ADMINISTRATION JD Group Limited ADR depository (“JD” or “the Group”) Registration number: 1981/009108/06 JSE code: JDG ISIN code: ZAE000030771 File number 82-4401 The Bank of New York Company, Inc. One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286, United States of America Telephone: +1 212 495 1284 Facsimile: +1 212 635 1121 Executive directors ID Sussman (executive chairman) AG Kirk (chief executive officer) KR Chauke, Dr HP Greeff, ID Thompson, G Völkel Sponsor Non-executive director IS Levy Independent non-executive directors VP Khanyile, ME King, Dr D Konar, M Lock, MJ Shaw, GZ Steffens Company secretary JMWR Pieterse Registered office 11th Floor, JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001 (PO Box 4208, Johannesburg, 2000) Telephone: +27 11 408 0408 Facsimile: +27 11 408 0604 E-mail: info@jdg.co.za Independent auditors Deloitte & Touche 221 Waterkloof Road Waterkloof Pretoria 0181 Attorneys Feinsteins (Levy, Feinsteins & Associates Incorporated) 10th Floor, JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001 Telephone: +27 11 712 0700 Facsimile: +27 11 712 0712 E-mail: isl@feinsteins.co.za Transfer secretaries Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 (PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107) Telephone: +27 11 370 5000 Facsimile: +27 11 688 5238 E-mail: proxy@computershare.co.za 5 February 2009 Published May Declared May 31 August Published November Published November Declared November Published November BASTION GRAPHICS www.jdgroup.co.za TWENTY FIVE YEARS redefining the future . . . ANNUAL REPORT 2008 SHAREHOLDERS’ DIARY FOR 2009 Annual general meeting Announcement of interim results Interim dividend declaration Financial year end Annual financial statements Announcement of annual results Final dividend declaration Annual report TWENTY FIVE YEARS J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 PSG Capital (Proprietary) Limited Building No 8, Woodmead Estate, 1 Woodmead Drive, Woodmead, Sandton, 2157 Telephone: +27 11 797 8400 Facsimile: +27 11 802 3689 driving our business forward . . . JD Group, a mass consumer financier, is South Africa’s leading differentiated furniture, appliances, electronic goods, home and office automation retailer, operating in southern Africa through four business divisions and 10 brands, and internationally with one business division and one brand in Poland. CONTENTS The JD Group covers the mass middle market and services the market through 1 033 stores in southern Africa and 62 stores in Strategy statement 2 Financial summary 3 Poland. Brands and operational areas 8 JD Group generated annual revenue of R12,6 billion and an annual Directorate 10 Executive management 12 Executive chairman’s report 14 Each brand is positioned in the mass middle market in a Chief executive officer’s report 18 differentiated way with a specific focus on a market segment, brand Review of operations 22 identity and store layout, merchandise range and market profile. Review of corporate services 36 Sustainability and stakeholder review 48 Corporate governance 59 cash inflow of R1,3 billion from trading activities. CONTENTS (continued) Ten year review Group cash flow statement 106 Notes to the Group cash flow statement 107 80 Group statement of changes in equity 108 Report of the independent auditors 81 Certificate by company secretary 81 Notes to the Group annual financial statements 109 Directors’ report 82 Segmental analysis 139 Directors’ remuneration 84 Definitions 92 Share incentive trust and salient features 142 JD Group Limited – company financial statements 145 Subsidiaries 146 Shareholder information 148 Directors’ approval of the annual financial statements Accounting policies 76 93 Group income statement 104 Group balance sheet 105 GROUP REVIEW redefining the future... TWENTY FIVE YEARS 1 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 sharpening our focus REDESIGN THE FUTURE The ability to predict the future in the modern world becomes an elusive and unattainable goal. The paradox statement: “The pace of change has never been as fast as it is today – it will never be so slow again” is more true than ever before. The recent events on the financial markets of the world and their impact on the local economy and consumer market confirm the challenging environment within which companies have to design future sustainable strategies. In the context of the above, business strategy design must have a sufficient level of robustness to adapt to unpredicted events impacting on organisations. The final acid test for business strategy is and will be its ability to weather storms successfully, whilst serving as stable platforms to capitalise on new business opportunities into the future. The Group is convinced that its future business and operating model is robust enough to cater for most events whilst serving as a stable platform to facilitate growth in its five business divisions. REVENUE HEADLINE EARNINGS PER SHARE NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE 3 500 15 000 1 000 12 000 800 9 000 600 2 000 6 000 400 1 500 3 000 200 0 0 03 04 05 06 07 R million 2 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 08 3 000 2 500 1 000 500 0 03 cents 04 05 06 07 08 03 cents 04 05 06 07 08 Customer centricity Continuous focus to serve our existing and new customers with the best possible range of differentiated 9 merchandise and financial services offerings, underpinned by excellent service. • Customer service Achieve world-class customer service through the establishment of a culture whereby each customer is treated like our only customer. • Product ranges and differentiation Providing expanded, relevant and differentiated products and services to our customers, thereby maximising the financial performance of the Group and those of identified strategic business partners. 31 August 2008 Financial summary 31 August* 2007 Revenue Rm 12 610 Profit attributable to shareholders Rm 514 12 914 1 113 Total assets Rm 8 673 8 891 Shareholders’ equity 5 048 Rm 4 813 Gearing ratio % 3,3 1,5 Operating margin % 6,3 12,3 Headline earnings per share cents 301,0 621,7 Cash equivalent dividends per share cents 152,0 303,0 Net asset value per share cents 2 822,9 2 804,5 Return on assets managed % 12,7 23,7 Return on average shareholders’ equity % 10,4 20,9 Note: Definitions of the terms above are reflected on page 92 of the annual financial statements. *The 2007 comparatives have been restated for the change in the basis of accounting for insurance income and initiation fees (refer note 1). 3 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Sustainable growth Secure short and medium term business performance to satisfy stakeholders’ needs, while focusing on market trends, to ensure future relevance and market growth. 9 • Business performance optimisation Continuous focus on the identification of opportunities to increase efficiencies. • Operational excellence Protecting stakeholders’ interests and compliance within a legislative framework. • Growth (local and international) Scanning the market environment for organic and acquisitive growth opportunities, both locally and internationally. • Corporate governance and social responsibility Adherence to good corporate governance principles and meeting our social responsibilities by providing a better life for the communities in which we trade. FUTURE BUSINESS AND OPERATING MODEL The Group progressed well in its endeavour to follow through on its business and operating model announced in the previous financial year. The design and planning work for all five business divisions have been completed and the primary focus shifted to implementation and benefits realisation. The five business divisions of the Group, serving as the operating platform for execution, are represented in the following diagram: Business and operating model TRADITIONAL RETAIL CASH RETAIL INTERNATIONAL RETAIL Barnetts Hi-Fi Corporation Abra Bradlows Incredible Connection Electric Express Joshua Doore FINANCIAL SERVICES NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 90%* Maravedi Group 55%* Blake & Associates Morkels Price ’n Pride Russells Supreme 4 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 *The acquisition of additional shareholdings in these entities are subject to certain conditions precedent as further described on page 34. Building and optimising people capacity 9 Creating and establishing a culture of continuous learning, leadership development and business performance. • Learning and growth Creation and growth of a continuous learning culture. • Leadership development Securing succession planning as a base for successful future growth through excellent leadership development programmes in partnership with reputable external business partners. BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY VALUES The business and operating model on page 4 Honesty and integrity required a significant shift away from a relative Ability to communicate and behave openly without symbiotic and integrated centrally controlled fear, focused on one truth as the only norm, based on environment, to a definitive decentralised and mutual trust and respect and where the intent of any autonomous business division environment, within communication and/or behaviour is unquestionable. the preagreed broad Group strategy parameters. This decentralised model is fundamentally underpinned by autonomy linked with a clear understanding of the accompanied accountability and responsibility imperative vested in the executive management teams of the different business Valuing diversity Individually and/or collectively understanding, accepting and valuing the different backgrounds, cultures, personal preferences and competencies of people. divisions. The restructuring and realignment of Responsibility and accountability executive team capabilities to cater for this Role-defined responsibilities and accountabilities are requirement have been completed. not only vested in the function but fundamentally also Service department resource redeployment has in the person and are not transferable. taken place as a natural consequence of this business philosophy. Every business division is therefore fully equipped from an operational and service department perspective. Urgency Urgency in all we do is a non-negotiable value. Performance driven The journey to achieve world-class status is VISION impossible without the individual and collective The Group’s vision is: “To be world-class in our fields the performance-driven value. commitment of all the people of the Group to own of expertise” in the differentiated and unique context of the specific business division. Growth into the future will be driven by specific opportunities relevant for the differentiated divisions and can be organic or by acquisition. 5 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 9 Optimised technology enablement Establish, maintain and grow technology capacities that will enable a differentiated customer experience and secure maximised business efficiencies. • Appropriate technology producing optimised business intelligence Develop and implement a user-friendly business intelligence application for the retail and financial services environment, enabling measurement capability on the progress of strategic business drivers. STRATEGIC BUSINESS GOALS The strategic business goals are central in the drive to implement the Group’s business strategy. The business goals per business division are depicted below: JD Vision “To be world-class in our fields of expertise.” Store expansion and delivery of required return on revenue New product and market development and delivery of required return on capital employed NE W EV BUS INE EL SS OP ME NT AL CI S AN FIN VICE R SE Relevant risk management, collection centralisation and delivery of required return on capital employed CUSTOMER FOCUS AND MARKET SHARE Product and service differentiation, store expansion and delivery of required return on revenue D Optimisation of retail efficiency and delivery of required return on revenue SH CA IL TA RE TR AD ITI O RE TA NA L IL GROUP INTERNATIONAL RETAIL The strategic business goals will be underpinned by the operational strategies in all cases. 6 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 9 Transformation • Transformation Driving transformation as a key imperative for the future success of South Africa and the Group. OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTATION • Customer centricity The Group has accepted a three year time horizon • Sustainable growth to implement and follow through on its new business • Building and optimising people capacity and operating model. The end goal for achievement • Optimised technology enablement has been disclosed upfront and agreed with every • Transformation business division for the next three years. The following diagram depicts the journey of followthrough of the Group’s new business and operating model and the realisation of envisaged benefits: CASH RETAIL (CR) INTERNATIONAL RETAIL (ABRA) FINANCIAL SERVICES (FS) NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (NBD) NBD TRADITIONAL RETAIL (TR) COR P OR AT E SERVICE D EPARTMENTS ABRA SHORT 2008/2009 MEDIUM 2009/2010 LONG 2010/2011 CR Anchoring principles guiding the business plan for the future FS Delivery channels driven by differentiated market position L I NE OF S I GHT – VISIO N 2011 AND BEYO ND TR TO UG H MAR K ET CON DIT I ON S AN D C HANGI N G DY NAM I CS The foundation of the future – Vision 2011 and beyond 25% return on capital employed 25% return on capital employed 10% return on revenue including commission earned from FS 7% return on revenue 12,5% return on revenue including commission earned from FS 7 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 BRANDS AND OPERATIONAL AREAS TRADITIONAL RETAIL Retailer of affordable and functionally designed household merchandise and appliances, focused predominantly in the rural areas of the mass middle market. National retailer selling quality branded furniture, appliances and home entertainment products to the aspirational upper mass middle market. Category specialist selling affordable appliances and home entertainment products, serving the lower end of the mass middle market with branded merchandise from a national footprint of compact dynamically displayed stores. Furniture and appliance retailer, offering an extensive range of discounted merchandise through a national footprint of stores aimed at serving the mass middle market and first time buyers. Retailer of high quality, guaranteed and sophisticated household furniture and appliances to the upper end of the mass middle market with a national footprint in the urban and metropolitan areas. Retailer of affordable, quality and branded household merchandise focused on the rural and urban communities of the mass middle market. Branded furniture and appliances retailer serving the middle mass market in metropolitan and urban areas. Botswana based retailer, providing a wide range of household furniture and appliances, satisfying the needs of the lower, middle and aspirational markets. CASH RETAIL Retailer of electronic goods and household appliances to the mid to upper end of the consumer market. Incredible Connection is southern Africa’s largest technology retailer serving the upper mass market in all metropolitan areas. INTERNATIONAL RETAIL Furniture retailer serving the mass market in Poland. NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT The acquisition of the increased shareholdings in the Maravedi Group and Blake & Associates will ensure continuous improvement in expanding the range of financial products, risk management and collection strategies within the Group. 8 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Projected new number of stores for 2008/9 Total number of stores Poland Swaziland Namibia Botswana Northern Cape Free State North West Eastern Cape Limpopo Mpumalanga Western Cape KwaZulu-Natal Gauteng OPERATIONAL AREAS 122 4 94 1 1 122 0 13 5 147 2 9 8 2 115 0 11 15 11 3 130 5 15 13 17 9 203 5 20 0 21 19 21 33 13 10 4 1 31 13 13 11 9 7 7 1 40 13 22 9 14 9 6 8 37 18 19 17 13 13 12 36 15 13 12 11 9 25 17 7 16 25 51 27 34 23 14 2 20 TOTAL 12 3 6 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 31 3 21 5 11 3 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 49 4 62 62 10 62 1 095 34 274 130 112 116 123 82 76 70 24 22 2 2 9 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 DIRECTORATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 Executive directors 1. David Sussman (60) BCom, Executive chairman Appointed 1 April 1986. Appointed chairman in February 1989. 35 years’ experience in retail. Founded the Group in 1983. 2. Grattan Kirk (44) FCA, CA(SA), Chief executive officer Appointed 17 September 2007. Joined the Group in December 2005. Joined Incredible Connection in October 1997. Appointed chief executive of Incredible Connection in 2003. 10 years’ experience in auditing and 11 years’ experience in retail. 3. Richard Chauke (41) BCom (Hons), MCom (South African and International Tax), MTP (SA), Director: Transformation and Taxation Affairs Appointed 17 September 2007. Joined the Group in February 2006. 12 years’ experience in auditing and taxation, three years’ lecturing and three years’ experience in retail. 4. Dr Henk Greeff (49) MEd (Ed Management) (cum laude), PhD, Director: Strategy and Human Resources Appointed 17 September 2007. Joined the Group in April 2003. Eight years’ experience in strategic management consulting and five years’ experience in retail. 5. Ian Thompson (40) BCom, BAcc, CA(SA), Director: Finance and Corporate Affairs Appointed 13 November 2008. Joined the Group in September 2003. 12 years’ experience in finance, auditing and taxation and five years’ experience in retail. 6. Gerald Völkel (48) BAcc, CA(SA), Chief financial officer Appointed 2 April 2001. Joined the Group in November 1995. 15 years’ experience in auditing and 13 years’ experience in retail. Note: With effect from 30 May 2008, Johan Kok and Mias Strauss retired as executive directors from the JD Group board. 10 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Non-executive director 7. Ivan S Levy (70) Dip Law, Attorney and director of companies Appointed 1 December 1994. Chairman of the remuneration and nominations committees and chairman of the board of trustees of the Group’s pension and provident funds. Independent non-executive directors 8. Vusi Khanyile (57) BCom (Hons), Director of companies Appointed 13 November 2008. Chairman and founding managing director of Thebe Investment Corporation. Director of numerous companies, listed and private. Mervyn King SC (71) 9. BA, LLB (cum laude), H Dip Tax, PhD (hc) in Law, Director of companies Appointed 2 May 1995. A former judge of the Supreme Court of South Africa. Chairman of the King Committee on Corporate Governance in South Africa. Professor extraordinaire at UNISA on Corporate Citizenship. First vice president of the Institute of Directors Southern Africa. Chairman of the Global Reporting Initiative in Amsterdam, United Nations Committee on Governance and Oversight, as well as of Strate, Brait Société Anonyme listed in Luxembourg, London and in Johannesburg. Chairman of the JD Group audit committee and member of the remuneration and nominations committees. 10. Dr Len Konar (54) 11. Maureen Lock (59) 12. Martin Shaw (70) CA(SA), Director of companies Appointed 1 June 2001. Member of the audit, remuneration, nominations and risk management committees. Prior to retirement, served as managing partner, chief executive and chairman of Deloitte & Touche. Chairman of Pretoria Portland Cement and Reunert and a non-executive director of Liberty Holdings, Illovo Sugar and Standard Bank. 13. Günter Steffens OBE (71) Director of companies BCom, CA(SA), MAS, DCom, an independent consultant and professional director Appointed 19 July 1995. Member of the King Committee on Corporate Governance in South Africa, the Securities Regulation Panel and the Institute of Directors. Formerly professor and head of the department of accountancy at the University of Durban-Westville and chairperson of the ministerial panel for the review of the regulations of accountants and auditors in South Africa in 2003. Served as chairman of the audit committee of the International Monetary Fund. A non-executive director of Old Mutual South Africa, the South African Reserve Bank, Sappi and Kumba Resources. Chairman of the JD Group risk management committee and member of the audit, remuneration and nominations committees. BCom, CA(SA), Corporate financier Appointed 2 April 2001. Corporate financier with extensive experience in business re-engineering. First women appointed as a partner of Ernst & Young in 1981. Appointed 13 November 2008. Former general manager at Dresdner Bank AG in London and in South Africa. A past chairman of German – British Chamber of Industry and Commerce and of the Foreign Banks Association in London. A non-executive director of various companies in South Africa and Europe. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 11 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT 1. Ian Child (50) 1 2 3 4 5 6 BCom (Hons), BAcc, CA(SA), Chief information officer 23 years’ experience in retail, IT and finance. 2. David Hirsch (38) Group executive: Merchandise and Marketing 17 years’ experience in retail. 3. Johan Kok (57) Chief operating officer 37 years’ experience in retail*. 4. Phillip Kruger (46) BCom, Chief executive: Financial Services 18 years’ experience in retail. 5. Arie Neven (49) Chief executive: Traditional Retail 28 years’ experience in retail. 6. Guy Pearce (42) BSc, BCom, MBA, Chief executive: New Business Development 12 years’ experience in financial services, eight years’ experience in IT. *Note: • With effect from 30 May 2008, Johan Kok retired from the JD Group board but remains on as a member of executive management. • Fred Ginsberg, Vivian Horn, Mark Richards and Mike Roberts retired as members of executive management. 12 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 focusing on implementing our strategy for the future... 13 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Business environment Two years have passed since the credit cycle turned with arrear payments in our receivables moving out since July 2006. This downturn was exacerbated by the proliferation of credit in the run up to the National Credit Act. In fact, the unprecedented appetite for debt in recent years resulted in the consumer’s current state of overindebtedness. While the downturn in the credit cycle did not take us by surprise, the severity of this correction could not be anticipated. I am of the opinion that this has been the most severe downcycle that I have experienced since we opened the doors to our first store 25 years ago. Redefining the business and operating model for future growth Notwithstanding the current challenges, JD Group has emerged from all downcycles in the past in a much stronger position and this time will be no exception. It is my view that although tough times are not very palatable, they are key to the health of an organisation because they call for a review of all aspects of the business. While we had initiated a number of improvements before the current downturn, we are now more focused to ensure that our business emerges in better shape to prosper in the future. The difficult trading conditions have severely impacted sales in our Traditional Retail division and have also resulted in product margin erosion. This, together with the increase in bad debts, reflects the conditions that have prevailed over the past two years. However, our determination to safeguard the strength of our balance sheet has paid off, with a gearing ratio of 3,3% at year end. The Group enjoys very strong cash flows and the underlying quality of our receivables remains intact. Our strategy going forward is undoubtedly relevant and our track record bears testimony to our ability to execute the plan. We are faced with a number of tasks, which we will undertake with the same determination and zeal that we as a team have always displayed. 14 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 “You can’t do today’s job with yesterday’s methods and be in business tomorrow.” Anonymous • The Group enjoys strong cash flows and the underlying quality of our receivables remains intact. • Our people are the face of our business and one • We have emerged from all downcycles in a stronger position and the long term outlook remains positive. cannot underestimate the role that they fulfil as ambassadors for the Group. We took the decision in January 2006 to separate Financial Services from Traditional Retail. It has become patently clear that the revenue generated from Financial Services was subsidising Traditional Retail. Any subsidisation, by definition, leads to inefficiency and in order to achieve our aim of being world-class retailers, this had to be addressed. Furthermore, our Financial Services division was not efficient enough to compete with its peers who are now providing finance to our target market. It was clear that separating the two entities into stand alone businesses would bring about a singleminded focus, allowing both divisions to excel. The time spent evaluating the separation during the past two years highlighted the issues and potential pitfalls. Ideally, we would have liked to be a year ahead of where we currently are, but the process was deferred to ensure full compliance ahead of the National Credit Act, which came into force in June 2007. Our focus now is on implementing our strategy, which includes driving greater efficiencies throughout the organisation. To date, the Group has funded Financial Services internally. However, our corporate advisors are of the opinion that this entity could conservatively gear up to about 50% of the gross receivables, providing extensive growth potential while also addressing the cost of capital. The separation of Financial Services from Traditional Retail also drew our attention to the inappropriate overhead structure in Traditional Retail which needed to be addressed. When we reviewed the market positioning of each of our brands in 2003, we recognised that we were embarking on a journey. While much has been accomplished, Traditional Retail will be further positioned as a stand alone division to achieve its full potential. During the 2009 financial year, our focus will be to bed down the new structure into the operating divisions, namely Traditional Retail, Cash Retail, International Retail and Financial Services, as well as our New Business Development division currently housing Maravedi and Blake. Towards the end of the financial year, we implemented separate management structures for each operating division, with the major impact being on Traditional Retail and Financial Services. The segregation into these separate business divisions will allow us to improve service levels through specialised skill sets in each operation. Subsequent to the year end, the Group increased its shareholding in Blake, a well known contact centre operation, from 27,5% to 55,0%. The founding members of Blake will retain equity in the operation and continue to manage its day to day operations. At the same time, the JD Group acquired Absa Group Limited’s shareholding in Maravedi, increasing our stake from 42,7% to 90,5%. Thebe Investment Corporation (Proprietary) Limited remains a 9,5% shareholder in Maravedi. At the time of publication of this annual report, both transactions were still subject to approval by the Competition Authorities. In the year under review, Blake and Maravedi were equity accounted, but after completion of the transactions, these will be consolidated into the Group’s results. Both Blake and Maravedi are critical components of the Group’s long term growth strategy into financial services. 15 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT continued The New Business Development division, which currently houses Maravedi and Blake, will act as the incubator for the Group’s next generation Financial Services business. The necessary skills have been recruited from the banking sector to head up this division. New products will be launched into our existing retail channels, further leveraging our extensive national footprint. However, as Maravedi becomes a fully fledged financial services provider, it will establish its own channels and brands, reducing its reliance on the Group’s retail footprint. We also envisage the introduction of private label cards into the Cash Retail environment. Our International division, comprising the very successful Abra retail chain, together with our Cash Retail division, which consists of Incredible Connection and Hi-Fi Corporation, are core to the strategy of the Group. These businesses provide balance and diversification benefits to the Group, dampening the cyclicality of our Traditional Retail activities. Our people Our people are the face of our business, and our customers’ view of the Group is predicated on the quality of their interaction with our staff in each and every store. One cannot underestimate the role that our employees fulfil as ambassadors for the Group. The increased regulatory requirements of credit extension introduced by the National Credit Act have raised the fiduciary responsibility of our customer facing employees. To ensure the quality and continuity of service, as well as our compliance with the legislative environment, we have heightened our focus on the training of staff at all levels. In the South African operations, more than 8 600 of our 17 700 strong workforce attended training during the year. In addition, JD Group supports Business Leadership South Africa in its efforts to train people in the priority skills areas as identified by the Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA). 16 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) The Group remains committed to concluding a B-BBEE transaction, incorporating a broad-based business partner and staff in order to address transformation at the ownership level. Progress in this regard has been hampered by the recent turmoil in the financial markets. In addition, the Group continues to focus on the other aspects of the B-BBEE scorecard and continuously evaluates procurement across the operations to verify the credentials of its suppliers. Recruiting people of colour at a management level is a priority, supported by our bursary, training and mentorship programmes. Social responsibility The JD Group’s corporate social investment programme remains focused on the development of individual and community self sufficiency through education and training, skills development and job creation. During the 2008 financial year, we invested more than R4,0 million in our social responsibility programme, with our main projects including, among others, the Techno-agricultural Innovation for Poverty Alleviation (Tipa) project and the B’nai B’rith Food Highway. Tipa is based on the concept of the African Garden Market, part of the Food Security for Africa initiative and B’nai B’rith, which undertakes communal projects for the underprivileged, joined forces with the Group to expand its successful Food Highway project. For additional details refer to the sustainability report on page 57. Share buy back and dividend During the year, the Group applied excess cash to purchase and cancel 9,5 million shares, in addition to increasing the number of shares held in the share trust at a total cost of R527 million. This was performed under our general authority to repurchase shares. We will continue to repurchase shares for cancellation as opportunities arise, effectively returning excess capital to our shareholders to enhance returns. Underpinned by our long term confidence in the Group’s business model and our continued cash generation, we have maintained our historic dividend cover of two times. The board declared a final dividend of 41 cents (2007: 57 cents) per share for the year ended 31 August 2008. Board of directors Mias Strauss retired from his position as chief executive officer on 30 May 2008. He played an instrumental role in the success of the Group since his appointment in 1993 and will continue to be involved in the business on a project basis. I extend my heartfelt thanks for his commitment and support over the years and it is comforting to know that he will continue to play a role in the future. In addition, Johan Kok retired from the board with effect from 30 May 2008. He has committed to continue in the role of chief operating officer, supporting the implementation of our new strategy. I wish to congratulate Grattan Kirk, our recently appointed chief executive officer, on his new role. Grattan’s experience and success at Incredible Connection have provided the platform for him to make a very real difference to JD Group. I am delighted to announce the appointment of Vusi Khanyile and Günter Steffens as independent non-executive directors to our board. The Group has been associated with both Vusi and Günter for a number of years, Vusi, through Thebe’s holding in Maravedi, and Günter, as a non-executive on the board of Incredible Connection. Vusi will assume the role of lead independent non-executive director in the new year and Günter assumes the chairmanship of the risk committee. It also gives me great pleasure to advise that Ian Thompson has been appointed as an executive director. His contribution to the Finance department has been invaluable, particularly in dealing with issues relating to taxation and the treasury function. The board of directors appointed Johann Pieterse as the company secretary with effect from 9 September 2008. Johann’s wealth of experience has already manifested itself in the short time he has been with us. Prospects We maintain that despite the current difficult trading conditions, the long term outlook remains positive. Of immediate interest is the question of when the consumer demand cycle will turn. Our strategy to separate Financial Services from Traditional Retail has been set in motion and increased efficiencies will bring about financial benefits during 2009. Notwithstanding our very conservative expectation for top line growth in the year ahead, we expect a pleasing improvement in earnings. Acknowledgements We have operated in a demanding environment over the past two years and I am pleased to say that our people, from senior management through to our employees at store level, rose to the challenge. It is satisfying for me to experience the fortitude and determination of our staff. We are committed to coming out of these tough times a much better organisation and with the commitment of all our JD Group people, I am convinced that this will be the case. I extend my gratitude to each and every member of the team for their efforts and loyalty in 2008. Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, once said that “nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” My executive team exemplifies these attributes and for this I am truly grateful. I also wish to acknowledge the tremendous support and wise counsel received from our non-executive directors. I David Sussman Chairman 14 November 2008 17 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT Financial review Revenue declined by 2,4% to R12,6 billion (2007: R12,9 billion), as the trading environment was once again impacted by lower discretionary income. The Group’s gross profit margin was down from 30,1% to 28,6%, due to a highly competitive trading environment in the second half of the year, with Traditional Retail bearing the brunt. The ongoing decrease in demand for consumer credit negatively impacted Traditional Retail, which reported an 11,6% decline in revenue for the year to R5,2 billion (2007: R5,9 billion). In order to preserve market share, the furniture chains were forced to cut prices and this significantly affected margins by 2,8% year on year. The division, however, contained expenses to an increase of 1,9% compared to 2007, but this was not sufficient to offset the lower margin. As a result, operating profit decreased by R531 million to R111 million. Worthy of mention is the performance of the two entry level chains, namely Price ’n Pride and Barnetts, which fared better than the other chains in Traditional Retail. The Group’s Cash Retail activities, comprising Incredible Connection and Hi-Fi Corporation, delivered revenue of R4,0 billion, reflecting a 4,0% increase (2007: R3,9 billion). However, operating profit was down 14,8% on the prior year. Incredible Connection performed exceptionally well, growing its market share. Hi-Fi Corporation was subjected to increased price competition, exacerbated by lower consumer spending. Although Hi-Fi Corporation’s top line sales declined by 5,4% year on year, there has been a slight improvement in gross margin. Incredible Connection grew its top line by a very pleasing 17,1%, with its operating margin at 7,6%. Overall, the reported operating margin of the Cash Retail division, whilst down on last year, was still at an acceptable 5,7%. 18 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 “The past year has been a turning point in JD Group’s history as we took the fundamental decision to restructure our business in line with international trends and current best practice. It is with great pride that, during this time of transformation, I have been tasked to lead the evolution of our Group.” Grattan Kirk • The ongoing decrease in demand for consumer credit negatively impacted Traditional Retail. • Incredible Connection performed exceptionally well, growing its market share. • The Cash Retail division produced an acceptable 5,7% operating margin. • Abra achieved a superior operating margin of 6,1% with operating profit up R27 million to R49 million. • The gearing ratio remains extremely conservative and increases the Group’s resilience to the adverse economic and credit environment. • The new structure facilitates a material reduction in costs. • Hi-Fi Corporation’s top line has been affected by increased competition with resultant pressure on margins. • Financial Services was impacted by lower new business inflows from Traditional Retail. Abra, based in Poland, performed well above Balance sheet and cash flow expectations. The enlarged store base now provides Despite cash generated by operations decreasing the necessary critical mass which yielded improved from R1 552 million to R1 309 million, the Group economies of scale. Revenue increased by 60% to remains highly cash generative with over 164% of R800 million, delivering rand hedge benefits to the operating profits being converted into cash. Group. Abra has achieved a superior operating Working capital was particularly well managed over margin of 6,1% with operating profit up R27 million the 12 months. During the year, R527 million was to R49 million. used to buy back and cancel 9,5 million shares and In line with muted consumer demand, Financial Services was impacted by lower new business inflows during the year. Revenue showed a 6,5% decline to R3,1 billion (2007: R3,3 billion) with operating profit decreasing by 23% to R622 million (2007: R808 million). Bad debt write offs and impairment provision costs increased by 8,8% year on year, resulting in the operating margin to increase treasury shares held in the share trust from 4,5 million to 7,4 million. The balance sheet reflects net gearing of R158 million compared to R76 million at 31 August 2007. The gearing ratio of 3,3%, compared to 1,5% at 31 August 2007, remains extremely conservative and increases the Group’s resilience to the adverse economic and credit environment. declining to 20,2%. Strategy Implementation Maravedi, our joint venture with Absa and Thebe, Traditional Retail continued to grow its receivables. Whilst its financial Through the restructuring, the Traditional Retail performance has been pedestrian, it has developed division, which comprises the eight furniture and and introduced a number of new products into appliance brands, has strengthened and the market over the past year. Blake performed consolidated its skills in merchandising, retail exceptionally well and is poised for strong operations, human capital and customer relationship organic growth. management while optimising the supporting IT systems and infrastructure. The new structure 19 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT continued facilitates a material reduction in costs. Clearly chain opened five new stores, bringing its store base defined reporting structures were put in place to 49. The Incredible Connection business model will towards the end of the past financial year. Previously continue to evolve through its ongoing focus on Traditional Retail operated off four different IT customer centricity, supplier relationships and value platforms. All the Traditional Retail chains now added services. operate off one common platform. Hi-Fi Corporation’s top line has been affected by A logistics project was launched to introduce increased competition with resultant pressure on greater efficiencies into the supply chain through margins. More and more of its offering is now centralised distribution centres across all chains. sourced from local distributors of branded product, A supply chain expert was recruited to head up the enabling the chain to provide a far better shopping centralisation project and we are currently piloting experience to its customer base. Hi-Fi Corporation a test facility in Bloemfontein. This initial site has opened three new stores during the year, bringing its already enabled us to significantly reduce the total footprint to 31 stores. In addition to enhancing number of vehicles. However, this exercise is not its product range, the chain is evolving its business simply intended to reduce costs, but must enhance model by introducing new revenue streams including customer service and improve our value proposition. content download and associated services. Further It is the Group’s intention to replicate centralised differentiation is planned through extensive distribution centres countrywide over the next revamping of the current store network. two years. The Cash Retail division is committed to Cash Retail The Cash Retail division is a significant contributor to the Group. This division dampens the cyclical maintaining its store rollout programme and it is envisaged that a further 30 stores will be opened over the next three years. nature of the Group’s Traditional Retail operations. It International Retail specialises in consumer electronics and serves both Abra maintained the momentum of its improved small to medium size businesses and the consumer performance, delivering the benefits of our efforts at large. The division comprises Incredible over the past five years. The chain is now one of Connection and Hi-Fi Corporation, two very strong Poland’s largest furniture brands with a network of brands on the southern African cash retail landscape. 