Dangote Flour Plc released its 2013 H1 results showing a 1.7% rise in revenues to N29.3billion (2012 H1: N28.9billion). Gross Profit however dropped 40% to N2.5billion (2012 H1: N4.1billion). Pre-tax loss was N3.7billion compared to N749million loss a year earlier. Revenue reserves has basically been reduced by 74% to just N936million in just under six months.
See more detailes below;
The company released the following statements regarding the results (see notable highlights in red)
DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC
Commentary: Financial performance for the six months ending June 2013
Overview
The group’s performance for the six-month period ended June 2013 continues to reflect the significant challenges being faced by the business in the short term. Sales volumes continue to be impacted by intense competition arising from over-capacity of supply in the flour milling sector, as well as unresolved debt issues, which have resulted in the moderation of credit extension to customers. Profitability has been further impacted by pricing pressures resulting from significant input cost inflation in the raw material cost of wheat, which has increased by 17% relative to the corresponding prior period and has been exacerbated by the 15% wheat levy imposed with effect from 1 July 2012. The results also reflect once off costs of N796million resulting from the new management team’s focus on the right-sizing of the business and the optimisation of supply chain efficiencies and product quality. Management continues to focus on improving service levels and driving demand in order to improve capacity utilization and sales volumes, whilst managing margin pressures to ensure an improved profit performance. Progress is being achieved in improving the group’s internal controls and business systems.
Financial performance
Group turnover of N29.4billion was 1.7% ahead of corresponding prior year period. Group profitability was negatively affected by ongoing volume pressures, as well as significant input cost inflation, which could not be fully recovered through price increases. Operating loss before interest and tax of N1.68billion included non-recurring abnormal costs of N796 million relating to retrenchment costs as well as the write off of obsolete stock and fixed assets. Net financing costs of N2,1billion is reflective of the compounding effect of the group’s increased debt and high cost of borrowing, which is currently being reviewed.
Dangote Flour
Turnover for the six-month period ended 30 June 2013 increased by 6.6% to N15.6billion. However, above inflationary cost increases in the raw material cost of wheat resulted in an operating loss of N1.9billion for the period. The business has embarked on a turnaround strategy to ensure adherence to world-class manufacturing standards and operating disciplines and whilst this has resulted in significant once off costs in the period, satisfactory progress is being achieved in improving product quality and service levels.
Dangote Pasta
The Pasta business experienced significant challenges during the period that arose from product quality and supply chain issues. The manufacturing facility was shut down for a three-week period in order to address production inefficiencies and to ensure consistent product quality and service levels. Consequently, sales volumes were negatively affected during the period and turnover declined by 39.2% to N2.9billion, relative to the corresponding prior period.
Dangote Noodles
The Noodles business achieved a 28% increase in turnover to N2.9billion for the six-month period ended 30 June 2013. This was underpinned by strong volume growth, which resulted from an improvement in service levels. During the period under review, the Noodles manufacturing facility in Calabar, which had previously been moth-balled, was reactivated in order to supplement market demand.
Dangote Agrosacks
Turnover for the Agrosacks business increased by 15% to N9.2billion and operating income after abnormal items grew by 47% to N1,46billion.Outlook
The group continues to implement its turnaround strategy in a challenging trading environment and it is envisaged that the “back to basics focus” will continue for the balance of the current financial
Wheat Prices seem to be dropping as well. So maybe things might just improve in the third quarter for the Flour Mills division;
Dangote Plc released its 2013 H1 results in the website of the NSE