12% reduction in volumes sold following average price increases of 22%. Despite a 6.6% increase in revenue, gross profit fell by 100% when compared to prior year.

Pork (Masterpork)

Supply chain disruptions in the Masterpork division stemming from high pig rearing costs led to a 12% reduction in volumes sold. The division performed better than the prior year, with revenue and gross profit growing by 13% and 38% respectively, mainly due to pricing adjustments. Management focussed on optimising the carcass quality of pigs slaughtered through advances in the grading and pricing system.

Milk (ZamMilk)

Milk revenue increased by 6%, and gross profit increased by 36% to ZMW92 million (2019: ZMW67 million). Sales volumes fell by 7% due to a COVID-19-related reduction in demand.

Milk production at Kalundu Dairy increased by 11% from an average of 26.6 litres/cow in 2019 to 29.6 litres/cow in 2020, with a total of 1,379 cows being milked daily at the year end. The feed cost of the milking herd increased by 10% due to the price of maize ingredients (maize meal and maize silage) included in dairy feeds.

Stockfeed (Novatek)

 
       REVENUE             GROSS PROFIT             OVERHEADS                    EBIT 
   2020        2019       2020       2019       2020        2019         2020          2019 
  ZMW'000     ZMW'000    ZMW'000    ZMW'000    ZMW'000     ZMW'000      ZMW'000       ZMW'000 
----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------- 
 1,331,965   986,075    255,888    191,011    (129,539)   (117,919)      126,349          73,092 
----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------- 
  USD'000    USD'000    USD'000    USD'000     USD'000     USD'000     USD'000        USD'000 
----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------- 
  82,373      80,039     15,824     15,504     (8,011)     (9,571)      7,814          5,933 
----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  --------------

Stockfeed performance was strong. Revenue in Kwacha terms grew by 35% (3% in US dollar terms), which translated into a growth of 73% in operating profit. The gross profit margin was maintained at 19% from the previous reporting period, as cost of sales grew at the same pace as revenue. Increased production costs due to running backup diesel generators for prolonged periods, and the increase in transport demands from the logistics fleet, led to a 10% increase in overheads.

The large and growing poultry sector in Zambia consumes 74% of the feed sales generated by Zambeef. The division also recorded an impressive 45% increase in export sales despite export restrictions. The division exported to 11 other African countries, generating much-needed foreign currency revenue.

Cropping

 
       REVENUE            GROSS PROFIT              OVERHEADS                 EBIT 
   2020       2019       2020       2019        2020         2019        2020       2019 
  ZMW'000    ZMW'000    ZMW'000    ZMW'000     ZMW'000      ZMW'000     ZMW'000    ZMW'000 
---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
  651,560    474,202    266,405    270,116    (160,618)    (169,034)    105,787    101,082 
---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 USD'000    USD'000    USD'000    USD'000     USD'000      USD'000     USD'000    USD'000 
---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
  40,294     38,490     16,476     21,925      (9,933)     (13,720)      6,542      8,205 
---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------

The cropping division is the foundation of Zambeef's vertically integrated business model, providing raw material inputs for value-added processing within the Group and serving as a hedge against the depreciation of the Kwacha, due to its ability to generate US Dollar cash flow.

Revenue for the year was up 37% to ZMW652 million (2019: ZMW474 million) while overheads decreased by 5% to ZMW161 million (2019: ZMW169 million). An increase in cost of sales of 89% resulted in gross profit margin erosion from 57% in 2019 to 41% in 2020. Consequently, and despite a reduction in overheads by 28% in US Dollar terms, operating profit fell by 20% in US Dollar terms.

The summer harvest for soya beans totalled 37,616 tonnes versus 44,982 tonnes in 2019. Improved yields, pushed maize production to 24,065 tonnes, from 19,233 tonnes. The sale of Sinazongwe farm resulted in a reduction in the area of winter wheat planted from 7,047 hectares in 2019 to 5,485 hectares in 2020, with the harvest dropping by 22.4% to 39,077 tonnes (2019: 50,398 tonnes). The slight reduction in wheat yields by 0.4% followed erratic electricity supply.

Other businesses

 
       REVENUE            GROSS PROFIT             OVERHEADS                EBIT 
   2020       2019       2020       2019       2020        2019        2020       2019 
  ZMW'000    ZMW'000    ZMW'000    ZMW'000    ZMW'000     ZMW'000     ZMW'000    ZMW'000 
---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
  203,609    210,348    48,676     39,261     (23,450)    (23,900)    25,226     15,361 
---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 USD'000    USD'000    USD'000    USD'000     USD'000     USD'000    USD'000    USD'000 
---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
  12,592     17,074      3,010      3,187     (1,450)     (1,940)      1,561      1,247 
---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------

Total revenue from the Group's other business units decreased by 3% from ZMW210 million in 2019, to ZMW203 million this financial year. Despite the revenue reduction, gross profit increased by 24% and EBIT increased by 64% in Kwacha terms.

Flour Milling

Flour sales volumes for the year declined 25% due to reduced demand following price increments. The drastic drop in maize price at half-year meant that consumers had the option to buy cheaper maize products as a substitute. Despite a 5% drop in revenue, the milling division achieved a 16% growth in operating profit partly due to overhead reductions.

Zamleather

Zamshu shoe sales grew by 7% compared with the previous year. Revenues were up 12% on prior year due to pricing and increased wet-blue leather exports, despite a slowdown of export channels due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic also impacted local shoe sales following the suspension of school activities across the country. Zamleather margins increased by 160 basis points as the division sold more higher-grade leather and value-added shoes.