AECI LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration No. 1924/002590/06)
Share code: AFE ISIN: ZAE000000220
Hybrid code: AFEP ISIN: ZAE000000238
Bond company code: AECI
LEI: 3789008641F1D3D90E85
(AECI or the Company or the Group)

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL RESULTS AND CASH
DIVIDEND DECLARATION FOR THE HALF-YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

    •    Revenue up 19% to R18 404 million
    •    EBITDA1 up 18% to R1 826 million
    •    EBIT2 up 20% to R1 269 million
    •    HEPS up 5% to 603 cents
    •    EPS up 5% to 600 cents
    •    Growth capex of R360 million (55% of total R652 million capex)
    •    Cash dividend down 48% to 100 cents per share

1 Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation calculated as profit from operations and equity-
accounted investees, plus depreciation, amortisation and impairments.
2 Earnings before interest and taxation is defined as profit before interest, taxation and share of profit of equity-

accounted investees, net of taxation.


SAFETY

The Group’s Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) at 30 June 2023 was 0.24 compared to
0.15 at 31 December 2022. During the first four months of this year, the Group had an
unfortunate rise in recordable incidents, which regrettably included two work-related fatalities.
A Safety Improvement Initiative was launched in May 2023 to re-ignite the focus on safety. It
prioritises two of the Group’s Zero Harm fundamentals, namely accountable leadership and
risk-based safety with a clear expectation of leadership action and targeted attention on four
major safety risks identified from the incidents. Early indicators have shown a reduction in both
the severity and frequency of incidents and no significant incidents have occurred since April.


Management’s focus remains steadfast on addressing the root causes and improving safety
performance across AECI.


RESULTS OVERVIEW

The Group achieved strong results in the first six months of the 2023 financial year (the current
period), with revenue reaching R18 404 million, up 19% compared to the six months ended
30 June 2022 (the prior period). EBIT of R1 269 million (H1 2022: R1 056 million) was 20%

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higher, notwithstanding the R180 million loss (H1 2022: R86 million loss) incurred by AECI
Schirm Germany. EBITDA and EBIT margins remained stable at 10% and 7%, respectively,
demonstrating the resilience of the Group’s core businesses in an operating environment
characterised by ongoing volatility and change.


However, EPS of 600 cents (H1 2022: 573 cents) and HEPS of 603 cents (H1 2022: 573
cents) were up by only 5% due to higher finance costs and an effective tax rate increase as a
result of the AECI Schirm Germany losses.


 R million (unless stated otherwise)          H1 2023     H1 2022      % change
 Revenue                                      18 404       15 505            19
 EBITDA                                        1 826          1 545          18
 EBITDA margin (%)                              10             10            -
 Depreciation and amortisation                  537           486            10
 EBIT                                          1 269          1 056          20
 EBIT margin (%)                                    7          7             -
 Net profit after taxation                      650           626            4
 Earnings per share (EPS) (cents)               600           573            5
 Headline earnings per share (HEPS) (cents)     603           573            5
 Cash generated from operations                2 063          1 720          20



The net gearing ratio of 47% (45% at 31 December 2022) was within the previously
communicated guidance range of 40% - 60%. This level is considered high in the current
interest rate cycle.


Net debt of R5 741 million (FY 2022: R5 345 million) was driven in part by net working capital
spend for the period of R351 million (FY 2022: R2 570 million) to support increased sales
volumes in certain businesses and counter potential supply chain interruptions (namely,
potential work stoppages and ammonia supply challenges).


The net finance costs of R274 million (H1 2022: R124 million) were 121% higher due to:
    •    Debt related to AECI Schirm, which is loss making.
    •    Continued higher working capital levels.
    •    Higher interest rates.


The Group’s net debt to EBITDA, as defined in covenant agreements, at 30 June 2023 was
1.6 times, remaining well within the loan covenant threshold of 2.5 times.



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In view of the above, the reduction of net debt as well as net working capital remain key focus
areas for management and the Board, with operational initiatives and programmes introduced
to further strengthen the balance sheet.


The process to refinance the Group’s long-term debt was initiated during the current period,
with a single coordinator appointed across all the phases of the refinancing. These include a
sustainability-linked framework, a refreshed Domestic Medium Term Note Programme and
public auction targeted for Q3 2023. A loan market syndication is expected to follow in early
Q4 2023.


Capital expenditure (capex) in the current period amounted to R652 million, in line with
expectations. This included the organic growth spend related to AECI Schirm USA’s
expansion project as well as AECI Mining Explosives’ solar projects and its mobile
manufacturing units (MMUs) replacement programme.


The net asset value per share attributable to ordinary shareholders increased by 7% to 11
024 cents (H1 2022: 10 343 cents).


The Board declared an interim cash dividend of 100 cents per share (H1 2022: 194 cents
per share).


SEGMENTAL REVIEW

AECI Mining’s revenue was up 29% to R10 004 million (H1 2022: R7 749 million). This was
driven primarily by strong volume growth in bulk explosives and initiating systems. The
segment’s total revenue generated outside of South Africa increased to 69% (H1 2022: 64%).
EBIT of R1 038 million (H1 2022: R713 million) was up 46% and the EBIT margin strengthened
to 10% compared to 9% in the prior period.


