JD Group FY HEPS at 93.6c vs 397.1c in 2013

Group revenue from continuing operations increased by 4.9% to R30.6bn from R29.2bn in the year-earlier period‚ while operating profit from continuing operations decreased to R537m from R1bn previously‚ primarily as a result of the "challenging operating conditions" in the household goods‚ appliances and electronics retail environment‚ the company said.

The loss from discontinued operations for the year amounted to R2.1bn. The JD Group did not declare a full-year dividend.

The year under review remained very challenging as customers' disposable income continued to decline‚ which affected both the retail and consumer finance businesses‚ the company said.

"Management restructured the business materially during the year to ensure the sustainability of the business. Operating expenses pertaining to continuing operations increased by only 3.1% to R7.4bn‚ reflecting the result of management's efforts to restructure the business and its focus on cost reduction‚" it said.

The group said it had accepted an offer from an international consumer finance provider to acquire‚ subject to due diligence and conditions precedent‚ JD Group's consumer finance division‚ excluding its insurance operations.

Meanwhile‚ Unitrans Auto remained the largest contributor of revenue and profits for the group‚ the company said.

"Despite a subdued automotive retail market and disruptions caused by the motor industry strikes‚ revenue increased by 13.2% and margins were largely maintained at 2.9%‚" it said.

Looking ahead‚ management said it was confident that the correct strategic and operational plans were being put in place to grow market share in the household goods and appliances and electronics market.

"This‚ coupled with the product-related insurance offering‚ should increase the contribution from these businesses in future years. SteinBuild is now well-poised to take advantage of both organic and acquisitive opportunities going forward. Used vehicle sales are expected to improve as a result of new vehicle price inflation due to the weaker South African currency‚" the company said.

Source: Business Day