Imperial

Environment

Imperial’s activities on the African continent produced 63% and 80% respectively of group revenues and operating profits during the six months to 31 December 2017, with the remainder generated mainly in Europe and the United Kingdom.

South Africa

Structural challenges, including high unemployment, struggling State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and pressure on government finances continue to erode consumer and business confidence. There are however early indications that new political leadership will give rise to less corrupt, more accountable government and a general improvement in confidence and growth in South Africa, where R35,8 billion or 54% of group revenue and R2,0 billion or 65% of group operating profit was generated in the six months to 31 December 2017.

Positive emerging market sentiment and the weakening of the USD resulted in the R/USD exchange rate strengthening by 10% during the period, with short-term volatility exacerbated by local factors.

The impact of this environment on Imperial Logistics’ operating profit, 38% of which is generated in South Africa, has been depressed volumes and competitive pressures. The impact on the operating profit of Motus, approximately 87% of which is generated in South Africa, is a highly competitive vehicle market where national vehicle unit sales as reported by NAAMSA increased 5%.

Rest of Africa

Firming commodity prices and gradually strengthening domestic demand improved economic prospects in sub-Saharan Africa, where R6,2 billion or 9% of group revenue and R466 million or 15% of group operating profit was generated in the six months to 31 December 2017.

Notable developments affecting Imperial Logistics were: an improvement in the cost of and access to currency in Nigeria; hesitant investment and consumer purchasing in Kenya resulting from political uncertainty and disruptive elections; Namibia’s 5th successive quarter of recession, and increased competition and subdued demand from key aid and relief markets. Motus has limited activity in the region.

Eurozone, United Kingdom (UK) and Australia

Our operations in the Eurozone generated R24,5 billion or 37% of group revenue and R618 million or 20% of group operating profit in the six months to 31 December 2017.

Economic conditions in Europe are buoyant but economic growth and the vehicle market in the United Kingdom is being depressed by the uncertainties of Brexit. The Australian vehicle market is showing steady growth. Conditions in Imperial’s remaining operating jurisdictions are stable.

Against this background, we provide shareholders with current information on the group’s strategy and performance.

Strategy

The transformation and development of Imperial in recent years has been directed at value creation through strategic clarity, managerial focus and shareholder insight. The first is being achieved through portfolio rationalisation, the second through organisation structure and the third through disclosure. This approach has exposed the absence of operational or financial synergies and resulted in the rapid establishment of Imperial Logistics and Motus as two large independent divisions. Both are now managed and reported on separately, with decreasing functional support and associated costs emanating from the holding company. To date our progress has exceeded expectations.

At this stage, the key strategic question facing Imperial Holdings is whether the long term fortunes of Imperial Logistics and Motus will be enhanced by them being separately listed. To answer this we are currently assessing whether value will accrue from the management of each division having direct access and accountability to debt and equity markets. We are also determining whether investors will attribute additional value to direct investment in either division. The self-sufficiency, independence and balance sheet capacity necessary for both division’s growth strategies is a key priority and Imperial continues to assess all options available to achieve further flexibility in this regard. Progress to date has been good and we expect this to be in place by June 2018.

The board expects to take the decision as to whether to pursue separate listings in late June or early July 2018. As announced previously, the board believes that the unbundling of Motus would be the most effective path to achieving that result.

Despite external challenges and an ambitious restructuring process, Imperial’s investment thesis is unchanged. The following provides detail on progress during the reporting period with each of our five capital allocation objectives:

1. To release capital and sharpen executive focus, by disposing of non-core, strategically misaligned, underperforming or low return on effort assets.
   

   In HY1 2018, we disposed of:

   Non-strategic properties for proceeds of R606 million. A further 27 properties with a carrying value of R543 million are held for sale;

   Laabs GmbH, a €16 million revenue liquid food transporter specialising in liquid chocolate products and raw materials in Europe, for €2 million (R32 million) in October 2017; and

   Interests in smaller entities in Imperial Logistics amounting to approximately R55 million.

   Disposals post HY1 2018 include:

   The group’s interest in and claims against Schirm GmbH, the contract manufacturing service business of Imperial Chemical Logistics GmbH, and related property transactions for a total cash price of €134 million (R2 billion). The transaction was concluded on 17 January 2018 and payment was received on 30 January 2018;

   Transport Holdings in Botswana for R200 million, subject to funding approval.

