DATATEC LIMITED - Audited provisional results for the year ended 28 February 2019
16 May 2019 8:00
DTC 201905160007A
Audited provisional results for the year ended 28 February 2019
Datatec Limited: Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Share code JSE: DTC
Datatec Limited ("Datatec", the "Company" or the "Group", JSE DTC), the international information
and communications technology (ICT) group, is today publishing its audited provisional results
for the year ended 28 February 2019 ("the Period" or "FY19").
- Improved operational execution                     - Westcon International
in all divisions                                     turnaround objectives achieved
- Group revenue US$4.33 billion up 10.4%             - EBITDA US$86.8 million
(FY18: US$3.92 billion)                              (FY18: US$26.7 million)
- Underlying* earnings per share 6.6 US cents        - Share repurchases of US$50.8 million
(FY18: loss per share 17.2 US cents                  (US$43.9 million during FY19;
from continuing operations)                           US$6.9 million subsequently)
Jens Montanana, Chief Executive of Datatec, commented:
"The Group delivered on the commitments set in the prior year, resulting in a much improved financial and
operational performance across all divisions.
"Logicalis produced strong results despite emerging market currency headwinds, especially in its key Latin
America region.
"Westcon International's recovery is now established, having met the principal objectives around shared
services and central cost reductions, with further improvements expected.
"Building on the successful turnaround of FY19, we are confident that our operations are well positioned
to improve their performances further and support our Group strategy."
Datatec is an international ICT solutions and services group operating in more than 50 countries across
North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific. The Group's offerings span the
technology distribution, integration and consulting sectors of the ICT market.
Datatec operates two main divisions
- Integration and managed services - Logicalis: ICT infrastructure solutions and services; and
- Technology distribution - Westcon International: distribution of security, collaboration, networking and
data centre products and solutions.
The specialist activities of Consulting and Datatec Financial Services are included with the corporate head
office functions in the "Corporate, Consulting and Financial Services" segment of the Group.
Strategic overview
Datatec's strategy remains to deliver long-term, sustainable and above average returns to shareholders through
portfolio management and the development of its principal subsidiaries providing technology solutions and
services to targeted customers in identified markets around the world.
Logicalis is the largest profit contributor to the Group. The division also has the widest geographical
exposure and Datatec intends to continue to develop and grow Logicalis globally, through organic and
acquisition activities.
In FY19, Logicalis delivered a strong performance while executing on its strategy. Revenue grew by 11.3% and
EBITDA by 8.4% in relation to the financial year ended 28 February 2018 ("FY18").
Westcon International is 90% owned by Datatec and 10% by SYNNEX Corporation ("SYNNEX"). In line with the commitment
made at the beginning of the year, the division has returned to EBITDA profitability and the central cost base
has been reduced. Further central cost reduction targets previously published are expected to be met in FY20.
The ERP system is now operating effectively after a long and disruptive multi-year implementation process. A full
Business Process Outsourcing ("BPO") reversal was completed with in-house shared service centres established in the
Philippines and South Africa.
The earn-out payment relating to the disposal of Westcon Americas to SYNNEX has not yet been determined and the parties
are currently engaged in an arbitration process. Datatec expects that the ruling by the arbitrator will be issued
shortly and will update shareholders accordingly. Further details are provided in the "Group results" section below.
Group revenues were US$4.33 billion in FY19, up 10.4% on the US$3.92 billion revenues recorded in FY18. EBITDA for
FY19 was US$86.8 million, more than three times higher than FY18: US$26.7 million.
Underlying* earnings per share ("UEPS") was 6.6 US cents in FY19 compared to an underlying* loss per share of
17.2 US cents from continuing operations for FY18 (Combined underlying* loss per share FY18: 5.6 US cents).
The comparative results for FY18 are reported in the form of "continuing operations". These exclude the Westcon
Americas and Logicalis SMC businesses which were classified as a "Disposal Group" in accordance with IFRS 5 in
the prior year. Where comparative figures are stated as "Combined", they include the Disposal Group.
During FY19, the Company undertook three general share repurchases under separate shareholder mandates provided at
a general meeting on 24 July 2018, at the AGM on 20 September 2018 and at a general meeting on 15 January 2019.
These repurchases amounted to US$43.9 million and totalled 23.8 million shares which have been cancelled, reducing
the Company's shares in issue to 219.2 million at 28 February 2019. From 1 March to 14 May 2019, the Company
repurchased a further 3.1 million shares at a cost of US$6.9 million.
Current trading and outlook
Despite global economic uncertainty, the Board expects a continued improvement in the financial performance for FY20.
Logicalis' performance is expected to strengthen over the next financial year with its results potentially impacted by
currency movements, especially in Latin America.
Building on the successful turnaround of FY19, Westcon International is expected to deliver a significant improvement
in its operational performance and further central cost reductions.
Group revenues for the period were US$4.33 billion (FY18: US$3.92 billion) and are shown in the graphs below.
Contribution to Group revenue
FY19      FY18
Logicalis                                      40%       40%
Westcon International                          59%       59%
Consulting and Financial Services               1%        1%
100%      100%
Revenue contribution by geography
North America                                   9%       10%
Latin America                                  15%       14%
Europe                                         48%       49%
Asia-Pacific                                   20%       18%
Middle East & Africa (MEA)                      8%        9%
Group gross margins in FY19 were 15.9% (FY18: 16.2%). Gross profit was US$687.7 million
(FY18: US$636.0 million).
Contribution to gross profit
Gross profit contribution by geography
North America                                  16%       17%
MEA                                             6%        5%
Overall operating costs were US$600.9 million (FY18: US$609.3 million). Included in the operating costs
are total restructuring costs of US$17.5 million (FY18: US$16.9 million). EBITDA was US$86.8 million
(FY18: US$26.7 million) and EBITDA margin was 2.0% (FY18: 0.7%).
