WHL: WOOLWORTHS HOLDINGS LIMITED - Unaudited interim group results for the 26 weeks ended 29 December 2019 and cash dividend declaration
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Unaudited interim group results for the 26 weeks ended 29 December 2019 and cash dividend declaration
Woolworths Holdings Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Registration number 1929/001986/06
LEI: 37890095421E07184E97
Share code: WHL
Share ISIN: ZAE000063863
Bond code: WHLI
('the Group', 'the Company' or 'WHL')
UNAUDITED INTERIM GROUP RESULTS FOR THE 26 WEEKS ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2019 AND
CASH DIVIDEND DECLARATION
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Adoption of IFRS 16: Our statutory results for this period include the first time adoption
of IFRS 16 on a modified retrospective basis, with no restatement of the prior period reported
results. The key financial metrics reflect the results on a post and pre IFRS 16 basis;
however, to aid comparability, the commentary that follows excludes the impact of IFRS 16.
Post IFRS 16 Pre IFRS 16
Turnover and concession sales +3.8% to R40.9 billion
Adjusted profit before tax -21.0% to R2.1 billion -12.3% to R2.4 billion
Earnings per share -16.9% to 164.1 cps -9.0% to 179.8 cps
Headline earnings per share -17.7% to 164.9 cps -10.1% to 180.2 cps
Adjusted diluted headline earnings per share -20.1% to 162.2 cps -11.7% to 179.1 cps
Interim dividend per share -3.3% to 89.0 cps
Return on equity* 15.8% from 16.6% 15.3% from 16.6%
* David Jones asset impairment added back
COMMENTARY
Group turnover and concession sales for the 26 weeks ended 29 December 2019 ('current period')
increased by 3.8% compared to the 26 weeks ended 23 December 2018 ('prior period') and by 4.6% in
constant currency terms. As previously reported, the 2019 financial year had a 53-week year, which
resulted in a shift in trading weeks in 2020 compared to the prior financial year. This shift resulted in the
Christmas week, including Boxing Day which is a significant trading day in Australia, falling into the first
half of the current year compared to the second half of the prior year.
Woolworths SA
In South Africa, the constrained economic environment, exacerbated by the disruption to trade caused
by power outages, unseasonal weather in parts of the country and an underperformance in clothing led
to a slower second quarter.
Woolworths Fashion, Beauty and Home ('FBH')
Sales and comparable store sales both grew by 2.2% and by 0.9% after adjusting for the shift in trading
weeks. Price movement in Fashion categories was 4.0% and overall net space growth across FBH was
1.2%. Our Black Friday performance was disappointing due to under-participation. Womenswear underperformed
as a result of some product failure, a lack of newness in summer and higher price points, which also impacted
sales and volumes.
Gross profit margin decreased by 0.5% to 46.6% mainly due to stock write-offs as South African brands exit the
Australian market. Expenses grew by 4.8%, while store costs increased by 3.7%, resulting in negative operating
leverage. Operating profit decreased by 8.9% to R834 million, with an operating margin of 11.5%.
Woolworths Food
Turnover and concession sales increased by 8.1%, and by 7.8% after adjusting for the shift in trading
weeks, with comparable store sales 5.4% higher and price movement of 5.1%. The business has
maintained positive volume growth for the period and continues to grow market share. Net space growth
was 4.0%.
Gross profit margin of 24.6% was in line with the prior period despite further price investment. Expenses
grew by 8.5% and operating profit increased by 8.0% to R1 157 million, with an operating margin of 6.9%.
Woolworths Financial Services
The Woolworths Financial Services book reflected positive year-on-year growth of 8.3% as at the end
of December 2019. The annualised impairment rate for the six months ended 31 December 2019 was
3.3% (six months ended 31 December 2018: 3.2%).
David Jones
Turnover and concession sales for the period increased by 4.9%, but were disappointingly 0.5% lower after adjusting for
the shift of the Christmas week. The bushfires impacted footfall and sales at the end of the half, although
sales were up 1.3% for the second quarter and we gained market share in a tough market. The disruption from the
Elizabeth Street store refurbishment had a significant impact, but this was reduced in the last two weeks
of December subsequent to the opening of the ground floor. Comparable store sales (which include online) were 0.4%
lower after adjusting for the trading week shift. Online sales grew by 61.8% and now comprise 10.4% of
total sales.
Gross profit margin was 2.9% lower than the prior period due to the inclusion of Boxing Day clearance
in the first half, a higher proportion of promotional sales, disruption from refurbishments and reversal
of certain inventory related provisions in the first half of last year. Store costs increased by 4.7%, while
other operating costs were flat on the prior period. Operating profit declined to A$20.0 million, with an
operating margin of 1.7%.
Country Road Group
Sales, which were also impacted by the bushfires, declined by 2.5%. However, sales increased by 3.3%
excluding the impact of the Myer exit. Comparable store sales (which include online) grew by 0.1% after
adjusting for the shift in trading weeks. Online sales in Australasia grew by 6.2% and now represents
21.4% of total Australasia sales. Net space in the Country Road Group reduced by 8.1%, which includes
the space exited in Myer. The Myer transfer to other channels has been better than expected.
Gross profit margin declined by 1.7% to 62.3% due to lower full-priced sales. Expenses were 4.1% lower
due to the Myer exit. Operating profit decreased by 8.2% to A$56.0 million, resulting in an operating
margin of 10.4%.
As the contribution from online sales increases, the reduction of unproductive space remains a priority
in David Jones and the Country Road Group.
Group earnings
Earnings per share and headline earnings per share ('HEPS') decreased by 9.0% and 10.1%
respectively. Adjusted diluted HEPS decreased by 11.7% to 179.1 cents per share.