   Although the bulk of identified disposals have been concluded, continual analysis of the strategic and financial performance of businesses will result in refinements to the portfolio of Imperial Logistics and Motus over the medium term.

2. We will invest capital in South Africa to maintain the quality of assets and market leadership in our logistics and motor vehicle businesses.

   Net capital expenditure of R1,3 billion was invested in operations during the period, mainly in vehicles for hire.

3. We will invest capital in the African Regions primarily to achieve our 2020 objective for the revenue and profits generated in that region to equal that of our South African logistics business, and secondarily to expand our vehiclerelated businesses in the region.

   Imperial Logistics acquired 70% of Surgipharm Limited in Kenya for USD35 million (R490 million), effective 1 July 2017. Surgipharm is strategically aligned to accelerate our industry presence and relationships with pharmaceutical principals on the African continent and provides an excellent platform for further growth in other East African markets. This acquisition performed below expectation during the period, due to political uncertainty and disruptive elections in Kenya.

4. We will invest the cash generated from operations and divestments to grow our businesses beyond the continent, but with an emphasis on logistics.

   We acquired Pentagon Motor Holdings, which operates 21 prime retail dealerships in the UK, for £28 million (R479 million), effective 1 September 2017. Pentagon supports Motus’ strategy to deploy capital and its vehicle retail expertise in pursuit of growth beyond South Africa, and it complements our existing commercial vehicle business in the UK. Performance in our first four months of ownership was depressed by the convergence of declining UK passenger vehicle sales, market realignment from diesel vehicles and Vauxhall changing ownership from General Motors to the French PSA group. Forecasts for the current six months are promising.

   We acquired 75% of Australian based SWT Group Proprietary Limited, which operates 16 dealerships, for AUD24,2 million (R261 million), effective 1 October 2017. This acquisition performed in line with expectations during the period and complements our existing dealership footprint in Australia.

   Net capital expenditure of R312 million was invested in operations mainly in Europe and the United Kingdom.

5. The development and sustainability of Imperial will be underpinned by investment in human capital and information systems.

   Group-wide investments in human capital development and information systems amounted to R235 million*.

   * Only includes capital expenditure on human capital development and IT systems

Note: ROIC and WACC are calculated on a rolling 12 month basis.

Imperial Logistics is a mainly African and European provider of integrated outsourced value-add logistics, supply chain and route-to-market solutions, customised to ensure the relevance and competitiveness of its clients. With established capabilities in transportation, warehousing, distribution and synchronisation management, and expanding capabilities in international freight management, the division operates in specific industry verticals: healthcare, consumer packaged goods, manufacturing and mining, chemicals and energy, automotive, machinery and equipment, and agriculture.

Imperial Logistics recorded growth in revenue and operating profit of 5% and 7% respectively. Excluding businesses held for sale, revenue and operating profit increased by 7% and 5% respectively. These results comprised a good performance from Logistics South Africa in challenging trading conditions, a solid performance from Ecohealth in Nigeria and CIC in Namibia, the disposal and closures of some smaller, underperforming businesses in South Africa and African Regions and solid results from the international shipping and automotive segments in Logistics International. The disposal of the Schirm business was only concluded in January 2018 and is therefore included in businesses held for sale during this reporting period. The net debt to equity ratio (91% including the proceeds from Schirm) has improved significantly following the sale of non-core or underperforming businesses and non-strategic properties, disciplined working capital management and capital expenditure and recapitalisation of African Regions. Despite the improvement in gearing during the last 12 months, the current level is not optimal and further improvement of the balance sheet capacity is necessary for the pursuit of its strategy. The ROIC of 11,7% compares to 11,4% in the prior period and is above the target hurdle rate of WACC+3%.

Net capital expenditure reduced significantly to R324 million from R611 million in the prior period when investment was incurred on additional chemical manufacturing capacity in Europe and two additional convoys in South America. Capital expenditure in the current period comprised mainly replacement of transport fleet in South Africa, reduced by the proceeds from asset disposals of R451 million, including property disposals of R287 million.

Logistics South Africa

Note: ROIC and WACC are calculated on a rolling 12 month basis. The above table includes businesses held for sale and eliminations.

Logistics South Africa performed well in difficult trading conditions, increasing revenue and operating profit by 2% and 13% respectively, and 4% and 3% respectively excluding businesses held for sale.

