Turnover for the year increased by 34.5% to R73.3 billion (2014: R54.5 million). Gross profit rose to R6.4 billion (2014: R4.5 billion), trading profit climbed to R2.3 billion (2014: R1.9 billion), while profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders grew by 5.6% to R1.4 billion (2014: R1.3 billion). Furthermore, headline earnings per share was 6.9% higher at 835.5cps (2014: 781.8cps).

Dividend
Notice is hereby given that a final gross cash dividend of 393 cents per share has been declared by the board in respect of the year ended 30 September 2015.

Prospects
Although the trading environment in Southern Africa is expected to remain challenging, SPAR's brands are well positioned to continue serving our diverse customers. Furthermore, the prospects in Ireland are improving as economic recovery and growth are set to continue. The group is therefore well positioned to extend its position in both geographic segments.

The focus areas in South Africa for the year ahead include the opening of new stores across all brands, as well as supporting organic growth through further store refurbishments. The group will continue to invest in its warehousing and distribution capacity to support growth, with the slow-moving goods warehouse to be completed at South Rand, as well as commencing significant expansions to both of the Cape distribution facilities.

Among BWG's priorities for the year ahead include completing the full integration of Londis retailers to unlock the inherent distribution efficiencies and synergies. Its brands remain well positioned to continue benefiting from an improving Irish economy. SPAR's business model, which is grounded in our voluntary trading relationship with our network of independent retailers, remains robust. The board supports management's renewed strategic focus on extracting optimal value from the model to the mutual benefit of the group and our stakeholders.

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