Operating profit was US$48.4 million contrasting with a US$81.0 million operating loss in FY18.
The net interest charge increased to US$22.6 million (FY18: US$18.4 million), mainly as a result of
increased interest expense in Logicalis Latin America to fund the working capital associated with the
large multi-year contract in that region. Profit before tax was US$24.2 million (FY18: US$99.4 million
loss before tax).
A tax charge of US$21.0 million has arisen on pre-tax profits for the year of US$24.2 million. The effective tax rate
of 86.6% continues to be adversely affected by losses arising in Westcon International's UK, Africa and Asia operations
for which deferred tax assets recognition has been limited. As at 28 February 2019, there are estimated tax loss carry
forwards of US$186.8 million with an estimated future tax benefit of US$40.0 million, of which only US$16.3 million has
been recognised as a deferred tax asset.
Underlying* earnings per share were 6.6 US cents (FY18 loss per share: 5.6 US cents from combined operations and
17.2 US cents from continuing operations). Headline earnings per share were 0.7 US cents (FY18 loss per share:
19.1 US cents from combined operations and 29.9 US cents from continuing operations).
SYNNEX earn-out
are currently engaged in an arbitration process. Datatec expects the ruling by the arbitrator to be issued shortly and
will advise shareholders accordingly. The FY19 results contain an estimate of the minimum earn-out payment receivable
of US$11.7 million after costs, which is included in profit from discontinued operations in accordance with IFRS 5.
The profit of US$11.7 million is included in basic earnings per share, but not in underlying earnings per share.
The Group has recognised an asset for the minimum earn-out receivable and disclosed a contingent asset for any
additional earn-out above the minimum which may be receivable if so determined by the arbitration.
The Group generated US$69.0 million of cash from operations during FY19 (FY18: US$17.6 million) and ended the
year with a net debt of US$100.8 million (FY18: US$6.4 million). The net debt has been calculated as: cash of
US$40.4 million (FY18: US$161.3 million); short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt of
US$109.8 million (FY18: US$106.0 million); and long-term debt of US$31.4 million (FY18: US$61.7 million).
On 17 July 2018, Analysys Mason Limited acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Access Markets
International-Partners ("AMI-Partners") based in the United States for US$3.5 million. AMI-Partners is a Small
and Medium Business ("SMB") ICT-focused global research and consulting firm that specialises in go-to-market
("GTM") opportunity assessment, tracking buying behaviour, customer segmentation, channel partner ecosystem
dynamics and sales enablement enhanced with predictive analytics.
Effective 3 September 2018, Logicalis acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Clarotech, an internet protocol
telephony ("IPT") cloud and managed services business based in Cape Town. The 100% interest was acquired for a cash
consideration of US$3.4 million. This acquisition enables Logicalis to combine a focused managed services operation
with its existing business in South Africa, to support SMBs as well as larger corporates.
With effect on 3 September 2018, Logicalis completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of Coasin
Chile S.A., a Chilean ICT services and solutions provider, which also owns 100% of C2 Mining Solutions S.A.C. based
in Peru. This interest was acquired for a cash consideration of US$17.3 million from Logicalis' resources. Coasin's
experience in the mining and financial services verticals creates opportunities for Logicalis to better serve its
multinational clients while broadening its services scope to new customer groups.
On 8 October 2018, Logicalis acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Corporate Network Integration (Pty) Ltd
("CNI") for a cash consideration of US$3.9 million. CNI is a Microsoft-certified gold partner based in Melbourne,
Australia and this acquisition brings Logicalis a full suite of leading Microsoft cloud service capabilities,
significantly strengthening the Groups' position in this growing market segment and enabling Logicalis to deliver
a broader scope of services to new and existing customers.
As a result of these acquisitions, goodwill and other intangible assets increased by US$13.1 million and US$8.9 million
respectively. None of the goodwill recognised is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The revenue and
EBITDA included from the acquisitions in FY19 are US$55.2 million and US$4.1 million respectively; profit after tax
included from these acquisitions was US$2.9 million. Had the acquisition dates been 1 March 2018, revenue attributable
to these acquisitions would have been approximately US$110 million. It is not practical to establish EBITDA and profit
after tax that would have been contributed to the Group if they had been included for the entire year. All identifiable
intangible assets have been recognised and accounted for at fair value.
Acquisition-related costs of the above acquisitions of US$0.3 million are included in operating costs in the
summarised consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The Group is expected to generate sufficient cash to settle liabilities as they fall due. Working capital remains well
controlled across the Group and net working capital days improved markedly in Westcon International as detailed in the
Divisional review below. Trade receivables and inventory are of a sound quality and adequate provisions are held
against both.
Shareholder distributions: dividend policy and share repurchases
The Group's policy is to maintain a fixed three times cover relative to underlying* earnings when declaring dividends.
The level of underlying* earnings in FY19 would only support a small dividend under this policy and as a result, the
Board has decided not to declare a dividend for FY19.
The Board has instituted a structured programme of general share repurchases in order to return cash to shareholders.
During FY19 the Company undertook three separate general share repurchase exercises under separate shareholder mandates:
- General meeting on 24 July 2018 - 4.97 million shares
- AGM on 20 September 2018 - 11.89 million shares
- General meeting on 15 January 2019 - 6.90 million shares up to 28 February 2019.
These repurchases amounted to US$43.9 million and totalled 23.8 million shares which have been cancelled, reducing the
Company's shares in issue to 219.2 million at 28 February 2019.
The repurchase under the shareholder mandate given at the general meeting on 15 January 2019 has continued during
the Company's closed period ending today under a fixed mandate to the Company's broker in accordance with paragraph
5.72 (h) of the JSE Listings Requirements and following notification to the JSE prior to the start of the closed
period. From 1 March to 14 May 2019, the Company's broker repurchased 3.1 million shares under the fixed mandate
at a cost of US$6.9 million.