Performance was enhanced by increased volumes in the commodities operations, a six month contribution from the Itumele Bus Lines acquisition, solid results from fuel and gas, managed solutions and some of the transport and distribution operations, significantly reduced losses from Imperial Cold Logistics and the disposal and closures of some smaller, underperforming businesses in the current and prior periods. The consumer logistics business did not perform to expectation due to lower sales volumes in the healthcare and retail logistics businesses.

ROIC improved significantly to 13,8% from 10,4% mainly due to increased profitability, and the sale of non-strategic properties and underperforming businesses.

The disposal of 30% of Imperial Logistics South Africa to a BBBEE partner is progressing steadily. The application and screening process was completed in October 2017, and negotiations are proceeding with a party who has satisfied the major transaction criteria, namely pricing, proof of funding, long-term commitment and the capabilities to add value. We expect to finalise this transaction by June 2018.

Logistics African Regions

Note: ROIC and WACC are calculated on a rolling 12 month basis. The above table includes businesses held for sale and eliminations.

Imperial Logistics African Regions increased revenue and operating profit by 4% with a mixed performance across the portfolio. Revenue and operating profit, excluding businesses held for sale (Transport Holdings), increased by 12% and 3% respectively.

Results were supported by a solid performance from Ecohealth, Nigeria’s leading distributor of pharmaceuticals, the acquisition of Surgipharm where a positive contribution was depressed by political uncertainty and disruptive elections in Kenya, a good result from the FMCG route-to-market business enhanced by the disposal of the loss-making Global Holdings and the disposal of certain unprofitable transport entities in the prior financial year.

The FMCG route-to-market Namibian operations performed satisfactorily despite the effects of Namibia’s 5th successive quarter of recession. Transport operations in Namibia are experiencing reduced volumes, vindicating our strategy to reduce asset intensity. Imres underperformed due to increased competition, subdued demand from its key aid and relief markets and longer lead times experienced in converting orders to sales in its key markets. Managed Solutions businesses in SADC performed well. Loss of the USAID contract depressed the sub-Saharan Healthcare logistics business.

ROIC at 20,6% declined from 22,6% mainly due to an increase in our investment in Ecohealth, from 68% to 87% and higher working capital.

Logistics International

Note: ROIC and WACC are calculated on a rolling 12 month basis. The above table includes businesses held for sale and eliminations.

Logistics International’s revenue and operating profit increased by 3% and decreased by 2% respectively in Euro, and increased by 7% and 3% respectively in Rand, which weakened 3% on average against the Euro during the period. Revenue and operating profit in Euro terms, excluding businesses held for sale (Schirm), increased by 3% and 4% respectively.

The performance of the Transport Solutions business was supported by solid results from international and liquid bulk shipping, road transport and automotive contract logistics. Following the commissioning of two additional convoys in March 2017, the South American operation is operating at full capacity in a strong market with optimal water levels, utilising seven push boats with 84 barges. Dry bulk shipping in Germany underperformed due to prolonged low water levels on the River Rhine during the period.

Profitability of the Supply Chain Solutions business was depressed by reduced profitability from chemical manufacturing and lower volumes from key customers in the retail and industrial operations; partially offset by strong performances from the automotive contract logistics businesses. Palletways experienced good volume and revenue growth but its profitability was depressed by increased costs in the UK and Italy.

ROIC declined marginally to 8,3% from 8,6%.

Note: ROIC and WACC are calculated on a rolling 12 month basis.

Since the publication of the HY1 2017 results there have been adjustments to the sub-divisions of Motus, requiring the segmental report to be amended and the reported HY1 2017 numbers to be restated in the FY 2017 results. These changes comprised reallocations of: appropriate eliminations to Motus out of group head office and eliminations; the transfer of the African distributorship operations from the Vehicle Retail and Rental sub-division to the Vehicle Import and Distribution sub-division; and the transfer of Beekmans from the Vehicle Import and Distribution sub-division to the After Market Parts sub-division. The numbers were also adjusted to include the VAPs business in Financial Services.

Motus is Southern Africa’s largest vehicle group, operating across the motor value chain, importing, distributing, retailing and renting vehicles and aftermarket parts, supported and augmented by Motor Related Financial Services.

