Shoprite recovers after ‘testing’ year

The supermarket chain says an improvement in fourth-quarter sales has continued into its new financial year.

BHP pays record dividend

The diversified miner has increased its final payout by more than expected despite disappointing growth in earnings for the year.

Harmony’s losses narrow as production rises

The gold producer says it is well positioned to benefit from the uplift in gold prices.

KAP maintains dividend after tough year

The industrial group has reported a 31% dip in net profit partly due to charges associated with an empowerment deal last year.

Strike takes it out of Transpaco

The packaging maker and recycler has reported a sharp dip in earnings after a strike affected its business trading period.

Cell C gets Blue Label down

The group has delayed the release of its annual results as it assesses the value of its investment in the mobile network operator.

WBHO warns on earnings decline

The engineering and construction has attributed a fall of as much as 40% in profit to losses taken on an Australian roads project.

ARM takes impairment on the chin

The diversified mining group will report lower basic earnings after impairing Nkomati Nickel and its investment in Malaysia’s Sakura Ferroalloys.

The Week Ahead of 19 August 2019 with Chris Gilmour

Global growth concerns hit equity markets. Nervousness spilled over into other emerging markets during last week and hit South Africa as well.

Massmart gets green light for new CEO

Mitchell Slape will take control at the ailing retailer the day after it reports an operating loss due to weak sales growth and rising expenses.

Santova completes Maritime deal

The logistics company says buying MLG Maritime Cargo Logistics will increase its presence along key international trade routes.

Sasol sinks on Lake Charles

The group has delayed the release of its results due to problems at the US project but does not expect further cost overruns.

Discovery shrugs off immediate NHI threat

The medical aid administrator says the rollout will take place over an extended period and there will still be a place for private health insurance.

Grindrod tanks on trading statement

Impairments on discontinued operations will result in an interim loss but its continuing businesses have done well despite the weak economy.

Obstacles in Imperial’s road

The logistics group expects to reported lower earnings with no quick recovery due to weak economic conditions in SA and Europe.

Stadio marked up on earnings score

The private education group expects to report a rise of as much as 50% in interim earnings.

City Lodge’s earnings fall as vacancies rise

The hotels group says it is working on growing market share in a depressed environment.

Empowerment deal affects Sanlam’s earnings

The life assurer says first-half earnings will decline by up to 35% due to once-off charges linked to a recent empowerment deal.

Office takes it out of Truworths

The retailer has impaired its investment in the UK shoe chain but is not contemplating a major financial restructuring of the business.

Gold Fields profitable as production rises

The gold producer expects its cash-generating ability to continue increasing as it reduces capex and gets more out of new projects.

Implats guides on profit surge

The platinum producer will report a return to profitability thanks to higher prices for its metal and an improved operational performance.

Who’s doing what this week in the South African M&A space?

Weekly summary of M&A activity by South African companies

Who’s doing what in the African M&A space?

Weekly summary of all M&A activity from across Africa (excluding South Africa)

Harmony to report improved earnings

The gold producer has benefitted from the full-year inclusion of its Moab Khotsong and Hidden Valley mines as well as lower impairments.

Sugar tax decays RCL's earnings

The food producer is impairing its sugar business due to the impact of the Health Promotion Levy.

Weekly corporate finance activity by SA exchange-listed companies

Weekly summary of corporate finance activity by South African exchange listed companies

Thorts - Merging of economics ministries broadens merger control scope

The consolidation of two previously separate ministries, Economic Development (EDD) and Trade and Industry (DTI), has significantly broadened the Minister’s merger control ‘toolkit’.

Bitter UK medicine for Aspen

The pharmaceuticals group will pay £8 million and ensure competition in the supply of the medicine used to treat Addison’s Disease.

Curro plans further expansion as numbers grow

The private schools group says its focus will be on increasing its existing capacity rather than greenfield campuses.

Metair all charged up

The group says it has benefited from operational improvements but looming wage talks are clouding its outlook for the rest of the year.

South African banks and climate risk: latest developments

Standard Bank releases disappointing Coal-Fired Power Finance Policy.

Promises to keep to yourself

A sports scientist recently told me that an estimated 5% of people actually follow through on their fitness goals that are sparked by New Year’s Resolutions.

Safari and Fairvest break off talks

Safari says its independent board is now in a position to properly engage with Comprop on its rival bid for the property group.

Emira benefits from diversification

The real estate investment trust says investments in the US and in residential property have made it more defensive.

Exxaro’s earnings belie lower coal sales

The coal producer says a bigger contribution from its equity-accounted investments has compensated for weaker coal sales.