The Company has limited the shareholder mandates for repurchases to 5% of the issued share capital having obtained
legal advice that section 48(8) of the South African Companies Act ("Companies Act") would be applicable to a general
repurchase of shares undertaken in accordance with the JSE Listings Requirements.
Section 48(8) of the Companies Act stipulates that any decision by the board of directors of a company that involves
the repurchase of more than 5% of the company's issued securities of a particular class must be approved by a special
resolution of the shareholders of the company compliant with sections 114 and 115 of the Companies Act, which require,
inter alia, an Independent Expert Report on the repurchase.
The Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa has recently proposed changes to the Companies Act among which
is a proposal to specifically exclude share repurchases undertaken on a recognised stock exchange from the scope of
section 48(8). The proposed changes to the Companies Act will align the Companies Act to the JSE Listings Requirements
in this regard, which will allow general share repurchases up to 20% of the issued share capital.
Foreign exchange translation
Losses of US$54.7 million (FY18: gains of US$13.9 million) arising on translation to presentation currency are
included in total comprehensive loss of US$36.0 million (FY18: income US$124.1 million). The majority of these
losses arise from weakening in the Rand/US$ exchange rate from 11.76 at 28 February 2018 to 13.94 at
28 February 2019 and weakening in the Brazilian Real/US$ exchange rate from 3.25 at 28 February 2018 to
3.73 at 28 February 2019.
DIVISIONAL REVIEWS
Logicalis
Logicalis accounted for 40% of the Group's revenues (FY18: 40%).
Logicalis is an international multi-skilled IT provider that designs, plans and supports impactful digital
transformation solutions.
Revenue from operations increased by 11.3% to US$1.7 billion (FY18: US$1.6 billion). Services revenues were up
15% with growth in both professional services and annuity revenue. Revenue contribution by geography is
Logicalis revenue contribution % by geography
Europe and MEA                                 26%       28%
Revenue increased across all regions in absolute terms with growth in Europe driven mainly by Germany and Spain.
Latin America showed improvements notably in Brazil which benefited from a large multi-year deal despite currency
headwinds. Asia-Pacific also improved largely because of the contribution of the Packet Systems Indonesia
acquisition for the full year, as well as a number of territories in the region experienced high growth.
Revenues from product sales were up 9% driven by Latin America, with increases in Cisco, partially offset by
decreases in HPE.
Logicalis' gross margins were 23.6% (FY18: 25.0%). This reduction was partly due to the large multi-year
Latin-American contract which included a large product component as well as a disappointing performance
in the UK.
Gross profit was up 4.7% to US$410.1 million (FY18: US$391.7 million).
Logicalis' gross profit contribution by geography is shown below:
Logicalis gross profit % contribution by geography
EBITDA was US$93.4 million (FY18: US$86.2 million), with a corresponding EBITDA margin of 5.4% (FY18: 5.5%).
Operating profit was US$65.9 million (FY18: US$59.5 million).
Argentina entered into a period of hyperinflation during the year. The impact on the FY19 financial statements
was not material.
The net interest charge increased by US$4.0 million, largely as a result of higher working capital utilisation in
Latin America on the large multi-year project.
Net debt of US$109.2 million (FY18: US$139.5 million) consisted of: net cash of US$16.4 million (FY18: US$7.1 million);
short-term borrowing and current portion of long-term debt of US$94.4 million (FY18: US$102.4 million); and long-term
debt of US$31.2 million (FY18: US$44.2 million). The decrease in net debt compared to FY18 was driven by seasonal
outflows associated with the Americas and the reduction in working capital requirements associated with the large
multi-year Latin-American contract. The working capital requirements linked to this contract are expected to unwind
as the project advances.
Logicalis continues to have a contingent liability in respect of a possible tax liability at its subsidiary in Brazil.
In September 2018, Logicalis completed the acquisition of Coasin Group, a Chilean ICT system integrator offering
technological solutions to industries such as mining, financial services, telecommunications and retail, with
operations both in Chile and Peru. Logicalis also acquired Clarotech, a South African Open Source IPT cloud and
managed services business. In October 2018, Logicalis' Australian operation, Thomas Duryea Logicalis acquired CNI,
a Microsoft-certified gold partner.
Logicalis will maintain its strategy of making smaller bolt-on acquisitions financed using its own balance sheet and
external credit lines as appropriate.
Digital innovation is accelerating; business technology is undergoing a major shift. With a clear focus on
understanding its customer business priorities in areas such as risk and compliance, operational costs, data
governance and innovation, Logicalis is helping customers succeed by ensuring its transformation outpaces the
momentum of change in its sector.
Logicalis' investments in flexible consumption models, lifecycle management services to maximize business outcomes
and innovative solutions to unlock new possibilities, all contribute to delivering a better customer experience.
Logicalis continues to enhance its capabilities in cloud, IoT, software, security, data management and intelligent
networks to promote long-term value and insight-led transformation to its customers.
Logicalis remains confident about the prospects for the industry and its positioning within it. Emerging markets
currencies are expected to remain volatile over the short term.
Westcon International
Westcon International accounted for 59% of the Group's revenues (FY18: 59%).
Westcon International is a value-added specialty distributor of industry leading cyber security and network
infrastructure, unified communications products, data centre solutions and channel services with a global
network of service providers, systems integrators and speciality resellers. Westcon International has operations
in 50-plus countries. The company goes to market under the Westcon and Comstor brands. Westcon International's
portfolio of market-leading vendors includes: Cisco, Avaya, Juniper, Check Point, F5, Palo Alto and Symantec.