Revenue and operating profit for Motus increased by 16% and 5% respectively, with all four sub-divisions recording revenue and profit growth. This was mainly due to competitive vehicle pricing and a strong improvement in entry level and pre-owned vehicle sales in South Africa, where stable interest rates improved affordability. The acquisitions of Pentagon in the UK and SWT in Australia contributed positively to revenue, but at lower margins. Excluding businesses held for sale, revenue and operating profit increased by 18% and 4% respectively.

During the period Motus grew unit vehicle sales by 7% compared to national unit vehicle sales growth of 5% as reported by NAAMSA. The Motus passenger and commercial vehicle businesses, including the UK and Australia, retailed 73 353 (2017: 59 696) new and 40 067 (2017: 36 580) pre-owned vehicles during the six months.

Property disposals and reduced investment in property and vehicles for hire resulted in net capital expenditure declining from R1,8 billion in the prior period to R1,1 billion.

While we have provided separate ROIC, WACC and net debt to equity ratios for each sub-division, these ratios should not be analysed in isolation as the sub-divisions of Motus operate in a uniquely integrated manner, to optimise client offerings and market penetration with numerous cross-selling initiatives across the vehicle value chain.

Despite acquisitions, Motus’ debt to equity ratio at 62% is below the prior period, mainly as a result of disciplined working capital management, proceeds received from the disposal of non-strategic properties and reduced capital expenditure in vehicles for hire.

Vehicle Import and Distribution

Exclusive South African importer of Hyundai, Kia, Renault and Mitsubishi automotive brands, with Nissan distributorships in six African countries.

Note: ROIC and WACC are calculated on a rolling 12 month basis.

Retail dealerships that were previously part of Vehicle Import, Distribution and Dealerships are now included in the Vehicle Retail and Rental sub-division.

Revenue and operating profit from this sub-division increased by 10% and 6% respectively, as sales volumes increased by 10% (Hyundai up 5%, Kia up 27% and Renault up 38%) with our vehicle mix aligned to market demand. The Motus importer segment market share increased from 14,6% in the prior period to 15,3%.

At the end of January 2018, Hyundai and Kia forward cover on the US Dollar and Euro imports extends to August 2018 at average rates of R13,50 to the US Dollar and R15,76 to the Euro. New trading arrangements with Renault have rendered forward cover redundant. With the exception of Renault, Imperial’s current guideline is to cover a minimum of seven months forward and up to 75% of annual forecast orders, as stipulated by the South African Reserve Bank.

The African distributorships performed below expectations due to weak consumer demand in most of the markets in which we operate. The capital deployed in these operations has been reduced and the viability of these operations are under review.

During the period ROIC increased to 9,4% from 6,2%, resulting from a significant reduction in working capital, lower investment in vehicles for hire and the sale of non-strategic properties.

Vehicle Retail and Rental

Representative in South Africa of 22 OEMs through 343 vehicle dealerships (including 94 pre-owned), 245 franchised dealerships and 20 commercial vehicle dealerships, with 113 car rental outlets (Europcar and Tempest).

Manages and operates 58 commercial and 32 passenger vehicle dealerships in the UK, 33 passenger vehicle dealerships in Australia and 16 car rental outlets (Europcar and Tempest) in Southern Africa.

Note: ROIC and WACC are calculated on a rolling 12 month basis.

All retail dealerships that were previously part of Vehicle Import, Distribution and Dealerships are now included in this sub-division.

The Vehicle Retail and Rental operations recorded an increase in revenue and operating profit of 15% and 4% respectively, assisted by the inclusion of the UK (Pentagon) and Australian (SWT) acquisitions which enhanced revenue but reduced margins.

The Motus passenger and light commercial vehicle (LCV) businesses in South Africa experienced a 6% increase in new vehicle sales units from 27 008 to 28 645. Dealerships of the importer brands performed particularly well mainly due to an increase in sales volumes in Hyundai, Kia and Renault. Higher sales of entry level hatch vehicles and small SUVs were recorded compared to lower sales volumes in the luxury brands segment. Nine underperforming dealerships were closed during the period. The commercial vehicle business in South Africa performed well in challenging trading conditions and increased operating profit off a low base. The parts and aftersales segments continue to perform well.