Outlook
In South Africa, consumers remain under pressure from a weak economy amidst continued power
outages. FBH will focus on improving performance through better pricing and ranges, particularly
in Womenswear. Food is expected to continue to trade ahead of the market.
In Australia, consumer spending is likely to be muted in the short-term due to stagnant wage growth and
the impact of the bushfires. The heightened levels of competition and promotional activity is expected
to continue. David Jones is expected to benefit from the completion of the Elizabeth Street store
refurbishment, with trade normalising from the fourth quarter and the Market Street rent ceasing from FY2021.
Online is an increasingly important channel for the Group and we continue to invest in this growth driver.
The Coronavirus is significantly impacting tourism, footfall and sales in Australia. A further impact on
sourcing is also expected across the Group. The Group is currently actively considering ways to mitigate
the risks associated with the Coronavirus.
Any reference to future financial performance included in this statement has not been reviewed or
reported on by the Group's external auditors, and does not constitute an earnings forecast.
CHANGES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As previously advised on the JSE Stock Exchange News Service, the following changes to the Board
of Directors were effected during the period under review:
- Ms Belinda Earl and Mr Christopher Colfer were appointed to the Board as Non-executive Directors
on 1 July 2019.
- Mr Clive Thomson was appointed to the Board as a Non-executive Director on 19 August 2019 and
as Chairman of the Audit Committee on 27 November 2019.
- Messrs Simon Susman and Tom Boardman stepped down from the Board with effect from the
conclusion of the 2019 WHL Annual General Meeting.
- Mr Hubert Brody and Ms Zarina Bassa were appointed as Chairman of the Board and Lead
Independent Director respectively with effect from the conclusion of the 2019 WHL Annual General Meeting.
- Mr Ian Moir resigned as WHL Group Chief Executive Officer ('CEO') and as an Executive Director
with effect from 16 February 2020.
- Mr Roy Bagattini was appointed as WHL CEO and as an Executive Director with effect from 17 February 2020.
The Board wishes to thank Ian for his stewardship of the business over the past nine years during which
he oversaw a period of significant growth and transformation and welcomes Mr Bagattini as the new
WHL CEO.
H Brody R Bagattini
Chairman Group Chief Executive Officer
Cape Town, 19 February 2020
DIVIDEND DECLARATION
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors has declared an interim gross cash dividend per
ordinary share ('dividend') of 89.0 cents (71.2 cents net of dividend withholding tax) for the 26 weeks
ended 29 December 2019, a 3.3% decrease on the prior period's 92.0 cents per share. The dividend
has been declared from reserves and therefore does not constitute a distribution of 'contributed tax
capital' as defined in the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962. A dividend withholding tax of 20% will be applicable
to all shareholders who are not exempt.
The issued share capital at the declaration date is 1 048 533 621 ordinary shares.
The salient dates for the dividend will be as follows:
Last day of trade to receive a dividend Tuesday, 10 March 2020
Shares commence trading 'ex' dividend Wednesday, 11 March 2020
Record date Friday, 13 March 2020
Payment date Monday, 16 March 2020
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, 11 March 2020
and Friday, 13 March 2020, both days inclusive. Ordinary shareholders who hold dematerialised shares
will have their accounts at their CSDP or broker credited or updated on Monday, 16 March 2020. Where
applicable, dividends in respect of certificated shares will be transferred electronically to shareholders'
bank accounts on the payment date. In the absence of specific mandates, dividend cheques will be
posted to shareholders.
CA Reddiar
Group Company Secretary
Cape Town, 19 February 2020
ABOUT THIS ANNOUNCEMENT
Statement and availability
This short form announcement is the responsibility of the directors and is only a summary of the
information in the full announcement. The unaudited interim Group results were approved by the Board
of Directors on 19 February 2020, and the information in this announcement has been correctly
extracted from the unaudited interim Group results. Any investment decisions by investors and/or
shareholders and/or bondholders should be based on consideration of the full announcement, published
and available at: https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/2020/JSE/ISSE/WHLE/WHLFY20.pdf and on the
Company's website: https://www.woolworthsholdings.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/whlfy20.pdf.
The full announcement is also available at our registered office, Woolworths House, 93 Longmarket
Street, Cape Town 8001, for inspection, at no charge, during normal business hours from 20 February
2020 to 31 March 2020. Investors and/or shareholders and/or bondholders may request copies of the
full announcement from the Group Company Secretary at Governance@woolworths.co.za.
DIRECTORATE AND STATUTORY INFORMATION
Non-executive Directors
Hubert Brody (Chairman), Zarina Bassa (Lead Independent Director), Christopher Colfer (Canadian),
Belinda Earl (British), Andrew Higginson (British), David Kneale (British), Nombulelo Moholi, Thembisa
Skweyiya, Clive Thomson
Executive Directors
Roy Bagattini (Group Chief Executive Officer), Reeza Isaacs (Group Finance Director), Sam Ngumeni,
Zyda Rylands
Group Company Secretary
Chantel Reddiar
Registration number
1929/001986/06
LEI
37890095421E07184E97
Share code
WHL
Share ISIN
ZAE000063863
Bond code
WHLI
Registered address
Woolworths House, 93 Longmarket Street
Cape Town 8001, South Africa
PO Box 680, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Tax number
9300/149/71/4
JSE sponsor
Rand Merchant Bank (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited)
Transfer secretaries
Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited
15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank 2196, South Africa
Date: 20-02-2020 07:05:00
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WOOLWORTHS HOLDINGS LIMITED 