Westcon International's revenues increased by 9.8% to US$2.54 billion (FY18: US$2.32 billion) supported by higher
revenues in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Westcon International's gross profit increased by 14.5% to US$260.4 million (FY18: US$227.4 million) with improved
results across all regions. Gross margins increased 40 basis points to 10.2% (FY18: 9.8%) with higher margins in
EMEA slightly offset by lower margins in Asia-Pacific.
Westcon revenue contribution % by geography
MEA                                            13%       15%
Westcon gross profit % contribution by geography
Revenue contribution % by technology category
Security                                       31%       29%
Networking                                     28%       31%
Unified communications                         24%       24%
Data centre and other                          17%       16%
Operating expenses decreased to US$254.8 million (FY18: US$275.5 million) with lower expenses across all regions
except Europe. The 7.5% decrease was primarily driven by lower central costs as well as a reduction in foreign exchange
and bad debt expense in MEA. In both H2 FY18 and H1 FY19 operating expenses benefited from US$15.0 million of central
costs in each six-month period (total of US$30 million) which were accrued against the profit on disposal of Westcon
Americas to SYNNEX in the prior year, representing costs incurred in terms of the transitional service obligations to
SYNNEX during that period. Central costs (before the respective US$15.0 million reallocations) were US$43 million
(FY18: US$61 million) against the target of US$45 million for FY19.
Restructuring expenses of US$17.4 million (FY18: US$11.5 million) were incurred, mainly as a result of costs
associated with the reverse transition of the BPO arrangement in Europe, MEA and Asia-Pacific coupled with continued
cost cutting initiatives in EMEA and the central cost base. EBITDA was US$5.6 million (FY18: US$48.1 million loss)
with improved results across all regions.
Westcon International has completed the reverse transition of all previously outsourced functions to its own shared
services centres during FY19. The decision to exit the BPO, which was announced in last year's report, has resulted in
a clear improvement in customer service and transaction execution. The improving financial performance and regained
market share are evidence that not only was the decision necessary but has proved pivotal to the turnaround.
Net working capital days decreased to 28 days (FY18: 35 days) primarily due to improved DSO across all three regions.
The improvement in net working capital days, partially offset by US$15.6 million of capital expenditures, resulted
in a decrease in net debt to US$109.5 million (FY18: US$131.8 million).
The net debt consisted of: net overdrafts of US$94.4 million (FY18: US$113.8 million); short-term borrowing and
current portion of long-term debt of US$15.0 million (FY18: US$0.9 million); and long-term debt of US$0.1 million
(FY18: US$17.1 million).
The reshaping of Westcon International is going according to plan and the business is now operating profitably.
Management is confident that improvements will continue.
Corporate, Consulting and Financial Services
This segment accounted for 1% of Group's revenues (FY18: 1%).
The Consulting unit comprises Analysys Mason, a provider of strategic, trusted advisory, modelling and market
intelligence services to the telecoms, media and technology industries.
Consulting revenues were US$45.7 million (FY18: US$42.0 million) and EBITDA was US$2.8 million
(FY18: US$2.5 million).
The Datatec Financial Services business, which provides financing/leasing solutions for ICT customers, remains in
a development phase. The business recorded revenues of US$0.9 million in FY19 (FY18: US$1.4 million) and an
EBITDA loss of US$1.7 million (FY18: US$1.4 million).
Corporate includes the net operating costs of the Datatec head office entities which were US$16.8 million
(FY18: US$13.5 million). These costs include the remuneration of the Board and head office staff, consulting and
audit fees. The main reason for the increase in central costs in FY19 is increased share-based payments expense.
In FY19, foreign exchange gains were US$3.5 million (FY18: US$1.0 million).
As at 28 February 2019, Datatec head office entities held cash of US$112.9 million of which US$37.8 million (the
equivalent of R526.8 million) is held in South Africa and subject to the South African Reserve Bank regulations.
Between 1 March and 14 May 2019, the Company repurchased 3.1 million shares at a cost of US$6.9 million, under the
terms of a fixed mandate to its broker, for cancellation.
On 1 March 2019, Analysys Mason Limited acquired Stelacon Holding AB ("Stelacon"), a Swedish consulting company.
This is an important further step in building a pan-Scandinavian presence, after Analysys Mason's successful
expansion into Norway. Stelacon brings experience including smart cities, regional development, digital services,
policy and regulation, and telecoms and digital communications.
CHANGES TO THE BOARD (previously announced)
Two new independent non-executive directors were appointed to the Board during FY19: Ekta Singh-Bushell on
1 June 2018 and Maya Makanjee on 1 November 2018.
On 20 September 2018, Chris Seabrooke and Nick Temple retired from the Board and Olufunke Ighodaro resigned
from the Board with effect from 31 October 2018.
The provisional summarised consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the framework concepts
and the measurement and recognition requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") in effect
for the Group at 28 February 2019, and further comply with the SAICA Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the
Accounting Practices Committee, the Financial Reporting Pronouncements as issued by the Financial Reporting Standards
Council, at a minimum contain the requirements of IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as well as the requirements
of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 of South Africa and the JSE Limited's Listings Requirements.
The accounting policies are in terms of IFRS and consistent with those applied in the audited consolidated annual
financial statements for FY18, except for IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with
Customers which became effective on 1 March 2018 for the Group.
The Group has applied both IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 using the modified retrospective approach, by recognising the cumulative
effect of initially applying IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 as an adjustment to the opening balance of equity at 1 March 2018. The
adoption of the above standards had an immaterial impact on the Group's financial results for FY19 as well as on the
opening reserves as at 1 March 2018.
The preparation of these summarised financial statements and consolidated financial statements for FY19 was supervised
by the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Ivan Dittrich, CA(SA).
ADOPTION OF IFRS 16 IN FY20
The Group has elected to adopt IFRS 16 when it becomes effective and this amendment will have an impact on the
financial statements for FY20.
The new standard addresses the definition of a lease, recognition and measurement of leases and establishes principles
for reporting useful information to users of financial statements about the leasing activities of both lessees and
lessors.