Revenue and operating profit in the UK business increased by 84% and 23% respectively due to strong performance from the UK Commercials operations and the acquisition of Pentagon. The passenger segment performed below expectations and remains under pressure due to Brexit-related consumer concerns, a reduction in sales of diesel vehicles and Vauxhall changing ownership from General Motors to the French PSA group. The latter resulted in substantially reduced OEM assistance, which is expected to improve in the second half of the financial year as PSA implements its new trading policies.

Car rental increased its revenue and operating profit by 16% and 9% respectively due to increased vehicle rental volumes from the inbound and leisure segments, and higher post rental vehicle sales. The vehicle rental utilisation was maintained at 70%, while accident costs remain high but lower than the prior period.

The Australian vehicle market recorded marginal growth in the reporting period but margins on new vehicles remain under pressure. The Australian operations increased revenue by 12% but operating profit decreased by 8% compared to the prior period in which two new model launches in the Ford franchise were exceptionally successful. This was partially offset by the acquisition of SWT, concluded in October 2017, which is performing in line with expectations.

ROIC reduced to 8,6% from 13,0% due to increased working capital and the acquisition of the lower margin Pentagon and SWT auto dealer groups.

Aftermarket Parts

Distributor, wholesaler and retailer of accessories and parts for older vehicles, through 35 owned branches, 43 retailed owned stores and network of 720 Midas (AAAS), Alert Engine Parts and Turbo Exchange franchised outlets.

Note: ROIC and WACC are calculated on a rolling 12 month basis.

Revenue and operating profit grew by 7% and 8% respectively, supported by tighter cost control and strong performances from Alert Engine Parts and Beekmans. Midas’ (AAAS) performance was flat, depressed by market contraction, increased pricing pressure and consumers trading down.

ROIC decreased to 19,4% from 23,2% due to increased working capital and an investment in a warehouse facility which was included in invested capital.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motor Related Financial Services

Markets and administers service, maintenance and warranty plans, and other value-added products (~664 000 vehicles under management). Develops and distributes innovative vehicle-related financial products and services through dealer and vehicle finance channels, online and a national call centre. Provides fleet management services.

Note: ROIC and WACC are calculated on a rolling 12 month basis. Includes the VAPs business for all reporting periods.

*The operating margin reflects various business ventures that yield operating profits without any associated revenues.

**Includes net cash of R728 million.

Motor Related Financial Services grew revenue and operating profit by 12% and 2% respectively, supported by higher profitability in demo vehicle sales and maintenance funds, with the loan book and returns from alliances with financial institutions recording strong growth. Increased sales of monthly versus longer term service and maintenance plans depressed margins. Arising from the Regent transaction, the prior period includes once-off income of R46 million included in the VAPS business, which is not included in the current period.

We continue to focus on growing the fleet management business and building synergies within the retail motor sub-divisions.

ROIC increased from 55,6% to 59,6% due to higher profitability during the rolling 12 month period.

Group profit and loss (extracts)

Note: WACC for each sub-division of the group is calculated by making appropriate country/regional risk adjustments for the cost of equity and pricing for the cost of debt depending on jurisdiction. The group WACC calculation is a weighted average of the respective sub-divisional WACCs. See glossary of terms. ROIC is calculated based on taxed operating profit plus income from associates divided by the 12 month average invested capital (total equity and net interest-bearing borrowings).

Group profit before tax increased 13%, attributable to:

• an increase in group operating profit of R138 million;
• a R75 million decrease in net finance costs due to lower average debt levels;
• foreign exchange losses decreased by R37 million to R84 million mainly due to:
  – Forex losses in Imperial Logistics (due mainly to a strengthening Rand in African Regions) were contained to R39 million against R153 million in the prior period; and
  – Motus losses of R52 million compared to a gain of R12 million in the prior period due mainly to mark to market losses on forward exchange options used as hedges against the strengthening of the Rand.
• acquisition costs were R24 million lower than the prior period which included transaction costs for Palletways; and
• amortisation of intangibles arising from business combinations decreased by R37 million due to certain intangible assets being fully amortised in F2017.

The above was offset by impairment losses of R72 million relating to assets held for sale and income from associates which declined due to Mix Telematics being sold in the prior period and the underperformance of MDS Logistics in Nigeria.

The effective tax rate for the group at 30% is in line with the prior year.

Profits to non-controlling interests increased compared to the prior period mainly due to improved results from Renault and Ecohealth. The recent acquisitions of Surgipharm and Itumele Bus Lines also contributed to the increase.

