Anglo Plat counts cost of strike: Malawi bonanza can’t stop HEPS slide at Illovo

SENS AT A GLANCE

Monday, 1 December

• Anglo Platinum (mkt cap: R93.1bn) trading update for year to end December: HEPS likely to fall at least 20% (by 110cps) from 2013's 556c. Primary reason AMCU's five month strike. A further trading statement will be issued when there is greater visibility. The results will be released on 9 Feb 2015.

• Illovo Sugar (mkt cap: R12.1bn) interims to end September: HEPS -10% but DPS unchanged; Revenues -5% after 9% drop in sugar production. Operating margin down to 23.5% (2013: 26.1%). Malawi now by far biggest profit contributor at 41% (2013: 33%); then Zambia 31% (30%); SA 12% (10%); Swaziland 9% (17%) and Mozambique 8% (9%). Excellent performance in Zambia and improvement in Mozambique offset by declines elsewhere so group production for year will be lower. "Challenging" conditions in EU and global markets expected to continue. Chairman Don McLeod says he will step down next year.

• Advtech (mkt cap: R3.7bn) has made its first acquisition outside SA with the R84m purchase of the 21 year old Gaberone International School in Botswana. It has 1 800 students with capacity for 2 300. This is Advtech's four recent acquisition after the purchases of Centurus, Kathstan and Maravest.