The principal impact of IFRS 16 will be to change the accounting treatment by lessees of leases currently classified
as operating leases. Lease agreements will give rise to the recognition by the lessee of an asset, representing the right
to use the leased item, and a related liability for future lease payments.
Lease costs will be recognised in profit and loss in the form of depreciation of the right-of-use asset over the lease
term, and finance charges representing the unwinding of the discount on the lease liability. Certain exemptions from
recognising leases on the balance sheet are available for leases with terms of 12 months or less or where the underlying
asset is of low value.
The most significant impact on the Group applying IFRS 16, based on contractual arrangements in place at 28 February
2019, will be the recognition of lease liabilities of between US$110 million and US$125 million, along with right-of-use
assets with a similar aggregate value. This liability corresponds to the minimum lease payments under operating leases
adjusted for the effects of discounting.
Lease liabilities principally relate to property where the Group is a lessee under an operating lease arrangement.
The impact of the standard on underlying earnings and profit before tax following the adoption is not expected to be
material although the income statement presentation of the cost of leases will be allocated between the depreciation
of right-of-use assets, and a finance charge representing the unwinding of the discount on the leases.
The Group will not be applying the recognition and measurement requirements of IFRS 16 to short-term leases less than
12 months and low-value leases.
The Group has elected to apply the modified retrospective approach on transition. The cumulative effect on transition
to IFRS 16 will be recognised in retained earnings at 1 March 2019 and is not expected to be material. The comparative
period will not be restated.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche, have issued their unmodified audit opinions on the consolidated financial
statements and on these summarised consolidated financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2019 in accordance
with International Standards on Auditing. These summarised consolidated financial statements have been derived from the
audited consolidated annual financial statements and are consistent in all material respects, with the Group's
consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements and the auditors' unmodified reports on
the consolidated financial statements and on these summarised consolidated financial statementare available for
inspection at the Company's registered office.
The auditors' reports do not necessarily report on all of the information contained in this announcement/financial
results. Shareholders are therefore advised that in order to obtain a full understanding of the nature of the auditors'
engagement they should obtain a copy of the reports together with the accompanying financial information from the
Company's registered office.
Any reference to future financial performance included in this announcement, has not been reviewed or reported on by
the Company's auditors.
This announcement may contain statements regarding the future financial performance of the Group which may be
considered to be forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty,
and although the Group has taken reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, no assurance
can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct.
The Group has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ
materially from those described in forward-looking statements and there may be other factors that cause actions,
events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. It is important to note, that:
(i)   unless otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements indicate the Group's expectations and have not been
reviewed or reported on by the Group's external auditors;
(ii)  actual results may differ materially from the Group's expectations if known and unknown risks or uncertainties
affect its business, or if estimates or assumptions prove inaccurate;
(iii) the Group cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialise and, accordingly, readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements; and
(iv)  the Group disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement
even if new information becomes available, as a result of future events or for any other reason, other than
as required by the JSE Limited Listings Requirements.
SJ Davidson
JP Montanana
IP Dittrich
# SJ Davidson (CHAIRMAN), # JP Montanana (CEO), IP Dittrich (CFO), M Makanjee, + JF McCartney,
MJN Njeke, + E Singh-Bushell
+ American, # British
* Excluding impairments of goodwill and intangible assets, profit or loss on sale of investments and assets,
amortisation of acquired intangible assets, unrealised foreign exchange movements, acquisition-related adjustments,
fair value movements on acquisition-related financial instruments, restructuring costs relating to fundamental
reorganisations and the taxation effect on all of the aforementioned.
The underlying earnings measure is specific to Datatec and is not required in terms of International
Financial Reporting Standards or the JSE Listings Requirements.
Summarised consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 28 February 2019
Audited            Audited
Year ended         Year ended
US$'000                                                            February 2019      February 2018
Revenue                                                                4 332 381          3 923 715
Continued operations                                                 4 277 186          3 881 547
Revenue from acquisitions                                               55 195             42 168
Cost of sales                                                         (3 644 637)        (3 287 670)
Gross profit                                                             687 744            636 045
Operating costs                                                         (569 896)          (571 016)
Net impairment of contract assets and financial assets                    (3 817)           (15 261)
Restructuring costs                                                      (17 506)           (16 873)
Share-based payments                                                      (9 764)            (6 198)
Operating profit before interest, tax, depreciation
and amortisation ("EBITDA")                                               86 761             26 697
Depreciation                                                             (25 889)           (27 548)
Amortisation of capitalised development expenditure                         (972)           (11 375)
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets and software                  (11 477)           (12 640)
Impairment of investment in joint venture                                      -             (1 000)
Impairment of capitalised development expenditure                              -            (55 112)
Operating profit/(loss)                                                   48 423            (80 978)
Interest income                                                            9 568              8 670
Finance costs                                                            (32 145)           (27 073)
Share of equity-accounted investment losses                               (1 403)              (276)
Acquisition-related fair value adjustments                                   (35)                48
Other income                                                                  62                257
Loss on disposal of investment                                              (255)                 -
Profit/(loss) before taxation                                             24 215            (99 352)
Taxation                                                                 (20 959)           (18 465)
Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations                      3 256           (117 817)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Profit for the year from discontinued operations                          11 694            159 608
Profit for the year                                                       14 950             41 791
Other comprehensive (loss)/income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Exchange differences arising on translation to
presentation currency                                                    (54 735)            13 942
Translation of equity loans net of tax effect                              2 874              8 795
Translation reserve reclassified to profit on
disposal of foreign operation                                                  -             57 345
Transfers and other items                                                    948              2 265
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year                           (35 963)           124 138
Profit attributable to:
Owners of the parent                                                      13 134             44 359
Non-controlling interests                                                  1 816             (2 568)
14 950             41 791
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to:
Owners of the parent                                                     (30 734)           130 480
Non-controlling interests                                                 (5 229)            (6 342)
(35 963)           124 138
Earnings/(losses) per share ("EPS") (US cents)
Basic                                                                        5.5               20.5
Continuing operations                                                      0.6              (53.3)
Discontinued operations                                                    4.9               73.8
Diluted basic                                                                5.5               20.3
Salient financial features
Headline earnings/(losses)                                                 1 658            (41 337)
Continuing operations                                                    1 658            (64 604)
Discontinued operations                                                      -             23 267
Headline earnings/(losses) per share (US cents)
Headline                                                                     0.7              (19.1)