62 stores. The Abra management team continues to The 2008 financial year was characterised by mixed fortunes. Incredible Connection delivered an exceptional performance while Hi-Fi Corporation was faced with a number of operational challenges. seek other growth opportunities in central and eastern Europe. Financial Services The Financial Services division has traditionally Incredible Connection’s broad range of provided term loans and associated insurance internationally branded quality products mitigates products to the Traditional Retail division. As already against commoditisation pressures. Incredible mentioned, this stand alone division will in time Connection strives to provide its customer base with broaden the scope of its consumer finance products a superior shopping experience. During the year, this in line with market trends. 20 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 During the year, the functional structure of Financial and head office, along with the maximisation of Services was finalised and the Electric Express efficiencies, will be the key priority for the year receivables were migrated onto the Blake platform. ahead. Early indications of the change in collections methodology have been positive. In order to enhance our ability to risk rate future debt, we have recruited a highly skilled and experienced team. With our upgraded information technology, together with the newly acquired skills, we are positioned to materially improve the efficiency of this division. Financial Services does however require a lower cost base. To date our existing model for receivables follow up has been decentralised and executed at store level, which is expensive and yields inconsistent results. The centralised model which we are currently piloting requires a dedicated contact centre environment with state-of-the-art technology and a specialised workforce. To this end we have JD Group has a sound business and operating model, a long established portfolio of cash generative brands, minimal gearing and a track record spanning 25 years. As such, the Group has the resilience to overcome the impact of the economic downturn and we are well positioned to benefit when the cycle turns. We have set ourselves specific performance targets over the next three years and I see it as my responsibility to deliver on these benchmarks. The challenges ahead present the opportunity to create the JD Group of the future and there is no doubt in my mind that we have what it takes to unlock the huge potential of this Group. developed a new contact centre in Johannesburg which will be completed by December 2008. The contact centre will be managed by JD Group Financial Services, using Blake’s proven collection methodology. The way forward Our focus remains on implementing our stated strategy. Reducing the cost base across all divisions Grattan Kirk Chief executive officer 14 November 2008 21 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS Traditional Retail EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Arie Neven, Chief executive: Traditional Retail (Chairman) Colin Bresler, Chief executive: Joshua Doore Johan Coetsee, Finance executive Toy de Klerk, Chief executive: Russells Julian Hanmer, Group executive: Logistics David Hirsch, Group executive: Merchandise and Marketing Pat Kimmince, Chief executive: Barnetts Conrad Kleingeld, Merchandise executive: Furniture Johan Kok, Chief operating officer Rénier Krige, Human Resources executive Lindsay Mentor, Chief executive: Bradlows and Supreme Preggie Naidoo, Merchandise executive: Appliances Mike Roberts, Chief executive: Price ’n Pride Len Rundle, Chief executive: Morkels and Electric Express Anthony Smith, Chief information officer: Traditional Retail Christo Viljoen, Business analytics executive Review The migration to one common information The past year has been characterised by one of technology platform for all the brands in Traditional the toughest trading conditions known in the Retail has been successfully completed. history of the Group. These conditions tested the fibre of every brand in terms of its ability to Outlook maintain its market share whilst satisfying the The Traditional Retail division is well prepared to needs of its customers. All the brands passed follow through on its journey within the new this acid test and used the opportunity to review business and operating model and to unlock value their position, efficiencies and effectiveness to from an efficiency and effectiveness perspective cater for business during the tough trading and to measure itself against the benchmarks of conditions, and to align themselves for the future similar retail operations locally and internationally. as a pure retail business. Going forward, One of the key focus areas will be the completion of Traditional Retail will still earn a commission the centralised logistical pilot environment. This will from Financial Services. The business plans and confirm the relevance of an in-principle strategic budgets of the different brands have been decision to migrate from a decentralised logistical successfully completed and fully aligned with environment to a predominantly centralised and fully the future structure of this division. automated logistical solution. 22 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Pat Kimmince (43), Chief executive – 24 years’ experience in retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Piet Coetzee (43), Logistics – 21 years’ experience in retail Ria de Clerck (42), Marketing and Merchandise – 23 years’ experience in retail Donny McCulloch (54), Human Resources – 34 years’ experience in retail Burnett van Breda (51), Debtors – 31 years’ experience in retail Fanie Venter (44), Operations – 23 years’ experience in retail Service and value you can trust This dynamic business was established in 1896 and operates out of 122 stores, positioning Barnetts as the leading furniture retailer in its market segment. The chain seeks to differentiate itself through its people, business performance improvement and the strength of the brand. Lindsay Mentor (48), IPM Dip, CPIR, Chief executive – 20 years’ experience in retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Grant Adendorff (40), BSoc Sci, Dip Labour Law, Dip Adv Labour Law, Human Resources – 12 years’ experience in retail Gavin Billson (47), Merchandise – 24 years’ experience in retail Mike Shimmon (43), Marketing – 12 years’ experience in retail Willie van Zyl (45), Operations and Debtors – 24 years’ experience in retail You’re the difference Established in 1903 and acquired in 1988, Bradlows aims to exceed its customers’ expectations in the delivery of its vision, ensuring that its customers feel Bradlows has made a unique difference in their lives. Bradlows operates 94 stores in major centres in South Africa and Swaziland. Bradlows appeals strongly to the market through its modern store layouts and innovative and unique product designs. With its implementation of people differentiation and its focused customer service strategy, the chain continues to reinforce its position as a preferred destination for the aspirational market. 23 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS continued Traditional Retail continued Value and quality you can trust Established in 1989 and acquired in 2003, Supreme strives to maintain its status of being a leading provider of household durables to the credit market in Botswana, by providing quality merchandise at competitive prices, above average service through dedicated and knowledgeable employees with the sole aim of exceeding customers’ expectations. Supreme continues to be a growth phenomenon in Botswana, operating through 20 stores and two warehouses. The chain has shown yet again that success is possible during difficult trading times by remaining focused on its customers and ensuring that it continually offers innovative and alternative merchandise, thereby remaining ahead of the competitors. Colin Bresler (45), Chief executive – 23 years’ experience in retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Brian Biccard (58), Human Resources – 34 years’ experience in retail Linda Breedt (34), Merchandise – seven years’ experience in retail Herbie Lindhorst (47), Logistics – 24 years’ experience in retail Dhevan Naidoo (43), Debtors – 25 years’ experience in retail Linda Sithole (41), EMD, MBA, Operations – 19 years’ experience in retail Greg Smart (38), Marketing – 13 years’ experience in retail You’ve got an uncle in the furniture business Established in 1973 and acquired in 1986, Joshua Doore offers a wide range of furniture, household appliances and entertainment products powered by a worldclass business philosophy that drives innovative business and extraordinary levels of service. Through its retail network of 147 stores, the chain is able to provide a range of products at the right price that meets its customers’ expectations. This is supported by an ongoing merchandise training programme for its staff that ensures a pleasant shopping experience for all its customers. 24 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Len Rundle (53), BTech, Chief executive – 29 years’ experience in retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Peter de Backer (43), Marketing – 23 years’ experience in retail Gideon Gouws (43), Logistics – 16 years’ experience in retail Faizal Jogee (43), Merchandise (Morkels) – eight years’ experience in retail Sue Lewis (47), IPM Dip, Adv Dip (Labour Law), Human Resources – 20 years’ experience in retail Tommie Muller (40), Operations (Electric Express) – 20 years’ experience in retail Craig Robertson (44), Merchandise (Electric Express) – 20 years’ experience in retail Dolf van der Merwe (51), Debtors – 29 years’ experience in retail Michellé van der Merwe (42), Operations (Morkels) – 20 years’ experience in retail Your two year guarantee store Established in 1937 and acquired in 2003, Morkels offers a unique company backed two year guarantee on quality, affordable merchandise and service provided by dedicated professional staff. Morkels offers South African consumers a unique shopping and after sales experience through 115 stores across South Africa, focused on branded quality merchandise for aspirational consumers. The chain continues to pursue growth by sourcing potential new and alternative sites for business unit opportunities. Morkels enjoys the position as South African consumers’ destination of choice for quality household furniture, appliances, audio visual products and service. We’ve got the power to beat any price on credit Established in 1958 and acquired in 1993, Electric Express provides consumers in our market segment with a range of quality and affordable technology and digital products and services at competitive prices through consumer focused staff. As a focused retailer of household electrical and home entertainment products at 122 stores conveniently situated across South Africa, it is purposefully geared for consumers who see themselves as first time homemakers. The chain serves as the pioneer for the Group in proactively pursuing back end integration with the Morkels chain, focused on optimising the debtors, logistics and human resources processes and practices for both chains, through synergistic application of sound leadership and purposefully designed technology and systems. 25 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS continued Traditional Retail continued Mike Roberts (53), Chief executive – 26 years’ experience in retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Jan Hayes (45), Logistics – 20 years’ experience in retail Eppo Joubert (38), Operations – 19 years’ experience in retail John Kirsten (55), Marketing and Merchandise – 33 years’ experience in retail Molefi Makhetha (44), BA Hons (Psychology), Human Resources – 13 years’ experience in retail We’ll treat you like our only customer Price ’n Pride was established in 1983 as the founding chain in the Group. The brand has now cemented its position in the market since its repositioning in 2001, and caters to its aspirational target customers in the entry level and mass middle market. Price ’n Pride operates from 130 stores nationally, offering excellent service, affordable products and added value to its customers. Its strategic imperative is to improve its customers’ lifestyle by providing an affordable range of quality products and services in a caring, respectful and honest environment, at exemplary levels of customer service by competent and proud staff. 26 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Toy de Klerk (48), Chief executive – 28 years’ experience in retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Scott Allan (39), Operations – 18 years’ experience in retail Lynette Basson (51), Debtors – 28 years’ experience in retail Millicent Nortjé (52), BA (Hons), MBA, Human Resources – 33 years’ experience in retail Pieter Schoeman (52), Merchandise – 27 years’ experience in retail Virna Smith (42), Marketing – 19 years’ experience in retail Rens van Rensburg (58), Logistics – 26 years’ experience in retail Pieter Viljoen (48), Debtors – 29 years’ experience in retail See how little style costs Established in 1943 and acquired in 1993, Russells is differentiated from its competitors by offering an innovative range of furniture products and appliances through competent employees, thereby exceeding the expectations of its target market. The retail chain has 203 stores located nationwide. Russells enjoys the position as one of the leading credit furniture retailers in the mass middle market in South Africa. With its focus on operational excellence, merchandise and marketing effectiveness and employee development, it continues to surmount external challenges. The chain’s operational disciplines are focused on customer acquisition and retention, while its employee development programme enables a healthy succession capacity to support growth. 27 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS continued Cash Retail EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Grattan Kirk, Chief executive officer (Chairman) Pamela Barletta, Group executive: Human Resources Johan Coetsee, Finance executive Victor da Silva, Chief information officer: Cash Retail David Hirsch, Group executive: Merchandise and Marketing David Miller, Chief executive: Incredible Connection Matthew van der Walt, Chief executive: Hi-Fi Corporation Review Outlook The Cash Retail division has experienced a mixed The growth potential in the product and service picture of success in the past financial year. offerings of home and small enterprise automation will Business growth in the product categories of home remain strong, whilst moderate growth is expected for and small enterprise automation was exceptionally the home entertainment and audio visual categories. strong in comparison to the limited growth of the Variables with a potential impact on the next home entertainment and audio visual product financial year, such as the exchange rate, economic categories. growth, inflation and interest rates, can have a Incredible Connection has performed exceptionally well under difficult market conditions. significant positive or negative impact on growth. A number of key strategic initiatives have been identified and embarked upon to strengthen the The growth in the footprint of the brands in the Cash position of Hi-Fi Corporation in the marketplace. Retail division has continued successfully and will Specific areas of focus will be in the merchandise continue to open new markets and segments. range, store “look and feel” and staff development and engagement arenas. 28 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Matthew van der Walt (36), Chief executive – 11 years’ experience in retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Andreas Avrabos (41), Operations – 23 years’ experience in retail Charl du Plessis (42), BJuris, Administration – 16 years’ experience in retail Alec Goodman (53), Merchandise – 32 years’ experience in retail Ryan Grill (39), Sales – 12 years’ experience in retail Neil McLean (52), Marketing – 35 years’ experience in retail Debra Teles (42), IPM Dip, H Dip Ed, Human Resources – 18 years’ experience in retail Lowest prices every day Hi-Fi Corporation, founded in 1993 and acquired by the JD Group in 2003, remains the largest audio and visual warehouse in the Southern Hemisphere. The chain operates through 31 stores located in the major metropolitan centres and is focused on capturing the mass cash market. It provides a comprehensive range of leading mass merchandise categories at the lowest prices to the market, backed by consistent quality service and guarantees, thus ensuring an exciting shopping experience for its customers. Notwithstanding an extremely aggressive market and an increase in the number of competitors it has to contend with, Hi-Fi Corporation has continued to maintain its position in the market. Hi-Fi Corporation has, since inception, fought for consumer justice by bringing the lowest possible prices to market even at the expense, in many instances, of margin. 29 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS continued Cash Retail continued David Miller (39), BBA (Hons), Chief executive – 14 years’ experience in retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Stefan Marnewick (37), BCom (Hons), CA(SA), Finance and Logistics – 10 years’ experience in retail Sean Nelson (35), Operations – 16 years’ experience in retail Roger Wood (40), NDip Marketing and Sales, Merchandise – 18 years’ experience in retail Everything for your digital lifestyle Established in 1990 and acquired by JD Group in 2005, Incredible Connection is southern Africa’s largest technology retailer located in all major metropolitan areas. It focuses on the middle to top end cash and SME markets, offering a comprehensive integrated technology solution range, underpinned by international brands and range, at competitive prices, backed by international warranties, advanced in store experience and delivered by the best people. Incredible Connection strives to deliver a unique business and lifestyle solution for its customers. Incredible Connection operates through 47 stores in South Africa, one in Windhoek and one in Gaborone. 30 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 International Retail Piotr Krzanowski (54), MSc, Chief executive – 18 years’ experience in retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Aneta Filik (38), M (Psychology), Human Resources – 13 years’ experience in retail Piotr Lisowski (40), MSc, Marketing and Merchandise – 15 years’ experience in retail Marek Zelek (33), BSc (IT), Logistics – nine years’ experience in retail Review Abra experienced its most successful year in its history. Economic conditions in Eastern Europe and the successful implementation of retail strategies inclusive of the growth of the store base contributed significantly to the success of this brand. Outlook With the strong growth of the Polish economy over the last few years and consumer demand still remaining buoyant, there is great opportunity for further store expansion. The current store base is 62 and 10 additional store openings are budgeted for in the forthcoming year. Although continuation of growth is expected, it will be influenced by the time required to recover from the turmoil of financial markets internationally, inclusive of Europe. However, we remain committed to organic growth as well as exploring opportunities in Eastern Europe. 31 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS continued Financial Services Phillip Kruger (46), BCom, Chief executive: Financial Services – 18 years’ experience in retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Herman Bakkes (48), BCom, MBA, Corporate debtors executive – 24 years’ debtors experience Johan Claassen (46), Head: Collections – 25 years’ debtors experience Rein Coetzee (35), BA (Psychology), Executive: Contact Centre – 12 years’ experience in retail Barry Dell (53), Head: Human Resources – 14 years’ experience in retail Francois Grobler (33), BCom, Head: Credit and Risk – eight years’ experience in financial services consulting and four years’ experience in retail banking Jeannine Naude-Terblanche (33), BProc, LLB, MBA, Executive: Customer Services and Legal – five years’ experience in financial services consulting and one year in retail banking Corrie Neven (53), Head: Operations – 25 years’ experience in retail Liesel Staebe (31), Executive: Contact Centre – 11 years’ experience in contact centre management and one year in finance Jaco van Jaarsveldt (36), BCom (cum laude), Head: Strategy and Analytics – five years’ experience in retail, two years’ in banking and six years in credit risk consulting Reneé Griessel (46), BLC, LLB, HDip Tax, Group executive: Insurance – 22 years’ experience in legal and insurance services 32 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Review of credit, has recently been established as a The past financial year was a difficult economic separate autonomous business. The Group has environment for our customers who faced rising recently been granted a short-term and long-term fuel and food prices and increasing interest rates. insurance licence by the Financial Services Board As many customers were overindebted coming (FSB). It is the Group’s intention to extend the range into this cycle, this exacerbated their financial of insurance products through the existing JD circumstances. Under these conditions the potential channels and to introduce new channels of delivery. bad debt risk was high. However, we are pleased to report that this risk was well managed and whilst Outlook the bad debt write off increased, it did so in line with A slow recovery in the financial services markets, similar businesses in the South African financial inclusive of the South African market, lower interest services sector. rates, the containment of inflation and stable growth The Financial Services division has completed its design and planning to migrate from a predominantly decentralised risk management and collection model to a centralised and automated risk management model. Pilot initiatives have been successfully rates, are expected for the new financial year. Should this occur, an increase in the demand for financial services is expected. New products will be offered to new and existing customers through the existing store network and customer base. completed and final adjustments for migration to The implementation of a fully centralised and a fully centralised environment are in progress. automated risk management model will be a key The Insurance division, which in the past provided focus area for the new financial year. insurance products directly related to the provision 33 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS continued New Business Development Review The JD Group and Absa Group each previously held The establishment of this division in the past financial 27,5% shareholding in Blake & Associates. At the year was a significant milestone for the Group. This financial year end, JD Group acquired Absa Group’s division will be focused predominantly on the stake in Blake & Associates making JD Group the development of new financial services products and majority shareholder with a 55% shareholding. markets through product development, partnerships, joint ventures and/or acquisitions. Both of these transactions are subject to a number of conditions precedent. As at date of this report, the All new financial services products relevant to the last remaining significant condition is the approval by existing customer base of Traditional Retail and the Competition Authorities for both transactions. Financial Services in JD Group will be available for cross selling. The same products will be available to other channels and segments of the markets outside the existing customer base of JD Group. The Maravedi Group was previously a joint venture The acquisition of increased shareholdings in the Maravedi Group and Blake & Associates represent significant progress in the development of this division. between Absa Group, JD Group and Thebe Investment Outlook Corporation. Subsequent to the financial year end, The expansion of new financial services products Absa Group’s shareholding was acquired by JD Group into the JD Group customer base, as well as the to take the Group’s shareholding up to 90,5%, with opening of new channels and market segments, will Thebe continuing to hold its 9,5% shareholding. be key focus areas. Maravedi Group Guy Pearce (42), BSc, BCom, MBA, Chief executive: New Business Development – 12 years’ experience in financial services, eight years’ experience in IT EXECUTIVE TEAM Bert Griesel (55), BCom, BCom (Hons), MCom (Personnel Management), Acting managing director: Maravedi Financial Solutions – 13 years’ experience in financial services Dries Hattingh (39), BCom (Hons), CA(SA), Managing director: Maravedi Credit Solutions – 12 years’ experience in financial services Leoni Groenewald (35), Dip Adv Business and Technology Studies, Chief information officer: New Business Development – 10 years’ experience in IT Jan Blom (47), BPL, Dip Labour Relations, Executive: Human Resources and Shared Services – 22 years’ experience in human resources 34 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 The Maravedi Group consists of two subsidiaries, can be provided through the existing namely Maravedi Financial Solutions (MFS) and JD channels and through alternative channels. Maravedi Credit Solutions (MCS). MCS offers an alternative debtors management MFS complements the broadening of the financial process and broadens the range of financial services services offerings by providing a range of unsecured solutions for JD Group. MCS has a great deal of loan products to customers with similar profiles to knowledge and experience in collecting overdue the existing customers of JD Group. These products debtors books. Blake & Associates Howard Blake (45), BProc, Executive chairman – 18 years’ experience in contact centre management EXECUTIVE TEAM Mike Miller (43), BCompt, Chief executive officer – 15 years’ experience in contact centre management Sean Stringer (40), Dip Mktg, BTech Mktg, Managing director: Blake Connect – 10 years’ experience in contact centre management Mark Parker (33), BCompt, BCompt (Hons), CA(SA), Financial director – 10 years’ experience in finance and contact centre management David Holding (45), BCom, Managing director: Collections – 20 years’ experience in contact centre management Dewaal Muller (40), BJuris, IT director – 12 years’ experience in IT and contact centre management Blake continues to grow as a recognised leader in which will continue into the new year with sound the delivery of value added services through the organic growth from the existing and prospective medium of contact centres. The past year has seen new clients. continued growth in all areas of the business but notably in the debt management and international operations. Utilising 3 000 proprietary seats and an additional 2 000 through joint venture relationships, the Blake services have reach in three continents, in French, English and Spanish language groups. Blake has experienced a strong start to its Mauritian operation, serving the United States of America, As the full effects of the credit crisis worsens, Blake’s debt management services will continue to support aggressive growth. This will be assisted by two new products which will widen the offerings to clients. In the context of the rapidly changing nature of the global economy, there will be increased demand for cost effective subcontracted services. 35 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF CORPORATE SERVICES 1 Finance 1. Ian Thompson (40), BCom, BAcc, CA(SA), Director: Finance and Corporate Affairs – 17 years’ experience in finance, auditing and taxation affairs 2. Johan Coetsee (49), BCom, BAcc (Hons), ACMA, Finance executive: Cash and Traditional Retail – 27 years’ experience in finance 2 EXECUTIVE TEAM Johan Breytenbach (43), BCom – 20 years’ experience in finance Lucia Hefer (44), BCom (Hons) – 23 years’ experience in finance Braam Mathee (44), Adv Dip in Tax, CA(SA) – 20 years’ experience in finance and taxation affairs Stefan Marnewick (37), BCom (Hons), CA(SA) – 14 years’ experience in finance Pumla Magewa (37), BCom, HDip Tax – 13 years’ experience in finance and taxation affairs Louise Niehaus (45) – 27 years’ experience in finance Sanette Oberholzer (51), BCom – 31 years’ experience in finance Tracey Rood (40), BCom, BAcc – 18 years’ experience in finance Elmien Rossouw (45), BCom (Hons) – 12 years’ experience in finance The finance department is responsible for the financial and management accounting, accounts payable, treasury, taxation and statutory reporting functions of the Group. The change in accounting policy, with respect to revenue recognition, resulted in significant changes to the provisioning calculations. These changes are now entrenched in the monthly reporting. The organisational structure within the finance function has now been clearly split into Traditional Retail, Cash Retail, Financial Services, Corporate and International. The new structure remains a centralised model, but results in more focused areas of delivery and reporting. The forthcoming year will see the new structure System changes have arisen from the change in branch systems in Morkels and Barnetts to the system utilised by the rest of the Traditional Retail chains. A number of other system changes occurred in Hi-Fi Corporation and Incredible Connection. The new Navision system in Incredible Connection has been fully rolled out and is operating successfully. 36 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 being refined in terms of reporting outputs, accountability and delivery in line with the new business strategy. This process, together with the single underlying operational system in the Traditional Retail chains, should result in increased efficiencies. The ERP system in Incredible Connection will be rolled out into Hi-Fi Corporation during the new financial year. A single system within the cash division will also result in increased efficiencies. 1 Human Resources 1. Dr Henk Greeff (49), MEd (Ed Management) (cum laude), PhD, Director: Strategy and Human Resources – 13 years’ experience in strategic management consulting and retail 2. Pamela Barletta (39), Dip Labour Law; Dip Human Resources, Group executive: Human Resources – 22 years’ experience in human resources 3. Rénier Krige (41), BCom, SMP, PLD (cum laude), Human Resources executive: Traditional Retail – 19 years’ experience in human resources 2 EXECUTIVE TEAM George Annandale (44), BPL, Adv Dip Labour Law and Employment Relations (cum laude), Corporate Human Resources executive: HR Shared Services – 17 years’ experience in human resources Keitumetse Buda (31), Nat Dip (HRM), Corporate Human Resources executive: Service Departments – eight years’ experience in human resources 3 With the introduction of the Group’s divisional commenced, as well as structure, an extended and varied range of product the redevelopment of all and service offerings has taken shape and continues technical and behavioural to be crafted as industry environments become more learning programmes and complex and competitive. The subsequent impact the architectural design of this has had on human capital management, from a divisional talent maps. The Group and divisional perspective, has fundamentally integration and alignment of individual performance changed the approach to be followed in talent contracts with business strategy and goals were acquisition and the maximising of people also completed. performance. To further optimise talent and performance In order to ensure execution of best of breed human competitiveness, human capital management capital management practices and to track human offerings will continue to be provided via a resource performance against pre-agreed centralised HR Shared Services Centre, HR benchmarks, integrated HR dials were introduced, business partnership offerings and the introduction via an HR dashboard, providing quarterly business of specialised and dedicated Centres of Expertise. intelligence on the “state of health” of people Integrated talent management strategies, with readiness and performance in the business. The due focus on transformation and underpinned by implementation of a world renowned e-HR solution human capital management benchmarking initiatives, will be prioritised. 37 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF CORPORATE SERVICES continued Internal and Forensic Audit Pieter Pienaar (39), BCom, Group executive: Audit – 17 years’ experience in auditing and retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Riaan Marais (37), Dip CJFA, CFE, ACFE, General manager: Forensic Audit – 19 years’ experience in forensic auditing and retail Des Strydom (49), General manager: Audit – 25 years’ experience in auditing and retail Internal and Forensic Audit provides independent, Enterprise Risk Management as a philosophy and objective assurance and consulting services to the methodology in the organisation will be entrenched Group, designed to add value and improve to ensure that all risks are properly mitigated and operations. It helps the Group to accomplish its managed. objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, internal control and governance processes. The department expanded to provide physical risk assessments on high risk sites and was restructured to support the Group structure. Audits were expanded to include Incredible Connection. An Enterprise Risk Management project was launched, under the leadership of Internal Audit, to prepare for the change to a risk based audit approach. 38 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 The department fulfilled a consulting role by assisting with the development of applicable policy and procedures in various areas of the operations in the Group. The Group’s IT platform will be optimised to cost effectively enhance internal and forensic audit processes. 1 Information Technology and Communications (IT) 1. Ian Child (50), BCom (Hons), BAcc, CA(SA), Chief information officer – 23 years’ experience in retail, IT and finance 2. Victor da Silva (41), Chief information officer: Cash Retail – 15 years’ experience in retail and IT 3. Anthony Smith (42), PhD, MBA, Chief information officer: Traditional Retail – 12 years’ experience in retail and IT 2 EXECUTIVE TEAM Steven Friedman (37), BSc Eng (Aeronautical), MBA, IT executive: Business Intelligence – 12 years’ experience in IT Leoni Groenewald (35), Dip Adv Business and Technology Studies, Chief information officer: New Business Development – 10 years’ experience in IT Gerrie van Niekerk (47), IT executive: Operations – 23 years’ experience in IT The IT department has focused teams providing underpinned by two services to the Cash Retail, Traditional Retail, main programmes, Financial Services and New Business Development namely, the divisions. implementation of a During the year the IT department was restructured to reflect the change in business structure. IT has now been structured into four major divisions. These four divisions are supported by Group services, providing shared service facilities and the business intelligence team which supports the enterprise data warehouse and the delivery of reporting and business intelligence. The restructuring has yielded significant benefit in terms of providing more focused and dedicated support and services to the lines of business. 3 national contact centre and the conversion of chains on disparate systems to a single transactional system. The transactional systems were converted onto a single system by September 2008, simplifying IT operations and enhancing the Group’s business intelligence capacity. The contact centre supports the centralisation of the entire credit management lifecycle from credit granting to account management. In addition, it will support many other aspects of the Financial Services From an IT perspective, the first stage in the split of business and enhance our ability to comply with Financial Services from Traditional Retail has been legislation. 39 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF CORPORATE SERVICES continued Legal, Compliance and Insurance Services Reneé Griessel (46), BLC, LLB, HDip Tax, Group executive: Insurance – 22 years’ experience in legal, compliance and insurance services Legal, Compliance and Insurance Services was a Reporting, systems, capital structure and statutory newly formed department which was to provide legal requirements concerning the establishment of these skills and compliance services to all aspects of the two insurance companies is currently a priority. business. Notice of termination of our current insurance This department has primarily focused on the legal and compliance issues arising from the Group’s intermediary and insurance operations. FAIS compliance has been substantially upgraded. arrangements was given to the existing insurance company as we will now take on the insurance business in house. The department was also involved in reviewing all insurance related customer documentation to ensure Furthermore, application was made to the Financial that it is fully compliant with the relevant legislation Services Board (FSB) in May 2008 for a short-term and regulatory standards. and a long-term insurance licence. These licences were approved by the FSB in October 2008. The insurance operations will be incorporated into the Financial Services division as a separate autonomous business. 40 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Logistics Julian Hanmer (46), Group executive: Logistics – 23 years’ experience in logistics EXECUTIVE Clive Dicks (63), Group executive: Fleet – 45 years’ experience in retail and fleet management Logistics is responsible for optimising the supply Botshabelo. The intentions are to maximise chain management, including the aspects of efficiencies, save on distribution costs and procurement, maintenance and administration of ultimately deliver a better service to our customers. the Group’s fleet of vehicles. Whilst this project is still in its pilot phase, we are The past year was a challenging one for Logistics as already seeing the benefits of better vehicle and we experienced increased prices in diesel and staff utilisation. We will continue to refine this model maintenance costs for fleet. In line with our strategy into the future. to contain costs and optimise our supply chain, we engaged consultants and industry professionals to identify mechanisms to consolidate the warehouses of the various retail chains. In line with Group strategy, Logistics has also undertaken a national study to establish a platform for further warehouse consolidation initiatives. We will also focus on rightsizing the number of vehicles in In August 2008 we initiated a warehouse consolidation the fleet and investigate alternative distribution and pilot in Bloemfontein where seven retail chains planning models to further enhance our supply chain. are now serviced from a single warehouse in 41 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF CORPORATE SERVICES continued Merchandise and Marketing David Hirsch (38), Group executive: Merchandise and Marketing – 17 years’ experience in retail EXECUTIVE TEAM Conrad Kleingeld (41), Merchandise executive: Furniture – 15 years’ experience in retail Preggie Naidoo (34), Merchandise executive: Appliances – 16 years’ experience in retail Irene Pilavachi (51), BA (Lang), H Dip Mktg, Group executive: Marketing – 19 years’ experience in marketing and retail Christo Viljoen (49), Business analytics executive – 29 years’ experience in retail Corporate Merchandise and Marketing’s strategic from existing marketing and media practices across business objective is to support the differentiated the Group. In addition, we will increase our business chain merchandise and marketing initiatives by intelligence programmes to ensure greater customer leveraging opportunities within the full spectrum of centricity across the business. its activities to yield additional revenue for the Group. With the decoupling of Financial Services from the All marketing activities were under severe pressure Traditional Retail business, Corporate Merchandise due to the high indebtedness of households in our needs to move from pure facilitation to target market. This, coupled with media inflation implementation of best practice merchandise of 11,3%, necessitated the fine tuning of existing strategies. marketing practices, as well as the removal of non-performing components of the marketing mix, to yield better returns on marketing spend. The Corporate Merchandise department has been strengthened to: • revitalise current merchandise ranges in keeping The increase in the number of lenders who finance with the ongoing trends of the customer as furniture purchases has resulted in a more verified by business intelligence; competitive environment, not only regarding pricing but also in respect of product differentiation. Increased margin pressure on merchandise was experienced as a result of ongoing reaction to competitor activities, both within Traditional Retail and Cash Retail. Corporate Marketing will continue to support the retail chains by initiating new methods to extract efficiencies 42 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 • implement market research programmes to provide the chains with tools to make more informed procurement decisions; • grow key partnerships with suppliers and strategic alliances; and • build a culture which encourages innovation, differentiation and merchandise efficiencies. Property Services Ivan Nefdt (45), Group executive: Property Services – 20 years’ experience in retail and property services EXECUTIVE TEAM Nico Celliers (51), BSc (Hons), Prod Eng, Projects executive: Traditional Retail – 23 years’ experience in retail, property and project management Etienne du Plessis (58), BJuris, LLB, Executive: Legal and Administration – 33 years’ experience in retail and property services Bruce Haygarth (38), Projects executive: Cash Retail – 10 years’ experience in retail, property and project management Philip Malan (49), Executive: Property Procurement – 12 years’ experience in retail and property services Property Services is responsible for the Group’s The department comprises three disciplines, property negotiations, property projects, store namely property procurement, projects and legal renovations, lease administration and related and administration. legal matters. During the past financial year, 24 new stores were The department is responsible for managing the established (13 in Cash Retail and 11 in Traditional Group’s property portfolio which comprises Retail) and 79 stores were renovated (12 in Cash approximately 1 390 leased properties with annual Retail and 67 in Traditional Retail). rental payments of R397 million (excluding Abra and Incredible Connection) and 12 company owned properties valued at R393 million, plus two recently The department is focused on supporting the Group’s strategy. acquired properties awaiting transfer. 