Page 12 - Novus Holdings In The News 2019

Novus Holdings reports stable performance
for six months ended 30 September 2018
Spokesperson: Neil Birch, Chief Executive Officer at Novus Holdings

Interim Financial Results Highlights for the Six Months Ended 30 September 2018:
– Revenue remained stable at R2 297m (2017: R2 295m)
– Operating profit in Packaging division increased by 90,8%, with Paarl Labels performance reporting an
increase in revenue of 23,2% and the inclusion of ITB Plastics
– Free cash flow improved by R162m to an outflow of R45 m (2017: outflow of R207m)

16 November 2017: Novus Holdings (JSE: NVS) announced a slight increase in revenue from R2 295 m to R2
297m for the six months to September 2018; this is despite the direct impact of the Media24 tender renewal
coming online and impacting print revenue.
“We anticipated a lower performance this period but are pleased that the first half of the year has witnessed
the stabilisation of the business with new bases having been set,” said Neil Birch, Novus Holdings CEO.
“We realise that there is still much to do, which is why we remain committed to improving profitability and
maximising efficiency throughout our operations.”
Birch explained that as a direct result of the focus on disciplined spending, the Group’s free cash flow
improved by R162m to an outflow of R45m (2017 recorded an outflow of R207m).
“Utilisation of cash resources has been a major focus this period. Capital expenditure has reduced by R30 m,
net working capital improved by R181m, share buy-backs have been introduced and a prudent level of balance
sheet gearing has been allowed.”
However, print revenue declined during the period by 14,1% to R1 828m and operating profit declined by
38,3% to R212m. In addition, the Group experienced a decline in gross profit margin to 26,1% and headline
earnings per share decreased by 31,2% to 49,4 cents per share.
Retail inserts and catalogue work, which makes up 26% of the Group’s revenue, has increased by 5,5% year-
on-year.
“This is a positive trend given the current economic climate. Customers have increased their print volumes and
print marketing spend to counter declining consumer spend,” said Birch.
He added that other performance highlights include the Packaging division’s revenue having significantly
increased by 90,8% in this period following the acquisition of ITB Plastics on 01 October 2017.

“We are also pleased with Paarl Labels’ performance as it increased its revenue by 23,2%, due to existing
customers having increased work allocation.”
In addition, the Tissue business has increased revenue by 50,3% and is close to break-even. “Measures were
implemented to reduce losses and while our preferred outcome remains an exit strategy, we are committed to
ensuring that this business’s profitability continues to improve.
“We are realistic about the measures needed in order to mitigate a further decline, and are committed to
deliver value not only to our shareholders, but to all our stakeholders,” concluded Birch.

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