Discontinued operations                                                      -               10.8
Diluted headline earnings/(losses) per share (US cents)                      0.7              (18.9)
Underlying* earnings/(losses)                                             15 728            (12 156)
Continuing operations                                                   15 728            (37 135)
Underlying* earnings/(losses) per share (US cents)
Underlying*                                                                  6.6               (5.6)
Diluted underlying* earnings/(losses) per share (US cents)                   6.5               (5.6)
Net asset value per share (US cents)                                       297.5              297.0
Gross margin - continuing operations (%)                                    15.9               16.2
EBITDA margin - continuing operations (%)                                    2.0                0.7
Effective tax rate - continuing operations (%)                              86.6              (18.6)
Average Rand/US$ exchange rate                                              13.6               13.0
Closing Rand/US$ exchange rate                                              13.9               11.8
Number of shares issued (millions)
Issued                                                                       218                243
Weighted average                                                             238                216
Diluted weighted average                                                     240                219
The underlying* earnings measure is specific to Datatec and is not required in terms of International
* Underlying earnings exclude impairments of goodwill and intangible assets, profit or loss on sale
of investments and assets, amortisation of acquired intangible assets, unrealised foreign exchange
movements, acquisition-related adjustments, fair value movements on acquisition-related financial
instruments, restructuring costs relating to fundamental reorganisations and the taxation effect
on all of the aforementioned.
Summarised consolidated statement of financial position
as at 28 February 2019
Non-current assets                                                       437 786            417 370
Property, plant and equipment                                             60 306             59 731
Goodwill                                                                 234 551            227 321
Capitalised development expenditure                                       12 711              1 665
Acquired intangible assets and software                                   37 615             40 661
Investments                                                               22 382             26 613
Deferred tax assets                                                       52 134             41 104
Finance lease receivables                                                 13 363             12 283
Other receivables and contract costs                                       4 724              7 992
Current assets                                                         2 284 521          2 244 228
Inventories                                                              332 256            238 537
Trade receivables                                                      1 258 853          1 192 237
Prepaid expenses and other receivables                                   232 965            322 241
Contract assets and contract costs                                        98 798                  -
Current tax assets                                                        11 442              9 492
Finance lease receivables                                                  5 807              5 479
Cash and cash equivalents                                                344 400            476 242
Total assets                                                           2 722 307          2 661 598
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent                      648 927            721 603
Stated capital                                                         172 998            258 461
Non-distributable reserves                                              85 614             45 331
Foreign currency translation reserve                                  (102 527)           (58 378)
Share-based payment reserve                                              7 828              4 883
Distributable reserves                                                 485 014            471 306
Non-controlling interests                                                 63 303             69 217
Total equity                                                             712 230            790 820
Non-current liabilities                                                  100 805            120 685
Long-term interest-bearing liabilities                                    31 383             61 723
Liability for share-based payments                                         1 888              1 517
Amounts owing to vendors                                                   1 393                211
Deferred tax liabilities                                                  28 616             30 240
Deferred revenue                                                          26 506             16 309
Provisions                                                                11 019             10 685
Current liabilities                                                    1 909 272          1 750 093
Trade and other payables                                               1 358 928          1 199 384
Short-term interest-bearing liabilities                                  109 751            105 999
Contract liabilities                                                       3 476                  -
Amounts owing to vendors                                                     936              1 029
Current tax liabilities                                                   15 826             15 561
Bank overdrafts                                                          304 019            314 900
Total equity and liabilities                                           2 722 307          2 661 598
* The Group has initially applied IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 at 1 March 2018. These standards have been
applied using the cumulative effect method, under which the comparative information is
not restated.
Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
Operating profit before working capital changes                           88 931             91 275
Working capital changes                                                  (21 228)           (60 184)
(Increase)/decrease in inventories                                     (95 518)            28 831
Increase in receivables                                                (90 937)          (258 056)
Increase in payables                                                   171 592            169 041
Increase in revenue-related assets                                     (17 234)                 -
Increase in revenue-related liabilities                                 10 869                  -
Other working capital changes                                              1 287            (13 466)
Cash generated from operations                                            68 990             17 625
Net finance costs paid                                                   (22 434)           (24 784)
Taxation paid                                                            (38 531)           (43 446)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities                        8 025            (50 605)
Cash outflow for acquisitions                                            (25 450)           (10 749)
Net cash inflow from disposal of discontinued operations                       -            744 832
Decreases in investments                                                  10 201                  -
Increases in investments                                                  (7 283)            (3 002)
Additions to property, plant and equipment                               (23 769)           (26 004)
Additions to capitalised development expenditure                         (11 264)           (20 043)
Additions to software                                                     (1 853)            (2 668)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment                        132                821
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities                      (59 286)           683 187
Proceeds on disposal of 10% of Westcon International
without loss of control                                                        -             30 000
Share repurchases                                                        (43 881)           (34 629)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests                                  (53)                 -
Dividends paid to shareholders                                                 -           (244 193)
Amounts paid to vendors                                                     (927)              (609)
Proceeds from short-term liabilities                                      65 203             93 282
Repayment of short-term liabilities                                      (77 830)           (39 185)
Proceeds from long-term liabilities                                       13 366             51 398
Repayment of long-term liabilities                                       (10 462)           (31 551)
Net cash outflow from financing activities                               (54 584)          (175 487)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents                    (105 845)           457 095
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year                   161 342           (299 852)
Translation differences on cash and cash equivalents                     (15 116)             4 099
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year*                         40 381            161 342
Cash flows from discontinued operations
Net cash outflow from operating activities                                  (606)           (49 747)
Net cash outflow from investing activities                                     -             (2 700)
Net cash inflow from financing activities                                      -              8 240
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                                   (606)           (44 207)
* Comprises cash resources, net of bank overdrafts.