43 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF CORPORATE SERVICES continued Secretariat Johann Pieterse (53), BA, BCom (Law), Company Secretary – 22 years’ experience in secretarial services Secretariat primarily provides a service in the areas of statutory and meeting administration, as well as general support to the board of directors and board • a strengthening of the relationship and affiliation with the Institute of Directors; • the gaining of an in depth understanding of the committees. It is also responsible for shareholder challenges that face directors in the boardroom administration, corporate governance and provides via the Institute of Directors’ Accelerated guidance to directors and executive management on Directorship Programme; their obligations in terms of relevant corporate laws and regulations. The secretarial environment was overshadowed by the coming into effect of the Corporate Laws Amendment Act (CLA) which appended the existing Companies Act. Steps were taken to ensure that the regulatory and governance issues ensuing from the CLA were incorporated into the business practices of the Group. • the provision of inputs and comments on the draft Companies Bill; and • a clean up of the Group’s statutory records following an independent, third party audit thereof. The publication of the King III Report is imminent and flowing from this event, a comprehensive internal assessment of the company’s existing board and committee governance practices will be conducted. Also in the pipeline is the conversion of Achievements during the review period focused all statutory and other records to electronic format mainly on skills development and include: in order to save costs and enhance record keeping. • the gaining of an understanding of the Other aspects that will receive attention include the requirements and implications of the CLA, liquidating of redundant and non-operational trusts and other new relevant legislation; and the deregistering of dormant companies. 44 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Strategy Dr Henk Greeff (49), MEd (Ed Management) (cum laude), PhD, Director: Strategy and Human Resources – 13 years’ experience in strategic management consulting and retail Group strategy focuses on business strategy design, The process to convert concept and design into research, coordination and facilitation of strategic executable planning is approaching its logical closure planning. This function supports all business to coincide with the new financial year. divisions and service departments. Group strategies are converted into projects and implemented with project management principles and practices, as the foundation for implementation. The principle decision to implement the strategy in all the business divisions over a three year period with pre-quantified targets and deliverables has been collectively and individually agreed with all The architecture of the Group’s new business and business division leaders and is regarded as work operating model has been completed and in progress. extensively validated against international best practice with third party independent strategic management consulting partners. The core focus for the future will be on the implementation of the strategy through a dedicated project driven approach in order to achieve its defined targets and envisaged benefits. 45 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REVIEW OF CORPORATE SERVICES continued Transformation Richard Chauke (41), BCom (Hons), MCom (South African and International Tax), MTP (SA), Director: Transformation and Taxation Affairs – 18 years’ experience in retail and taxation EXECUTIVE Jonny Masinga (31), NDip HRM, BTech HRM, Transformation executive – 11 years’ experience in human resources and transformation The transformation department will focus on The initiatives below will maintain our position for entrenching empowerment on a sustainable basis in driving transformation: the Group in order to ensure the effective • Our recruitment and bursary programme, which is participation of black people in ownership, focused on increasing demographic representation management control, employment equity, skills in our workforce. development and preferential procurement as envisaged in the broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) Code of Good Practice. The department also contributes to enterprise development and socioeconomic development. In the year under review the department was engaged in dual strategies of affirmative action and transformation. Strides were made in ensuring that there is compliance with B-BBEE, by ensuring that staff numbers begin • Our targeted procurement policy, focused on empowering black business. • Our active support of community programmes. • Continuous transformation of our management structures. • A close working relationship with our suppliers and assisting them in their transformation drive. • Our recruitment and advancement policies and to reflect the demographics of South Africa. We also practices that give preference wherever possible commenced with the monitoring of the other to previously disadvantaged individuals. elements of the B-BBEE generic scorecard, which includes socio-economic development, preferential procurement, employment equity, skills development, management control, enterprise development and ownership control. • Continuing to monitor and evaluate the progress on the B-BBEE scorecard. • Finalising and implementing the initiatives for enterprise development. • Finalising and implementing the graduate The fundamental challenge for the JD Group has programme for 2009 as well as the intake of 2009 been and remains how to play a leading role in bursary and retail programme students. significantly growing the total number of black executives and future black business leaders in the Group. 46 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SUSTAINABILITY AND GOVERNANCE expanding our reach and relationships... SUSTAINABILITY AND STAKEHOLDER REVIEW “JD Group believes that the future prosperity of our country, as well as that of the Group, hinges, amongst other things, on the positive transformation and upliftment of our communities. It is the effects of this transformation process on standards and quality of life of our people that are at the heart of our concerns in achieving a sustainable economy.” David Sussman, Executive chairman Introduction stakeholders and determined the most effective and Sustainability is about ensuring financial prosperity strategic methods of communicating key issues to and stability for our investors and staff, integrating them. social and environmental responsibility for our communities and the countries in which we operate, Stakeholder engagement and remaining relevant and accessible to our The board of directors is aware of the importance customers. In all our activities, we remain of balanced and understandable communication committed to contributing to, and investing in, of the Group’s activities to stakeholders and strives South Africa’s prosperity, growth and development through sustainable business practices. As a truly South African Group we believe that to clearly present any material matters to ensure a proper appreciation of the Group’s position. The interests and concerns of stakeholders are addressed by communicating information as it becomes known. sustainable development is a process which has as its primary aim realising human development in an Investors inclusive, connected and equitable way. At the The directors foster a mutual understanding of JD Group, we recognise our business responsibility objectives shared between the Group and its to actively work towards addressing the inequalities institutional shareholders by meeting with and of the country’s past. making presentations to them on a regular basis. The King Code and JD Group’s own code of conduct are at the foundation of our approach to sustainable development. We support the King Code’s recommendations for integrated sustainability. The board welcomes and encourages the attendance of private shareholders at the annual general meeting and other general meetings and gives them the opportunity to direct questions to management. At last year’s annual general meeting, all resolutions JD Group’s objective is to be profitable in a were passed by a poll. The number of proxies lodged responsible and accountable manner to the broader on each resolution and the outcome of the voting society and communities it serves, while nurturing was announced at the meeting. and respecting the environment in which it operates. The Group makes a concerted effort to communicate openly with its stakeholders and is committed to transparency. The Group has defined its 48 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Channels: Annual and interim reports, profit announcements, SENS announcements, annual general meeting, investor relations programme, results presentations and website. Employees Channels: Contracts, meetings, letters, e-mail The Group is committed to transparent updates, account statements, magazines, brochures, communication with its entire workforce and pamphlets and posters. realises that this is crucial in order to retain motivated staff. It has developed a number of Suppliers channels to ensure that relevant information is The JD Group operates a tightly integrated network distributed timeously to all employees. The channels of suppliers to ensure that the Group’s exacting have been designed to suit the urgency, the quality standards are met and it also forms long- audience and the topics which need to be lasting relationships with suppliers. Service level communicated. The communication materials are agreements and contracts with suppliers specify stored centrally on the Group’s intranet, the Wiki. JD Group’s obligations relating to terms and Channels: Face-to-Face for brief topical issues; chain memoranda for each of the operating brands with event driven content, internal chain newsletters for each of the 10 brands which convey news relating to each retail chain, geographic roadshows by the executive team to meet employees and to discuss matters relating to future strategy and priorities, among others. Customers The JD Group recognises that in addition to offering its customers quality products at affordable prices, it payment. The Group is committed to be fair to suppliers in exchange for their obligation to provide products and services which meet the Group’s required standards. The Group encourages its suppliers to become fully compliant with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice and also engages with suppliers and service providers to ensure that they comply with regulations. The Group is committed to enterprise development to develop the suppliers of the future. JD Group does not condone unfair labour practices across its supplier network. also has a fiduciary duty associated with the financial Channels: Contracts and service level agreements, products sold. In store campaigns to communicate letters, e-mails, invoices, statements and meetings. customers’ rights to them are in place in all stores across the Group. When the National Credit Act Trade unions (NCA) was introduced in 2007, JD Group took further The Group engages actively with trade unions to measures to engage with its customers via additional ensure its compliance in all matters and engages in-store campaigns. Staff underwent intensive in consultative discussions relating to issues of training to ensure that during the credit approval interest as well as collective bargaining on topics process, all fiduciary obligations in respect of the pertaining to wages and conditions of employment. customer are met. All products are clearly marked We have regular discussions with the trade union in brochures and on in-store price ticketing, with the SACCAWU (South African Commercial Catering cash price, monthly instalment amount and interest and Allied Workers Union), with elected employees rate, in line with NCA requirements. Each brand has included in our meetings. its own branded monthly magazine which is used to Channels: Informal discussions and quarterly reinforce messages relating to our customers’ rights National Negotiation Committee meetings with and the Group’s obligations. trade unions. 49 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SUSTAINABILITY AND STAKEHOLDER REVIEW continued Regulatory bodies We remain committed to our international The Group has dedicated resources to ensure its expansion, that started in Poland with the Abra compliance with all relevant legislation pertaining to business, which is now one of the largest furniture its operations. It also adopts an open door policy to retailers in Poland. In South Africa, we continue to ensure productive relationships with regulatory refine the Group’s structure and strategy in line with bodies including the FSB, the National Credit international retail trends to ensure the long-term Regulator (NCR), the Department of Labour and the economic viability of the business. Wholesale and Retail (W&R) SETA, among others. In addition, the Group is represented on the Furniture Wealth creation Traders’ Association, the Credit Providers’ The value added statement on page 51 is a measure Association and is a founder member of the National of the wealth created by the Group during the year Debt Mediation Association. under review. The statement shows the total wealth Channels: Informal discussions, regular reporting as required by the regulatory bodies, attendance at formal meetings and industry forums. Communities The Group adopts a proactive stance in timely dissemination of appropriate information to stakeholders through print and electronic news releases and the statutory publication of the Group’s financial performance. Channels: Public relations, profit announcements, website and meetings with local community committees. Economic sustainability At the cornerstone of our business is our commitment to satisfy our consumers in the pursuit of consistent, acceptable profit growth. We create wealth for the benefit of all stakeholders. 50 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 created and how it was distributed. Indirect impacts The total economic impact of an organisation includes indirect impacts. These are usually benefits arising in the course of its business to which a monetary amount is not directly attributable. JD Group does not assess and quantify its indirect economic impacts. However, some of the Group’s indirect economic impacts are as follows: • The JD Group spent R9,9 billion during the year on inventory purchases and services from suppliers. This in turn creates opportunities for our suppliers to employ more staff to keep pace with the Group’s demands. Our first concern in supplier relationships is to meet legal and contractual obligations, acknowledging that for many suppliers, their greatest need is to be paid on time. Group value added statement 2008 Rm 2007 % Rm Revenue Investment income Finance income Equity accounted losses 12 610 30 104 (14) 12 914 75 36 (4) Cost of merchandise, services and expenses 12 730 (9 877) 13 021 (9 547) Value added Distributed as follows: Employees Salaries, commissions and other benefits Government Taxation, assessment rates and other levies Providers of capital Distribution to shareholders Finance costs Reinvestment in the Group To provide for depreciation To provide for deferred taxation Reinvestment for expansion Value distributed Statement of money exchanges with government Assessment rates and taxes Company taxes Employees’ tax deducted from remuneration paid Net value added tax and general sales tax collected RSC and other levies % 2 853 100,0 3 474 100,0 1 777 62,3 1 639 47,2 305 452 10,8 15,7 414 733 12,0 21,0 264 188 9,2 6,5 546 187 15,7 5,3 319 11,2 688 19,8 132 (63) 250 4,6 (2,2) 8,8 117 4 567 3,4 0,1 16,3 3 474 100,0 2 853 100,0 14 278 164 40 13 12 394 193 36 8 509 643 Value added is the amount of wealth the Group has created by purchasing and selling its merchandise. The statement above shows how this wealth has been distributed. The calculation takes into account the amounts retained and invested in the Group for the replacement of assets and the development of operations. 51 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SUSTAINABILITY AND STAKEHOLDER REVIEW continued • During the year the JD Group paid R340 million in income taxation, for the ultimate benefit of all South Africans. In addition, the Group places the highest priority on maintaining constructive relationships with government at local and national levels. • Chains and corporate service departments must comply with all laws and seek constructive engagements with public authorities where necessary. As part of the accountability process, each chain and corporate service department is required to report all incidences of prosecutions or fines, major ongoing disputes and any formal investigations. • The Group engages with contractors and subcontractors across all operations and, in so doing, supports the growth and development of smaller businesses, injecting wealth to their communities. • The JD Group also engages with small businesses in the role of mentor through its informal enterprise development programme, offering assistance in growing and developing their businesses, and indirectly contributing to the socio-economic development of South Africa. Transformation The Group actively supports initiatives directed at the empowerment of previously disadvantaged groups in the South African community. The Group is committed to transformation goals and objectives and views transformation as an opportunity for further growth and development in line with the BEE Act, DTI’s B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice and the Employment Equity Act. The JD Group focuses on entrenching empowerment on a sustainable platform in its businesses to ensure the effective participation of black people in ownership, control and skilled occupations, and has 52 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 introduced a transformation strategy that focuses on all seven elements of the generic scorecard. The strategy adopted by the Group will give credence to the seven elements of the generic scorecard that will position the Group to become B-BBEE compliant. Ownership: The Group remains committed to concluding a B-BBEE transaction, incorporating a broad-based business partner and staff in order to address transformation at the ownership level. Progress in this regard was hampered by the turmoil in financial markets during the 2008 financial year. Management control: The Group remains committed to transformation of its board and executive management, to ensure that the people who manage and lead the Group broadly reflect the diverse profile of the South African population and that they are appropriately empowered and skilled to manage the Group towards its strategic objectives. However, the pool of suitably qualified and experienced executives is limited and, in order to nurture black talent, the Group has introduced informal mentorship programmes. The new CEO of the Group is renewing the focus on transformation at the executive level. Preferential procurement: During the year, the Group embarked on an internal evaluation of all its suppliers in order to accurately measure its BEE procurement spend. The process will be completed in 2009 whereafter JD Group will appoint an independent verification agency to obtain an official accreditation. Employment equity: The JD Group is committed to redressing inequalities with regard to race, gender, disability and culture among the Group’s employees and to accelerate the development and retention of a diverse pool of skilled employees in the Group in order to achieve equitable representation in all occupational categories and levels of employment. Quarterly monitoring and evaluation continue at the executive committee level. Our bursary training programme provides the Group with a pool of talented individuals, while our informal mentorship programme dampens the impact of staff turnover which characterises the retail industry. The Group has a formal employment equity policy which has been approved by the CEO. Skills development: The Group has a number of skills development initiatives (as detailed on page 55 of this report). During the training year, more than 8 600 employees attended formal training programmes, of which over 70% were from the race categories black, coloured and Indian. White female 16% Black male 22% White male 12% Indian female 4% Indian male 4% Coloured female 8% Black female 29% Coloured male 5% Employee’s attending formal training programmes by race category Enterprise development: A number of initiatives are in the final stages of planning and these will be implemented during the 2009 financial year. Corporate social development: During the year under review, JD Group invested R4,0 million in corporate social investments. For additional information, refer to page 57. Environmental Notwithstanding the JD Group’s retail and financial services activities being classified as having a low environmental impact, we encourage all our employees to adopt sustainable environmental business practices to minimise the impact of the Group’s activities on all stakeholders and on the environment as a whole. This commitment is supported by our compliance to all relevant safety, health and environmental legislation and by enhancing awareness among our employees. In relation to the environment, the Group aims at all times to adopt an all encompassing approach to environmental protection measures with the object of achieving continuous improvements. We strive to keep waste materials to a minimum and to reduce, recycle and, where necessary, dispose of waste by the safest and most responsible means available to reduce environmental impact. Documents and policies are accessible on the JD Group intranet, Wiki, in order to minimise printing and paper consumption as well as waste. The Group’s Internal Audit department assesses compliance with key features of existing environmental, health and safety legislation, and reviews performance against agreed targets. The Group remains committed to the Braamfontein Regeneration Project which is a key factor in driving inner city growth and renewal in Johannesburg. Ivan Levy, a non-executive director, is chairman of the regeneration project in the current year. The Group, whose corporate head office is situated in Braamfontein, together with other major corporates, has been an integral part of this process, as evidenced by its investment in JD House in 2002 and an adjacent building in 2005, refurbishments thereto and the building of a parkade. In 2008, we continued to manage and maintain our buildings in this area. 53 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SUSTAINABILITY AND STAKEHOLDER REVIEW continued The Group is also an active participant in the Corporate Precinct Public Environment Upgrade, which not only benefits some 800 corporate office employees, business partners, associates and visitors, but also the community at large. Policy JD Group is in the process of compiling and adopting a formal environmental policy which will be rolled out across all its operations with appropriate environmental management systems. It is the Group’s intention to encourage environmentally sustainable practices across its supply chain by including such measures in service level agreements with suppliers and contractors, including furniture and appliance manufacturers. Electricity The lifts, central air conditioning plant and lighting in the Group’s head office which is located at JD House, have been replaced with new generation, energy efficient systems. In addition, the electrical reticulation has also been replaced. A building management system has been installed to manage the lifts and air conditioning in an effective and efficient manner. Throughout the building, lighting is connected to timers which switch off all nonessential lights at night. During the 2008 financial year, the Group’s electricity saving initiatives resulted in a reduction in usage of more than 10%. The JD Group has also contracted an external service provider to conduct an analysis of the electrical consumption of all the major sites. Preliminary reports indicate that consumption is being well managed. This process will be rolled out to all stores. Future initiatives will include the installation of demand regulators to further balance and reduce the consumption of electricity. 54 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Water To reduce water wastage, all renovations concluded during the 2008 financial year included the replacement of all standard taps with “demand” taps. Air conditioning The Group is in the process of installing central control units in premises where multiple air conditioning units are situated. This will provide management with the means to control the temperature and set the “start and stop” times, effectively reducing the environmental impact and cost. Solar heating An investigation is under way to determine the viability of installing solar heating to provide hot water for JD House. This will result in the hot water boiler being disconnected from the current petroleum gas burner, thereby reducing the emission of carbons into the atmosphere. Fuel The Group has installed an active tracking device in all its vehicles. Regular reports on excessive speeding and idling are produced. By addressing these issues, the fuel consumption is controlled and managed, reducing carbon emissions into the environment and saving costs. Recycling Within the Group’s Cash Retail activities, Incredible Connection runs an annual promotion offering consumers discounts on the purchase of new computers, laptops and monitors against trade-ins on old equipment. The promotion spans a full month and where traded in equipment is usable, it is refurbished and donated to schools by Incredible Connection. Obsolete equipment is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner through authorised third parties. In addition, the Group has implemented mechanisms to ensure environmentally responsible disposal of its 8 000 computers through certified agents, when this equipment is replaced or upgraded. Social The Group prioritises its responsibility to uphold basic human rights within the organisation and has an ethics policy which is included in the Human Resources Manual and is available to all members of staff on the JD Group intranet. It is strictly adhered to at all times. The Group does not consider this as purely a legislative requirement, but sees these guidelines, which reflect its core values and beliefs, as intrinsic to operating a sustainable business. The Group recognises the importance of effective development of staff as a key success factor for its future success. The human resource policies include a broad framework of corporate values and are driven by the need to ensure effective utilisation of and investment in human resources. Merit and competence are the key criteria for advancement in the Group. Acknowledging the diversity of cultures in the employee complement is a key fundamental of the relationship between employer and employee. The Group applies policies that do not discriminate on grounds of race, age, disability, gender or religion and that provide good opportunities for previously disadvantaged sections of the community. Training and development The Group strives to create an environment in which all individuals and teams may develop their full potential for the benefit of themselves and the Group. As such, training requirements have been fully mapped for each job occupation and specified across all the Group’s core operations. These are linked to individual development plans (IDPs) for each job occupation which define the Group’s generic training programmes. In addition, bi-annually each employee has a formal performance appraisal and then a unique individual and developmental and growth plan is formulated. The JD Group has made a formal commitment to Business Leadership South Africa’s initiatives to deliver on training people in the priority or scarce skill categories identified in the government’s Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) project. Merchants, business managers, cashiers, credit controllers and sales people have been identified as scarce skills in the Group. JD Group recognises the importance of training and development on the sustainability of its business activities and has extensive initiatives to support the development and further education of its employees. JD Group has a sound relationship with the W&R SETA and during the year it contributed to a number of SETA/Standard Generating Body (SGB) projects. In addition, the Group continually engages with the W&R SETA to further develop programmes tailored for the changing needs of the furniture and financial services retail industry. The Group prioritised occupationally focused training through SETA accredited service providers, including focused courses for cashiers, stock controllers, sales and merchandising employees, amongst others. The Group also supported the newly launched SETA designed leadership programme, with one of its employees among 16 candidates selected to attend the local learning and international study tour to the USA and Canada. 55 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SUSTAINABILITY AND STAKEHOLDER REVIEW continued During the year, 8 642 employees of the JD Group’s southern African operations attended training at a total cost of approximately R19 million. Semi-skilled workers 8% Senior officials and managers 15% In-store sales staff 22% Training by job category Clerical and administration (including cashiers and credit controllers) 55% The Group has a formal bursary committee comprising members of the management team as well as trade union members. Annual funding of approximately R1,2 million is set aside to support employees and their children. Applications are formally assessed using predetermined selection criteria. During the year, 34 employees participated in the education assistance programme and study loans programme, while educational assistance was provided to 242 children of our employees. During 2008, the Group continued to roll out its successful Retail Management Programme (RMP). Twelve candidates, who set out on the programme in 2007, were awarded university bursaries to pursue business related qualifications after completion. The 2008 RMP comprises 16 students, 10 of whom will be 56 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 given the opportunity to pursue tertiary studies after completing the curriculum. A target of 25 students, aged between 18 and 25 years, has been set for the Graduate Development Programme which has been developed to provide further training for bursars who have completed their university studies. JD Group also provided advanced training for its senior management team at the Gordon Institute for Business Studies (GIBS) and Unisa. In addition, the Retail Leadership Development Programme (RLDP) and the Advanced Management Development Programme (AMDP) were conducted in house during the year. In the current year, 12 senior employees completed the RLDP, which makes a total of 54 delegates that have finished this programme since inception. Twelve employees also completed the AMDP in 2008, and since inception 29 delegates have finished this programme. Employee relations The Group recognises the rights of employees associated with freedom of expression, freedom of association and representation. The Group affirms that employees have the right to choose to participate in organised labour structures and collective bargaining for the designated bargaining unit. Where appropriate, employee participation in problem solving and decision making is encouraged. A formal recognition and relationship agreement exists between the trade union, SACCAWU and the JD Group. The principles of this agreement are strictly adhered to in terms of managing the relationship between related stakeholders. No Group related strike action has occurred during the past nine years. Health and safety The Group complies with all relevant safety and health legislation and has engaged the services of an external service provider to manage its compliance to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. Using an online platform, the service is being rolled out at all Group sites, regardless of location and number of employees. The JD Group is working with its service provider to assess health and safety training requirements and to ensure that all relevant staff are coached and trained to the required standards. Regulatory reports are completed online, enhancing the ability to obtain a consolidated Group view of health and safety compliance, which is reported to the Group risk management committee. HIV/Aids The Group engages and supports the initiatives of its primary healthcare service providers, Discovery, Ingwe and Moremed, who currently offer employees medical aid products. Voluntary HIV/Aids testing and counselling programmes are made available to employees through these service providers. JD Group is committed to rolling out an HIV/Aids management programme in 2009 with the support of a global risk management consulting company which has received international funding to support local HIV/Aids initiatives. The provision of antiretroviral therapy will be explored in partnership with the consultancy. An integrated and enterprise health risk assessment will also be conducted to determine optimisation opportunities in employee absenteeism management. The Group has ongoing communication and awareness campaigns to educate its workforce about prevention and treatment of diseases including HIV/Aids and tuberculosis. Corporate Social Investment The focus of the Group Corporate Social Investment Programme is on the development of individual and community self sufficiency through education and training, skills development and job creation. Projects are selected on the basis of sound management and sustainability. We attempt, in certain instances, to forge partnerships with other stakeholders to maximise funding. A percentage of the budget is allocated to smaller, once off annual donations to organisations that are acknowledged as providing specific services to their community. Funding is allocated to secular organisations only and no funding or sponsorship is granted for individual endeavours. To ensure openness and transparency, no funding or sponsorship is granted to political parties. During the 2008 financial year, JD Group invested more than R4,0 million in corporate social investments. The Group’s main corporate social investment programmes are as follows: • Tipa project The Techno-agricultural Innovation for Poverty Alleviation (Tipa) project is based on the concept of the African Garden Market, part of the Food Security for Africa initiative presented in 2002 at the World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD). Both Tipa and the African Garden Market make use of the Family Drip Irrigation System (FDIS). The FDIS state-of-the-art irrigation technology developed in Israel, has been combined with gravity powered low water pressure, which allows traditional farmers to enjoy all the advantages of drip irrigation at low cost. Without the need to introduce any further technology, each FDIS project is able to cover an area up to 500m2. 57 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SUSTAINABILITY AND STAKEHOLDER REVIEW continued • B’nai B’rith Food Highway B’nai B’rith, an international service organisation which undertakes communal projects for the underprivileged and less fortunate members of the communities, joined forces with the Group to expand its successful Food Highway project. This project was initiated to assist sectors of the disadvantaged community who are undernourished and suffering from malnutrition, including Lerato Love Home. The Group has contributed to sponsoring the cost of bulk purchases of the ingredients required for the 100g food packets, resulting in 50 000 meals being made available to underprivileged children monthly. • Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, established in June 2000, strives, through training and mentorship, to nurture and develop world-class South African musicians who in turn will ensure the ongoing sustainability and growth of music traditions in South Africa. The Group continued to support the JPO during the current year. • Other institutions – Little Champs Sports Academy runs facilities which provide pre-schoolers with physical, emotional and social development, embracing teamwork, sharing and Ubuntu. – The Mitzvah School, a registered school and examination centre, provides quality tutoring for students from Alexandra in their final year of schooling. The school caters for 50 students and has consistently produced a pass rate exceeding 90%. – Lerato Love Home relocated to a community centre neighbouring Alexandra, providing accommodation for babies, children and young adults, the majority of whom are victims of abuse, abandonment, neglect and HIV and Aids. We acknowledge the significant contribution made by the Bidvest Group to this facility, as well as various contributions of money, clothing and food made by the Group’s suppliers and employees. – Up With Science, a science enrichment programme for senior secondary school pupils presented by the Centre for Science Education at the University of Pretoria, the North West University and Business Against Crime. We continue to support numerous education and other institutions. The major beneficiaries are listed below: Currently 242 children of employees and 34 staff members are receiving education and study assistance. – St Enda’s Community Centre, a highly respected secondary school in Joubert Park, Johannesburg, that was originally established in one of our warehouses in 1985. For the past 14 years, corporate office employees have regularly been donating blood in conjunction with the South African Blood Service at JD House. – Claremont Child Care, an institution which assists destitute children, with whom we have a long standing association. 58 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Introduction Furthermore, during the year under review, the The board of directors (the board) is committed to Group appointed a new CEO, thereby continuing and subscribes to the values of good corporate to ensure that the roles of chairman and CEO are governance contained in the Code of Corporate not vested in a single person. Practices and Conduct recommended by the 2002 King Report on Corporate Governance for South Endorsement of King II Africa (King II). The Group is fully committed to the principles of The board endorses the principles of integrity and accountability advocated by King II. In all dealings, the board strives to ensure that the interests of stakeholders are foremost in their decisions. The Group’s corporate governance structures and practices are reviewed on an ongoing basis in response to changes within and external to the Group. effective corporate governance and application of the highest ethical standards in the conduct of its business. We endorse the principles of integrity and accountability advocated by King II. In all dealings we strive to ensure that the interests of stakeholders are foremost in our decisions and that they are fully informed of decisions relevant to them. We support the view that good corporate governance is This corporate governance statement sets out the key essentially about leadership and for this reason governance principles and practices of the Group, one we conduct the enterprise with integrity and in of which is fair, honest and understandable disclosure compliance with best international practices, whilst to both our internal and external stakeholders. taking cognisance of the value systems of the countries in which we operate. Statement of compliance The Listings Requirements of the JSE require that listed companies report on the extent to which they comply with the principles incorporated in King II. Chairman and board of directors Chairman The executive chairman is David Sussman, founder Based on the information set out in this corporate of the Group. The board delegated to the chairman governance statement, the board believes that the responsibility for ensuring the effectiveness of throughout the accounting period under review, it governance practices. The chairman leads the board has applied the practices and spirit of King II. and is responsible for representing the board to shareholders. Executive chairman In regard to the appointment of an executive chairman, rather than an independent non-executive director, the Group has complied with the provisions set out in the Listings Requirements of the JSE, by explaining below its adopted practice of having an executive chairman. Although the chairman is not an independent non-executive director as recommended by King II, there is a clear division of responsibilities at the head of the Group to ensure that there is an appropriate balance of power and authority, such that no one individual has unfettered powers of decision making. 