Turnover for the year increased by 5.3% to R95.461 billion (2016: R90.689 billion), gross profit jumped to R9.631 billion (2016: R8.407 billion), trading profit decreased to R2.583 billion (2016: R2.598 billion), profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders rose to R1.820 billion (2016: R1.815 billion), while headline earnings per share lowered 6.6% to 952.5 cents per share (2016: 1 020 cents per share).

Dividend
A gross final cash dividend of 435 cents per share has been declared by the board in respect of the year ended 30 September 2017. The dividend has been declared out of income reserves.

Company prospects
In Southern Africa, despite the expectation that political and economic uncertainties will continue, SPAR remains committed to driving its key strategic focus areas to support retailer profitability and deliver real business growth. These initiatives include ongoing, significant investments in the group's distribution network, competitive pricing and ensuring a comprehensive product range.

The BWG Group's growth outlook remains cautious as economic uncertainty in the region continues. Local management have reacted to the prevailing market conditions and are confident of delivering further strong results. This business will be evaluating further potential acquisition opportunities to expand its offering to consumers, while improving services to the existing retail network.

The results achieved in this period are early signs that the turnaround strategy being implemented in Switzerland has started delivering the expected benefits. The management team will continue to focus on retail performance to deliver SPAR's expected returns.

With its geographically diversified businesses comprising well-established retail brands in its chosen markets, SPAR's board and management are confident that the group is well placed to continue creating value for shareholders.

The SPAR Group Limited published this content on 15 November 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 15 November 2017 15:54:09 UTC.

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