Companies in the news!
**Truworths: Sales Up, Earnings Down**
Truworths International saw retail sales rise to **R12.5 billion (+2.4%)**, but earnings per share (EPS) are expected to drop **7-11%**, mainly due to weaker margins in Truworths Africa. Online sales, however, surged **38%**. The UK’s Office segment remained strong, with **11.3% growth in GBP terms**. Full results land on **Feb 27**.
**Pepkor Powers Ahead with Double-Digit Growth**
Pepkor’s revenue jumped **12.1% to R26.7 billion**, fueled by a booming **Fintech division (+35%)** and solid retail growth. With **250-300 new stores planned for FY25**, momentum remains strong.
**Boxer Expands Fast, But Liquor Licenses Slow Progress**
Boxer’s revenue grew **11.4%** over 45 weeks, thanks to new store openings. Food inflation hit **6.1%**, but profits stayed on track. Liquor store openings, however, face delays due to licensing hurdles.
**Pick n Pay’s Online Boom Offsets Modest Growth**
Revenue grew **3.6%** over 45 weeks, led by supermarkets. Online sales soared **42.5%**, driven by **Pick n Pay asap!** and Mr D partnerships. The company’s turnaround strategy is showing early success.
**Bowler Metcalf Delivers Growth & Dividends**
Earnings per share climbed **17% to 86.25c**, with revenue up **6% to R459.4 million**. A **25c per share dividend** has been declared.
**Capitec’s Earnings Surge Over 30%**
Capitec expects **HEPS to rise 28-32%** on the back of better credit performance and growing transaction income. Full results drop on **April 23**.
**Vodacom: Strong Growth Despite Currency Pressure**
Revenue hit **R39.5 billion (+1.6%)**, but a stronger rand slowed overall gains. Service revenue in Egypt **soared 44.3%**, and financial services grew **5.7% (17.2% normalized)**. Vodacom now boasts **210 million customers** and processes **$1.2 billion daily** in mobile money transactions.
**Harmony Gold: Strong Production, Solid Cash Flow**
Gold output reached up to **805,000 ounces**, with underground grades exceeding targets. A strengthened balance sheet and **positive free cash flow** reinforce full-year production guidance.
**Gold Fields Profits Jump Over 40%**
HEPS is expected to **rise 36-47%**, thanks to strong gold production and disciplined cost management.
**DRDGOLD’s Earnings Soar 60-70%**
Boosted by a **26% higher gold price**, revenue jumped **28% to R3.8 billion**.
**Astral Foods: Huge Profit Recovery in Poultry & Animal Feed**
Operating profit rocketed **281% to R1.1 billion**, with EPS up **247%**. The company remains focused on efficiency and cost control.
**Sea Harvest Struggles With Lower Catches & High Inventories**
Earnings are set to drop **42-47%**, though excluding once-offs, core EPS should rise **14-19%**.
**Kumba Iron Ore: Profits Cut in Half by Weak Prices & Logistics Woes**
EPS is expected to drop **33-39%**, despite **8% higher production** in Q4. The outlook depends on improving Transnet logistics.
**ArcelorMittal SA: Deeper Losses Amid Steel Industry Challenges**
The company posted a **R4.4 billion operating loss**, citing blast furnace issues and inventory disposals. Talks with the government continue.
Companies in the news!
**Amplats Earnings Hit by Lower PGM Prices**
HEPS is set to fall **36-46%**, impacted by weaker platinum prices and asset write-downs.
**Jubilee’s Zambia Expansion Secures High-Grade Copper**
A new power deal and secured **200,000 tonnes of high-grade copper** aim to boost production for at least three years.
**Sasol Faces Profit Drop But Remains Focused**
HEPS is expected to decline **26-36%**, mainly due to lower oil prices and weaker refining margins. Full results come on **Feb 24**.
**Sappi Swings Back to Profit**
HEPS rebounded to **12 US cents (from -22c)** as cost-saving efforts paid off. The paper market remains tough, but dissolving pulp demand stays stable.
**Hudaco Holds Steady Despite Market Pressure**
HEPS dipped **6.3%**, but a **1025c dividend** was maintained, reflecting resilience in tough conditions.
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