59 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued To further enhance the balance of power and Guy Pearce, are invited to attend board meetings, influence on the board, a lead independent non- however, there remains a clear division between the executive director will be appointed in the new year. responsibilities of the board and management. In addition, as required in terms of the Listings Requirements of the JSE, the role of the chairman is separate from that of the chief executive officer. Board The Group is headed by an effective unitary board that both leads and controls the Group. At the date of this report, the board comprised of 13 directors of whom six are independent non-executive directors and one a non-executive director. The guidelines contained in the Listings Requirements of the JSE The primary responsibilities of the board, amongst others, are to review strategic direction, consider investment decisions, monitor performance against approved plans and budgets, assess the levels of compliance with relevant legislation, consider governance structures, review competitor activity and compare performance with best practice, locally and internationally. The board retains full and effective control of the Group and a range of decisions on material matters are reserved for the board. were used to test the independence and category The board meets four times per annum and more most applicable to each director. Based on this frequently if circumstances dictate. assessment, the board found Vusi Khanyile, Mervyn King, Len Konar, Maureen Lock, Martin Shaw and Günter Steffens to be independent nonexecutive directors, while Ivan Levy is regarded as a non-executive director, but not independent. Meetings are conducted in accordance with formal agendas, ensuring that all substantive matters are properly addressed. Agendas are regularly reviewed for effectiveness and relevance. Amongst others, these directors ensure that the The chairman sets the agenda for each meeting in chairman encourages proper deliberation of all consultation with the chief executive officer and the matters requiring the board’s attention and that no company secretary. Any director may request that one individual or block of individuals dominate the additional matters be added to the agenda. Board board’s deliberations or its decisions. In this way, the papers are circulated to the directors in advance of full spectrum of shareowner interests are protected, the meetings to allow enough time for directors to including minority rights. scrutinise the content. This is but one of the The executive contingent of the board comprises Richard Chauke, Henk Greeff, Ian Thompson and measures that supports the decision making process at board level. Gerald Völkel, as well as David Sussman and Directors are appointed on the basis of skill, acumen, Grattan Kirk, the chairman and chief executive experience and level of contribution to impact on the officer respectively. The latter takes full activities of the Group. Non-executive directors responsibility for all operations. contribute an unfettered and impartial view on The following executive management (Exco) members, namely Ian Child, David Hirsch, Johan Kok, Phillip Kruger, Arie Neven and 60 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 matters considered by the board and enjoy significant influence in deliberations at meetings. All directors have the requisite knowledge and experience required to properly execute their duties, and all participate actively in the proceedings at board meetings. The Grattan Kirk, Henk Greeff and Richard Chauke were non-executive directors have no fixed term of office, appointed on 17 September 2007. As Ian Thompson, while all of the executive directors have entered into Vusi Khanyile and Günter Steffens were appointed to employment contracts with JDG Trading (Proprietary) the board on 13 November 2008, being between two Limited with one year’s notice from either party. annual general meetings, their appointments will No director has an employment contract with the require shareholder confirmation in terms of the Group exceeding three years. Group’s articles of association. Some of the non-executive directors hold The biographical details for each of the directors are directorships or executive positions in companies set out on pages 10 and 11 of this annual report. with which the Group has commercial relationships. The board has considered all these relationships and Interests in contracts does not believe any of them compromise the During the year ended 31 August 2008, none of the independence of the directors concerned. directors had a significant interest in any contract All directors are entitled, at the Group’s expense, to seek independent professional advice about the affairs of the Group in relation to the execution of or arrangement entered into by the Company or its subsidiaries, other than as disclosed in note 27 to the annual financial statements. their duties, if such expertise is required. A proper Company secretary procedure exists to facilitate this process. The appointment and removal of the company Both the directors and the members of board secretary is a matter for consideration by the board committees are supplied with full and timely as a whole. On 31 May 2008, Janine van Eden information that enable them to properly discharge resigned as company secretary and Johann Pieterse their responsibilities. All directors have unrestricted was appointed by the board with effect from access to all Group information. Non-executive 9 September 2008. As this position was vacant for directors have access to management and from time a period exceeding 90 days (maximum period to time meet separately with management without permitted by the Companies Act), a member of Exco, the executive directors being present. Mark Richards, was authorised to act in this role and One third of the directors are subject, by rotation, to retirement and re-election at each annual general meeting in terms of the Company’s articles of association. In addition, all appointments of directors to fill casual vacancies on the board between two annual general meetings, are subject to confirmation by shareholders at the first annual general meeting after their initial appointment. Mias Strauss and Johan Kok both retired from the to carry out all of the duties of the company secretary in the interim period. The company secretary advises the board on the appropriate procedures for the management of meetings and the implementation of governance procedures and is further responsible for providing the board collectively, and each director individually, with guidance on the discharge of their responsibilities in terms of the legislation and regulatory requirements applicable to South Africa. board during the review period on 30 May 2008, while 61 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued Business model Corporate service departments The Group’s business model has been changed to • Finance comprise the following divisions, namely Traditional • Human Resources Retail, Cash Retail, International Retail, Financial • Internal and Forensic Audit Services and New Business Development. The new model is explained in detail on pages 4 to 7. The board is of the opinion that the new business model is appropriate and sound and provides a solid platform for continued growth. The board is nevertheless aware of the changing dynamics of the • Information Technology and Communications (IT) • Legal, Compliance and Insurance Services • Logistics • Merchandise and Marketing • Property Services industry and will modify Group strategy and models • Secretariat from time to time in accordance with changing • Strategy circumstances. • Transformation The following comprise the individual business Strategic business goals components of each division: The Group’s corporate objectives and opportunities Traditional Retail • Barnetts are set out on page 6 and provides a framework for the strategic direction of the Group. • Bradlows and Supreme Board committees • Joshua Doore While the board remains accountable and • Morkels and Electric Express responsible for the performance and affairs of the • Price ’n Pride Group, subcommittees of the Group board have • Russells been appointed. Ad hoc subcommittees are created from time to time to assist the board in discharging Cash Retail its duties and obligations. Each committee has a • Hi-Fi Corporation clear mandate and operates in accordance with its • Incredible Connection own specific written terms of reference that has been approved by the Group board and adopted by International Retail • Abra the individual committee. The chairman of each subcommittee reports at each Financial Services scheduled meeting of the board and minutes of • Traditional Retail credit subcommittee meetings are provided to the board in • Short-term and long-term insurance summarised form. The majority of the members, and New Business Development subcommittee are independent non-executive • Maravedi Group directors. • Blake & Associates 62 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 in many instances all of the members, of each A diagrammatic outline of the entities to which delegations have been made, is set out below: JD GROUP MAIN BOARD Board committees Management committees Alliances Audit Exco Blake & Associates* Remuneration Internal risk management Maravedi Group* Nominations Traditional Retail Risk management Cash Retail JDG Trading board Employee benefit funds Abra Other committees *Following approval from the Competition Authorities, these alliances will become subsidiaries. Audit committee The audit committee comprises three independent non-executive directors, namely Mervyn King (chairman), Len Konar and Martin Shaw. Executive directors Richard Chauke, Henk Greeff, Grattan Kirk, David Sussman, Ian Thompson and Gerald Völkel attend meetings by invitation, as does the nonexecutive director, Ivan Levy. Other invitees include Ian Child, Johan Kok and Phillip Kruger (all Exco members) and Pieter Pienaar (the head of Internal and Forensic Audit). The audit committee met formally three times during the financial year to consider financial reporting issues and to advise the board on a range of matters, including corporate governance practices, internal control policies and procedures, and internal and external audit management. The external auditors attend the audit committee meetings and have unrestricted informal access to the chairman of the audit committee. The audit committee has approved a non-audit services policy and set the principles for recommending the use of external auditors for non-audit services and has pre-approved all non-audit work undertaken by the auditors. The audit committee is satisfied that the independence of the external auditors is not compromised by the present scale of non-audit related fees paid to them. Through the audit committee, the board regularly reviews processes and procedures to ensure the effectiveness of internal systems of control so that its decision making capability and the accuracy of its reporting is maintained at a high level at all times. The committee, furthermore, identifies and monitors non-financial aspects relevant to the businesses of the Group and reviews appropriate non-financial information that goes beyond assessing the financial and quantitative performance factors. During the financial year, the audit committee: • nominated Deloitte & Touche for re-appointment after satisfying itself of the latter’s independence; 63 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued • determined the fees to be paid to Deloitte & Remuneration for the executives consists of an Touche and their terms of engagement and were all inclusive total cost to company fixed element, satisfied that they complied with all relevant a variable element and share incentives. Full details legislation relating to the appointment of of the remuneration of the individual directors and independent auditors; information on share options are set out on page 84 • recommended the Group’s financial statements of the annual financial statements. for the year ended 31 August 2008 to the board The fixed element of remuneration is reviewed for approval and onward submission to annually. The committee compares current rates of shareholders; and pay to those observed in similar relevant companies • considered the appropriateness of the expertise within and outside the Group. This information is then and experience of the chief financial officer adjusted to reflect both the Group’s performance (see abbreviated curriculum vitae on page 10). compared with the performance of similar Remuneration committee companies as well as the individual’s performance. The remuneration committee, under the chairmanship An annual variable element is awarded as an of non-executive director Ivan Levy, comprises four incentive to executives to achieve predetermined members, the remaining three of whom are financial and other targets. independent non-executive members, namely Mervyn The Group’s primary executive remuneration King, Len Konar and Martin Shaw. David Sussman objective is to reward executives so as to ensure that attends the meetings by invitation but recuses their services are retained and that their interests himself in relation to matters concerning himself. are, as far as possible, commensurate and aligned Its main responsibility is to review and approve the with the interests of the shareholders. remuneration and employment terms of executive The Group currently operates a share incentive directors and senior group executives. In addition to scheme for directors and senior executives. The the aforementioned, the remuneration committee committee grants rights that relate to the executives’ also considers the most appropriate share incentive contributions and responsibilities. Rights granted schemes for implementation by the Group, as well as under this scheme are subject to time limits. It is the allocations under such schemes. The committee intention of the Group to replace the existing option makes recommendations to the board and scheme with a new generation share appreciation shareholders on the aforementioned aspects. The rights scheme (the salient details of which will be remuneration committee formally met once during distributed to shareholders in due course). Rights the financial year. under this scheme will be subject to the achievement In determining the remuneration of the executives, of certain performance criteria. These criteria will the remuneration committee aims to provide the be set by the remuneration committee and it is appropriate packages required to attract, retain and envisaged that this process will more closely align motivate talented executives, whilst giving due the interests of executive management with those of consideration to remuneration levels, both within the shareholders. Shareholders will be requested to and outside the Group. To meet these objectives consider the new scheme on 5 February 2009 at a the committee takes advice from external members’ meeting to be held immediately after the remuneration specialists. Group’s annual general meeting. 64 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 The forward looking remuneration of the non- directors (Len Konar and Martin Shaw), executive executive directors is determined by the executive directors (Richard Chauke, Grattan Kirk, chairman in consultation with the Group’s advisors Ian Thompson and Gerald Völkel), Exco members and recommended, via the remuneration committee, (Ian Child, Johan Kok and Phillip Kruger) and the to the shareholders for final approval. head of Internal and Forensic Audit (Pieter Pienaar). The remuneration of the chairman is set by the remuneration committee while he is not in attendance. Subject experts and a contingent from the independent external auditors attend in an ex officio capacity. Len Konar chaired the meetings in the current financial year. Chairmanship of this committee Nominations committee will be taken up by Günter Steffens in future. The nominations committee comprises four non- Meetings are held at least three times per annum. executive directors, three of whom are independent. The purpose of this committee is to address general The members are Ivan Levy (chairman), Mervyn King, business risks applicable to the business divisions Len Konar and Martin Shaw. The committee did not and corporate service departments. Amongst meet during the current financial year. However, it did others, these include credit risks, exchange rate meet during November 2008 in order to recommend the exposure, investment risk, insurable losses, appointment of Ian Thompson as an executive director adequacy of systems and controls, interest rate and to the board, and Vusi Khanyile and Günter Steffens as liquidity risks, market risk, legislative risk, reputation non-executive directors. This recommendation was risks, as well as insurance risks, business continuity approved by the board on 13 November 2008 and is risk and financial risk. The findings of this committee subject to shareholder approval. are reported to the audit committee and to the board The nominations committee supports and advises via regular quarterly reports. the board on the appointment of individuals who are An internal risk management subcommittee, best able to discharge the responsibilities of comprising Exco members, chain and corporate service directors, having regard to the law and the highest department executives, also reports to this committee. standards of governance, by: • assessing the skills required on the board; • assessing the extent to which the required skills are represented on the board; • establishing processes for the review of the performance of individual directors and the board as a whole; and • establishing processes for the identification of suitable candidates for appointment to the board. The board is confident that appropriate fundamental processes are in place to ensure compliance with current and future risk management requirements. Risks are identified and monitored through the planning process, the close involvement of the executive directors in the Group’s operations and the periodic monitoring of key issues to ensure that the significant risks faced by the Group are evaluated in terms of impact and severity and appropriately managed. Risk management committee Risks are evaluated at the internal risk management The risk management committee is a stand alone committee using the Barnowl risk management subcommittee of the board. This committee application to determine the degree of inherent risk comprises a mix of independent non-executive and then the likelihood of occurrence. The control 65 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued environment relevant to this risk is then evaluated The internal risk management subcommittee ranks and a score is given to the residual risk and its the top risks and presents these risks to the board likelihood of occurrence. In this manner the major risk management committee. The risks are regularly risks to the Group are monitored as well as the updated to take into account changing market, various management actions aimed at mitigating economic, political, environmental and legislative these risks. The internal risk management sub- conditions. The majority of inherent risks remain committee also considers the adequacy of: constant, but new risks arise from time to time and • insurance (including self insurance) cover, in the impact these may have on business operations conjunction with experts from the insurance are assessed on an ongoing basis. industry. This also covers a review of risks not Risk is not only viewed from a negative perspective. covered by insurance; and The review process also identifies areas of • business continuity planning. opportunity, such as where effective risk management can become a competitive advantage. The major risks as at the date of this report are as follows: Financial performance Ensure more than adequate financial performance of the Group for all stakeholders without compromising prudent accounting standards, policies and levels of provisioning. Maximise income and revenue streams. Establish efficient cost structures. Constantly monitor performance and provide feedback to operations and the service departments. Information technology (IT) Ensure that the money spent on IT is effectively managed and that the investment potential is maximised. Broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) and employment equity Implementing an overall transformation strategy to introduce more representation of the dynamics of South Africa into middle and senior management of the Group. Embrace all aspects of B-BBEE for the long term sustainability, growth and profitability of the Group. Compliance and customer education Ensure the Group remains compliant with the many laws and regulations that govern the environment in which the Group operates. Ensure customers are made aware of their rights and obligations. Continually review Group policy and procedures to ensure compliance is established and monitor adherence to policy via operational excellence and the Internal Audit department. Crime Monitor the impact of criminal activities such as cash and inventory losses, fraud, burglary and damage to Company assets. Proactively consider and implement preventative measures to combat the impact of crime such as drop safes, security guard services, alarm systems and vehicle tracking systems. Credit management This relates to the Group’s ability to collect the debtors book. In an environment where the customer is becoming over indebted, ensure strict credit granting rules are maintained. Constantly review debt recovery systems and optimise. Closely monitor the performance of the debtors book. Ensure correct provisions are raised for debts that are unlikely to be recovered. Convert collection of the debtors book to a centralised environment. 66 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 HIV/Aids This refers to the Group’s ability to understand and respond to the impact of HIV/Aids on its stakeholders, particularly on the customer base and the staff complement. Market behaviour Constantly monitor market behaviour or changing demographics, customer buying patterns, competitor activity and customer indebtedness. Various mechanisms are in place to monitor these changing market behaviours, e.g. merchandise and marketing review meetings. Ensure that a range of financial services products is developed to suit the changing needs of the customer. People skills Attract and retain the right people. Ensure they are correctly trained and developed. Maintain appropriate succession planning, especially for key positions, taking cognisance of employment equity. Supplier base and logistics Carefully plan the mix between local and imported supply of goods to ensure good product mix and margin is maintained that satisfies the needs of the customer at the right price and quality. Optimise the supply chain as all retail chains have independent warehouse and distribution structures. Consolidate warehousing where possible and maximise efficiencies. Increase the use of third party service providers to increase productivity, reduce corporate and divisional costs and minimise risk. The combination of distribution units will unlock value and accelerate the delivery of orders by optimising key assets and infrastructure. Cash flow and treasury management Manage the risks associated with the Group’s funding requirements together with foreign exchange fluctuations, interest rate changes, instalment terms and finance charges and other related incomes and expenses. Take out appropriate cover and hedges where required. Taxation Monitor and manage all taxation risks applicable to the Group, utilising both internal and external resources. Furthermore, to monitor changes or potential changes to the applicable legislation. Establishment of a separate Financial Services business Until recently the Financial Services business has been inextricably linked with the Traditional Retail business. Separate the financial performance of the Financial Services business from that of Retail. Establish dedicated management teams to optimise the performance of the Financial Services business. Expand the range of products and services in the financial services arena. Traditional Retail business Optimise the performance of the Traditional Retail business through becoming excellent retailers without relying on the incomes of the Financial Services business to cross subsidise financial performance. Disaster recovery and business continuity Further enhance the Group’s disaster recovery and business continuity capability especially as the Group migrates to a more centralised environment. 67 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued Attendance register the financial year ended 31 August 2008 is provided The attendance by directors at Group board below. As evidenced by the statistics, the meetings and board subcommittee meetings during attendance of directors is regarded as satisfactory. Board Audit 4 3 Number of meetings ID Sussman AG Kirkc KR Chaukec HP Greeffc JHC Kokr HC Straussr G Völkel ME King D Konar IS Levy M Lockn MJ Shaw 4 4 4 4 2 + 1a 2 + 1a 4 4 4 4 2 + 2a 4 Remuneration 3i 3i 1i n/a 3i 3i 3i 3 3 2i 2i 3 1 1i n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1 1 1 n/a 0a Risk Nominations 3 n/a n/a 3 n/a n/a 3 3 3 n/a 3 n/a n/a 3 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a r = resignations during the review period (HC Strauss and JHC Kok, with effect from 30 May 2008). c = appointments during the review period (AG Kirk, KR Chauke and HP Greeff, with effect from 17 September 2007). n = non-resident. i = attended by invitation. a = apologies tendered. JDG Trading board Amongst others, the directors of this board are JDG Trading (Proprietary) Limited is the wholly owned individually and jointly mandated, empowered and South African trading company of JD Group Limited. held accountable for: The board of JDG Trading consists of the six • implementing the strategies and key policies executive directors of the JD Group and seven senior executives, namely Ian Child, David Hirsch, Johan Kok, determined by the JD Group board; • managing and monitoring the business and affairs Phillip Kruger, Arie Neven, Guy Pearce and of the Group in accordance with approved Mark Richards. Meetings are chaired by Grattan Kirk. business plans and budgets; Mias Strauss and Mike Roberts resigned as directors of this board with effect from 30 May 2008 and 7 August 2008 respectively. David Hirsch was appointed on 7 August 2008 and Guy Pearce on 1 September 2008. • prioritising the allocation of capital and other resources; • establishing best management and operating practices; and • structuring management succession planning to The purpose of the board is, amongst others, to serve identify, develop and advance future leaders in the as a governance mechanism through the process of Group. bi-annual Group performance reporting. 68 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Formal meetings are held bi-annually to coincide The committee’s agenda includes the monitoring of with the announcements of results and on an strategic business goals, performance review, risk ad hoc basis, as required. The great majority of review, succession planning and business decisions are taken by way of written resolutions intelligence. It also facilitates establishing and signed by the directors in terms of section 242(2) monitoring Group policies and procedures. Meetings of the Companies Act. are held on a monthly basis. Management committees Internal risk management subcommittee Specific responsibilities have been delegated to The internal risk management subcommittee various management committees, all of which have comprises Richard Chauke (chairman) and defined terms of references in place. The former Pieter Pienaar. Other Exco members and Corporate Tradeco and Servco committees have been replaced Service department executives attend for part of by a Traditional Retail Exco and a Cash Retail Exco. the meeting to provide feedback from their relevant An International Retail Exco convenes in Poland on operational or service department perspective. a regular basis and the current informal Financial Services Exco will convert into a formal forum once the two insurance companies commence with their operations. The purpose of this committee is to identify and review the risks presented by the Group’s local and offshore operations and by the corporate service departments from an internal Group perspective, Executive committee (Exco) and to rate these risks in terms of probability and The committee comprises Grattan Kirk (chairman), impact. It reports to the Group risk management Richard Chauke, Ian Child, Henk Greeff, David Hirsch, committee and to the JDG Trading board. This Johan Kok, Phillip Kruger, Arie Neven, Guy Pearce, committee meets on a quarterly basis. David Sussman, Ian Thompson and Gerald Völkel. Julian Hanmer and Reneé Griessel attend in their ex officio capacities. Traditional Retail Exco The committee comprises Arie Neven (chairman), Colin Bresler, Johan Coetsee, Toy de Klerk, The purpose of the committee is to: Julian Hanmer, David Hirsch, Pat Kimmince, • translate Group board strategic direction into Conrad Kleingeld, Johan Kok, Rénier Krige, a Group strategic plan; • address other items considered crucial for business success; and • secure successful implementation of the strategic plan and monitor Group performance in Lindsay Mentor, Preggie Naidoo, Mike Roberts, Len Rundle, Anthony Smith and Christo Viljoen. Grattan Kirk, Richard Chauke, Henk Greeff and other executives are regular attendees at the Traditional Retail Exco. accordance with this plan. 69 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued The purpose of the committee is to translate, plan management and performance, people development, and implement Group strategy in the Traditional research and development trends internally and Retail chain businesses and to monitor progress externally, compliance with operational policies and thereon, to ensure compliance with policies and to progress reviews on divisional projects. It also manage attainment of business goals and agreed attends to other important initiatives which may performance milestones. impact on the Cash Retail businesses. Meetings are The agendas include deliberations on Group strategic business goals, operational business goals, business performance measurements, receivables and inventory management and performance, people development, performance of service departments and of suppliers in terms of service level held on a quarterly basis. Abra board The management board of Abra in Poland carries out the same functions as that of the JDG Trading board. agreements, research and development trends The supervisory board of Abra includes internally and externally, compliance with operational David Sussman (chairman), Johan Coetsee and policies and progress reviews on divisional projects. Grattan Kirk. It also attends to other important initiatives which may impact on the Traditional Retail businesses. Meetings are held on a monthly basis. Other management committees Leadership and development council This committee comprises Grattan Kirk (chairman), Cash Retail Exco Pamela Barletta, Richard Chauke, Henk Greeff, The committee comprises Grattan Kirk (chairman), Johan Kok, Rénier Krige, Arie Neven and Pamela Barletta, Johan Coetsee, Victor da Silva, Gerald Völkel. The committee’s terms of reference David Hirsch and the Cash Retail chain chief include leadership development, succession executives, namely Dave Miller (Incredible management and expediting the achievement of Connection) and Matthew van der Walt (Hi-Fi equity targets. Corporation). Richard Chauke, Henk Greeff and other executives are regular attendees at the Cash Chain and corporate service department committees Retail Exco. The chain chief executives and the heads of the The purpose of the committee is to translate, plan and implement Group strategy for the Cash Retail chain businesses and to monitor progress thereon, to ensure compliance with policies and to manage attainment of business goals and agreed performance milestones. corporate service departments act as chairpersons of either chain or corporate service department meetings which are held on a monthly basis. The executive management teams of the chain or service department attend these meetings. Marketing and merchandise review meetings The agendas include deliberations on Group A marketing and merchandising meeting is held strategic business goals, operational business goals, monthly for both the Traditional Retail chains and business performance measurements, inventory the Cash Retail chains. These meetings are attended 70 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 by the marketing executives and by representatives The retirement funds are: from the respective chain advertising agencies. In • the Alexander Forbes Retirement Fund (JDG addition, Grattan Kirk, David Hirsch, Arie Neven, Trading (Pty) Ltd – pension and provident section) Irene Pilavachi and David Sussman attend these (AFRF); Traditional Retail meetings, while David Hirsch, Grattan Kirk and David Sussman also attend the Cash Retail meetings. These meetings deal with two key matters each, namely all the marketing promotions of the Group for the next two to three months in advance, and the merchandise plans that underpin the marketing plan. The purpose of these meetings are to ensure that sales are maximised, the required number of product units are sold and that gross margins are achieved. • the JD Group Defined Benefit Pension Fund (Defined Benefit Pension Fund); • Connection Group Holdings Provident Fund (Connection Group Holdings (Pty) Limited); • the SA Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union National Provident Fund (SNPF); and • various small funds in Botswana and Namibia and the Social Security Fund (SSF) in Poland. The AFRF is an umbrella fund in which a number of employees and employers participate. It has Credit meetings a professional board of trustees in place. Credit meetings are chaired by Arie Neven. The Management committees comprising four Traditional Retail chain chief executives, operations employer appointed and four employee elected executives and debtors executives, together with members monitor and review the AFRF, monitor Johan Kok and Phillip Kruger attend. The purpose of investments, and assist in the distribution of these meetings is to review all aspects of the death benefits. The employer appointed performance of the receivables books and related management committee members who represent matters. These meetings are held on a monthly JDG Trading on the AFRF are Ivan Levy basis. (chairman), George Annandale, Rénier Krige and Connection Group board and subcommittees Johan Coetsee. The Group acquired Connection Group with effect The SNPF is an umbrella fund in which a number from 1 December 2005. Three of the JD Group board of employees participate in terms of a collective directors, namely Grattan Kirk, David Sussman and bargaining arrangement with SACCAWU. Old Gerald Völkel, serve on the board of Connection Mutual Employee Benefits Industry Funds Unit is Group Holdings (Pty) Limited, the holding company the administrator of the SNPF. of this group of companies. The subcommittees of The Defined Benefit Pension Fund employer the latter Group, namely the remuneration trustees are Ivan Levy (chairman/employer trustee), committee and audit committee, were incorporated Rénier Krige (principal officer/employer trustee), into the JD Group committees respectively. George Annandale (employer trustee) and Johan Employment benefit funds Approximately 95% of Group employees are Coetsee (employer trustee), and four members elected as employee trustees. members of a retirement fund offered by the Group. 71 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued The AFRF and Defined Benefit Pension Fund hold necessarily absolute, assurance regarding the formal management committee/trustee meetings on reliability of the financial information used within an annual basis with informal meetings as and when the business and for publication and to ensure that required. assets are safeguarded. Details of the Group’s retirement funds and impact The key features of the internal control systems that on the financial statements are set out in note 26 of operated throughout the year under review are the annual financial statements. described below: Financial control and reporting Control environment The directors are responsible for ensuring that A documented organisational structure with clearly Group companies maintain adequate records and defined lines of responsibility and delegation of report accurately and reliably on the financial authority from the board to the chains and corporate position, activities and results of the Group. service departments is in place. The board has Financial reporting procedures are applied in the established policies and procedures, including a Group at all levels to meet this responsibility. levels of authority document and a code of conduct Financial and other information is constantly to foster a strong ethical climate. reviewed and remedial action taken, where necessary. Improvements to the quality of reported information are continually effected by means of replacing or upgrading information systems. Financial monitoring systems The Group operates a comprehensive annual planning and budgeting process. The annual budget is approved by the board. The financial reporting system compares results with plans, budgets and The Group’s annual financial statements are with the previous year’s results and is able to prepared in accordance with International Financial identify deviations on a daily and monthly basis. Reporting Standards. Appropriate accounting Reports include regular cash flow statements, policies are consistently applied unless an income statements and balance sheets projected for accounting policy requires revision or there is a 12 months ahead, which are used in determining requirement to adopt new accounting standards, future funding needs. in which case proper disclosure will be made. Reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates Main control procedures are made, in order to properly disclose the Group’s The directors have adopted a schedule of matters financial status. which are required to be brought to it for decision, thus ensuring that it maintains full and effective Internal control and internal audit control over appropriate strategic, financial, The board has overall responsibility for ensuring that organisational and compliance issues. The board the Group maintains a system of internal financial has identified a number of key areas which include control to provide it with reasonable, but not treasury, legislative requirements, information 72 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 technology, strategic business goals and other matters which are subject to regular reporting. Financial controls and procedures are in place, • credible processes for feedback on risk management and assurance; and • objective confirmation that the board receives including procedures for seeking and obtaining assurance from management that information is approval for major transactions and organisational reliable. changes. Organisational controls involving the segregation of incompatible duties and controls relating to the security of assets are also covered. The purpose, authority and responsibility of the Internal Audit activity are formally defined in an internal audit terms of reference, which was The board regularly reviews the operations and approved by the board and which is consistent with effectiveness of internal financial control. The board the Institute of Internal Auditors’ definition of confirms that to the best of its knowledge and belief internal auditing. there have been no weaknesses which have led to any material losses or contingencies during this financial year. The activities of the internal auditors are coordinated by the Group internal audit executive, who has unrestricted access to the audit committee Internal control chairman and its members. The directors accept responsibility for maintaining Internal Audit coordinates with the external auditors appropriate internal control systems to ensure that to ensure proper coverage and to minimise the Group’s assets are safeguarded and managed, duplication of effort. The external auditors have and losses arising from fraud or other illegal acts are access to reports issued by Internal Audit. minimised. Control systems are monitored and improved in accordance with generally accepted best practice. Audit plans for each business unit are tabled annually to take account of changing business needs. Follow up audits are conducted in areas Internal Audit where weaknesses are identified. Internal Audit is an independent, objective assurance The internal audit plan, approved by the audit and consulting function designed to add value to and committee, is based on risk assessments, which are improve the Group’s operations. It helps the Group continually updated so as to identify not only accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, existing and residual risks, but also emerging risks, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the as well as issues highlighted by the audit committee effectiveness of risk management, control and and the risk management committee. Internal audits compliance processes. Amongst others it provides: are conducted formally at each business unit and • assurance that the management processes are corporate service department workplace on a adequate to identify and monitor significant risks; regular basis. • confirmation of the adequacy and effective operation of the established internal control systems; 73 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued Fraud and illegal acts Code of conduct The Group does not engage in or accept or condone The Group is committed to the highest ethical any illegal acts in the conduct of its business. The standards of business conduct and to fully comply directors’ policy is to actively pursue and prosecute with all applicable laws and regulations. the perpetrators of fraudulent or other illegal activities, should they become aware of any such acts. Insider trading No employee or director (or their associates) of the Group may deal, directly or indirectly, in JD Group shares on the basis of unpublished price sensitive information regarding the business or affairs of the Group. No director or executive (or their associates) who participates in the JD Group share incentive scheme may trade in JD Group shares during closed periods as defined in the JSE Listings Requirements. The board has approved a dealing code and twice annually defines the closed periods, which are adhered to strictly. To the best of the board’s knowledge, none of the Group’s directors or their associates have been involved in insider trading. 74 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 The directors, employees, employees of outsourced functions, as well as suppliers to the JD Group, are all expected to comply with the principles of this Code and to act in terms thereof. The ethical standards of the Group, as stipulated in the Code, are monitored and the directors believe that they are being met. Where there is non-compliance with the Code, the appropriate discipline is enforced with consistency as the Group responds to offences. It also serves as a measure to prevent recurrence. Going concern The directors report that, after making enquiries, they have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements. ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS sharpening our focus . . . TEN YEAR REVIEW 31 August 2008 31 August 2007# 31 August 2006 Share performance Total shares in issue Weighted average number of shares in issue Headline earnings per share Cash equivalent dividends per share Dividend cover Net asset value per share ’000 ’000 cents cents times cents 170 500 169 807 301,0 152,0 2,0 2 822,9 180 000 177 861 621,7 303,0 2,1 2 804,5 Profitability, liquidity and gearing Revenue Operating profit Profit before finance costs Profit attributable to shareholders Closing shareholders’ equity Average shareholders’ equity Net interest bearing debt Average total assets less non-interest bearing debt Total assets Operating margin Profit attributable to shareholders on revenue Return on closing shareholders’ equity Return on average shareholders’ equity Return on assets managed Interest cover Gearing ratio Current ratio Shareholders’ equity to total assets Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm % % % % % times % :1 % 12 610 797 813 514 4 813 4 931 158 6 426 8 673 6,3 4,1 10,7 10,4 12,7 9,6 3,3 2,3 55,5 12 914 1 591 1 662 1 113 5 048 5 337 76 7 030 8 891 12,3 8,6 22,1 20,9 23,7 11,0 1,5 2,9 56,8 11 939 2 024 2 083 1 457 5 626 5 197 (304) 7 028 10 115 17,0 12,2 25,9 28,0 29,6 21,9 (5,4) 3,4 55,6 R000 1 095 11 516 18 989 664 1 078 11 980 19 577 660 1 028 11 614 18 361 650 cents ’000 Rm % 3 010 281 087 11 781 160,6 6 970 293 949 22 976 165,1 6 660 271 264 20 383 152,4 cents cents 7 100 2 101 10 600 5 920 9 625 5 939 Productivity Number of stores Revenue per store Number of employees Revenue per employee Stock exchange performance Closing share price Number of shares traded Value of shares traded Volume traded as % of issued shares Market value per share – high – low R000 178 000 176 271 823,5 412,0 2,0 3 160,5 All ratios have been calculated using amounts in R000s as opposed to Rm. The 2007 comparatives have been restated for the change in the basis of accounting for insurance income and initiation fees. Prior years have not been restated for the new basis of accounting. *The 2005 comparatives have been restated to reflect the changes required to comply with the new or revised International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Prior years have not been restated to reflect the changes required to comply with IFRS. # 76 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 31 August 2005* 175 500 172 221 697,6 352,0 2,0 2 717,0 9 933 1 755 1 809 1 202 4 768 4 360 (457) 6 035 8 440 17,7 12,1 25,2 27,6 30,0 12,7 (9,6) 3,6 56,5 31 August 2004 31 August 2003 31 August 2002 12 months 31 August 2001 14 months 31 August 2000 12 months 30 June 1999 172 000 166 930 518,5 240,0 2,0 2 297,0 166 830 133 196 340,5 110,0 3,1 2 033,0 112 730 112 070 226,5 56,0 3,8 1 715,1 112 609 111 484 353,2 94,0 2,6 1 695,9 111 651 110 322 301,8 78,0 3,9 1 531,5 110 350 108 935 243,0 65,0 3,7 1 305,0 5 966 747 762 449 3 392 2 663 894 4 224 7 185 12,5 7,5 13,2 16,9 18,1 4,9 26,3 2,6 47,2 4 083 467 478 241 1 933 1 922 1 048 3 557 4 243 11,4 5,9 12,5 12,5 13,4 2,7 54,2 4,0 45,6 3 788 657 665 275 1 910 1 810 802 3 241 4 529 17,3 7,3 14,4 15,2 20,5 6,6 42,0 4,1 42,2 3 928 565 572 335 1 710 1 575 709 2 509 3 499 14,4 8,5 19,6 21,3 22,8 6,5 41,5 4,8 48,9 3 016 407 407 265 1 439 1 307 457 2 058 2 719 13,5 8,8 18,4 20,3 19,8 5,5 31,7 5,0 53,0 9 056 1 256 1 280 784 3 951 3 671 (19) 5 308 7 739 13,9 8,7 19,9 21,4 24,1 8,8 (0,5) 3,1 51,1 963 10 315 16 459 603 952 9 513 16 167 560 978 6 100 15 738 379 695 5 875 10 064 406 684 5 538 9 984 379 671 5 855 9 704 405 678 4 449 9 613 314 7 400 167 697 10 634 95,6 4 550 137 612 5 552 80,0 3 161 73 828 1 716 44,3 1 675 56 740 1 466 50,3 4 050 53 420 2 107 47,4 4 860 69 142 3 021 61,9 3 690 41 561 1 349 37,7 7 800 4 659 4 690 2 950 3 180 1 440 4 060 1 300 4 905 2 990 5 500 3 100 4 400 1 650 77 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 TEN YEAR REVIEW continued Rm Income statements Revenue Cost of sales Operating profit Investment income (including equity accounted profits) Profit before finance costs Finance costs – net Profit before exceptional item Exceptional item: loss on discontinuance Profit before taxation Taxation Profit after taxation Attributable to outside shareholders Profit attributable to shareholders Balance sheets Assets Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Goodwill Intangible assets Investments and loans Interest in associate company Interest in joint venture Deferred taxation Current assets Inventories Trade and other receivables Financial assets Taxation Bank balances and cash 31 August 2008 12 610 6 627 797 16 813 84 729 — 729 215 514 — 514 31 August 2007# 31 August 2006 31 August 2005* 12 914 6 517 1 591 71 1 662 151 1 511 — 1 511 398 1 113 — 1 113 11 939 5 811 2 024 59 2 083 95 1 988 — 1 988 531 1 457 — 1 457 9 933 4 571 1 755 54 1 809 142 1 667 — 1 667 465 1 202 — 1 202 1 397 653 347 256 93 28 (15) 35 7 276 1 448 4 503 3 187 1 135 1 403 578 347 294 111 23 3 47 7 488 1 348 5 041 1 123 975 1 380 491 347 332 124 19 10 57 8 735 1 066 6 046 5 1 1 617 662 287 — 145 110 16 — 104 7 778 867 5 259 1 67 1 584 Total assets Equity and liabilities Equity and reserves Share capital and premium Treasury shares Non-distributable and other reserves Retained earnings Shareholders for dividend Shareholders’ equity Minority interest Non-current liabilities Interest bearing long term liabilities Non-interest bearing long term liability Deferred taxation Current liabilities Trade, other payables and provisions Interest bearing liabilities Financial liabilities Taxation Bank overdrafts 8 673 8 891 10 115 8 440 1 779 (435) 245 3 157 67 4 813 — 700 293 83 324 3 160 2 068 1 000 — 92 — 2 118 (255) 226 2 859 100 5 048 — 1 223 739 79 405 2 620 2 218 312 — 90 — Total equity and liabilities 8 673 8 891 2 057 (18) 193 3 072 322 5 626 — 1 937 1 151 65 721 2 552 2 073 162 — 317 — 10 115 1 995 (15) 150 2 346 292 4 768 — 1 539 810 66 663 2 133 1 768 317 — 48 — 8 440 The 2007 comparatives have been restated for the change in the basis of accounting for insurance income and initiation fees. Prior years have not been restated for the new basis of accounting. *The 2005 comparatives have been restated to reflect the changes required to comply with the new or revised International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Prior years have not been restated to reflect the changes required to comply with IFRS. # 78 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 31 August 2004 31 August 2003 31 August 2002 12 months 31 August 2001 14 months 31 August 2000 12 months 30 June 1999 9 056 4 148 1 256 24 1 280 145 1 135 — 1 135 351 784 — 784 5 966 2 613 747 15 762 154 608 — 608 160 448 1 449 4 083 1 657 467 11 478 179 299 — 299 60 239 2 241 3 788 1 530 657 8 665 101 564 167 397 123 274 1 275 3 928 1 541 565 7 572 88 484 — 484 149 335 — 335 3 016 1 198 407 — 407 74 333 — 333 68 265 — 265 645 210 — 165 110 — — 160 7 094 784 4 871 34 77 1 328 1 026 210 42 315 146 — — 313 6 159 739 4 860 36 80 444 345 144 54 — 110 — — 37 3 898 427 3 231 13 5 222 259 127 6 — 110 — — 16 4 270 359 3 255 — 1 655 211 109 — — 102 — — — 3 288 354 2 884 — 9 41 105 104 — — 1 — — — 2 614 341 2 242 — 1 30 7 739 7 185 4 243 4 529 3 499 2 719 1 903 (88) 137 1 746 253 3 951 — 1 537 947 75 515 2 251 1 794 362 8 87 — 1 778 (39) 127 1 415 111 3 392 — 1 412 831 — 581 2 381 1 801 506 9 64 1 782 (22) 24 1 124 25 1 933 21 1 310 1 049 — 261 979 745 219 11 2 2 781 (22) 4 1 105 42 1 910 (1) 1 577 1 261 — 316 1 043 722 192 — 125 4 762 (22) — 935 35 1 710 — 1 106 750 — 356 683 679 — — 4 — 727 (2) — 686 28 1 439 – 760 485 — 275 520 470 2 — 48 — 7 739 7 185 4 243 4 529 3 499 2 719 79 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 DIRECTORS’ APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Responsibility for the annual financial statements To the best of our knowledge and belief, based on the The directors are responsible for the preparation, integrity breakdown in the operation of the systems of internal and objectivity of annual financial statements that fairly control and procedures has occurred during the year present the state of affairs of the Group and the Company under review. at the end of the financial year, the income and cash flow The Group consistently adopts appropriate and recognised for that period and other information contained in this accounting policies. annual report. The annual financial statements have been prepared in To enable the directors to meet these responsibilities: accordance with the provisions of the South African • the board and management set standards and Companies Act and comply with International Financial above, the directors are satisfied that no material management implements systems of internal control, Reporting Standards. accounting and information systems aimed at providing The directors are of the opinion that the business will be a reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and going concern for the foreseeable future, and accordingly, the risks of error, fraud or loss are reduced in a cost the annual financial statements are prepared on a going effective manner. These controls, contained in concern basis. established policies and procedures, include the proper It is the responsibility of the independent external auditors delegation of responsibilities and authorities within a to express an opinion on the annual financial statements. clearly defined framework, effective accounting Their report to the members of the Company is set out on procedures and adequate segregation of duties; page 81. • the Group’s internal audit function, which operates independently and unhindered and has unrestricted access to the audit committee, appraises, evaluates and, when necessary, recommends improvements in the systems of internal control and accounting practices, Approval of the annual financial statements The directors’ report and the annual financial statements, which appear on pages 82 to 147, were approved by the board of directors on 14 November 2008 and are signed by: based on audit plans which take cognisance of the relative degrees of risk of each function or aspect of the business; and • the audit committee, together with the independent external and internal auditors, plays an integral role in ID Sussman Executive chairman assessing matters relating to financial internal control, accounting policies, reporting and disclosure. G Völkel Chief financial officer 80 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS To the members of JD Group Limited We have audited the annual financial statements and Group annual financial statements of JD Group Limited, which comprise the directors’ report, the balance sheets at 31 August 2008, and the income statements, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended, a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes, set out on pages 82 to 147. Directors’ responsibility for the financial statements The Company’s directors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and in the manner required by the Companies Act of South Africa. This responsibility includes: designing, implementing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances. assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purposes of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Opinion In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the Company and the Group financial position of JD Group Limited at 31 August 2008 and of their financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and in the manner required by the Companies Act of South Africa. Auditors’ responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk Deloitte & Touche Per X Botha Partner 14 November 2008 221 Waterkloof Road Waterkloof Pretoria 0181 National Executive: GG Gelink Chief Executive AE Swiegers Chief Operating Officer GM Pinnock Audit DL Kennedy Tax & Legal and Advisory L Geeringh Consulting L Bam Corporate Finance CR Beukman Finance TJ Brown Clients & Markets NT Mtoba Chairman of the Board C Qually Deputy Chairman of the Board. A full list of partners and directors is available on request. CERTIFICATE BY COMPANY SECRETARY In terms of section 268G(d) of the Companies Act, 61 of 1973, as amended, I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the Company has lodged with the Registrar of Companies for the financial year ended 31 August 2008 all such material returns as are required of a public company in terms of the Companies Act and that all such returns are true, correct and up to date. JMWR Pieterse Company secretary 14 November 2008 81 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 DIRECTORS’ REPORT The directors have pleasure in submitting their report chairman be an independent non-executive director, the together with the Company and Group annual financial directors have complied with the principal aspects of the statements for the year ended 31 August 2008. Code which are applicable to the Group’s activities. Nature of business The Group carries on business of furniture and appliance retail as well as the provision of financial services. The Group operates through nine chains in southern Africa and one in Poland. Results of operations The results of operations are set out in the Group and Company income statements and Group segmental analysis. Going concern The financial statements have been prepared using appropriate accounting policies, supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates. The directors have a reasonable expectation, based on an appropriate assessment of a range of factors, that the Group and the Company have adequate resources to continue as a going concern in the foreseeable future. Accounting policies The annual financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and their interpretation adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the Listings Requirements of the JSE and the Companies Act, 61 of 1973, as amended. The accounting policies applied in the preparation of these annual financial statements remain consistent with those of the previous financial year, except for the adoption of revised accounting standards as disclosed in the Accounting Policies note. In addition to the above, the Group has also opted to change The Group is totally committed to the principles of transparency, integrity and accountability as set out in the Code and the directors are fully cognisant of the need to conduct the Group’s business in accordance with generally accepted corporate practices, having due regard for the rights of their employees, suppliers, lenders, customers, the environment and society at large. Independent auditors The independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche, have been re-appointed during the year. All non-audit services provided by Deloitte & Touche are tabled and approved by the audit committee prior to commencement of any such work. The non-audit services in the current year are provided in note 5 on page 111. Share capital and share premium Details of the authorised and issued share capital, the share premium and the movements during the year are provided in note 17 on page 120 of the annual financial statements. The board acted on its mandate from shareholders obtained at the annual general meeting in February 2008 and repurchased 9,5 million of its own issued shares for a consideration of R338,6 million during the year. These shares have been cancelled as issued capital. Share incentive trust 25 575 000 (2007: 27 000 000) unissued ordinary shares of 5 cents each have been placed under the control of the directors of the Company with the power to allot and issue them in accordance with the terms of The JD Group Employee Share Incentive Scheme. Refer to note 17 on page 120. its basis of accounting for recognising insurance income and initiation fees. An explanation of how the adoption of Subsidiary companies this revised basis of accounting has affected the reported Details of the Company’s subsidiaries are set out on financial position and performance of the Group is provided page 146. The Company’s interest in the profits and losses in note 1 to the annual financial statements. after taxation of subsidiaries are as follows: Corporate governance During the year under review, other than the 2008 2007 Rm Rm recommendation of the King Report on Corporate Profits 580 1 026 Governance for South Africa (“the Code”) that the Losses 39 59 82 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Distribution to shareholders There are no non-beneficial interests. A final dividend of 41 cents (2007: 57 cents) per share was declared on Thursday, 13 November 2008 and is payable on Monday, 15 December 2008. An interim dividend of 111 cents (2007: 246 cents) per share was declared on Wednesday, 21 May 2008 and paid to shareholders on Monday, 30 June 2008. No director has directly or indirectly more than 1% interest in the share capital. No change in the directors’ interests occurred between the end of the financial year and the date of this report. A detailed breakdown of each individual director’s direct Directors and secretary and indirect holding in the Company is provided in the The names of the directors and secretary of the Company directors’ remuneration report on pages 84 to 91. in office at the date hereof are set out on the inside back Significant shareholders cover of this report. In terms of the articles of association, Messrs ME King, ID Sussman, G Völkel and Dr D Konar retire at the forthcoming annual general meeting and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. Details of significant shareholders are included on page 148. Special resolution passed by JD Group During the period under review, the authority for JD Group In terms of the articles of association, new appointments to to purchase its own shares, subject to the relevant the board during the year retain office until the next annual provisions of the Companies Act, 61 of 1973, as amended, general meeting, when they shall retire and be eligible for and the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited, was re-election. Shareholders will be requested to confirm at renewed for a maximum period of a further 15 months by the forthcoming annual general meeting the appointments a special resolution approved by shareholders of the to the board of Messrs VP Khanyile and GZ Steffens as Company on 6 February 2008. independent non-executive directors and Mr ID Thompson as an executive director, with effect from 13 November 2008. In addition, special resolutions were passed by Arengo 231 Changes to the board and secretary articles of association with the provisions of the Long-term The resignations of Messrs JHC Kok and HC Strauss as Short-term Insurance Acts to enable them to conduct executive directors, effective 30 May 2008, were accepted insurance business. These two companies will undergo by the board. name changes in due course. Going forward they will be Ms Janine van Eden resigned as the company secretary with effect from 31 May 2008 and Mr Johann Pieterse was appointed as company secretary with effect from 9 September 2008. Mr Mark Richards carried out the duties of the company secretary during the nine day period during which this position was vacant beyond the 90 day period allowed by the Companies Act. Limited of Abrina 6197 Limited, aligning the companies’ utilised as the vehicles through which JD Group provides insurance to its clients. Subsequent events Subject to approval by the Competition Authorities, the Group announced that it had acquired a further 27,5% interest in Blake & Associates Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, and an additional 47,8% interest in Maravedi Group Directors’ interests (Proprietary) Limited on 17 September 2008. The aggregate beneficial interest of directors in the issued No other material events occurred between the financial share capital and options of the Company is as follows: year end and the date of this report. Number of shares and options 2008 2007 Direct Indirect 2 859 903 254 856 3 204 403 254 856 Total 3 114 759 3 459 259 83 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION This report on remuneration and related matters covers issues which are the concern of the board as a whole in addition to those which are dealt with by the remuneration committee. Remuneration policy • ensuring that the Group’s remuneration strategies and packages, including the remuneration schemes, are related to performance, are suitably competitive and give due regard to the interests of the shareholders and the financial and commercial health of the Group. The remuneration committee has a clearly defined mandate from the board aimed at: Directors’ service contracts • ensuring that the Group’s chairman, directors and senior executives are fairly rewarded for their individual contributions to the Group’s overall performance; and subject to 12 calendar months’ notice, Non-executive All executive directors’ normal service contracts are directors are not bound by service contracts. No director has an employment contract with the Group exceeding three years. Basic salary R 2008 Executive directors ID Sussman AG Kirk HC Strauss (nine months) KR Chauke Dr HP Greeff JHC Kok (nine months) G Völkel Fees for services R Allowances* R Retirement contributions R 2 777 181 1 903 497 1 683 602 771 308 971 293 1 004 207 1 414 499 306 330 146 573 206 555 199 290 192 165 142 605 192 165 601 460 335 873 282 277 130 121 164 439 187 574 194 363 10 525 587 1 385 683 1 896 107 2 583 927 2 115 952 1 273 650 1 262 806 1 319 208 301 010 268 485 206 818 179 318 233 736 599 370 379 159 152 643 248 619 198 553 8 555 543 1 189 367 1 578 344 Non-executive directors ME King Dr D Konar IS Levy M Lock MJ Shaw 225 000 225 000 225 000 80 000 160 000 915 000 2007 Executive directors ID Sussman HC Strauss JL Bezuidenhout JHC Kok G Völkel Non-executive directors ME King Dr D Konar IS Levy M Lock MJ Shaw 225 000 225 000 225 000 80 000 160 000 915 000 *Travel, entertainment and subsistence allowances. # Variable remuneration is calculated using the headline earnings per share multiplied by the number of units allocated to each individual as determined by the remuneration committee. Variable remuneration relating to each financial year is payable as follows: – 60% of estimated headline earnings per share for the first half year during December. – The remainder of the headline earnings per share for the first half year during May. – Headline earnings per share for the second half year during November. Variable remuneration for a financial year will include earnings for the second half of the previous financial year and the first half of the current financial year. 84 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Medical contributions R Cash package R 18 470 54 597 13 733 23 906 20 214 13 631 11 554 156 105 Variable remuneration# Current R Prior R Subtotal R Share scheme gains R Total R 3 703 441 2 440 540 2 186 167 1 124 625 1 348 111 1 348 017 1 812 581 1 330 040 883 760 883 760 265 128 265 128 463 974 552 350 — — 452 400 113 100 113 100 237 510 237 510 5 033 481 3 324 300 3 522 327 1 502 853 1 726 339 2 049 501 2 602 441 — — — — — — — 5 033 481 3 324 300 3 522 327 1 502 853 1 726 339 2 049 501 2 602 441 13 963 482 4 644 140 1 153 620 19 761 242 — 19 761 242 225 000 225 000 225 000 80 000 160 000 225 000 225 000 225 000 80 000 160 000 — — — — — 225 000 225 000 225 000 80 000 160 000 915 000 915 000 — 915 000 17 167 17 167 35 958 17 140 10 819 3 501 474 2 780 763 1 669 069 1 707 883 1 762 316 — — 1 025 220 1 025 220 1 025 220 2 191 200 1 460 800 766 920 766 920 766 920 5 692 674 4 241 563 3 461 209 3 500 023 3 554 456 — — 7 499 400 942 555 2 587 250 5 692 674 4 241 563 10 960 609 4 442 578 6 141 706 98 251 11 421 505 3 075 660 5 952 760 20 449 925 11 029 205 31 479 130 225 000 225 000 225 000 80 000 160 000 225 000 225 000 225 000 80 000 160 000 — 2 433 000 — — 3 060 000 225 000 2 658 000 225 000 80 000 3 220 000 915 000 915 000 5 493 000 6 408 000 85 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION continued Directors’ share options The following share options and rights in shares in the Company were outstanding in favour of directors of the Company under the Company’s share option scheme at the year end and 14 November 2008, the date on which the financial results were approved: 2008 Executive directors ID Sussman Offer date Options held at year end Exercise price R 25/05/2000 20/02/2003 19/05/2004 24/05/2005 26/02/2008 250 000 375 000 500 000 60 000 200 000 29,84 16,19 35,10 56,25 37,21 1 385 000 KR Chauke 07/02/2007 31/07/2007 26/02/2008 Dr HP Greeff 25/07/2003 10/09/2003 19/05/2004 07/06/2005 31/07/2007 26/02/2008 AG Kirk 30/11/2005 07/02/2007 31/07/2007 26/02/2008 JHC Kok 20/02/2003 19/05/2004 24/05/2005 26/02/2008 20 000 30 000 50 000 79,83 63,63 37,21 100 000 15 000 10 000 25 000 20 000 50 000 50 000 23,42 28,03 35,10 54,00 63,63 37,21 170 000 194 903 30 000 75 000 100 000 72,50 79,83 63,63 37,21 399 903 89 500 150 000 35 000 50 000 16,19 35,10 56,25 37,21 324 500 HC Strauss 20/02/2003 19/05/2004 24/05/2005 150 000 300 000 50 000 16,19 35,10 56,25 500 000 G Völkel 20/02/2003 19/05/2004 24/05/2005 31/07/2007 26/02/2008 105 000 150 000 35 000 75 000 50 000 415 000 Share options may be exercised in lots of 25% after two years from the offer date and 25% every year thereafter. 86 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 16,19 35,10 56,25 63,63 37,21 Options exercised during year Date exercised Exercise price R Exercise cost R Sale/market price R Sale/market value R Gain R — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 87 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION continued Offer date 2008 Non-executive directors ME King 02/05/2001 24/05/2005 Options held at year end Exercise price R 100 000 20 000 120 000 27,20 56,25 Dr D Konar IS Levy 02/05/2001 24/05/2005 M Lock 02/05/2001 24/05/2005 MJ Shaw 24/05/2005 2007 Executive directors ID Sussman HC Strauss 25/05/2000 20/02/2003 19/05/2004 24/05/2005 20/02/2003 19/05/2004 24/05/2005 — 100 000 20 000 120 000 100 000 20 000 120 000 20 000 20 000 250 000 375 000 500 000 60 000 1 185 000 150 000 300 000 50 000 500 000 27,20 56,25 27,20 56,25 56,25 29,84 16,19 35,10 56,25 16,19 35,10 56,25 JL Bezuidenhout KR Chauke 07/02/2007 31/07/2007 Dr HP Greeff 25/07/2003 10/09/2003 19/05/2004 07/06/2005 31/07/2007 AG Kirk 30/11/2005 07/02/2007 31/07/2007 JHC Kok 20/02/2003 19/05/2004 24/05/2005 G Völkel 20/02/2003 19/05/2004 24/05/2005 31/07/2007 — 20 000 30 000 50 000 15 000 10 000 25 000 20 000 50 000 120 000 194 903 30 000 75 000 299 903 89 500 150 000 35 000 274 500 105 000 150 000 35 000 75 000 365 000 Share options may be exercised in lots of 25% after two years from the offer date and 25% every year thereafter. *These share options were cancelled at the request of the director concerned. 88 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 79,83 63,63 23,42 28,03 35,10 54,00 63,63 72,50 79,83 63,63 16,19 35,10 56,25 16,19 35,10 56,25 63,63 Options exercised during year Sale/market value R Gain R — Options cancelled — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 4 367 500 3 764 250 3 592 000 627 813 12 351 563 — 2 612 500 2 914 275 1 837 000 135 625 7 499 400 Date exercised Exercise price R — 20 000* 20 000 — 50 000 52 500 50 000 8 750 161 250 20/10/2007 17/01/2007 26/06/2007 26/06/2007 26/06/2007 56,25 35,10 16,19 35,10 56,25 Exercise cost R — 1 755 000 849 975 1 755 000 492 188 4 852 163 Sale/market price R 87,35 71,70 71,84 71,75 — — — — — — — — — 15 500 05/06/2007 16,19 — 250 945 77,00 — 1 193 500 — 942 555 15 500 25 000 25 000 12/01/2007 15/01/2007 35,10 35,10 250 945 877 500 877 500 86,69 87,00 1 193 500 2 167 250 2 175 000 942 555 1 289 750 1 297 500 4 342 250 2 587 250 50 000 1 755 000 89 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION continued Offer date Options held at year end Exercise price R 02/05/2001 100 000 27,20 24/05/2005 20 000 56,25 2007 Non-executive directors ME King 120 000 Dr D Konar 24/05/2005 20 000 56,25 20 000 IS Levy 02/05/2001 100 000 27,20 24/05/2005 20 000 56,25 120 000 M Lock 02/05/2001 100 000 27,20 24/05/2005 20 000 56,25 120 000 MJ Shaw 24/05/2005 20 000 56,25 20 000 Share options may be exercised in lots of 25% after two years from the offer date and 25% every year thereafter. Directors’ (and their associates) direct and indirect interest in shares of the Company at the year end and 14 November 2008, the date on which the financial results were approved. ID Sussman ME King Dr D Konar IS Levy None of these interests is of a non-beneficial nature. 90 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 2008 2007 250 000 250 000 2 428 2 428 10 000 10 000 2 428 2 428 264 856 264 856 Options exercised during year Date exercised Exercise price R Exercise cost R Sale/market price R Sale/market value R Gain R 50 000 08/12/2006 27,20 1 360 000 75,86 3 793 000 2 433 000 3 793 000 2 433 000 4 541 000 3 060 000 4 541 000 3 060 000 50 000 50 000 50 000 1 360 000 10/05/2007 29,62 1 481 000 1 481 000 90,82 91 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 DEFINITIONS Revenue Dividend cover Revenue comprises net invoiced value of merchandise sold Earnings per share divided by cash equivalent excluding value added tax, net finance charges earned and dividends per share. income generated from financial and other services. Return on closing shareholders’ equity Cost of sales Profit attributable to shareholders divided by shareholders’ Cost of sales comprises costs of purchase and other equity at year end. costs incurred in bringing inventories to their present location and condition, net of volume and settlement Return on average shareholders’ equity discounts. Profit attributable to shareholders divided by average shareholders’ equity. Operating margin Operating profit divided by revenue. Return on assets managed Operating profit and investment income divided by average Interest cover total assets (excluding deferred taxation) less average Operating profit and investment income divided by net non-interest bearing debt. finance costs. Net asset value per share Earnings per share Shareholders’ equity divided by the total number of shares Profit attributable to shareholders divided by the weighted in issue, including treasury shares. average number of shares in issue, excluding treasury shares. Gearing ratio Interest bearing debt less cash resources divided by Headline earnings per share shareholders’ equity. Profit attributable to shareholders adjusted for exceptional losses on discontinuance in terms of IFRS 5 – Non-current Current ratio assets held for sale and discontinued operations, surpluses Current assets divided by current liabilities. or losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment and goodwill impaired, divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue, excluding treasury shares. Diluted earnings and headline earnings per share As for earnings and headline earnings per share after including the dilutive impact of share options in respect of unissued shares granted to employees in the weighted average number of shares in issue. 92 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 ACCOUNTING POLICIES JD Group Limited is a South African registered company. The adoption of the other revised accounting standards The consolidated annual financial statements of JD Group had no significant effect on the financial results of the Limited for the year ended 31 August 2008 comprises Group for the year ended 31 August 2008 or the financial JD Group Limited and its subsidiaries (together referred to position of the Group as at that date. as the ”JD Group”) and the Group’s interest in associate companies and joint ventures. Statement of compliance The consolidated and Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) of the IASB and the requirements of the South African Companies Act. Adoption of new or revised IFRS The Group has adopted all applicable IFRS statements and interpretations issued or revised and effective up to the annual reporting date of 31 August 2008. The accounting policies applied in the preparation of the annual financial statements are consistent with those applied in the previous financial year ended 31 August 2007, except for the adoption of the following revised accounting standards and interpretations: • IFRS 7 – Financial instruments: Disclosures. • Amendment to IAS 1 – Capital Disclosures. • IFRIC 10 – Interim financial reporting and impairment. • IFRIC 11 – Share-based payment involving an entity’s In addition to the above, the Group has changed its basis of accounting for recognising insurance revenue and initiation fees. An explanation of how the adoption of this revised basis of accounting has affected the reported financial position and performance of the Group is provided in note 1 to the annual financial statements. Basis of preparation The annual financial statements are presented in South African rand on the historical cost basis, except for financial assets and liabilities which are stated at fair value or amortised cost as appropriate. South African rand is the currency in which the majority of the Group’s transactions are denominated. Unless otherwise stated, all amounts in the annual financial statements are shown rounded off to the nearest R million. Consistent with prior financial reporting periods, the trading cycle ends on the 15th of each following month. These financial statements are therefore for the year ended 15 September 2008. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that may affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are own equity instruments in which an entity chooses or is based on historical experience and various other factors required to buy its own equity instruments (treasury that are believed to be reasonable under the shares) to settle the share-based payment obligation. circumstances, the results of which form the basis of The Group adopted IFRS 7 – Financial instruments: making the judgements about carrying values of assets and Disclosures and Amendment to IAS 1 – Capital Disclosures liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. with effect from 1 September 2007. The impact of the The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on adoption of these standards has been to expand the an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are disclosures provided in the financial statements regarding recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the Group’s financial instruments and the management of the revision only affects that period, or in the period of the capital as set out in note 25. revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. 93 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued The accounting policies have been applied consistently by more than six months prior to the Group’s year end, the all Group entities. most recent available management accounting results have been brought into account. The carrying value of such Basis of consolidation interests is reduced to recognise any decline, other than a Subsidiaries temporary decline, in the value of individual investments. Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company Where a Group enterprise transacts with an associate of (including special purpose entities). Control exists when the Group, unrealised profits and losses are eliminated to the Company has the power to, directly or indirectly, govern the extent of the Group’s interest in the relevant associate the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to company, except where unrealised losses provide evidence obtain benefits from its activities. of an impairment of the asset transferred. On acquisition, the assets and liabilities and contingent Any difference between the cost of acquisition and the liabilities of the subsidiary are measured at fair value at the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and acquisition date. Any excess of the cost of acquisition over contingent liabilities, fairly valued, is recognised and the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is treated according to the Group’s accounting policy for recognised as goodwill. Any deficiency of the cost of goodwill and included in the carrying value of the acquisition below the fair values of the identifiable net investment. assets acquired (i.e. discount on acquisition) is credited to profit and loss in the period of acquisition. The interest of Joint venture companies minority shareholders is stated at the minority’s proportion A joint venture is defined as a contractual arrangement of the fair values of assets and liabilities recognised. whereby two or more entities undertake an economic Subsequently, any losses applicable to the minority interest activity, which is subject to joint control. Joint control in excess of the minority interest are allocated against the implies that neither of the contracting parties is in a interests of the parent, unless the minority has a binding position to unilaterally control the assets of the venture. obligation to fund the losses and is able to make an Joint venture companies are accounted for using the equity additional investment to cover their losses. method of accounting based on their most recent financial The results of subsidiaries are included from the effective dates of acquisition and up to the effective dates of disposal. All material intergroup transactions and balances between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation. statements as described in the policy above relating to interest in associate companies. Intangible assets and goodwill Goodwill Associate companies All business combinations are accounted for by applying An associate is an enterprise over which the Group is the purchase method. In respect of business acquisitions in a position to exercise significant influence, through that have occurred since 31 March 2004, goodwill arising participation in the financial and operating policy decisions on consolidation represents the excess of the cost of of the investee, but which it does not control. acquisition over the Group’s interest in the fair value of the The results of associates are incorporated in these financial statements using the equity method of accounting based on their most recent financial net identifiable assets and liabilities of a subsidiary, associate or jointly controlled entity at the date of acquisition. statements. If the most recent available financial Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated statements are for an accounting period which ended impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment testing, 94 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 goodwill is allocated to each of the Group’s cash benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. generating units expected to benefit from the synergies of All other expenditure is expensed as incurred. the combination. Cash generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually or Amortisation sooner if an impairment indicator exists. An impairment Amortisation of intangible assets is recognised in the loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed in a income statement on a straight line basis over the assets’ subsequent period. estimated useful lives unless such lives are indefinite. On disposal of a subsidiary, associate or joint venture company, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of profit or loss on disposal. Goodwill, intangible assets with an indefinite useful life and intangible assets not yet available for use are not amortised but are tested for impairment annually and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be Where the Group’s interest in the fair value of the net impaired. Other intangible assets are amortised from the assets and liabilities acquired exceeds the cost of date they are available for use. acquisition, the amount is directly recognised in profit or loss. Research and development Research costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. Expenditure on development activities is charged to income in the year in which it is incurred, except where a clearly defined project is undertaken and it is reasonably The amortisation methods, estimated useful lives and residual values are reassessed annually. Property, plant and equipment Owned assets Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost to the Group, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. anticipated that development costs will be recovered The gross carrying amount of property, plant and through future commercial activity. Such development equipment is initially measured using the historical cost costs are capitalised as an intangible asset and amortised basis of accounting. Subsequent expenditure relating to an on a straight line basis over the life of the project from the item of property, plant and equipment is capitalised to the date of commencement of commercial operation. carrying value of the asset when it is probable that future economic benefits, in excess of the originally assessed Other intangible assets standard of performance of the item concerned, will flow Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are to the Group. All other subsequent expenditures are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and recognised as expenses in the period in which they are impairment losses. If an intangible asset is acquired in a incurred. business combination, the cost of that intangible asset is measured at its fair value at the acquisition date. Depreciation is provided on the straight line basis at rates that will reduce the book values to estimated residual Expenditure on internally generated goodwill and brands is values over the expected useful lives of the assets. The recognised in the income statement as an expense when method and rates used are determined by conditions in the incurred. industry. The estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed annually. Depreciation rates vary between 3% Subsequent expenditure and 25% per annum as disclosed in note 9. Land is not Subsequent expenditure on capitalised intangible assets is depreciated. Lease improvements on capitalised leased capitalised only when it increases the future economic premises are written off over their expected useful lives on 95 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued the same basis as owned assets or, where shorter, over the be measured reliably. Costs of the day to day servicing term of the lease. of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the The recorded value of depreciated assets is periodically compared to the anticipated recoverable amount if assets were to be sold. Where an asset’s recorded value has declined below the recoverable amount, and the decline is expected to be of a permanent nature, the asset is written down to its recoverable amount and the decline is recognised as an expense. income statement as an expense when incurred. Impairment of tangible and intangible assets (excluding goodwill) At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, Surplus or loss arising on disposal of assets is determined the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order as the difference between the sale proceeds and carrying to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. value of the asset and is recognised in net profit or loss for Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount the period. of an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the asset Leased assets Lease agreements which transfer substantially all the risks and rewards associated with ownership of an asset to the lessee are regarded as finance leases. Assets subject to finance lease agreements are capitalised at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments and their cash cost equivalent and the corresponding liability to the lessor is raised. Lease payments are allocated using the effective interest rate method to determine the lease finance cost, which is charged against operating profit and the capital repayment, which in turn reduces the liability to the lessor. These assets are depreciated on the same basis as the property, plant and equipment owned by the Group over the period of the lease. belongs. If the recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset or cash generating unit is reduced to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised as an expense immediately. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or cash generating unit, except for goodwill, is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset or cash generating unit in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement immediately. Other leases, which merely confer the right to the use of an asset, are treated as operating leases, with lease payments Operating leases charged against operating profit on a straight line basis Payments and receipts under operating leases are over the period of the lease. recognised in the income statement on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received or Subsequent costs granted are recognised in the income statement as an The Group recognises in the carrying value of an item of integral part of the total lease expense or revenue. property, plant and equipment the cost of replacing part of such an item when the cost is incurred, if it is probable that Inventories additional future economic benefits embodied within the Inventories comprise merchandise for resale and are stated item will flow to the Group and the cost of such item can at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is 96 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 determined on the weighted average cost basis. Net unconditionally entitled to equity instruments. The fair realisable value is the estimated selling price in the value of the instruments granted is measured using the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs “binomial” option pricing model, taking into account the of selling and distribution expenses. terms and conditions upon which the instruments are Where necessary, the carrying value of inventory is adjusted for obsolete, slow moving and defective inventories. Share capital Treasury shares Shares purchased by wholly owned Group companies in their holding company and by the employee share trust are classified as treasury shares, held at cost. For presentation purposes, treasury shares are netted off against the Group’s share capital in the consolidated balance sheet and the premium attached to them is netted off against the share premium account. Dividends received on treasury shares are eliminated on consolidation. Treasury shares are taken into account in the calculation of earnings per share. Dividends Dividends declared to equity holders are included in the statement of changes in equity in the year in which they are declared. Taxation costs incurred on dividends are dealt with in the income statement in the year in which they are paid. granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest, except where forfeiture is only due to share prices not achieving the threshold for vesting. Taxation Current taxation Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Deferred taxation Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method in respect of temporary differences. Temporary differences arise from differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax base. In general, Repurchase of issued shares deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable When issued shares are repurchased, the consideration temporary differences and deferred tax assets are paid is accounted for as a set off against equity and recognised to the extent that is it probable that taxable reserves in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet. profit will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are Share-based payment transactions Equity settled The fair value of share options granted to employees is recognised in profit and loss with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and expensed over the period during which employees are required to provide services in order to become not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities (other than a business combination) which affects neither taxable profit nor the accounting profit. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefits will be realised. 97 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable Exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in temporary differences arising on investments in the period in which they arise except for: subsidiaries and associates and interests in joint ventures, • exchange differences which relate to assets under except where the Group is able to control the reversal of construction for future productive use, which are temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary included in the cost of those assets where they are difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. regarded as an adjustment to interest costs on foreign Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are currency borrowings; expected to apply in the period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to • exchange differences on transactions entered into in order to hedge certain foreign currency risks; and • exchange differences on monetary items receivable items credited or charged directly to equity, in which case from or payable to a foreign operation, and which are the deferred taxation is also dealt with in equity. recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve Secondary taxation on companies Secondary taxation on companies (STC) arising from the and recognised in profit or loss on disposal of the net investment. distribution of dividends is recognised in the income For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statement in the year that dividends are paid in accordance statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign with the Group dividend cycle. operations are expressed in CUs using exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Income and expense Foreign currency items are translated at the average exchange rates for the The individual financial statements of each Group entity period, unless exchange rates fluctuated significantly are presented in the currency of the primary economic during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the environment in which the entity operates (its functional dates of the transactions are used. Exchange differences currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial arising, if any, are classified as equity and transferred to statements, the results and financial position of each the Group’s translation reserve. Such exchange differences entity are expressed in currency units (CUs), which is the are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which the functional currency of the Company, and the presentation foreign operation is disposed of. Goodwill and fair value currency for the consolidated financial statements. adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign In preparing the financial statements of the individual entities, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency (foreign currencies) are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the closing rate. Revenue recognition transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary items Instalment sales denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the Consideration from transactions under instalment sales are rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary included in revenue when goods are delivered and title has items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign passed. Finance charges, calculated on the effective currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at the interest rate method, are accounted for over the period of date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary the agreements as instalments become due. This method items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a approximates the net present value of anticipated future foreign currency are not retranslated. cash flows. 98 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Sale of goods All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when which they are incurred. substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and the enterprise does not Employee benefits retain continuing managerial control of the goods to a Short term employee benefits degree usually associated with ownership, when the The cost of all short term employee benefits are amount of revenue and costs incurred or to be incurred in recognised during the period in which the employee respect of the sale transactions can be measured reliably renders the related service. The provisions for employee and when the collectability of the consideration in respect entitlements to salaries, performance bonuses and annual of the sale is reasonably assured. leave represent the amounts which the Group has a present Financial services Initiation fees and insurance income is deferred and recognised over the term of the contract. Interest Interest revenue is recognised on a time basis by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset’s net carrying value. Dividend income Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established. Borrowing costs Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets (i.e. assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale) are capitalised as part obligation to pay as a result of the employees’ services provided. The provisions have been calculated at undiscounted amounts based on current salary levels. Defined contribution plans Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred. Obligations to state-managed pension schemes are dealt with as defined contribution plans where the Group’s obligation under the schemes are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution benefit plan. Defined benefit plans For defined retirement benefit plans, the cost of providing the benefit is determined using the projected unit credit method. The scheme is actuarially valued for financial reporting purposes at each reporting date. Past service costs are recognised immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested, and otherwise are amortised on a straight line basis over the average remaining working lives of members. of the cost of those assets. The capitalisation rate applied The amount recognised in the balance sheet represents the is the weighted average of the net borrowing costs present value of defined benefit obligations as adjusted for applicable to the net borrowings of the Group. unrecognised actuarial gains and losses, past service Capitalisation of such borrowing costs ceases when the costs, and as reduced by the fair value of plan assets. assets are substantially ready for their intended use or Any asset resulting from the calculation is limited to the sale. Investment income earned on temporary investment unrecognised actuarial losses and past service costs, plus of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on the present value of available refunds and reductions in qualifying assets is deducted from borrowing costs future contributions to the plan. capitalised. 99 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued Provisions are recognised immediately through the income statement. Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present, Financial instruments are recognised on trade date. constructive or legal obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that it will result in an outflow of Subsequent measurement economic benefits that can be reasonably estimated. Subsequent to initial measurement, financial instruments are measured either at fair value or amortised cost, An onerous contract is a contract under which the depending on their classification. unavoidable costs of meeting the obligation exceeds the economic benefit expected to be received under it. When Equity instruments a contract becomes onerous, the present obligation under An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a a contract is recognised and measured as a provision. residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting A restructuring provision is recognised when the Group all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Group has developed a detailed formal plan for the restructuring are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue and has raised a valid expectation in those affected that costs. it will carry out the restructuring by starting to implement the plan or announcing its main features to those affected by it. The measurement of a restructuring provision includes only the direct operating expenditures arising from the restructuring, which are those amounts that are both necessarily entailed by the restructuring and not Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) Financial assets and liabilities are classified as FVTPL where the financial instrument is either held for trading or designated at FVTPL. associated with the ongoing activities of the entity. A financial asset or liability is held for trading if: If the effect is material, provisions are determined by • it has been acquired or incurred principally for the discounting the expected future cash flows that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near future; or • it is part of an identified portfolio that the Group manages together and has a recent actual pattern of short term profit taking; or Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and • it is a derivative that is not designated and effective as a hedging instrument. deposits on call with banks and investment banks and other short term, highly liquid investments that are readily The Group has designated foreign exchange contracts as convertible to cash and are subject to an insignificant risk financial instruments at FVTPL. of changes in value. Bank overdrafts are only included where Financial assets at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any the Group has a legal right of set off due to cash resultant gain or loss recognised in profit or loss. The net management. gain or loss recognised in profit or loss incorporates Financial instruments interest earned on the financial asset. Fair value is determined in the manner described in note 25. Initial recognition and measurement Financial instruments include all financial assets and Available-for-sale (AFS) financial assets liabilities held for liquidity, investment or trading. Financial Unlisted shares held by the Group that are traded in an instruments are initially recognised at fair value plus active market are classified as being AFS and are stated at transaction costs, except those carried at fair value fair value. Fair value is determined in the manner described through profit and loss (FVTPL), where transaction costs in note 25. 100 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 For AFS investments, gains and losses arising from or economic conditions that correlate with defaults on changes in fair value are recognised directly in equity, in receivables. the investments revaluation reserve, with the exception of impairment losses, interest calculated using the effective interest rate method and foreign exchange gains and losses on monetary assets, which are recognised directly in profit or loss. Where the investment is disposed of or determined to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. previously recognised in the investments revaluation The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by reserve is included in profit or loss for the period. the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception of trade receivables, where the carrying amount Loans and receivables is reduced through the use of an allowance account. When Trade and other receivables that have fixed or determinable a trade receivable is considered uncollectable, it is written payments that are not quoted in an active market, other off against the carrying value of the trade receivable. than those classified by the Group as FVTPL or AFS, are Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off, classified as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables as well as changes in the carrying amount of the allowance are measured at initial recognition at fair value and are account, are recognised in the profit and loss for the year. subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less any impairment losses. Interest income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial. Impairment of financial assets Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective With the exception of AFS equity instruments, if, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortised cost would have been had the impairment not been recognised. evidence that, as a result of one or more events that In respect of AFS equity securities, impairment losses occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, previously recognised through profit or loss are not the estimated future cash flows of the investment have reversed through profit or loss. Any increase in fair value been impacted. subsequent to an impairment loss is recognised directly For unlisted shares classified as AFS, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered to be objective evidence of impairment. in equity. Derecognition The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the For certain categories of financial assets, such as trade contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, receivables, assets that are assessed not to be impaired or it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the individually are subsequently assessed for impairment on risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another a collective basis. Objective evidence of impairment for entity. If the Group neither transfers nor retains a portfolio of receivables includes the level of arrears of substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and a customer, part payment of instalments or missed continues to control the transferred asset, the Group instalments, as well as observable changes in national recognises its retained interest in the asset and an 101 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of other host contracts are treated as separate derivatives ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group when their risks and characteristics are not closely related continues to recognise the financial asset and also to those of the host contracts and the host contracts are recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds not measured at fair value with changes in fair value received. recognised in profit or loss. The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire. Effective interest rate method The effective interest rate method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or liability and of allocating interest or expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts or payments (including all fees on points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) through the expected life of the financial asset or financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period. Fair value of derivatives and other financial instruments As described in note 25, the directors use their judgement in selecting an appropriate valuation technique for financial instruments not quoted in an active market. Valuation techniques commonly used by market practitioners are applied. For derivative financial instruments, assumptions are made based on quoted market rates adjusted for specific features of the instrument. Other financial instruments are valued using a discounted cash flow analysis based on assumptions supported, where possible, by observable market prices or rates. The estimation of fair value of unlisted shares includes some assumptions not supported by observable market prices or rates. Details of the assumptions used and of the results of sensitivity Income is recognised on an effective interest basis for debt analyses regarding these assumptions are provided in instruments other than those financial assets designated note 25. as at FVTPL. Offsetting financial assets and liabilities Derivative financial instruments Financial assets and liabilities are set off where the Group The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage has a legal and enforceable right to set off and there is an its risk associated with foreign currency and interest rate intention to settle the liability and realise the asset fluctuations relating to certain firm commitments and simultaneously, or to settle on a net basis. forecasted transactions, including foreign exchange at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at Non-current assets are classified as held for sale if their each balance sheet date. The resulting gain or loss is carrying amount will be recoverable principally through a recognised in profit or loss immediately. sale transaction, not through continuing use. The condition forward contracts. Such derivatives are initially recorded A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument is more than 12 months and it is not expected to be realised or settled within 12 months. Other derivatives are presented as current assets or current liabilities. 102 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition. These assets may be a component of an entity, a disposal group or an individual non-current asset. Upon initial classification as held for sale, non-current assets and disposal groups are recognised at the lower of carrying the consolidated Group. A segment is a distinguishable amount and fair values less cost to sell. component of the Group that is engaged in providing A discontinued operation is a significant distinguishable component of the Group’s business that is abandoned or products or services which are subject to risks and rewards that are different from those of other segments. terminated pursuant to a single formal plan, and which The primary basis for reporting segment information are represents a separate major line of business or the four autonomous business divisions. The secondary geographical area of operation. Classification as a basis is by significant geographical region, which is based discontinued operation occurs upon disposal or when the on the location of assets. These bases are consistent with operation meets the criteria to be classified as held for internal reporting for management. sale. A disposal group that is to be abandoned may also qualify as a discontinued operation, but not as assets held Contingencies and commitments for sale. Transactions are classified as contingencies where the The profit or loss on sale or abandonment of a discontinued Group’s obligation depends on uncertain future events. operation is determined from the formalised Items are classified as commitments where the Group discontinuance date. Discontinued operations are commits itself to future transactions or if the items will separately recognised in the financial statements once result in the acquisition of assets. management has made a commitment to discontinue the operation without a realistic possibility of withdrawal which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year of classification. Related party transactions The Group does not have one single controlling shareholder. All subsidiaries and associated companies of the Group are related parties. A list of the major subsidiaries and Segment reporting associated companies is included in these financial Segment accounting policies are consistent with those statements. Details of loans to and from subsidiaries and adopted for the preparation of the financial statements of associated companies are also provided. 103 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 GROUP INCOME STATEMENT for the year ended 31 August Restated 2008 2007 Notes Rm Rm 2 12 610 12 914 Cost of sales 6 627 6 517 Operating expenses 4 288 3 981 1 003 937 Revenue Administration and other expenses 170 155 Employees 1 787 1 666 Marketing 407 416 Occupancy 632 553 Depreciation and amortisation Share-based payment Transport and travel Operating profit before debtors costs 3 Operating profit Finance costs Share of losses of associates 233 (11) 1 695 2 416 898 825 797 1 591 30 75 4 104 36 4 (188) (187) 13 (14) (4) Investment income Finance income 32 261 (4) Surplus on disposal of property, plant and equipment Debtors costs 32 5 729 1 511 6 215 398 Profit attributable to shareholders 514 1 113 Headline earnings 511 1 105 7 302,8 626,2 – diluted 7 300,1 614,3 Cash equivalent dividends per share (cents) 8 152,0 303,0 Profit before taxation Taxation Earnings per share (cents) – basic – 2007 basic as previously reported 104 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 605,7 GROUP BALANCE SHEET at 31 August Restated Notes 2008 2007 Rm Rm 1 397 1 403 Assets Non-current assets 9 653 578 Goodwill 10 347 347 Intangible assets 11 256 294 Investments and loans 12 93 111 Interest in associate company 13.1 28 23 Interest in joint venture 13.2 (15) 3 35 47 7 276 7 488 Property, plant and equipment Deferred taxation 14 Current assets Inventories 15 1 448 1 348 Trade and other receivables 16 4 503 5 041 Financial assets 25 3 1 187 123 1 135 975 8 673 8 891 1 779 2 118 Taxation Bank balances and cash Total assets Equity and liabilities Equity and reserves Share capital and premium 17 Treasury shares 18 (435) Non-distributable and other reserves 19 245 226 3 157 2 859 67 100 4 813 5 048 700 1 223 739 Retained earnings Shareholders for dividend Shareholders’ equity Non-current liabilities (255) Interest bearing long term liabilities 20 293 Non-interest bearing long term liability 21 83 79 Deferred taxation 14 324 405 3 160 2 620 2 206 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 21 2 064 Provisions 22 4 12 Interest bearing liabilities 20 1 000 312 92 90 8 673 8 891 Taxation Total equity and liabilities 105 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31 August Notes Cash flows from operating activities 2008 Restated 2007 Rm Rm 629 (21) Cash generated by trading a 1 008 Decrease/(increase) in working capital b 301 1 309 Cash generated by operations Investment income 1 772 (220) 1 552 30 75 Finance costs – net c (86) (146) Taxation paid d (340) (740) 913 741 e (284) (762) (188) (183) Cash available from operating activities Dividends paid Cash flows from investing activities Increase in investment in joint venture (7) — Investment and loans receipts 18 10 Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 11 17 Additions to property, plant and equipment (210) (210) Cash flows from financing activities (281) (438) 4 Proceeds on disposal of treasury shares by share incentive trust 46 Shares purchased by the share incentive trust (188) Shares bought back and cancelled (339) — 550 — Long term borrowings repaid (200) (170) Finance lease liabilities repaid (108) (92) Long term borrowings raised (222) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 160 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 975 1 617 1 135 975 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 106 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 f (642) NOTES TO THE GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31 August a 2008 Restated 2007 Rm Rm 797 1 591 132 117 38 38 Cash generated by trading Operating profit Non-cash items Depreciation Amortisation – intangible assets 9 3 Share-based payment 32 32 Surplus on disposal of property, plant and equipment (4) (11) 4 2 1 008 1 772 Operating lease costs adjustments Revaluation of financial assets/liabilities b Decrease/(increase) in working capital Increase in inventories Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables Unrealised foreign currency translation c Interest received (note 4) Fair value adjustments of financial assets and liabilities 66 11 (3) 301 (220) (188) (187) 104 36 (2) 5 (86) (146) 33 (316) (278) (391) (95) (33) (340) (740) Amount payable at beginning of year (100) (322) Declared during the year (251) (540) 67 100 (284) (762) Per income statement (note 6) Amount receivable at end of year Dividends paid Amount payable at end of year f (1) (148) Taxation paid Amount receivable/(payable) at beginning of year e (282) 538 Finance costs – net Interest paid (note 4) d (100) Cash and cash equivalents Bank balances and cash 1 135 975 107 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the year ended 31 August Balance at 31 August 2006 – restated – as previously reported – restatement for revised basis of accounting for insurance and initiation fees Balance at 31 August 2007 – restated – as previously reported – restatement for revised basis of accounting for insurance and initiation fees 108 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Total Rm Share premium Rm 9 2 048 (18) 193 2 286 322 4 840 9 2 048 (18) 193 3 072 322 5 626 (786) (786) 1 113 (546) 6 546 (6) (324) 1 113 — — (324) 2 (443) 2 (443) 3 61 (61) 3 — (222) (222) 46 46 32 1 32 1 9 2 109 (255) 226 2 859 100 5 048 9 2 109 (255) 226 3 609 100 5 798 (750) Profit attributable to shareholders Distribution to shareholders Distribution to share incentive trust Paid to shareholders – 10 December 2007 Paid to share incentive trust – 10 December 2007 Paid to shareholders – 30 June 2008 Paid to share incentive trust – 30 June 2008 Shares purchased by JD Group Limited and cancelled Purchase of treasury shares by share incentive trust Proceeds on disposal of treasury shares by share incentive trust Loss on disposal of treasury shares included in attributable profit Share-based payment Transfer to retained earnings Translation of foreign entities Balance at 31 August 2008 Retained earnings Rm Shareholders for dividend Rm Share capital Rm Profit attributable to shareholders Distribution to shareholders Distribution to share incentive trust Paid to shareholders – 11 December 2006 Paid to share incentive trust – 11 December 2006 Paid to shareholders – 11 June 2007 Paid to share incentive trust – 11 June 2007 Shares issued to share incentive trust Purchase of treasury shares by share incentive trust Proceeds on disposal of treasury shares by share incentive trust Share-based payment Translation of foreign entities Treasury shares Rm Nondistributable and other reserves Rm 514 (264) 13 (750) 264 (13) (102) 514 — — (102) 4 (194) 4 (194) 8 (339) (339) (188) (188) 4 4 4 32 (35) 22 9 1 770 8 (435) 245 4 32 — 22 35 3 157 67 4 813 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Restatement of prior year figures The Group issues, as an intermediary, insurance contracts underwritten by a third party insurance company. Industry practice was that single insurance premiums payable to insurance and credit retail industries during the year were accounted for using one of two generally accepted methods. The insurance income was either recognised immediately upon inception of the contract or over the period for which insurance cover is provided. The Group applied the former. Consideration of the continued application of this policy, both as it relates to policies sold before and after the implementation of the National Credit Act, has led the Group to conclude that despite the diversity in practice, it is now better reflected in being accounted for on a time proportionate basis. Furthermore, the National Credit Act also requires our industry to compute and collect insurance income from our customers on a monthly basis and not to write these insurance premiums into the credit agreements for the term of the credit agreements. The recognition of initiation fees, which as an industry practice has been recognised at inception, will now also be recognised over the term of the credit agreements. These changes have resulted in changes to the provisions that the Group is required to carry. The existing rebate provision is no longer required. In addition, the gross value of a debtors account used to calculate the impairment provision now excludes these income streams, unless such income is in arrears. As a result of this change in the basis of accounting, comparative figures have been restated to account for insurance income and initiation fees over the term of the credit agreements, including adjustments to the related provisions previously carried. Impact of restatements on reported balance sheets Net instalment sale receivables Balance as previously reported Restatement effect – 1 September 2006 Restatement effect Balance as currently reported Other receivables Balance as previously reported Restatement effect – 1 September 2006 Restatement effect Balance as currently reported Trade and other payables Balance as previously reported Restatement effect – 1 September 2006 Restatement effect Balance as currently reported Retained income Balance as previously reported Restatement effect – 1 September 2006 Restatement effect – income statement Balance as currently reported Deferred taxation liability Balance as previously reported Restatement effect – 1 September 2006 Restatement effect Balance as currently reported 31 August 31 August 2007 2006 Rm Rm 5 620 (1 134) 52 5 711 (1 134) — 4 538 4 577 375 130 (2) 335 130 — 503 465 2 115 92 (1) 2 073 92 — 2 206 2 165 3 609 (786) 36 3 072 (786) — 2 859 2 286 700 (310) 15 721 (310) — 405 411 109 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 31 August 2007 1. Rm Restatement of prior year figures (continued) Impact of restatements on reported income statement Revenue Balance as previously reported 12 907 Restatement effect 7 Balance as currently reported 12 914 Debtors costs Balance as previously reported 869 Restatement effect (44) Balance as currently reported 825 Taxation Balance as previously reported 383 Restatement effect 15 Balance as currently reported 398 Profit attributable to shareholders Balance as previously reported 1 077 Restatement effect 36 Balance as currently reported 1 113 The impact of restatements on the current year’s profit attributable to shareholders is a reduction of R59 million. Restated Previously reported Cents Cents – basic 621,7 601,3 – diluted 609,8 589,8 – basic 626,2 605,7 – diluted 614,3 594,2 Impact of restatements on reported earnings per share Headline earnings per share Earnings per share Impact of restatements on reported cash flow statement The restatements had no cash flow effect, but there was a reclassification between cash generated by trading and working capital of R51 million. 110 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Restated 2. 2008 2007 Rm Rm Sale of merchandise 9 275 9 325 Finance charges earned 1 483 1 736 Financial services 1 313 1 374 539 479 12 610 12 914 Revenue Other services 3. Debtors costs Increase in impairment provision Bad debts written off 4. 36 184 862 641 898 825 Finance costs – net Finance costs Interest paid – finance leases Interest paid – other Fair value losses on financial instruments 53 69 135 113 — 5 188 187 (102) (36) Finance income Interest received Fair value gains on financial instruments Finance costs – net 5. (2) — (104) (36) 84 151 8 7 2 1 1 1 11 9 132 117 Profit before taxation is stated after taking account of the following items: Auditors’ remuneration Audit fees – current – prior Other services Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Owned Directors’ remuneration (see disclosure on page 84) Services as directors Other services (including the management fees below) Foreign exchange profits 1 1 20 20 21 21 (9) (6) 111 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued Restated 5. 2008 2007 Rm Rm 10 27 505 44 441 33 549 474 75 5 69 5 80 74 Supplier relationship amortisation 10 10 Surplus on disposal of property, plant and equipment Owned (4) (11) Trademark amortisation 28 28 107 82 Profit before taxation (continued) Management fees Sustein Management (Pty) Ltd (included in directors’ remuneration – other services) Operating leases Business premises Office equipment Retirement benefit costs Defined contribution funds Defined benefit funds Write down of inventories to net realisable value 6. Taxation South African taxation Normal – current – prior Deferred – current – prior – rate adjustment Secondary taxation on companies 194,0 21,1 (31,7) (31,0) (7,2) 27,5 315,1 3,7 4,6 (3,1) — 71,8 172,7 392,1 15,1 20,2 6,2 0,4 3,3 — 2,3 — 41,9 5,6 Total taxation 214,6 397,7 Dealt with as follows: Current taxation Deferred taxation 277,9 (63,3) 393,9 3,8 214,6 397,7 Foreign taxation Normal – current – prior Deferred – current – prior 112 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Restated 6. 2008 2007 Rm Rm 28,0 29,0 Taxation at standard rate Adjusted for Foreign tax rate differential Expenditure disallowed Exempt income Prior years Rate adjustment Deferred tax assets not raised Secondary taxation on companies Withholding tax and tax on foreign income 204,1 438,1 (4,7) 35,3 (53,2) 10,7 (7,2) (0,6) 27,5 2,7 (3,1) 18,8 (123,2) 0,6 — (5,4) 71,8 0,1 Taxation charged to income 214,6 397,7 Effective rate of taxation (%) 29,5 26,2 259,4 246,3 291,9 255,2 13,1 36,7 3,7 8,2 Taxation (continued) Reconciliation of tax charge Domestic standard normal rate of taxation (%) Estimated tax losses available for set off against future taxable income Tax losses available Deferred tax assets not raised Deferred tax assets raised Effective tax assets at country rate of tax (note 14) Deferred tax assets relating to tax losses of R246,3 million (2007: R255,2 million) have not been raised in accordance with Group policy because the probability of utilising these losses in the foreseeable future is considered to be remote. 7. Earnings per share and headline earnings per share Reconciliation of headline earnings Profit attributable to shareholders Surplus on disposal of property, plant and equipment Taxation thereon 514 (4) 1 1 113 (11) 3 Headline earnings 511 1 105 169 807 177 861 Cents Cents Basic Weighted average number of shares in issue during the year of (’000) Earnings per share Surplus on disposal of property, plant and equipment Taxation effect thereon 302,8 (2,5) 0,7 626,1 (6,2) 1,8 Headline earnings per share 301,0 621,7 Diluted Dilutive effect of bonus element in share options (’000) 1 514 3 458 171 321 181 319 Diluted weighted average number of shares in issue during the year of (’000) 113 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued Restated 7. 2008 2007 Cents Cents Earnings per share and headline earnings per share (continued) Diluted earnings per share Surplus on disposal of property, plant and equipment Taxation effect thereon 300,1 (2,5) 0,7 614,2 (6,2) 1,8 Diluted headline earnings per share 298,3 609,8 Rm Rm (102) 102 (324) 325 194 443 70 102 264 546 The above are calculated based on R000s amounts. 8. Distribution to shareholders Final dividend prior year – declared 57 cents on 180 000 000 shares (2007: 182 cents on 178 000 000 shares) – paid 57 cents on 180 000 000 shares (2007: 182 cents on 178 500 000 shares) Interim dividend – declared and paid 111 cents on 174 980 000 shares (2007: 246 cents on 180 000 000 shares) Final dividend – proposed 41 cents on 170 500 000 shares (2007: 57 cents on 180 000 000 shares) Total distribution to shareholders Leasehold improveProperty ments Rm Rm 9. Property, plant and equipment 2008 At beginning of year Cost Accumulated depreciation Net book value Movement for the year Additions Depreciation Disposals – cost – accumulated depreciation Foreign currency translation – cost – accumulated depreciation Office Vehicles equipment, and furniture forklift Computer Computer and trucks hardware software fittings Rm Rm Rm Rm Total Rm 212 (5) 280 (129) 268 (96) 20 (13) 42 (36) 101 (66) 923 (345) 207 151 172 7 6 35 578 18 — 76 (66) 44 (46) 35 (4) 4 (3) 33 (13) 210 (132) — — (38) 36 (38) 34 (2) 2 (1) 1 (4) 3 (83) 76 — — 5 (2) 1 (1) 2 (2) 2 (1) — — 10 (6) At end of year Cost Accumulated depreciation 230 (5) 323 (161) 275 (109) 55 (17) 47 (39) 130 (76) 1 060 (407) Total net book value 225 162 166 38 8 54 653 3 – 5,5 20 12,5 – 20 25 25 10 – 25 Depreciation rates (%) Directors’ valuation of property 114 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 393 Leasehold improveProperty ments 9. Vehicles and forklift trucks Computer hardware Office equipment, furniture Computer and software fittings Total Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm 199 (4) 264 (147) 222 (84) 21 (16) 39 (33) 95 (65) 840 (349) 195 117 138 5 6 30 491 15 (2) 90 (56) 80 (41) 6 (4) 4 (4) 15 (10) 210 (117) (2) 1 (74) 74 (34) 29 (7) 7 (1) 1 (9) 9 (127) 121 At end of year Cost Accumulated depreciation 212 (5) 280 (129) 268 (96) 20 (13) 42 (36) 101 (66) 923 (345) Total net book value 207 151 172 7 6 35 578 3 – 5,5 20 12,5 – 20 25 25 10 – 25 Property, plant and equipment (continued) 2007 At beginning of year Cost Accumulated depreciation Net book value Movement for the year Additions Depreciation Disposals – cost – accumulated depreciation Depreciation rates (%) Directors’ valuation of property 359 A register of property is available for inspection by members at the registered office of the Company. There was no change in the nature of property, plant or equipment or in the policy regarding their use. Refer to note 31 on page 136 for applicable judgements and estimates. 10. Goodwill Cost Arising on the acquisition of Connection Group 2008 2007 Rm Rm 347 347 The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. The recoverable amounts of the cash generating units (CGUs) are determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to selling prices and direct costs during the period. Management estimates discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the CGU. The growth rates are based on industry growth forecasts. Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past practices and expectations of future changes in the market. Refer to note 31 for judgements and estimates applicable for the assessment of goodwill. 115 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 11. 2008 2007 Rm Rm Arising on the acquisition of Profurn 193 193 Arising on the acquisition of Connection Group 220 220 413 413 119 81 38 38 157 119 256 294 92 110 Intangible assets Cost Accumulated amortisation Opening balance Amortisation Net book value The intangible assets included above have finite useful lives over which these assets are amortised. The intangible assets arising on the acquisition of Profurn consist of acquired trademarks that are amortised over a period of 10 years. The intangible assets arising on the acquisition of Connection Group comprise a trademark, amortised over 20 years and capitalised supplier relationships, amortised over five years. Refer to note 31 for an assessment of impairment of intangible assets. 12. Investments and loans 12.1 Unlisted Shares at cost, which approximates fair value Endowment policy, classified as available for sale Investment in non-consolidated subsidiaries Shares at cost Loans to non-consolidated subsidiaries# Impairment* Directors’ valuation of unlisted investments 1 1 — — 1 1 30 162 31 163 (31) (163) 93 111 93 111 1 1 Southern Life endowment policy: The endowment policy asset comprises Erf 322 Rivonia Extension 20 Gauteng and is stated at fair value. * The impairment has been calculated based on the directors’ estimation of cash to be received on the respective loans. # Refer to subsidiaries on page 146 and note 27 on page 133 for further details. 116 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 12. 12.2 2008 2007 Rm Rm Investments and loans (continued) Abridged aggregated balance sheet of non-consolidated subsidiaries Equity 1 1 Distributable reserves (46) (180) Opening balance (180) (174) 134 (6) 15 17 Opening balance 17 13 Movement (2) 4 Movement Non-distributable reserves Shareholders’ equity (30) (162) Loans from consolidated subsidiaries less amounts written off (30) (162) Total assets (30) (162) (30) (162) 30 162 — — 15 15 – Prior year equity accounted profit 8 4 – Current year equity accounted profit 7 6 – Current year taxation charge (2) (2) Carrying value 28 23 Unlisted % % 27,5 27,5 Rm Rm 66 23 Reconciliation of estimated recoverable portion of loans Net asset value Loans from consolidated subsidiaries after amounts written off 13. Interest in associate and joint venture companies 13.1 Interest in associate company Shares at cost Attributable share of post-acquisition retained earnings Blake & Associates – effective interest Directors’ valuation of unlisted interest Subsequent to the year end, the Group increased its interest in Blake & Associates to 55% (note 29). Nature of business Provides comprehensive contact centre capabilities to clients. 