Summarised consolidated statement of changes in total equity
Balance at the beginning of the year                                     790 820            906 875
Transactions with equity holders of the parent
Comprehensive (loss)/income                                              (30 734)           130 480
Special dividend                                                                           (244 193)
Share-based payments                                                       1 836              1 784
Other                                                                        103                 -
Disposal of 10% of Westcon International without loss of control               -             13 175
Transactions with non-controlling interests
Comprehensive loss                                                        (5 229)            (6 342)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries                                                (459)             6 845
Disposal of subsidiary                                                      (173)                 -
Other                                                                        (53)                 -
Balance at the end of the year                                           712 230            790 820
Determination of headline and underlying earnings
Profit attributable to the equity holders of the parent                   13 134             44 359
Headline earnings adjustments                                            (11 375)           (80 080)
Impairment of capitalised development expenditure                            -             55 112
Impairment of investment in joint venture                                    -              1 000
Profit on disposal of investment/discontinued operations†              (11 439)          (136 341)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment                           93                170
Tax effect                                                               (29)               (21)
Non-controlling interests                                                 (101)            (5 616)
Continuing operations                                                      1 658            (64 604)
Discontinued operations                                                        -             23 267
DETERMINATION OF UNDERLYING EARNINGS
Underlying* earnings adjustments                                          15 587             31 896
Unrealised foreign exchange (gains)/losses†                             (7 467)            11 131
Acquisition-related fair value adjustments                                  35                (48)
Restructuring costs†                                                    17 506             18 701
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets†                             10 217             12 061
Tax effect                                                                (4 704)            (9 949)
Continuing operations                                                     15 728            (37 135)
† Prior year figures comprise both continuing and discontinued operations.
Summarised segmental analysis
For management's internal purposes the Group is currently organised into three operating divisions which
are the basis on which the Group reports its primary segmental information.
Principal activities are as follows:
- Westcon International - distribution of security, collaboration, networking and data centre products;
- Logicalis - ICT infrastructure solutions and services; and
- Corporate, Consulting and Financial Services: includes strategic and technical consulting, capital/leasing
business, Group head office companies and Group consolidation adjustments.
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief
operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker, who is responsible for allocating resources
and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the executive directors that
make strategic decisions.
Corporate, Consulting
Westcon International             Logicalis             and Financial Services     Datatec Group Total
Audited      Audited       Audited      Audited       Audited      Audited      Audited      Audited
Year ended   Year ended    Year ended   Year ended    Year ended   Year ended   Year ended   Year ended
February     February      February     February      February     February     February     February
US$'000                                2019         2018          2019         2018          2019         2018         2019         2018
Revenue                           2 544 774    2 316 650     1 741 064    1 563 714        46 543       43 351    4 332 381    3 923 715
Revenue from product sales        2 479 407    2 205 713     1 086 789      993 916             -            -    3 566 196    3 199 629
Revenue from sales of hardware    1 772 579    1 625 816       991 657      915 932       (30 231)     (26 850)   2 734 005    2 514 898
Revenue from sales of software      688 036      558 411        95 483       76 486       (10 147)     (10 406)     773 372      624 491
Revenue from vendor
resold services and
product maintenance sales            57 819       58 742         1 000        1 498             -            -       58 819       60 240
Inter-segmental revenue             (39 027)     (37 256)       (1 351)           -        40 378       37 256            -            -
Revenue from services                65 367       66 129       269 074      193 213        46 543       43 351      380 984      302 693
Revenue from
professional services                64 428       22 149       269 074      196 431        46 543       40 133      380 045      258 713
Revenue from other services             939       43 980             -            -             -            -          939       43 980
Inter-segmental revenue                   -            -             -       (3 218)            -        3 218            -            -
Revenue from annuity services             -       44 808       385 201      376 585             -            -      385 201      421 393
Revenue from cloud services               -       44 808        44 049       35 484             -            -       44 049       80 292
Revenue from other
annuity services                          -            -       341 152      341 101             -            -      341 152      341 101
EBITDA                                5 565      (48 123)       93 366       86 165       (12 170)     (11 345)      86 761       26 697
Reconciliation of operating
(loss)/profit to (loss)/profit
after taxation
Operating (loss)/profit              (4 226)    (127 934)       65 949       59 483       (13 300)     (12 527)      48 423      (80 978)
Interest income                       1 491        1 609         1 693        1 444         6 384        5 617        9 568        8 670
Finance costs                       (13 683)     (12 833)      (18 455)     (14 227)           (7)         (13)     (32 145)     (27 073)
Share of equity-accounted
investment (losses)/earnings         (2 143)        (440)          468          (51)          272          215       (1 403)        (276)
Acquisition-related fair
value adjustments                         -            -           (35)          48             -            -          (35)          48
Other (expenses)/income                 (97)           -             -            -           159          257           62          257
Loss on disposal of investment         (255)           -             -            -             -            -         (255)           -
(Loss)/profit before taxation       (18 913)    (139 598)       49 620       46 697        (6 492)      (6 451)      24 215      (99 352)
Taxation                             (3 271)      (7 649)      (12 317)      (7 311)       (5 371)      (3 505)     (20 959)     (18 465)
(Loss)/profit for the year
from continuing operations          (22 184)    (147 247)       37 303       39 386       (11 863)      (9 956)       3 256     (117 817)
from discontinued operations              -     (433 629)            -       26 340        11 694      566 897       11 694      159 608
(Loss)/profit for the year          (22 181)    (580 876)       37 303       65 726          (169)     556 941       14 950       41 791
Total assets                      1 226 057    1 088 316     1 318 226    1 253 824       178 024      319 458    2 722 307    2 661 598
Total liabilities                 1 046 305)    (957 802)     (943 441)    (890 820)      (20 331)     (22 156)  (2 010 077)  (1 870 778)
Sales and purchases between Group companies are concluded at arm's length in the ordinary course of business.
