Companies in the news!
**South32 (S32) Delivers Solid Results Despite Mozal Setback**
South32 maintained its production guidance, despite challenges at Mozal Aluminium due to civil unrest in Mozambique. Aluminium output rose 5% in the December half, but alumina production dipped by 2%. The company returned $169M to shareholders while investing $210M in capital projects. CEO Graham Kerr highlights strong results, with key contributions from Aluminium and base metals.
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**BHP (BHG) Sees Strong Copper Growth Amid Iron Ore Stability**
BHP’s copper production jumped 10%, with Escondida contributing a 22% surge. Iron ore production remained steady, achieving record half-year tonnes. The company’s venture with Lundin Mining to develop major copper projects marks a significant development. With unit costs in line and production guidance unchanged, BHP’s focus shifts to balancing its iron ore dominance and copper ambitions.
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**Mr Price (MRP) Posts Robust Sales Growth, Outpaces Market**
Mr Price reports a 10.6% jump in group retail sales, driven by a 10.9% increase in Apparel and 16.5% growth in Telecoms. The group gained market share across all divisions, maintaining strong momentum into the second half of FY25. With a strong retail outlook, consolidation seems more likely than further surges for now.
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**Foschini (TFG) Boosts Online Sales and Sees Solid Growth**
TFG posted an 8.4% revenue increase for Q3 FY25, driven by a 47.2% surge in online sales. With strong growth in both TFG Africa and TFG London, the company plans to open over 100 new stores in FY2026. Gross margins improved, showing a positive outlook for the remainder of FY25.
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**Clicks (CLS) Posts 8.1% Turnover Growth, Accelerates Expansion**
Clicks continues to perform strongly with an 8.1% turnover increase, boosted by strong health and pharmacy sales. The group also expanded its pharmacy footprint, granting 27 new retail licences. CEO Bertina Engelbrecht praised the strong start to FY25, with market share gains across all product categories.
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Companies in the news!
**Sasol (SOL) Faces Operational Hurdles, But Focuses on Self-Help Initiatives**
Sasol’s first-half results faced challenges from civil unrest and operational issues at Secunda. Despite setbacks, including a refinery fire and reduced coal quality, the company remains committed to improving performance. FY25 guidance is largely unchanged, but downward adjustments were made for international chemicals sales.
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**Quilter (QLT) Sees Record Inflows and Strong Growth**
Quilter posted £5.2bn in core net inflows in 2024, with Q4 seeing £2bn alone. CEO Steven Levin highlighted the strong results driven by strategic investments in platform enhancements and financial planning. The company is well-positioned for continued growth, though its stock price reflects these positive outcomes.
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**Super Group (SPG) Faces Challenges, But Financial Position Remains Strong**
Super Group’s earnings took a hit due to poor performance in the UK dealership business and lower coal exports. However, the group remains financially solid, with healthy cash flow and plans to sell off underperforming assets, including its stake in SG Fleet. Investors are watching for further clarity on how second-half performance will unfold.
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**Cashbuild (CSB) Grows Revenue, Maintains Strong Transaction Growth**
Cashbuild’s Q2 FY2025 revenue grew 6%, with a 5% increase in sales year-to-date. Store transactions were up 8%, and the company opened 3 new stores while closing 6 underperforming ones. The positive trends suggest sustained growth and a healthy outlook for the remainder of FY2025.
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