117 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 2008 2007 Rm Rm Non-current assets 48 35 Current assets 70 49 118 84 Capital and reserves 50 34 Non-current liabilities 24 15 Current liabilities 44 35 118 84 13. Interest in associate and joint venture companies (continued) 13.1 Interest in associate company (continued) Aggregate financial information in respect of associate company The information presented below is extracted from the consolidated annual financial statements of Blake & Associates Holdings (Pty) Ltd for the year ended 31 March 2008: Balance sheet Income statement 13.2 Profit before tax 28 26 Tax (7) (8) Profit after tax 21 18 15 8 Interest in joint venture Shares at cost Attributable share of post-acquisition retained earnings – Prior year equity accounted (loss)/profit – Current year equity accounted loss – Current year taxation (charge)/credit Carrying value Unlisted Maravedi Group – effective interest Directors’ valuation of unlisted interest Subsequent to the year end, the Group increased its interest in Maravedi Group to 90,5% (note 29). Nature of business In May 2005, Maravedi Group was formed with the participation of Absa Bank and Thebe Investment Corporation. Maravedi Financial Solutions, a 100% subsidiary of Maravedi Group, offers a suite of financial products and has a presence in 745 selected JD Group business units. 118 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 (5) 2 (21) (10) (4) 3 (15) 3 % % 42,7 42,7 Rm Rm (15) 3 Restated 13. 13.2 2008 2007 Rm Rm 31 334 22 85 365 107 (68) 38 395 (12) 17 102 365 107 Income statement Loss before tax Tax (charge)/credit (47) (9) (22) 6 Loss after tax (56) (16) Deferred taxation Amount provided at beginning of year Deferred tax on equity accounted losses Charged to income statement (note 6) 358 (6) (63) 354 — 4 289 358 197 (98) 70 (2) 7 119 (4) 245 (88) 75 (2) 7 129 (8) 289 358 (35) 324 (47) 405 289 358 1 487 (39) 1 359 (11) 1 448 1 348 Interest in associate and joint venture companies (continued) Interest in joint venture (continued) Aggregate financial information in respect of joint venture The information presented below is extracted from the consolidated annual financial statements of Maravedi Group for the year ended 31 August 2008: Balance sheet Non-current assets Current assets Capital and reserves Non-current liabilities Current liabilities 14. The deferred taxation provision comprises the following temporary differences: Instalment sale receivables’ allowances Provisions disallowed Trademarks Assets unrealised Payments in advance Other Tax losses (note 6) Deferred taxation is disclosed as: Asset Liability 15. Inventories Merchandise net of obsolescence Provision for write down to net realisable value 119 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued Restated 16. 2008 2007 Rm Rm Trade and other receivables Instalment sale receivables(1) Less: Impairment provision 4 636 (617) 5 119 (581) Net instalment sale receivables Other receivables 4 019 484 4 538 503 Total trade and other receivables 4 503 5 041 13,3 11,3 The maturity profile of instalment sale receivables is as follows: – receivable within one year – receivable thereafter 3 523 1 113 4 125 994 Total instalment sale receivables 4 636 5 119 Share capital and premium Share capital Authorised 250 000 000 (2007: 250 000 000) ordinary shares of 5 cents each 13 13 Issued 170 500 000 (2007: 180 000 000) ordinary shares of 5 cents each 9 9 2 109 2 048 Provision as a percentage of instalment sale receivables (%) In accordance with industry norms, amounts due from instalment sale receivables after one year are included in current assets. The credit terms of instalment sale receivables range from 6 to 36 months. The directors consider the carrying amount of trade and other receivables to approximate their fair values. (1) Classified as originated loans and receivables and carried at amortised cost. Bank borrowings are secured by a negative pledge of instalment sale receivables (note 20). 17. Share premium Balance at beginning of year 2007: 2 000 000 ordinary shares issued at premiums of 1,423 to 7,245 cents in terms of options exercised by employees participating in The JD Group Employee Share Incentive Scheme Redeemed on the purchase and cancellation of 9 500 000 shares by the Company — (339) 61 — Balance at end of year 1 770 2 109 Total share capital and premium 1 779 2 118 435 255 435 255 9 584 033 (2007: 7 708 133) shares are under option to employees of the Group in terms of The JD Group Employee Share Incentive Scheme at prices varying between R14,28 and R79,83 per share (page 143). 15 990 967 (2007: 19 291 867) shares are under the control of the directors to be granted in terms of The JD Group Share Incentive Scheme (page 142). A maximum of 10 million of the remaining unissued shares are under the control of the directors until the forthcoming annual general meeting. None of these shares under the control of the directors can be issued to the JD Group Employee Share Incentive Trust. 18. Treasury shares JD Group Limited ordinary shares of 5 cents each held by the employee share incentive trust at cost: The JD Group Employee Share Incentive Scheme 7 364 892 (2007: 4 505 992) ordinary shares 120 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Restated 19. 20. Non-distributable and other reserves Are made up as follows: Foreign currency translation reserve Revaluation of shares issued pursuant to the acquisition of Profurn Share-based payment reserve Interest bearing liabilities Bank borrowings Finance lease liabilities Payable within one year reflected under current liabilities 2008 2007 Rm Rm (16) 139 122 (38) 139 125 245 226 1 050 243 700 351 1 293 (1 000) 1 051 (312) 293 739 850 200 200 500 — 1 050 700 These liabilities are carried at amortised cost. The directors consider the carrying value of interest bearing liabilities to approximate their fair value. Bank borrowings are secured by a negative pledge of instalment sale receivables of R4 636 million (2007: R5 119 million). The interest rates per annum are: 2008: – on R200 million: variable rate linked to prime, currently at 12,0%; – on R500 million: variable rate linked to JIBAR, fixed at 13,18% for the period to 24 October 2008; – on R350 million: variable rate linked to JIBAR, fixed at 13,22% for the period to 29 September 2008. The above are repayable in quarterly instalments of interest of approximately R6 million, R16 million and R12 million respectively, with single capital repayments on 1 October 2012, 25 April 2009 and 27 August 2009 respectively. 2007: – on R200 million: variable rate linked to prime, currently at 10,0%; – on R500 million: variable rate linked to JIBAR, fixed at 10,82% for the period to 24 October 2007. The above are repayable in quarterly instalments of interest of approximately R4 million and R13,5 million respectively, with a single capital repayment on 1 October 2007 and 25 April 2009 respectively. Finance lease liabilities are secured by internally generated intellectual property. Finance lease liabilities bear interest at effective rates of 13,81% to 15,64% (2007: 13,81% to 15,64%) per annum and are repayable in bi-annual instalments of capital and interest of approximately R81 million each (2007: R81 million). Interest bearing liabilities are repayable in the following financial years: Bank borrowings 2008 2009 2013 121 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 20. 2008 2007 Rm Rm 150 31 36 26 112 147 31 36 25 243 351 The obligations payable under finance leases are analysed further as follows: Minimum lease payments: Amounts payable within one year Amounts payable thereafter 161 109 161 270 Less: future finance charges 270 (27) 431 (80) Present value of lease obligations 243 351 69 53 65 46 122 111 92 (83) 81 (79) 9 2 Interest bearing liabilities (continued) Finance lease liabilities – present value of lease obligations 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 In terms of the articles of association of the Company and all its subsidiaries, borrowing powers are unlimited. 21. 21.1 21.2 22. Trade and other payables The directors consider the carrying amount of trade and other payables to approximate their fair values. The credit period of trade payables ranges between 30 and 120 days from the date of the invoice. No interest is charged on the trade payables for the first 120 days from the date of the invoice. The Group has financial risk management policies to ensure that all payables are paid within the negotiated credit timeframe. The following accruals are included in trade and other payables: Leave pay Annual bonus The following amounts are included in trade and other payables: Operating lease costs adjustment Less: included in non-interest bearing long term liability Provisions Amounts raised on acquisition of Profurn: Provisions comprise: Retrenchment costs Lease closure costs Restructuring provision – staff costs 122 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Raised at acquisition Balance at 31 August 2007 Utilised during 31 August 2008 Balance at 31 August 2008 Rm Rm Rm Rm 43 134 11 1 (11) (1) — — 177 12 (12) — Balance at 31 August 2007 Raised during 31 August 2008 Balance at 31 August 2008 Rm Rm Rm — 4 4 23. 2008 2007 Rm Rm Commitments Capital expenditure Authorised and contracted 177 12 Authorised but not yet contracted 144 141 321 153 This expenditure will be financed from internal sources and existing borrowing facilities. Operating lease commitments (predominantly premises) 516 415 1 071 976 1 587 1 391 Debt(i) 1 293 1 051 Cash and cash equivalents 1 135 975 158 76 Equity(ii) 4 813 5 048 Net debt to equity ratio 3,3% 1,5% Due within one year Due within two to five years 24. Foreign assets Total assets subject to exchange control of a foreign country amount to R68 million (2007: R54 million). 25. Financial instruments 25.1 Capital risk management The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The Group’s overall strategy remains unchanged from 2007. The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes borrowings and finance leases as disclosed in note 20, cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in notes 17 and 19 respectively. 25.1.1 Gearing ratio The Group’s board and risk management committee reviews the capital structure on a semi-annual basis. As part of this review, the committee considers the cost of capital and the risks associated with each class of capital. The Group has set a maximum target gearing ratio of 50% determined as the proportion of net debt to equity. The gearing ratio at year end was as follows: Net debt (i) Debt is defined as long and short term borrowings, as detailed in note 20. (ii) Equity includes all capital and reserves of the Group. 123 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 25. Financial instruments (continued) 25.2 Categories of financial instruments 25.2.1 Financial assets Designated at fair value through profit/loss Rm 2008 Assets Non-current assets — Loans and receivables Rm Held to maturity Rm — — 28 (15) 35 3 3 Total 5 575 63 1 397 653 347 256 93 28 (15) 35 1 635 7 276 1 448 1 448 4 503 3 187 1 135 187 63 3 5 575 63 93 2 939 8 673 — — — 111 1 292 1 403 578 347 294 23 3 47 578 347 294 111 23 3 47 1 471 7 488 1 348 1 348 5 041 1 123 975 111 1 1 Total 1 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Total carrying value Rm 1 072 Inventories Trade and other receivables Financial assets Taxation Bank balances and cash 124 — 4 503 Property, plant and equipment Goodwill Intangible assets Investments and loans Interest in associate company Interest in joint venture Deferred taxation Current assets 1 304 93 Inventories Trade and other receivables Financial assets Taxation Bank balances and cash 2007 Assets Non-current assets 93 653 347 256 Property, plant and equipment Goodwill Intangible assets Investments and loans Interest in associate company Interest in joint venture Deferred taxation Current assets NonAvailable financial for sale instruments Rm Rm 5 733 283 — 5 041 123 692 283 5 733 283 111 2 763 8 891 25. 25.2 Financial instruments (continued) Categories of financial instruments (continued) 25.2.2 Financial liabilities Designated at fair value through profit/loss Financial liabilities at Nonamortised financial cost instruments Held for trading Rm Rm Rm — — 293 Total carrying value Rm Rm 4 813 4 813 407 700 2008 Liabilities Shareholders’ equity Non-current liabilities Interest bearing long term liabilities 293 Non-interest bearing long term liability 83 83 324 324 2 747 413 3 160 1 747 317 2 064 Deferred taxation Current liabilities — — Trade and other payables Provisions 4 Interest bearing liabilities 1 000 Taxation Total 293 — — 3 040 — — 739 4 1 000 92 92 5 633 8 673 2007 Liabilities Shareholders’ equity Non-current liabilities Interest bearing long term liabilities 1 223 — — Trade and other payables 739 79 79 405 405 2 137 483 2 620 1 825 381 2 206 Deferred taxation Provisions 12 Interest bearing liabilities 312 Taxation Total 5 048 484 739 Non-interest bearing long term liability Current liabilities 5 048 — — 2 876 12 312 90 90 6 015 8 891 125 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 25. Financial instruments (continued) 25.3 Financial risk management objectives Senior executives meet on a regular basis to analyse interest rate exposures and evaluate treasury management strategies against revised economic forecasts. Compliance with Group policies and exposure limits are reviewed at quarterly meetings of the board. The directors believe, to the best of their knowledge, that there are no undisclosed financial risks. These risks include market risk (currency risk and fair value interest rate risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow interest rate risk. The Group does not enter into or trade financial instruments for speculative purposes. 25.3.1 Market risk The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates (see note 25.3.2) and interest rates (see note 25.3.3). The Group may enter into a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposures to interest rate and foreign currency risk. As at the reporting date the Group had entered into forward exchange contracts to hedge the exchange rate risk arising on the importation of goods for sale. There has been no change to the Group’s exposure to market risks or the manner in which it manages and measures the risk. 25.3.2 Foreign currency risk management The Group undertakes certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Hence, exposures to exchange rate fluctuations arise. Exchange rate exposures are managed within approved policy parameters utilising forward foreign exchange contracts. The carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities at the reporting date are as follows: Assets 2008 Euro GB pound Metical Pula US dollar Zloti 2007 Liabilities 2008 Rm 2007 Rm Rm — — 4 4 3 3 — — Rm 65 51 — — 215 158 47 26 23 21 3 2 229 110 154 92 535 343 208 124 Foreign currency sensitivity analysis The Group is mainly exposed to fluctuations in Pula and Zloti. However, as most of the foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are located in the Group’s foreign operations, fluctuations in exchange rates between these currencies and the South African Rand are reflected in the movement in the foreign currency translation reserve and not in the Group’s income statement. Refer to the statement of changes in equity on page 108. The closing rates used to translate assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency at year end were as follows: 2008 2007 11,301 9,797 Metical 0,328 0,277 Pula 1,191 1,167 US dollar 8,041 7,179 Zloti 3,373 2,550 Euro 126 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 25. Financial instruments (continued) 25.3 Financial risk management objectives (continued) 25.3.2 Foreign currency risk management (continued) Forward foreign exchange contracts It is the policy of the Group to enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to cover specific foreign currency payments and receipts based on a predefined profile that takes into account the future expected date of payment or receipt. The writing of option contracts is prohibited. The amounts presented below represent the Rand equivalents of commitments to purchase foreign currencies and all of these commitments mature within six months of the year end. Foreign Rand Market Fair currency equivalent value value 000 R000 R000 R000 9 504 74 733 78 105 3 372 16 075 115 529 116 163 634 1 239 — — — — — — — Covered forward commitments 2008 US dollars 2007 US dollars Uncovered forward commitments 2008 US dollars 2007 US dollars The fair values of the forward exchange contracts of R3,4 million (2007: R0,6 million) are included in financial assets. 25.3.3 Interest rate risk management The Group is exposed to interest rate risk as entities in the Group borrow funds at both fixed and floating interest rates. As part of the process of managing the Group’s fixed and floating rate borrowings mix, the interest rate characteristics of new borrowings and the refinancing of existing borrowings are positioned according to expected movements in interest rates. In order to hedge specific exposures in the interest rate repricing profile of existing borrowings and anticipated peak additional borrowings, the Company and its subsidiaries may make use of interest rate derivatives, only as approved in terms of Group policy limits. For the year ended 31 August 2008, the Group did not have any exposure to interest rate derivative instruments. Interest rates charged to customers on credit agreements remain fixed for the duration of the contract. The interest rates charged to customers is repriced for new credit agreements as deemed appropriate by the directors but within the rules prescribed by the NCA. Interest earned on short term cash surpluses invested with major banking institutions is priced at variable market related rates. 127 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 25. Financial instruments (continued) 25.3 Financial risk management objectives (continued) 25.3.3 Interest rate risk management (continued) Interest rate sensitivity analysis The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for both financial assets and financial liabilities at the balance sheet date. For floating rate liabilities, the analysis is prepared assuming that the amount of the liability outstanding at the balance sheet date was outstanding for the whole year. A 50 basis points increase or decrease in interest rates is used when reporting interest rate risk internally to key management personnel and represents management’s assessment of the reasonable change in interest rates. If interest rates had been 100 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were constant, the Group’s: z profit for the year ended 31 August 2008 would decrease/increase by R3,1 million (2007: decrease/increase by R0,7 million). This is mainly attributable to the Group’s exposure to interest rates on its variable rate borrowings and variable rate short term cash investments. 25.4 Credit risk management Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. Potential concentrations of credit risk consist principally of short term cash investments and trade receivables. As regards short term cash investments, the Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. The Group only transacts with entities that are rated the equivalent of investment grade and above. This information is supplied by independent rating agencies where available and, if not available, the Group uses other publicly available financial information and its own trading records to rate its customers. The Group’s exposure and the credit ratings of such counterparties are continuously monitored and the aggregate value of transactions concluded is spread amongst its approved counterparties. Credit exposure is controlled by counterparty limits that are reviewed and approved by the risk management committee annually. At present, the Group deposits short term cash surpluses equally between three major South African banks of high credit standing. Trade receivables comprise a large, widespread customer base. The Group manages and grants credit based on a combination of empirically developed application behaviour and credit bureau scoring models. These models (and accompanying business rules) are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis and credit is therefore granted based on the Group’s appetite for risk and within the ambit of relevant regulations. Redevelopment and the implementation of second generation application and behaviour scoring models is expected to commence in the next financial year. Such a redevelopment enables the Group to identify and segment potential high risk applications for credit even more accurately, thereby reducing credit losses, whilst also improving sales volumes by identifying low risk credit applications more precisely. As at 31 August 2008, the Group did not consider that any significant concentration of credit risk existed in the instalment sale receivables book which had not been adequately provided for. The tables below provide an analysis of credit risk exposures inherent in the loans and receivables book as at the year end reporting dates, reconciled to the carrying value of net instalment sale receivables as reported in note 16. 128 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 25. 25.4 Financial instruments (continued) Credit risk management (continued) Credit exposures by class Class 1 Rm Class 2 Rm Class 3 Rm Total Rm 540 92 139 275 923 239 310 712 520 135 202 549 1 983 466 651 1 536 27 49 39 31 129 43 98 81 73 417 34 77 64 56 318 104 224 184 160 864 1 046 2 184 1 406 4 636 2008 Up to date Rehabilitated Arrears ⭐ one instalment Arrears ⬎ one instalment Arrears ⭐ 2 instalments Arrears ⭐ 3 instalments Arrears ⭐ 4 instalments Arrears ⭐ 5 instalments Arrears ⬎ 5 instalments Total instalment sale receivables Roll forward of the impairment provision Balance at the beginning of the year Bad debts written off Increase in impairment provision 86 (128) 140 292 (484) 489 203 (250) 269 581 (862) 898 98 297 222 617 Net carrying value 948 1 887 1 184 4 019 2007 Up to date Rehabilitated Arrears ⭐ one instalment Arrears ⬎ one instalment 545 139 199 260 1 032 375 390 742 642 134 160 501 2 219 648 749 1 503 26 59 46 33 96 40 128 108 90 376 24 79 69 57 272 90 266 223 180 744 1 143 2 539 1 437 5 119 Balance at the end of the year Arrears ⭐ 2 instalments Arrears ⭐ 3 instalments Arrears ⭐ 4 instalments Arrears ⭐ 5 instalments Arrears ⬎ 5 instalments Total instalment sale receivables Roll forward of the impairment provision Balance at the beginning of the year Bad debts written off Increase in impairment provision Balance at the end of the year Net carrying value 50 (90) 126 187 (341) 446 160 (210) 253 397 (641) 825 86 292 203 581 1 057 2 247 1 234 4 538 129 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 25. 25.4 Financial instruments (continued) Credit risk management (continued) Definitions applied in compiling these tables: The “classes” have been determined on the basis of the market segment in which the chains operate. Class 1 = Bradlows, Morkels and Hi-Finance Class 2 = Joshua Doore, Russells and Electric Express Class 3 = Barnetts, Price ‘n Pride and Supreme The debtors book has been analysed into the following types of accounts, reflecting the accounts in the following categories: a. Up to date These accounts have no arrears, are therefore up to date and are therefore neither past due nor impaired. No impairment provision is recorded for these accounts. b. Rehabilitated These accounts, whilst being in arrears and considered past due, have paid their last six instalments. No impairment provision is recorded for these accounts. c. Arrears ⭐ one instalment These accounts are in arrears by one instalment or less and are considered to be past due. No impairment provision is recorded for these accounts. d. Arrears ⬎ one instalment These accounts are in arrears by more than one instalment and carry an impairment provision. Risk analysis – up to date accounts 2008 Class 1 Rm Class 2 Rm Class 3 Rm Total Rm Low risk Medium risk High risk 87 366 87 92 615 216 59 323 138 238 1 304 441 Total up to date accounts 540 923 520 1 983 The risk categories have been determined based on the type of credit agreement the Group enters into with its customers. The Group currently uses the following types: ED: Existing customer paying a deposit – low risk EN: Existing customer not paying a deposit – medium risk ND: New customer paying a deposit – medium risk NN: New customer not paying a deposit – high risk The above classifications determine the interest rate that the customer is charged. These deal types were introduced with the implementation of the NCA on 1 June 2007. Previously the Group’s credit agreements were governed by the numerous regulations replaced by the NCA and similar comparative information is not available. 25.5 Liquidity risk management Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the board of directors. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves, banking facilities and reserve borrowing facilities, by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows. Included below is a listing of additional undrawn facilities that the Group has at its disposal to further reduce liquidity risk. All facilities listed are held with reputable banking institutions. Banking facilities Total banking and loan facilities Bank borrowings (note 20) Unutilised banking facilities 2008 Rm 2007 Rm 1 665 1 050 1 779 700 615 1 079 In addition, the Group has cash on hand at year end of R1 135 million (2007: R975 million). The contractual maturity profile of financial liabilities of the Group is analysed further in the tables below. The contractual payments for interest bearing liabilities include both capital and interest payable. 130 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 25. Financial instruments (continued) 25.5 Liquidity risk management (continued) 0-6 months Rm 7 - 12 months Rm > 1 year Rm 2-5 years Rm 149 1 008 68 325 1 157 1 617 71 1 688 1 766 1 079 329 145 474 1 597 87 1 684 1 926 232 Total Rm 2008 Interest bearing long term liabilities Short term portion of long term liabilities Trade and other payables 393 68 325 3 238 1 157 393 1 550 2007 Interest bearing long term liabilities Short term portion of long term liabilities Trade and other payables 26. Employee benefit plans 26.1 Retirement benefits 1 157 393 3 708 The Group has made provision for pension and provident schemes covering substantially all employees. All eligible employees are members of either a defined benefit or a defined contribution scheme administered by Alexander Forbes Financial Services, Old Mutual Employee Benefits Industry Funds Unit or the Social Security Fund in Poland. One defined benefit scheme and 12 defined contribution schemes are in operation. The assets of these schemes are held in administered trust funds separate from the Group’s assets. Scheme assets primarily consist of listed shares, property trust units and fixed income securities. The schemes are governed by the South African Pension Funds Act of 1956 or the Polish Social Securities System Act of 1998. The defined benefit fund is valued actuarially at intervals of not more than three years using the projected unit credit method. The latest statutory actuarial valuation was performed as at 31 December 2007 which indicated a past service deficit of R8,6 million. The information presented below is extracted from the report on actuarial calculations for IAS 19 (revised) purposes as at 31 August 2008. 2008 % 2007 % Inflation 5,3 5,8 Increase in salaries 6,3 6,7 Increase in pensions 1,4 1,9 Return on investment 8,8 9,0 Discount rate 8,5 9,0 In arriving at their conclusion, the actuaries took into account the following reasonable long term estimates: 131 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 2008 2007 Rm Rm 4,5 4,6 Current service cost 4,1 3,9 Interest cost 7,7 8,0 (9,9) (9,4) 2,6 2,1 86,4 84,6 26. Employee benefit plans (continued) 26.1 Retirement benefits (continued) The actuarially determined fair value of assets of the defined benefit scheme was R106 million (2007: R111 million) which corresponds with the market value at that date. This is sufficient to cover the benefits that had accrued to members, allowing for expected future increases in earnings, amounting to R85 million (2007: R86 million). Cost recognised Expected return on plan assets Asset utilised Reconciliation of defined benefit obligation Defined benefit obligation as at 31 August 2007 Current service cost 4,1 3,9 Member contributions 1,8 2,0 Interest cost 7,7 8,0 Actuarial loss (1,2) 1,9 Benefits paid (12,9) (12,6) Risk premiums (1,1) (1,4) Defined benefit obligation as at 31 August 2008 84,8 86,4 110,6 102,6 Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets Assets at fair market value as at 31 August 2007 Expected return on assets 9,9 9,4 Contributions 6,2 6,6 (1,1) (1,4) Benefits paid (12,9) (12,6) Actuarial gain (6,3) 6,0 Risk premiums Assets at fair market value as at 31 August 2008 Any deficit as determined by the actuaries is funded either immediately or through increased contributions to ensure the ongoing soundness of the scheme. 132 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 106,4 110,6 27. 2008 2007 Rm Rm Finserve Mauritius Limited 29 29 Prosure Insurance Limited (3) (3) Related parties Directors All dealings with directors have been dealt with elsewhere in this report and the directors’ remuneration included on pages 84 to 91. Non-consolidated subsidiaries The Group’s dealings with its non-consolidated subsidiaries comprise: Loans Supreme Furnishers (Zambia) Limited Supreme Furnishers (Namibia) (Proprietary) Limited 4 4 — 132 30 162 Interest received Finserve Mauritius Limited (3) (3) Interest of directors in contracts Mr ID Sussman holds a directorship in the following related party: – Homestyle Group plc, incorporated in the UK, a subsidiary of Steinhoff International Holdings Limited. Dr Len Konar holds directorships in the following related parties: – Steinhoff International Holdings Limited inclusive of its subsidiaries and investments, which has concluded transactions of approximately R24,2 million (2007: R1 066,6 million) with the Group and to whom the Group owes an amount of Rnil (2007: R108,9 million) at year end. – Old Mutual Limited who owns approximately 4% (2007: 13%) of the issued share capital of the Group. – The South African Reserve Bank which approves any transactions between the Group and its offshore subsidiaries. Mr ME King holds a directorship in STRATE Limited with whom the Group has concluded transactions amounting to R0,1 million. Mr MJ Shaw holds directorships in the following related parties: – Reunert Limited (Panasonic division) which has concluded transactions of approximately R17,9 million (2007: R65,6 million) with the Group and to whom the Group owes an amount of R0,3 million (2007: R2,2 million) at year end. – Standard Bank Group Limited, one of the bankers to the Group. All the Group’s corporate legal matters are performed by a company in which Ivan Levy has a controlling interest. Legal services amounting to R3,2 million (2007: R2,3 million) have been provided to the Group by this company. Dr HP Greeff holds a directorship in Compensation Technologies Consulting (Pty) Ltd which has concluded transactions with the Group amounting to R0,2 million. 2008 2007 Rm Rm Short term employee benefits 12 15 Share option gains — 12 12 27 Key management personnel Remuneration to key personnel compensation during the year comprised: Key personnel are defined as executive management as set out on page 12. 133 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 28. Share-based payment The Company provides a share option scheme to its employees through the The JD Group Employee Share Incentive Scheme as described on page 143. Details regarding the pricing of options granted and the exercising of options, including vesting periods, are also provided on page 143. Share options granted before 2 November 2002 have not been accounted for under IFRS 2 Share-based payment (IFRS 2). Details of the share options accounted for under IFRS 2 are as follows: Weighted Number average of share exercise options price R 2008 Outstanding at beginning of year 7 076 783 Granted during the year 2 268 000 50,58 37,21 Forfeited during the year (251 000) (50,73) Exercised during the year (114 000) (29,72) 8 979 783 47,46 Outstanding at beginning of year 6 351 059 39,73 Granted during the year 2 115 000 Outstanding at end of year 2007 72,76 Forfeited during the year (275 819) (30,23) Exercised during the year (1 113 457) (33,50) Outstanding at end of year 7 076 783 50,58 The options outstanding at 31 August 2008 have an exercise price in the range of R16,19 to R79,83 and a weighted average contractual life of 2,44 years (2007: 2,30 years). The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised in 2008 was R59,20 (2007: R83,01). Assumptions The fair value of services received in return for share options granted is measured by reference to the fair value of share options granted. The estimated fair value of the services received is measured based on the assumption that all vesting conditions are met and all employees remain in service. The pricing model used was a stochastic model, based on the standard “binomial” options pricing model. The volatility was estimated using the weekly closing share prices over a rolling four year period. 134 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 28. Share-based payment (continued) Fair value of share options and assumptions: 2008 Date of grant Fair value at measurement date Share price at grant date Exercise price Expected volatility Expected dividend yield Risk free interest rate Option life 2007 Date of grant Fair value at measurement date Share price at grant date Exercise price Expected volatility Expected dividend yield Risk free interest rate Option life 26 Feb 08 R13,53 to R13,84 R41,35 R37,21 30,84% 5,55% 8,64% 6 years 7 Feb 07 R27,05 to R30,57 R88,70 R79,83 31,62% 4,82% 7,55% 6 years 31 Jul 07 R23,71 to R25,74 R70,70 R63,63 29,91% 4,98% 8,58% 6 years 29. Subsequent events Subject to approval by the Competition Authorities, the Group announced that it had acquired a further 27,5% interest in Blake & Associates Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, and an additional 47,8% interest in Maravedi Group (Proprietary) Limited on 17 September 2008. No other significant events have occurred in the period between the year end and the date of approval of these annual financial statements. 30. Contingent liabilities Certain Group companies are involved in disputes where the outcome is uncertain. The Group is regularly subject to evaluations, by the tax authorities, of its direct and indirect taxation filings and in connection with such reviews, disputes sometimes arise with the taxation authorities. These disputes may not necessarily be resolved in a manner that is favourable for the Group and the resolution of these disputes could potentially result in an obligation for the Group. The Group remains in discussions with the relevant taxation authorities on specific matters and transactions in addition to those mentioned below, regarding the application and interpretation of taxation legislation affecting the Group and the industry in which it operates. The directors are confident that the Group will be able to defend any actions and that the probability of significant outflow or settlement is remote. Towards the end of 2006, the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) issued an additional assessment against a group company for the 2002 year of assessment amounting to R45 million (excluding interest and penalties), disallowing the tax deduction that was claimed in relation to an intellectual property sale and leaseback transaction entered into during 2001. The company objected to the SARS assessment. The Group will, based on advice received from legal and other advisors, including senior counsel, continue to dispute this assessment and remains confident that it is unlikely that a significant liability will arise in this regard. Should assessments be issued on a similar basis for the 2003 to 2008 years, additional taxation of R264 million (excluding interest and penalties) will be levied. The transaction concludes in 2009. Towards the end of 2007, SARS served notice of its intention to assess a group company for the 2001 and 2002 years of assessment amounting to R28 million (excluding interest and penalties), disallowing the interest deduction that was claimed in relation to a compulsory convertible loan transaction entered into during 2001. The Group has, based on advice received from legal and other advisors including senior counsel, submitted its reasons why it believes that SARS has no grounds to issue such assessment. Should SARS assess the 2003 to 2006 years on a similar basis, additional taxation of R120 million (excluding interest and penalties) will be levied. The transaction concluded in 2006. 135 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 30. Contingent liabilities (continued) In the early part of 2008 a third party was issued with an additional assessment for periods up to 2005 by SARS relating to a debt defeasance transaction. The liability relating to this additional assessment will be claimed by the third party from a group company. The third party has taken advice from senior counsel and is confident that it can defend the assessment. The assessment gives rise to additional taxation of R114 million (excluding interest and penalties). Should SARS assess the 2006 year on a similar basis, additional taxation of R5 million (excluding interest and penalties) will be levied. The transaction concluded in 2006. In addition, in a matter related to the compulsory convertible loan transaction mentioned above, a third party has claimed R197 million from the Group. The Group will, based on advice obtained from legal and other external advisors, defend this matter and remains confident that it is unlikely that a significant liability will arise in this regard. The issues in dispute are of a complex nature and it is anticipated that these matters will remain unresolved for an extended period. 31. Judgements and estimates Judgements and estimates are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectation of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities during the next financial year are discussed below. Useful lives and residual values The estimated useful lives for intangible assets with a finite life and property, plant and equipment are: Intangible assets Acquired trademarks and capitalised supplier relationships (refer to note 11) 5 – 20 years Property, plant and equipment Buildings Leasehold improvements Vehicles and forklift trucks Computer hardware and software Office equipment, furniture and fittings 18 – 35 years 5 years 5 – 8 years 4 years 4 – 10 years The estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed annually taking cognisance of the projected commercial and economic realities and through benchmarking of accounting treatments in the specific industries where these assets are used. Goodwill The goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash generating unit that is expected to benefit from that business. Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually, irrespective of whether there is any indication of impairment or not. The recoverable amount of the cash generating unit is determined from the value-in-use calculation. The key assumptions for the value-in-use calculation are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates and the expected changes to the selling prices and indirect cost during the period. Management estimated discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risk specific to the cash generating unit. The growth rate is based on the industry growth forecast. Changes in selling prices and direct cost are based on past practices and expectations of the future changes in the market. 136 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 31. Judgements and estimates (continued) The Group prepared cash flow forecasts derived from the most recent financial budgets approved by management for the next year and extrapolated cash flows for the following years based on an estimated growth rate as set out below. Impairment tests for cash generating units contained in goodwill of R347 million: Connection Group Discount rate Forecast cash flow 16,60% 4 years Intangible assets The value of acquired trademarks and capitalised supplier relationships included in intangible assets is R256 million (2007: R294 million). Intangible assets acquired as part of the Connection Group acquisition were valued at the acquisition date using the following key assumptions and methodologies: Discount rate Forecast cash flow Trademarks – valued using the relief from royalty method 17,50% 20 years Capitalised supplier relationships – valued using the residual income method 17,00% 5 years The estimated useful lives of intangibles assets with a finite life are summarised in note 11. Intangible assets are assessed for impairment annually, irrespective of whether there is any indication of impairment or not. Impairment test Impairment tests typically take into account the most recent management forecast whereafter a reasonable rate of growth is applied based on market industry conditions. Impairment tests are performed using a discounted cash flow model or a relief from royalty method. Discount rates used in the discounted cash flow model are based on weighted average cost of capital, while royalty rates are determined with reference to industry benchmarks. Impairment tests for cash generating units contained in intangible assets: Discount rate Forecast cash flow Hi-Fi Corporation - trademark 17,50% 15 years Connection Group - trademark 17,50% 17 years Connection Group - capitalised supplier relationships 17,00% 2 years Share-based payments Refer to note 28 for details of judgements and estimates applicable to the determination of share-based payments. Trade receivables A provision for bad debts held against instalment sales receivables is raised when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired. Factors taken into account to determine impairment of an asset are the level of arrears, part payment of instalments or missed instalments. Estimated future cash flows, that are discounted at the effective interest rate, are determined utilising past payment history and actual bad debt written off data. 137 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES TO THE GROUP ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued 32. New accounting pronouncements At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, there are Standards and Interpretations in issue but not yet effective. These include the following Standards and Interpretations: z IFRS 2 – Share-based Payments z IFRS 3 – Business Combinations z IFRS 8 – Operating segments z Amendment to IAS 1 – Presentation of financial statements z IAS 23 – Borrowing Costs z IAS 27 – Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements z IAS 28 – Investments in Associates z IAS 31 – Interests in joint ventures z IAS 39 – Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement z IFRIC 12 – Service Concession Arrangements z IFRIC 13 – Customer Loyalty Programmes z IFRIC 14 – IAS 19: The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their interaction z IFRIC 15 – Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate z IFRIC 16 – Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation On 22 May 2008, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued its latest Standard titled “Improvements to International Financial Reporting Standards 2008.” The Standard included 35 amendments to various standards. The Group is in the process of assessing the potential impact, if any, that the adoption of these Standards and Interpretations may have on its future financial performance or disclosures in the annual financial statements. 