Reconciliation from earnings to headline earnings

Earnings and headline earnings per share

* Prior year restated for VAPS reallocated from discontinued to continuing operations (R36 million increase in operating profit) and prior year restatement (R40 million increase in operating profit).

Financial position

The three most significant factors impacting the financial position at 31 December 2017 compared to 30 June 2017 were:

• since 30 June 2017, the Rand strengthened by 6% to the USD, 2% to the GBP and 1% to the Euro. This resulted in the overall balance sheet decreasing with a net R312 million negative impact to the foreign currency translation reserve;
• the disposals of Schirm and Transport Holdings Botswana resulted in assets to the value of R2,6 billion and liabilities of R627 million being reclassified as held for sale on the balance sheet; and
• the acquisitions of Surgipharm (R490 million), Pentagon (R479 million) and SWT (R261 million), and a further 19% in Ecohealth (R627 million) during the period.

Goodwill and intangible assets decreased by 4% to R9,2 billion due to:

• the strengthening of the Rand;
• reclassification to assets of disposal groups; and
• amortisation of intangible assets arising from business combinations contributed R226 million to the decline.

The above was partly offset by the acquisitions of Surgipharm (R537 million), Pentagon (R185 million) and SWT (R212 million).

Property, plant and equipment decreased by 7% to R9,7 billion due to:

• reclassification of PPE in Schirm and Transport Holdings Botswana as held for sale;
• currency adjustments; and
• disposals of PPE.

The above was partly offset by additions to PPE net of depreciation (mainly in Logistics) and the acquisitions of Pentagon, SWT and Surgipharm.

Investment in associates and joint ventures increased by 20% resulting from the acquisitions of IC Arco Motor Industry Limited, 58 Fleet Investment and Imperial Mobility Associates.

Vehicles for hire increased by 13% mainly due to re-fleeting ahead of the peak season.

Net working capital was in line with 30 June 2017 but improved significantly when compared to the prior period largely due to disciplined working capital management, an increase in the FEC liability due to the strengthening Rand and extended credit terms from suppliers in Motus.

Investment and other financial assets increased 51% due to the reclassification of dividends receivable from cell captives from trade and other receivables and an increase in investments (long-term deposits) in Motor Related Financial Services, partially offset by dividends received from the cell captives.

Other assets increased by 17% mainly due to an increase in deferred tax assets. The increase in the deferred tax asset balance is mainly due to the deferred tax recognised on the re-measurement of foreign currency instruments in the hedging reserve.

The decrease in other liabilities by 10% is mainly due to the settlement of the put option in Ecohealth.

In addition to attributable profits, shareholders’ equity was impacted by:

• the strengthening of the Rand which resulted in a loss in the foreign currency translation reserve of R324 million;
• a decrease in the hedging reserve of R199 million; and
• the repurchase of ordinary shares totalling R113 million to hedge the share scheme (average price of R212,49 per share).

The above was partially offset by capital raised from non-controlling interests.

Movement in equity for the six months to December 2017

Cash flow

Cash generated by operations after working capital movements, interest and tax payments was R2,7 billion (2017: R468 million).

Net working capital decreased compared to the prior period due to disciplined working capital management an increase in the FEC liability due to the strengthening Rand and extended credit terms from suppliers in Motus.

Net capital expenditure reduced from R2,4 billion to R1,4 billion, down 41%. Capital expenditure in the prior year included the majority of the contributions towards the chemical manufacturing plant and the additional convoys in South America. The current year capital expenditure was reduced by the proceeds from the property disposals of R606 million and reduced investment in vehicles for hire and properties in Motus.

Net debt increased by 15% or R2,2 billion (in line with expectations) from June 2017 but decreased by 13% or R2,5 billion from December 2016.

The proceeds of the disposal of Schirm (~R2,0 billion) was received on 30 January 2018. Adjusted for this, net debt at 31 December 2017 equates to R14,9 billion, bringing the net debt:equity ratio to 71%.

The main contributors to the net outflow of R1,0 billion relating to acquisitions and disposals were the acquisitions of Surgipharm, Pentagon and SWT.

Outflows from equities, investments and loans amounted to R312 million, resulting mainly from:

• net increase in investments mainly from longer-term deposits in Motor Related Financial Services;
• net cash outflow on the settlement of Surgipharm warranty payment; and
• repayment of loans in Surgipharm and Ecohealth.

