Senwes Integrated Reports Senwes 2014/2015 Integrated Report | Page 24

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE The Group’s financial results for the 2014/2015 financial year reflect a profit after tax of R247 million in comparison with the previous year’s profit after tax of R251 million. Profit from continuing operations shows a profit after tax of R297 million. The increase of 77% in normalised headline earnings per share (normalised HEPS) can mainly be attributed to a good grain year and a consequent rise in silo operations income as well as more efficiency regarding operational and administrative expenses. The low grain prices until December as well as the drought that prevailed during the second part of the year, dampened the increase in normalised HEPS. Senwes managed to maintain its own capital ratio at 38%, which is within the capital maintenance guidelines. Unutilised short-term facilities as at 30 April 2015 amount to R979 million, which provides enough liquidity for future growth. The following are key financial ratios: • A 77% growth in normalised HEPS, from 99 cents per share to 175 cents per share. • Diluted headline earnings increased by 74% to 164 cents from 94 cents last year. • Earnings per share is 0,4% lower than the previous year. • Return on opening equity of 15%. • An increase in net asset value of 97 cents per share. • Dividend yield of 4,7% on opening market price, which represents a dividend of 50 cents per share. • Total shareholders’ return (capital growth + dividends) of R226 million was generated for the shareholders during the year under review. TARGET SETTING AND MONITORING RETURN ON EQUITY TARGET The Group’s return target is dependent on the composition of the portfolio. The current business portfolio is estimated as having a total return on equity potential of the ten year risk free rate (R186) plus market premium over a business cycle. For the financial year the set target was 13,58%. The actual return on equity amounted to 15% in 2015. The higher than targeted return on equity for 2015 reflects the improved earnings trend from business activities. An average return on equity of 19% was achieved over the last five years. 22.30 24 18 12 15.00 13.58 10.89 13.17 12.25 12.64 2013 2012 2011 0 2015 2014 Return on equity Targeted ROE OWN CAPITAL RATIO TARGET An important part of Senwes’ strategic platform is to maintain a stable financial base, which provides better scope for strategic choices in response to external challenges. Senwes uses the own capital ratio to measure its financial stability irrespective of the growth in the asset base. Senwes’ own capital target band is between 35% and 45% of total assets, which reflects Senwes’ desired financial risk profile and the Board’s view of long-term financial stability. The equity ratio was 38% as at 30 April 2015, which is 2% lower than in 2014. The marginal decrease was due to the increase business assets which form the basis of operational activities. 50% 45% 40% 38% 40% 40% 41% 40% 35% 30% 2015 Targeted band Senwes INTEGRATED REPORT 2015 20.70 15.70 2014 2013 Own capital to total assets ratio 22 21.25 2012 2011