Senwes Integrated Reports Senwes 2014/2015 Integrated Report | Page 30

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW: FINANCIAL SERVICES 25% SHARE OF TOTAL PROFIT FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES SENWES CREDIT (A DIVISION OF SENWES) Senwes Credit provides credit to its clients through production loans, monthly accounts, credit arrangements of a long-term nature and hire-purchases. Financial arrangements also occur with the off-takers of grain so as to create bridging finance for the operational costs of their businesses. Senwes Credit, through its Agricultural Services division, also renders services to producers in the field of agronomy, soil technology and animal science to optimise their operations. Our product offering is competitive in terms of its features and pricing, but we distinguish ourselves from other financial service providers through our agility, sustainable solutions, close relationships and fast turn-round times. 28 Senwes INTEGRATED INTERGRATED REPORT REPORT 2015 2015 OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE The substantial drop in commodity prices due to the record harvest resulted in a decline of approximately 40-50% in farming income when compared to a normal season. In effect it had a similar impact as experienced due to the previous season drought. This again resulted in slow repayment of the credit book but also higher credit margins. The debt is supported by strong balance sheets and the arrears were normalised to 4,0% (2014: 3,5%) of the total book by the end of April 2015. The credit book grew by 10,9% on average year-on-year and this contributed to a 27% increase in net profit. The profit share of Senwes Assets Finance represents a 21% increase compared to the 2014 financial year.