Dividends amounting to R781 million were paid during the period.

The change in non-controlling interest outflow mainly relates to cash paid for the purchase of a further 19% interest in Ecohealth of R627 million.

Liquidity

The group’s liquidity position is strong with R11,0 billion of unutilised banking facilities, excluding asset backed finance facilities. 75% of the group debt is long term in nature and 41% of the debt is at fixed rates. The group’s international and national scale credit rating by Moody’s is unchanged at Baa3 and Aa1.za.

An interim cash dividend of 323 cents per ordinary share (2017: 320 cents per share) has been declared, in line with our targeted pay-out ratio of 45% of HEPS, subject to prevailing circumstances. The prior period’s dividend was based on results including discontinued operations. The comparable dividend for HY1 2018 excluding discontinued operations increased by 11%.

Messrs Roboijane (Moses) Kgosana and Younaid Waja resigned as independent non-executive directors of the Imperial board and from the various sub-committees and subsidiaries on which they served on 8 September 2017 and 13 October 2017 respectively. We thank them for their service to Imperial and wish both every success with their future endeavours.

We are encouraged by the quantitative and qualitative progress of Imperial. Over the past six months the group has produced a satisfactory financial result in testing trading conditions, while approaching the advanced stages of one of the most comprehensive organisation renewals by a South African based multinational.

Imperial’s 70th Anniversary coincides with a new more hopeful era of political leadership in South Africa. The structural problems facing our country will not be solved easily or quickly, but we believe that President Ramaphosa will model his office on the values, style and inclusive statesmanship of Nelson Mandela. This is evident in the earliest days of his presidency and we will demonstrate full support for his declared agenda.

Our near term expectations are unchanged. We anticipate solid operating and financial results in the year to June 2018, subject to stable currencies in the economies in which we operate, and South Africa retaining its investment grade.

In the six months to June 2018 for continuing operations we expect:

• Capital efficiency to improve.
• Logistics and Motus to increase revenues and operating profit at a higher rate than the first half.
• Imperial Holdings to increase revenues and operating profit at a higher rate than the first half.
• Imperial Holdings to produce a double-digit growth in headline earnings per share substantially higher than the first half, off the low base of 2017.

With thanks to all stakeholders, we will continue to execute on our espoused strategies.

The forecast financial information herein has not been reviewed or reported on by Imperial’s auditors.

for the six months ended 31 December 2017

Preference shareholders

Notice is hereby given that a gross interim preference dividend of 425,38356 cents per preference share has been declared by the board of Imperial, payable to holders of 4 540 041 non-redeemable, non-participating preference shares. The dividend will be paid out of reserves.

The preference dividend will be subject to a local dividend tax rate of 20%. The net preference dividend, to those shareholders who are not exempt from paying dividend tax, is therefore 340,30685 cents per share.

Ordinary shareholders

Notice is hereby given that a gross interim ordinary dividend in the amount of 323,00000 cents per ordinary share has been declared by the board of Imperial, payable to holders of 201 139 981 ordinary shares. The dividend will be paid out of reserves.

The ordinary dividend will be subject to a local dividend tax rate of 20%. The net ordinary dividend, to those shareholders who are not exempt from paying dividend tax, is therefore 258,40000 cents per share.

The company has determined the following salient dates for the payment of the preference dividend and ordinary dividend:

	2018
Last day for preference shares and ordinary shares respectively to trade cum-preference dividend and cum ordinary dividend	Monday, 19 March
Preference and ordinary shares commence trading ex-preference dividend and ex-ordinary dividend respectively	Tuesday, 20 March
Record date	Friday, 23 March
Payment date	Monday, 26 March

The company’s income tax number is 9825178719.

Share certificates may not be dematerialised/re-materialised between Tuesday, 20 March 2018 and Friday, 23 March 2018, both days inclusive.

On Monday, 26 March 2018, amounts due in respect of the preference dividend and the ordinary dividend will be electronically transferred to the bank accounts of certificated shareholders that utilise this facility. In respect of those who do not, cheques dated 26 March 2018 will be posted on or about that date. Shareholders who have dematerialised their shares will also have their accounts, held at their CSDP or Broker, credited on Monday, 26 March 2018.

On behalf of the board

RA Venter
Group Company Secretary

19 February 2018