138 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS – GEOGRAPHICAL South Africa Neighbouring countries Europe Total 12 610 2008 Revenue Rm 11 369 441 800 Operating profit Rm 687 61 49 797 Depreciation Rm 125 2 5 132 Total assets Rm 8 091 338 244 8 673 Total current liabilities Rm 2 932 74 154 3 160 Capital expenditure Rm 202 2 6 210 % 6,0 13,8 6,1 6,3 Rm 8 123 356 796 9 275 8,6 100,0 Operating margin Total sale of merchandise Share of Group sale of merchandise Credit sales Percentage of total Cash sales % 88,0 3,4 Rm 2 953 108 % 36,3 30,3 Rm 5 170 248 796 3 061 33,0 6 214 63,7 69,7 100,0 67,0 1 006 27 62 1 095 11 301 16 333 12 903 11 516 17 712 559 718 18 989 R000 642 789 1 114 Rm 3 907 112 Revenue Rm 11 989 424 501 12 914 Operating profit Rm 1 502 67 22 1 591 Depreciation Rm 112 2 3 117 Total assets Rm 8 507 263 121 8 891 Total current liabilities Rm 2 498 30 92 2 620 Capital expenditure Rm 202 3 5 210 % 12,5 15,8 4,4 12,3 Rm 8 516 311 498 9 325 5,3 100,0 Percentage of total % Number of stores Revenue per store R000 Number of employees Revenue per employee Instalment sale receivables – net 664 4 019 2007 Operating margin Total sale of merchandise Share of Group sale of merchandise Credit sales Percentage of total Cash sales Percentage of total % 91,3 3,4 Rm 3 489 108 % 41,0 34,7 Rm 5 027 203 498 % 59,0 65,3 100,0 61,4 996 27 55 1 078 12 037 15 704 9 109 11 980 18 329 599 629 19 557 797 Number of stores Revenue per store R000 Number of employees Revenue per employee Instalment sale receivables – net R000 654 708 Rm 4 376 162 3 597 38,6 5 728 660 4 538 139 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS – BUSINESS DIVISIONS Traditional Retail Year ended 31 August Financial Services 2008 2007 2008 2007 3 073 622 3 285 808 4 019 87 4 533 40 20,2 24,6 953 3 225 57 300 951 3 454 57 900 5 100 603 4 019 617 862 898 12,9 6,6 15,2 5 256 625 4 538 581 641 801 13,2 6,8 14,7 Revenue Operating profit Depreciation Total assets Total current liabilities Capital expenditure Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm 5 243 111 50 1 056 1 096 44 5 928 642 12 984 1 030 17 Operating margin Total sale of merchandise Share of Group sale of merchandise Credit sales Percentage of total Cash sales Percentage of total Number of stores Revenue per store Retail square meterage Revenue per square metre Number of employees Revenue per employee Instalment sale receivables – net Impairment provision Bad debts written off Receivables’ arrears Deposit rate on credit sales Collection rate Average length of the book % Rm % Rm % Rm % 2,1 4 488 48,4 3 061 68,2 1 427 31,8 953 5 502 515 888 10 163 9 470 554 10,8 4 989 53,5 3 597 72,1 1 392 27,9 951 6 233 521 094 11 376 9 915 598 R000 Rand R000 Rm Rm Rm Rm % % Months *Elimination of interdivisional origination fees. Change in basis of presenting 2007 comparatives The figures presented above for the 2007 financial year have been restated from those previously reported as follows: Revenue ● Traditional Retail now earns commissions from Financial Services of 20% from the sale of product insurance policies and 4,5% from the sale of life insurance policies. ● Club revenue previously reported by Financial Services has now been split equally between Traditional Retail and Financial Services. ● Previously Traditional Retail received an origination fee from Financial Services of 8% on credit sales. The basis of calculating this fee has been amended to include both credit sales and handling fees inclusive of VAT. Operating income ● Occupancy expenses previously included under Corporate have now been correctly reflected in Traditional Retail. ● Certain Corporate costs relating to the Group’s service departments have now been allocated between Traditional Retail, Financial Services and Cash Retail, using the same allocation principles applied in the preparation of the 2009 Group budget, since management considers this to be more representative of the services rendered by these departments to the business divisions. Current liabilities ● A tax balance previously incorrectly included in Cash Retail has now been correctly included in the Corporate division. These restatements have no effect on the overall Group results. The comparative figures have also been restated for the effects of the change in basis of accounting for insurance revenue and initiation fees as set out in note 1. 140 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Cash Retail 2008 2007 International 2008 4 013 230 31 909 703 48 3 857 270 21 742 571 55 800 49 5 244 154 6 501 22 3 121 92 5 5,7 3 991 43,0 7,0 3 838 41,2 6,1 796 8,6 4,4 498 5,3 3 991 100,0 80 50 163 77 051 52 082 3 122 1 285 3 838 100,0 72 53 569 72 064 53 522 3 182 1 212 796 100,0 62 12 903 44 063 18 156 718 1 114 498 100,0 55 9 109 40 718 12 304 629 797 2007 Corporate 2008 2007 (519)* (215) 46 2 445 1 120 112 (657)* (151) 81 2 511 887 133 579 575 Group 2008 2007 12 610 797 132 8 673 3 160 210 12 914 1 591 117 8 891 2 620 210 6.3 9 275 100.0 3 061 33,0 6 214 67,0 1 095 11 516 694 302 18 162 18 989 664 4 019 617 862 898 12,9 6,6 15,2 12,3 9 325 100.0 3 597 38,6 5 728 61,4 1 078 11 980 691 776 18 668 19 557 660 4 538 581 641 801 13,2 6,8 14,7 141 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SHARE INCENTIVE TRUST 2008 The JD Group Employee Share Incentive Scheme 2007 Number of shares Shares available At beginning of year 19 291 867 Additional shares (unavailable)/made available to the directors in terms of the scheme (1 283 900) 1 940 369 Options granted (2 268 000) (2 115 000) 19 184 429 251 000 282 069 15 990 967 19 291 867 At beginning of year 7 708 133 7 515 571 Options granted 2 268 000 2 115 000 Options forfeited At end of year Share options granted Options forfeited (251 000) (282 069) Options exercised (141 100) (1 640 369) At end of year Number of participants 9 584 033 7 708 133 158 159 Shares available for utilisation At beginning of year Issued to the trust Shares acquired in the open market Options exercised 4 505 992 646 361 — 2 000 000 3 000 000 (141 100) 3 500 000 (1 640 369) 7 364 892 4 505 992 Rm Rm Loan by the Company to the trust 429 243 Fair value of shares 226 314 At end of year 142 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SALIENT FEATURES OF THE JD GROUP EMPLOYEE SHARE INCENTIVE SCHEME TRUST DEED 1. Purpose The JD Group Employee Share Incentive Scheme, which was approved by the directors on 29 March 1996, amended by special resolution on 31 January 2001 and amended again on 11 August 2003, is intended as an incentive to current and future employees (including executive and non-executive directors) of JD Group to render services to the Company by giving them the opportunity to acquire ordinary shares and enabling them to share in the wealth of the Company. 2. Option price The price payable by a participant upon the exercise of share options in terms of this scheme, shall be an amount equal to 90% of the closing price at which shares of the Company are traded at the close of business on the JSE on the trading day immediately preceding the date upon which the board will have resolved to grant, or direct the trustees to grant, the relevant option. Each share option shall confer the right on the holder thereof to subscribe for or purchase one share at the option price. 3. Exercise of share options Share options may not be exercised until after a period, calculated from the date of acceptance of the offer, as follows: 3.1 more than two years shall have elapsed, in which event not more than 25%; 3.2 more than three years shall have elapsed, in which event not more than 50% cumulatively; 3.3 more than four years shall have elapsed, in which event not more than 75% cumulatively; and 3.4 more than five years shall have elapsed, in which event all of the relevant share options may be exercised, but within seven years, provided that the board may, subject to the lapsing of a share option, permit exercise dates contemplated above to be anticipated or postponed to such other date(s) and to the extent determined by the board. 4. Share options granted Number of shares at 31 August 2008 Date of grant Price (cents) 4 October 1999 2 907 500 25 May 2000 2 984 250 000 2 May 2001 2 720 300 000 30 May 2002 1 428 53 750 20 February 2003 1 619 794 500 25 July 2003 2 342 60 000 10 September 2003 2 803 342 500 25 February 2004 3 690 293 000 19 May 2004 3 510 1 475 000 24 May 2005 5 625 333 750 7 June 2005 5 400 691 000 30 November 2005 7 250 761 033 7 February 2007 7 983 1 103 000 31 July 2007 6 363 913 000 26 February 2008 3 721 2 213 000 9 584 033 143 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SALIENT FEATURES OF THE JD GROUP EMPLOYEE SHARE INCENTIVE SCHEME TRUST DEED continued 5. The JD Group Limited Share Incentive Trust (“Jodtrust”) The JD Group Employee Share Incentive Trust has effectively replaced Jodtrust and Jodtrust will be wound up. 6. Dividends and voting rights Dividends in respect of shares held in terms of the credit sale scheme are payable to the trust and are credited to the participant’s loan account until such time as the shares have been paid for in full by the participant, whereafter the dividends accrue and are paid to the participant. Voting rights in respect of shares held in terms of the credit sale scheme vest with the trustees, until such time as the shares have been paid for in full by the participant. 7. Principal terms of loans 7.1 Loans between the Company and the trust 7.2 Loans bear interest at rates agreed to between the trustees and the Company from time to time. Loans between the trust and participants Loans bear interest at rates determined by the trustees from time to time. Note: At its meeting on 13 November 2008, the JD Group board recommended the implementation of a new share scheme, namely the Share Appreciation Rights Scheme. A circular containing all relevant details of the proposed scheme will be forwarded to shareholders in due course. 144 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 JD GROUP LIMITED – COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Company operates as an investment holding company only. All trading and banking is conducted through its wholly owned subsidiaries. Consequently, no cash flow statement is presented. The statement of changes in equity has not been prepared as the movement is evident from the Company income statement and Group statement of changes in equity. 2008 2007 Notes Rm Rm 30 1 000 Income statement Dividend received from JDG Trading (Pty) Ltd 1 Interest received — (203) — Revaluation of investments — 218 Other operating expenses (5) — (177) 1 218 Impairment provision – loan to share incentive trust 1 (Loss)/profit before taxation 23 Taxation – secondary taxation on companies (normal and deferred) (200) (Loss)/profit attributable to shareholders 72 1 146 Balance sheet Assets Investment in JDG Trading (Pty) Ltd – shares at cost Loan to JDG Trading (Pty) Ltd 2 Interest in subsidiary company – JDG Trading (Pty) Ltd Loan to share incentive trust Bank balances Total assets 1 091 1 091 1 052 1 858 2 143 2 949 212 243 3 1 2 358 3 193 1 779 2 118 507 971 Equity and liabilities Share capital and premium 3 Retained earnings 971 Opening balance 371 (Loss)/profit attributable to shareholders (200) Distribution to shareholders (264) (546) 70 103 2 356 3 192 2 1 2 358 3 193 Shareholders for dividend Other liabilities Total equity and liabilities 3 1 146 Notes 1. Due to current market conditions, the underlying fair value of shares held by the share incentive trust amounted to R203 million less than the carrying value of the loan to the trust as at 31 August 2008. 2. The loan to JDG Trading (Pty) Limited is interest free with no fixed date of repayment. 3. Refer to the Group statement of changes in equity on page 108. 4. The Company has issued guarantees to the providers of finance to its direct subsidiary, JDG Trading (Pty) Ltd, for repayment of bank borrowings (disclosed in note 20) for the amount of R524,0 million (2007: R612,9 million). 145 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 SUBSIDIARIES Percentage interest held Country of 2008 2007 incorporation % % JDG Trading (Pty) Ltd* Indirect subsidiaries South Africa 100 100 Courts Megastore (Pty) Ltd* South Africa 100 100 Connection Group Holdings (Pty) Ltd* South Africa 100 100 JD Group Asset Financing (Pty) Ltd† South Africa 100 100 JD Group International (Pty) Ltd‡ South Africa 100 100 Profurn Limited‡ South Africa 100 100 Protea Furnishers S.A. (Pty) Ltd* South Africa 100 100 Supreme Furnishers (Pty) Ltd‡ South Africa 100 100 The Netherlands 100 100 Notes Direct subsidiary JD Group Europe B.V.ø Poland 100 100 Aazad Electrical Construction (Pty) Ltd* Botswana 100 100 Barnetts Furnitures (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd* Botswana 100 100 Hi Fi & Electric Warehouse (Pty) Ltd* Botswana 100 100 JD Group (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd* Botswana 100 100 Lesotho 100 100 Abra S.A.* JD Group (Lesotho) (Pty) Ltd* Lesotho 100 100 Moçambique 100 100 JD Group (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd* Namibia 100 100 Protea Furnishers (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd* Namibia 100 100 Supreme Furnishers (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd* Namibia 100 100 Barnetts (Swaziland) (Pty) Ltd* Swaziland 100 100 JD Group (Swaziland) (Pty) Ltd* Non-consolidated subsidiaries Swaziland 100 100 Supreme Furnishers (Lesotho) (Pty) Ltd* Profurn (Moçambique) Limitada* Finserve Mauritius Limited 4 Mauritius 100 100 Prosure Insurance Limited 4 Mauritius 100 100 Notes 1. All the above are unlisted companies. 2. Activities of subsidiaries *Retailers of household furniture, appliances and home entertainment products. Asset financing company. † Investment holding company. ‡ European investment holding company. ø 3. A list of dormant and name protection companies is available for inspection by members at the registered office of the Company. 4. The winding up and deregistration of these non-trading companies was delayed by outstanding taxation matters. 146 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 Direct interest of holding company Issued share capital 2008 Currency* 655 660 Shares 2007 Currency* 655 660 1 000 1 000 1 753 041 1 753 041 200 200 11 11 543 565 543 565 30 000 30 000 224 18 151# Indebtedness 2008 2007 2008 2007 Rm Rm Rm Rm 1 091 1 091 1 052 1 858 224 18 151# 44 090 820 44 090 820 100 100 10 10 100 100 100 100 100 100 1 000 1 000 842 500 842 500 100 100 1 1 1 1 200 200 2 2 1 1 100 000 100 000 Reflected in local currency (Mauritius in US dollars). * Reflected in euro. # 147 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 ANALYSIS OF SHAREHOLDERS Number of shareholders % of total Number of shares % of total 3 845 63 36 11 18 34 95,9 1,6 0,9 0,3 0,4 0,9 96 940 462 34 099 630 30 646 520 6 648 217 493 132 1 672 039 56,9 20,0 18,0 3,9 0,3 0,9 4 007 100,0 170 500 000 100,0 2 809 764 262 140 32 70,1 19,1 6,5 3,5 0,8 884 942 2 294 920 9 819 839 45 359 401 112 140 898 0,5 1,3 5,8 26,6 65,8 4 007 100,0 170 500 000 100,0 116 150 171 51 21 2 824 234 439 1 2,9 3,7 4,3 1,3 0,5 70,5 5,8 11,0 62 234 469 39 642 614 35 656 391 11 007 937 7 553 462 1 752 800 1 863 288 3 424 147 7 364 892 36,5 23,3 20,9 6,5 4,4 1,0 1,1 2,0 4,3 4 007 100,0 170 500 000 100,0 4 1 1 0,1 – – 264 856 7 200 7 364 892 0,2 – 4,3 6 0,1 7 636 948 4,5 Public shareholders 4 001 99,9 162 863 052 95,5 Registration Materialised Dematerialised 327 3 680 8,2 91,8 92 866 170 407 134 0,1 99,9 4 007 100,0 170 500 000 100,0 Geographical location of shareholders South Africa United States of America United Kingdom Luxembourg Namibia Other Size of holding 1 – 1 000 1 001 – 10 000 10 001 – 100 000 100 001 – 1 000 000 Over 1 000 000 Category of shareholders Banks Pension funds Mutual funds Investment companies Insurance companies Private investors Other companies and corporate bodies Other managed funds Share incentive scheme Non-public shareholders (included above) Directors Pension fund Share incentive scheme To the best of the Company’s knowledge: Beneficial shareholders with a holding of 3% or more Public Investment Corporation Old Mutual Life Assurance Company SA Fund managers with a holding of 5% or more Investec Asset Management Public Investment Corporation Old Mutual Investment Group 148 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 % held 20 987 326 6 284 620 12,3 3,7 27 271 946 16,0 19 922 728 19 521 113 9 669 609 11,7 11,4 5,7 49 113 450 28,8 NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING JD GROUP LIMITED (Registration number 1981/009108/06) (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) JSE code: JDG ISIN code: ZAE000030771 (“the Company”) 2.1 Based on the fact that the retiring directors have made themselves available for re-election, it is proposed that members re-elect the following directors who, in terms of the articles, are required to retire by rotation at the AGM: 2.1.1 ME King; Notice is hereby given that the annual general meeting 2.1.2 Dr D Konar; (AGM) of the Company’s shareholders will be held in the 2.1.3 ID Sussman; and David Sussman Auditorium, Ground Floor, JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg on Thursday, 5 February 2009 at 08:00 to conduct the following business: 2.1.4 G Völkel. 2.2 Based on the provisions of the articles, it is proposed that members confirm the appointments of the following directors who were appointed 1. Ordinary resolution number 1 – adoption of the annual financial statements and sanctioning of dividends To receive, consider and adopt the consolidated annual financial statements of JD Group Limited and its during the year between two AGMs: 2.2.1 VP Khanyile, with effect from 13 November 2008; 2.2.2 Mr GZ Steffens, with effect from 13 November 2008; and subsidiaries (“the Group”) and of the Company for the financial year ended 31 August 2008, including the 2.2.3 Mr ID Thompson, with effect from 13 November 2008. directors’ report and the report of the independent auditors therein, as well as sanctioning of the dividends An abbreviated curriculum vitae of each of the directors for the year as follows: is set out on pages 10 and 11 of this annual report. • Interim dividend of 111 cents per share paid on 30 June 2008. • Final dividend of 41 cents per share paid on 15 December 2008. 2. Ordinary resolution number 2 – re-election of directors 3. Ordinary resolution number 3 – renewal of the authority to place the Company’s unissued shares under the control of the directors To consider and, if deemed fit, to renew and pass with or without modification, the following ordinary To elect directors of the Company in terms of prevailing resolution in order to provide the directors of the legislation and the Company’s articles of association Company with flexibility to issue the unissued ordinary (“the articles”) as follows: shares of the Company as and when suitable situations • In accordance with the articles, at least one third of arise: the directors, being those longest in office at the date of the annual general meeting, shall retire, but such directors may offer themselves for re-election. • In accordance with the articles, all director appointments made by the board since the previous annual general meeting require confirmation by shareholders. • In accordance with legislation, all appointments of directors shall be effected by individual stand alone resolutions, unless the members at the meeting unanimously resolve otherwise. “Resolved that 10 000 000 (ten million) of the Company’s authorised but unissued ordinary shares, equivalent to 5,86% of the Company’s current issued capital, be placed under the control of the directors, who are hereby authorised, subject to the requirements of the Company’s articles, the Companies Act, No 61 of 1973, as amended (“the Companies Act”), the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited (“the JSE Listings Requirements”), to allot and issue such ordinary shares on any such terms and conditions as they deem fit in the best interest of the Company. This authority shall remain in force until the next annual general meeting of 149 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING continued the Company as a general authority in terms of section 221(2) of the Companies Act.” The directors have no current plans to make use of this authority, but are seeking its renewal to ensure that the Company has maximum flexibility in managing the Group’s capital resources. 4. Ordinary resolution number 4 – appointment of auditors and auditors’ remuneration 4.1 To reappoint Deloitte & Touche as independent 6. Special resolution number 1 – authority to repurchase shares As special business, to consider and, if deemed fit, to pass with or without modification, the following special resolution: “Resolved that the Company and/or a subsidiary of the Company, be and is hereby authorised by way of a general authority in terms of sections 85 to 89 of the Companies Act, to acquire securities issued by the Company, upon such terms and conditions and in such amounts as the directors of the Company may from auditors of the Company for the ensuing period time to time determine, subject to the requirements of terminating on the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company’s articles, the Companies Act and the JSE the Company and further to appoint Mr X Botha as Listings Requirements, provided that: the individual and designated auditor who will undertake the audit of the Company. 4.2 To authorise the directors of the Company to fix and pay the auditors’ remuneration for the past year. 5. Ordinary resolution number 5 – non-executive directors’ remuneration 5.1 To approve the payment of the non-executive directors’ remuneration for the past year as set out in the financial statements, which remuneration 6.1 the Company and its subsidiaries are authorised by their articles of association to repurchase such securities; 6.2 the repurchase of securities are effected through the order book operated by the JSE trading system and be done without any prior understanding or arrangement between the Company and the counterparty; 6.3 the Company and its subsidiaries are authorised amount reflects no increase compared with the by their members via a special resolution taken at remuneration paid in the previous year. a general meeting, to make such general 5.2 To consider and approve, with or without repurchases of the Company’s securities; modification, payment of the following non-executive 6.4 such authorisation shall be valid only until the directors’ remuneration for the forthcoming year. next AGM of the Company or for 15 months from “Resolved to pay the following non-executive the date of this special resolution, whichever is the directors’ fees for the financial year commencing earlier date; on 1 September 2008: 5.2.1 As director: • for each board meeting attended – R60 000 5.2.2 As chairman: • for each audit committee meeting chaired – R20 000 • for each risk committee meeting chaired – R20 000 • of the remuneration committee per annum – R20 000 • of the nominations committee per annum – R20 000 • of the JD Group Defined Benefit Pension Fund – nil. 150 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 6.5 an announcement be made in accordance with the requirements of the JSE when the Company and/ or its subsidiaries have cumulatively repurchased 3% of the initial number of securities of a class of securities in issue at the date that this general authority is granted (“the initial number”) and for each 3% in aggregate of the initial number of securities of that class of securities acquired thereafter; 6.6 at any one time the Company and/or its subsidiaries may only appoint one agent to effect any repurchase of the Company’s securities on behalf of the Company; 6.7 the repurchase of securities by the Company and/ The effect of this special resolution would be that the or its subsidiaries shall not take place during a Company and its subsidiaries will have been authorised prohibited period, unless the Company has in generally to repurchase the Company’s securities place a repurchase programme where the dates on the open market, subject to the requirements of and quantities of securities to be traded during the Company’s articles, the Companies Act and the the period are fixed, i.e. not subject to variation, JSE Listings Requirements. and full details of the programme have been disclosed in an announcement over SENS prior to the commencement of the prohibited period; 6.8 after the repurchase, the Company would still be in compliance with the shareholders’ spread requirements as laid down by the JSE; Disclosures required in terms of the Listings Requirements of the JSE In terms of the JSE Listings Requirements, the following disclosures are required with reference to the repurchase of the Company’s securities as set out in the special resolution above. 6.9 the repurchase of securities shall not, in the aggregate, in any one financial year, and Working capital statement calculated as at the date this authority is given, The directors, having considered the effects of the exceed 20% (equating to 34 100 000 ordinary repurchase of the maximum number of ordinary securities securities) of the Company’s issued securities of in terms of the aforementioned general authority, confirm that class and, where the Company’s issued that for a period of 12 months after the date on which this securities are repurchased by its subsidiaries, it authority is given, that: shall not exceed a maximum of 10% (equating to • the Company and the Group will be able, in the ordinary 17 050 000 ordinary securities) in aggregate of the Company’s issued securities of that class; 6.10 the repurchase of securities may not be made at a price greater than 10% above the weighted average traded price of the market value of the securities as determined over the five business days immediately preceding the date on which the transaction is effected; and 6.11 the Company’s sponsor shall, prior to the Company and/or its subsidiaries, entering into the market to acquire such securities, provide the JSE with a written working capital statement as laid down by the JSE.” It is the intention of the directors to utilise this authority to effectively return excess capital to shareholders if and when appropriate opportunities arise. The reason for this special resolution is to grant the Company and its subsidiaries a general authority to repurchase the Company’s securities by way of open market transactions on the JSE, subject to the requirements of the Company’s articles, the Companies Act and the JSE Listings Requirements. course of business, to pay its debts; • the consolidated assets of the Company and the Group, fairly valued in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as used in the latest audited annual financial statements of the Group, will be in excess of the consolidated liabilities of the Company and the Group; • the ordinary share capital and reserves of the Company and the Group will be adequate for ordinary business purposes; • the working capital resources of the Company and the Group will be adequate for ordinary business purposes; and • the Company may not enter the market to proceed with any repurchase of securities until the Company’s sponsor, PSG Capital (Pty) Ltd, has confirmed in writing to the JSE the adequacy of the Company’s working capital for the purposes of undertaking a repurchase of securities. At the date of this notice, having regard to the financial position of the Company, the directors are of the opinion that the Company would be able to fulfil the above requirements even if the maximum number of permitted repurchases would take place and the maximum general payments have been made. 151 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING continued Litigation statement meeting to make the necessary arrangements with that Other than disclosed or accounted for in this annual report, party to be able to attend and vote at the meeting. the directors of the Company, whose names are given on A shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the annual pages 10 and 11 of this annual report, are not aware of any general meeting of the Company is entitled to appoint legal or arbitration proceedings, pending or threatened, a proxy or proxies to attend, speak, and on a poll, vote in against the Group which may have or have had, in the his/her stead. A proxy need not to be a shareholder of 12 months preceding the date of this notice of the AGM, the Company. a material effect on the Group’s financial position. Uncertificated shareholders Directors’ responsibility statement Beneficial owners of dematerialised shares who wish to The directors, whose names are given on pages 10 and 11 attend the annual general meeting of the Company have to of this annual report, collectively and individually, accept request their Central Securities Depository Participant full responsibility for the accuracy of the information (CSDP) or broker to provide them with a letter of pertaining to the above special resolution and certify that representation, or they must provide the CSDP or broker to the best of their knowledge and belief there are no facts with their voting instructions in terms of the relevant that have been omitted which would make any statement custody agreement entered into between them and the false or misleading and that all reasonable enquiries to CSDP or broker. ascertain such facts have been made and that the above special resolution contains all information required. Voting On a show of hands, every member of the Company present Material changes in person and entitled to vote, or any member represented Other than the facts and developments reported on in this by proxy, shall have one vote only. On a poll, every ordinary annual report, there have been no material changes in the shareholder entitled to vote shall have one vote in respect affairs, financial or trading position of the Company or the of each share held. Group since the signature date of this annual report and the posting date thereof. Proxies For the convenience of shareholders, a form of proxy is Further disclosures enclosed herewith. The form of proxy must only be The following further disclosures required in terms of the completed by shareholders who are holding shares in JSE Listings Requirements are set out in accordance with certificated form or who are recorded on the electronic the reference pages in the annual report of which this subregister in “own name” dematerialised form. The notice forms part: instrument appointing a proxy and the authority (if any) • Directors and management (refer to pages 10 and 12). under which it is signed, must reach the transfer • Major shareholders of the Company (refer to page 148). secretaries of the Company (Computershare Investor • Directors’ interests in the Company’s securities Services (Pty) Ltd) at the address on the inside back cover, (refer to pages 83 and 90). by no later than at 08:00 on Tuesday, 3 February 2009. • Share capital of the Company (refer to page 120). By order of the board Voting and attendance Certificated shareholders Shareholders wishing to attend the annual general meeting have to ensure beforehand with the transfer secretaries of the Company that their shares are in fact registered in their name. Should this not be the case and the shares are registered in another name, or in the name of a nominee company, it is incumbent on shareholders attending the 152 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 JMWR Pieterse Company secretary 14 November 2008 FORM OF PROXY JD GROUP LIMITED (Registration number 1981/009108/06) (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) JSE code: JDG ISIN code: ZAE000030771 (“the Company”) TO BE COMPLETED BY CERTIFICATED SHAREHOLDERS AND DEMATERIALISED SHAREHOLDERS WITH OWN NAME REGISTRATION ONLY I/We (Name in block letters) of (Address in block letters) being the holder(s) of shares in JD Group Limited and entitled to vote, hereby appoint 1. or failing him/her 2. or failing him/her 3. the chairman of the annual general meeting as my/our proxy to speak and vote for me/us at the annual general meeting, to be held at 08:00 on Thursday, 5 February 2009, in the David Sussman Auditorium, Ground Floor, JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg and at any adjournment thereof, as follows: Number of JD Group ordinary shares Resolution In Favour Against Abstain Number 1: Adoption of annual financial statements, inclusive of sanctioning of dividends Number 2: Re-election of retiring directors Number 2.1 ME King Number 2.2 Dr D Konar Number 2.3 ID Sussman Number 2.4 G Völkel Confirming appointments since last AGM Number 2.5 VP Khanyile Number 2.6 GZ Steffens Number 2.7 ID Thompson Number 3: Authority to place a maximum of 10 million unissued shares under the control of the directors Number 4: Auditors’ appointment and remuneration Number 4.1 Reappointment of Deloitte & Touche as auditing firm and X Botha as the individual auditor Number 4.2 Approval of auditors’ remuneration Number 5: Non-executive directors’ fees Number 5.1 Payment of non-executive directors’ fees for the past year Number 5.2 Approval of non-executive directors’ fees for the forthcoming year Number 6: Special resolution – authority to repurchase shares Signed at on 2008/2009 Date 2008/2009 Full name(s) Signature(s) Assisted by (guardian*) *If signing in a representative capacity, see note 12 on page 154. Please read the instructions on the reverse side of this form of proxy. 153 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 NOTES AND INSTRUCTIONS TO THE FORM OF PROXY 1. This form of proxy is to be completed only by those shareholders who either still hold shares in a certificated form, or whose shares are recorded in their own name in electronic form in the subregister (“eligible shareholders”). 2. Eligible shareholders are entitled to attend, speak and vote at the annual general meeting (“AGM”) of the Company or to appoint a proxy to attend, speak and vote in their stead and such proxy need not be a shareholder of the Company. The completion and lodging of this form of proxy does not preclude the eligible shareholder from attending the AGM and speaking and voting in person to the exclusion of any appointed proxy. 3. Eligible shareholders who are unable to attend the AGM, but wish to be represented at the AGM, should complete and timeously return the form of proxy to the transfer secretaries, Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited. 4. If you are the holder of dematerialised shares, but not the holder of dematerialised shares in your own name, you must timeously inform your Central Securities Depository Participant (“CSDP”) or your stockbroker of your voting instructions for the AGM in terms of the custody agreement between you and the CSDP or the stockbroker (in such an instance you must not return this form of proxy to the transfer secretaries). However, if you wish to attend the AGM in person, you must timeously request your CSDP or stockbroker to provide you with the necessary authority to do so and to enable you to take part in the AGM proceedings. 5. It is incumbent on all shareholders who wish to attend the AGM to verify with the transfer secretaries that their shares are in fact registered in their name or to ensure that the necessary arrangements have been made with their CSDP or stockbroker to enable them to attend and to take part in the AGM proceedings. 6. If two or more proxies attend the AGM, then that person whose name appears first on the form of proxy and whose name is not deleted, shall be regarded as the validly appointed proxy to the exclusion of the person(s) whose name(s) follow. 7. Where there are joint holders of shares, any one holder may sign the form of proxy and the vote of the shareholder whose name appears first on the Company’s share register and who tendered a vote, whether in person or by proxy, will be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint shareholder(s). 8. Shareholders may insert the name of a proxy or the names of two alternative proxies in the spaces provided on the form of proxy, with or without deleting the words “the chairman of the annual general meeting”. Any alterations (other than a deletion of alternatives) or corrections to this form of proxy, must be individually initialled by the signatory, failing which the alterations or corrections will have no effect for purposes of the AGM. 9. On a poll, a shareholder is entitled to one vote for each share held. 10. Voting for each of the resolutions must be effected by filling in the number of votes (one per ordinary share) under the headings “In Favour”, “Against” or “Abstain” on the form of proxy. If no instructions are filled in on the form of proxy, the appointed proxy, or the chairman of the AGM if he is the authorised proxy, shall be authorised to vote in favour of, against or abstain from voting as they deem fit. 11. Shareholders or their proxies are entitled, but not obliged, to vote in respect of all the ordinary shares held by the shareholder. However, the total number of votes for or against the resolutions and in respect of which any abstention is recorded, may not exceed the total number of shares held by the shareholder. 12. Minors must be assisted by their parent or guardian unless the relevant documents establishing their legal capacity are produced or have been registered by the transfer secretaries. Documentary evidence establishing the authority of a person signing this form in a representative or other legal capacity must be attached to this form of proxy unless previously recorded by the transfer secretaries or waived by the chairman of the AGM. 13. The chairman of the AGM, in his sole discretion, may accept or reject any form of proxy which is completed and/or received other than in accordance with these notes, provided that he shall not accept a proxy unless he is satisfied as to the manner in which a shareholder wishes to vote. 14. The results of the voting in respect of the resolutions set out in the notice of the AGM will be published on SENS as soon as practically possible after conclusion of the AGM. 15. Shareholders must ensure that their forms of proxy or their letters of authority from their CSDP or stockbrokers are timeously furnished to the transfer secretaries, Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited. In order to be effective, forms of proxy and letters of authority must reach the transfer secretaries by no later than at 8:00 on Tuesday, 3 February 2009 at the address specified on the next page. 16. Enquiries by shareholders with regard to the AGM or any of the above matters, may be directed to the Company Secretary, Johann Pieterse, on (+27) 11 408 0220 or to johannp@jdg.co.za. 154 J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 ADMINISTRATION JD Group Limited ADR depository (“JD” or “the Group”) Registration number: 1981/009108/06 JSE code: JDG ISIN code: ZAE000030771 File number 82-4401 The Bank of New York Company, Inc. One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286, United States of America Telephone: +1 212 495 1284 Facsimile: +1 212 635 1121 Executive directors ID Sussman (executive chairman) AG Kirk (chief executive officer) KR Chauke, Dr HP Greeff, ID Thompson, G Völkel Sponsor Non-executive director IS Levy Independent non-executive directors VP Khanyile, ME King, Dr D Konar, M Lock, MJ Shaw, GZ Steffens Company secretary JMWR Pieterse Registered office 11th Floor, JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001 (PO Box 4208, Johannesburg, 2000) Telephone: +27 11 408 0408 Facsimile: +27 11 408 0604 E-mail: info@jdg.co.za Independent auditors Deloitte & Touche 221 Waterkloof Road Waterkloof Pretoria 0181 Attorneys Feinsteins (Levy, Feinsteins & Associates Incorporated) 10th Floor, JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001 Telephone: +27 11 712 0700 Facsimile: +27 11 712 0712 E-mail: isl@feinsteins.co.za Transfer secretaries Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 (PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107) Telephone: +27 11 370 5000 Facsimile: +27 11 688 5238 E-mail: proxy@computershare.co.za 5 February 2009 Published May Declared May 31 August Published November Published November Declared November Published November BASTION GRAPHICS www.jdgroup.co.za TWENTY FIVE YEARS redefining the future . . . ANNUAL REPORT 2008 SHAREHOLDERS’ DIARY FOR 2009 Annual general meeting Announcement of interim results Interim dividend declaration Financial year end Annual financial statements Announcement of annual results Final dividend declaration Annual report TWENTY FIVE YEARS J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 PSG Capital (Proprietary) Limited Building No 8, Woodmead Estate, 1 Woodmead Drive, Woodmead, Sandton, 2157 Telephone: +27 11 797 8400 Facsimile: +27 11 802 3689 ADMINISTRATION JD Group Limited ADR depository (“JD” or “the Group”) Registration number: 1981/009108/06 JSE code: JDG ISIN code: ZAE000030771 File number 82-4401 The Bank of New York Company, Inc. One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286, United States of America Telephone: +1 212 495 1284 Facsimile: +1 212 635 1121 Executive directors ID Sussman (executive chairman) AG Kirk (chief executive officer) KR Chauke, Dr HP Greeff, ID Thompson, G Völkel Sponsor Non-executive director IS Levy Independent non-executive directors VP Khanyile, ME King, Dr D Konar, M Lock, MJ Shaw, GZ Steffens Company secretary JMWR Pieterse Registered office 11th Floor, JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001 (PO Box 4208, Johannesburg, 2000) Telephone: +27 11 408 0408 Facsimile: +27 11 408 0604 E-mail: info@jdg.co.za Independent auditors Deloitte & Touche 221 Waterkloof Road Waterkloof Pretoria 0181 Attorneys Feinsteins (Levy, Feinsteins & Associates Incorporated) 10th Floor, JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001 Telephone: +27 11 712 0700 Facsimile: +27 11 712 0712 E-mail: isl@feinsteins.co.za Transfer secretaries Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 (PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107) Telephone: +27 11 370 5000 Facsimile: +27 11 688 5238 E-mail: proxy@computershare.co.za 5 February 2009 Published May Declared May 31 August Published November Published November Declared November Published November BASTION GRAPHICS www.jdgroup.co.za TWENTY FIVE YEARS redefining the future . . . ANNUAL REPORT 2008 SHAREHOLDERS’ DIARY FOR 2009 Annual general meeting Announcement of interim results Interim dividend declaration Financial year end Annual financial statements Announcement of annual results Final dividend declaration Annual report TWENTY FIVE YEARS J D G R O U P AN N UAL R E P O R T 2 0 0 8 PSG Capital (Proprietary) Limited Building No 8, Woodmead Estate, 1 Woodmead Drive, Woodmead, Sandton, 2157 Telephone: +27 11 797 8400 Facsimile: +27 11 802 3689