The inter-group sales of goods and provision of services for the year ended 28 February 2019 amounted to
US$40.4 million (FY18: US$40.5 million). US$113.1 million (FY18: US$40.3 million) of inventory was purchased
from SYNNEX Corporation Limited.
The table below sets out the Group's classification of each class of financial instrument at their fair
values. The carrying amount of these financial instruments approximates their fair values. The different
fair value levels are described below.
Level 1 - inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
that the entity can access at the measurement date;
Level 2 - inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for
the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 - inputs are inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data
(unobservable inputs).
US$'000                                                    Level   February 2019      February 2018
Financial assets
Loans and receivables at amortised cost
Gross trade accounts receivable                                        1 290 514          1 226 377
Less: Expected credit loss allowances                                    (31 661)           (34 140)
Bonds                                                                     18 960             21 885
Loans granted to third parties and other
long-term assets due                                                       4 638              7 992
Other receivables                                                         63 038            111 802
Earn-out receivable                                                       11 694                  -
Cash and cash equivalents at financial institutions                      344 400            476 242
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Derivative financial assets                                    2           2 318              2 373
1 723 071          1 830 293
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
Trade payables                                                        (1 056 451)          (894 192)
Other payables and other financial liabilities                          (174 234)          (154 120)
Long-term interest-bearing liabilities and finance leases                (76 388)           (81 608)
Short-term interest-bearing liabilities                                  (64 746)           (86 114)
Bank overdrafts                                                         (304 019)          (314 900)
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Amounts owing to vendors                                       3          (2 329)            (1 240)
Derivative financial liabilities                               2          (2 407)            (3 368)
(1 680 574)        (1 535 542)
The earn-out receivable is a material Level 3 financial instrument at fair value through profit or loss.
The fair value of the earn-out receivable is estimated to be US$11.7 million after costs, which is
estimated to be the minimum amount receivable. The fair value of the earn-out receivable was determined
based on unobservable data, after taking into consideration the probabilities of various outcomes.
Capital expenditure and commitments
Capital expenditure incurred in the current period
(including capitalised development expenditure)                           36 886             48 715
Capital commitments at the end of the year                                46 779             23 129
Lease commitments at the end of the year                                 123 725            128 789
Payable within one year                                                   32 692             31 711
Payable after one year                                                    91 033             97 078
Acquisitions made during the period
The following table sets out the assessment of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired
in the acquisitions made by the Group during the period. The fair value assessments of assets and
liabilities acquired and the amounts recognised as goodwill and intangible assets have only been
determined provisionally due to the timing of the acquisitions and future amendments may impact
classification in these categories.
US$'000
ACQUISITIONS MADE IN FY19
Assets acquired
Non-current assets                                                                            6 733
Current assets                                                                               30 142
Non-current liabilities                                                                      (6 676)
Current liabilities                                                                         (24 473)
Net assets acquired                                                                           5 726
Intangible assets                                                                             8 070
Capitalised development expenditure and software                                                795
Goodwill                                                                                     13 090
Non-controlling interest                                                                        459
Fair value of acquisition                                                                    28 140
Purchase consideration
Cash                                                                                         25 840
Deferred purchase consideration                                                               2 300
Total consideration                                                                          28 140
Cash outflow for acquisitions
Cash and cash equivalents acquired                                                             (390)
Cash consideration paid                                                                      25 840
Net cash outflow for acquisitions                                                            25 450
International-Partners ("AMI-Partners") based in the United States for US$3.5 million. AMI-Partners
is a Small and Medium Business ("SMB") ICT-focused global research and consulting firm that specialises
in go-to-market ("GTM") opportunity assessment, tracking buying behaviour, customer segmentation, channel
partner ecosystem dynamics and sales enablement enhanced with predictive analytics.
Effective 3 September 2018, Logicalis acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Clarotech, an internet
protocol telephony ("IPT") cloud and managed services business based in Cape Town. The 100% interest was
acquired for a cash consideration of US$3.4 million. This acquisition enables Logicalis to combine a
focused managed services operation with its existing business in South Africa, to support SMBs as well
as larger corporates.
With effect on 3 September 2018, Logicalis completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital
of Coasin Chile S.A., a Chilean ICT service and solutions provider, which also owns 100% of C2 Mining
Solutions S.A.C. based in Peru. This interest was acquired for a cash consideration of US$17.3 million
from Logicalis' resources. Coasin's experience in the mining and financial services verticals creates
opportunities for Logicalis to better serve its multinational clients while broadening its services scope
to new customer groups.
On 8 October 2018, Logicalis acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Corporate Network Integration
(Pty) Ltd ("CNI") for a cash consideration of US$3.9 million. CNI is a Microsoft-certified gold partner
based in Melbourne, Australia and this acquisition brings Logicalis a full suite of leading Microsoft cloud
service capabilities, significantly strengthening the Group's position in this growing market segment and
enabling Logicalis to deliver a broader scope of services to new and existing customers.
As a result of these acquisitions, goodwill and other intangible assets increased by US$13.1 million and
US$8.9 million respectively.
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