Johannesburg - Building materials retailer Cashbuild is "confident" about trading prospects for the next quarter.
The company made the comments as it released its half-year results to end-December on Tuesday, which saw 28% growth in revenue to R2.6bn, and a 42% increase in net profit to R116.9m
Cashbuild says that revenue from trade in January and February, the first eight trading weeks of the second half of its financial year, has risen by 29% when compared to the same time in 2008.
Cashbuild customers are typically home builders and improvers, contractors, farmers, traders, large construction companies and government-related infrastructure developers, as well as all other clients requiring quality building materials at lowest prices.
Stores in existence since the beginning of July 2007 - its pre-existing stores - accounted for 22% of the increase in revenue, with the remaining 6% due to the 20 new stores the group has opened since then.
During the period, Cashbuild opened 11 new stores. Two old stores were closed in towns where they were trading in close proximity to other shops and two were relocated, it said.
Three new stores
"Cashbuild will continue its store expansion, relocation and refurbishment strategy in a controlled manner, with three new stores planned to open during the remainder of the financial year," it said.
"The increase in profit was as a result of an improvement in operating profit of 39% as well as a 63% increase in net finance income."
The group's operating profit rose from R111.1m to R154.6m, and gross profit margins for the half year were slightly higher in percentage terms at 21.5%, from the 21% reported in the previous corresponding period.
Cash and cash equivalents increased by 19% to R585m, and the board declared an interim dividend of 143c per ordinary share.
'Solid' balance sheet
Looking to the group's balance sheet, Cashbuild said it "remains solid".
"Stock levels have increased by 41% on the back of comparable growth in revenue of 22% during the half year. This increase is further attributable to the stocking of 18 additional stores since the prior half year-end (which accounts for 17% of the increase)," it said.
Overall stockholding at 79 days showed a decline on the prior interim period, but improved on the position as at June 2008.
In December 2007, stockholding was at 68 days, while in June 2008 it was at 87 days.
"Management of stock will remain a focus area for the period to come."
Its share price was up 0.94% to 5 350c in mid-morning trade on the JSE on Tuesday, bucking the trend of the JSE's broader all-share index, which was down 0.62% to 19 610.08 points.
To listen to the podcast, visit Fin24.com Podcasts.
- Fin24.com