AECI Water’s revenue at R1 061 million (H1 2022: R979 million) was up 8% following market
expansion in the mining industry in Central and West Africa and increased sales in the
industrial sector. EBIT for the segment at R126 million, was up 26% (H1 2022: R100 million)
and the EBIT margin improved to 12% (H1 2022: 10%).


AECI Agri Health’s revenue of R3 375 million (H1 2022: R2 889 million) was up 17%. An
operating loss of R57 million was incurred (H1 2022: R11 million profit), inclusive of AECI
Schirm Germany’s loss. Excluding AECI Schirm, revenue for the segment of R1 939 million

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(H1 2022: R1 826 million) was up 6%, EBIT of R79 million (H1 2022: R77 million) was up 3%
and the EBIT margin was unchanged at 4%.


AECI Schirm’s revenue of R1 436 million (H1 2022: R1 063 million) was up 35% following
sales volume growth in AECI Schirm USA and higher selling prices in AECI Schirm Germany.
The EBIT loss of R136 million (H1 2022: R66 million loss) reflects AECI Schirm Germany’s
loss of R180 million (H1 2022: R86 million loss) which included R89 million (EUR 4.3 million)
in severance costs and R30 million in consulting fees. AECI Schirm USA’s EBIT was R58
million (H1 2022: R36 million). The plant capacity upgrade at the Ennis, Texas, facility was
completed and the plant in Benton, Illinois is expected to be fully operational by the end of
July 2023.


The Board approved comprehensive turnaround project for AECI Schirm Germany is
progressing well and is on track to deliver in line with previous guidance. Additional measures
were also introduced in the current period, aimed at improving profitability further.


AECI Chemicals’ revenue of R3 943 million (H1 2022: R3 921 million) was up 1%. EBIT was
R209 million (H1 2022: R314 million) and the EBIT margin was under pressure, at 5% (H1
2022: 8%). Several factors contributed to this performance, including a decline in certain
commodity chemical input prices and lower sales volumes in AECI Food & Beverage and
AECI SANS Fibers.


AECI Much Asphalt’s revenue of R1 154 million (H1 2022: R1 028 million) was up 12% and
EBIT of R22 million (H1 2022: R61 million) was down 64% due to margin pressure. Sales
volumes continue to improve.


COMMITMENT TO B-BBEE OWNERSHIP GOALS


As previously communicated, the AECI Employees Share Trust (EST) implemented in 2012
vested on 9 February 2023 with no value and was wound up. The beneficiaries did benefit
from receiving net dividends of R35 million over the prescribed period.


In an effort to preserve employee goodwill and ensure continued productivity, the Board and
the AECI Executive Committee approved an ex gratia payment totalling R106 million to all
eligible employees.


AECI remains unequivocally committed to furthering the Company’s B-BBEE Ownership goals

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and continues to look for meaningful ways to enable this. One option remains a relevant
employee scheme that takes into consideration key learnings from the previous EST. In line
with this, a new scheme to replace the EST is being considered. This new scheme will aim to
deliver sustainable Black ownership shareholding in the Company and tangible empowerment
for employees. Any proposal remains subject to approval by the Board and shareholders.


FUTURE FOCUS AND PROSPECTS

The priorities for the next six to 12 months include the following:


   •   Delivery of the AECI Schirm Germany turnaround project.
   •   Operational interventions and programmes aimed at further strengthening the
       balance sheet, expected to reduce working capital and gearing.
   •   Value unlock driven through continued focus on improving returns from existing
       businesses, organic growth as well as targeted portfolio optimisation. Clear policies
       and processes will drive decision making.


A process to revise the Group strategy has commenced and Board approval is expected
towards the end of the year.


DIVIDEND

Declaration of interim ordinary cash dividend No. 179

Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, 25 July 2023 the Directors of AECI declared a gross
interim cash dividend of 100 cents per share in respect of the six months ended 30 June 2023.
The dividend is payable on Monday, 4 September 2023 to holders of ordinary shares recorded
in the register of the Company at the close of business on the record date, being Friday, 1
September 2023.


The last day to trade “cum” dividend will be Tuesday, 29 August 2023 and shares will
commence trading “ex” dividend as from the commencement of business on Wednesday, 30
August 2023.


A South African dividend withholding tax of 20% will be applicable to all shareholders who are
not either exempt or entitled to a reduction of the withholding tax rate in terms of a relevant
Double Taxation Agreement, resulting in a net dividend of 80 cents per share payable to those
shareholders who are not eligible for exemption or reduction. Application forms for exemption

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or reduction may be obtained from the Transfer Secretaries and must be returned to them on
or before Tuesday, 29 August 2023.


The issued share capital of the Company at the declaration date is 105 517 780 listed ordinary
shares and 3 000 000 listed cumulative preference shares. The dividend has been declared
from the income reserves of the Company.


Any change of address or dividend instruction must be received on or before Tuesday, 29
August 2023.


Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, 30
August 2023 and Friday, 1 September 2023, both days inclusive.



By order of the Board
Cheryl Singh
Group Company Secretary
Woodmead, Sandton



AVAILABILITY OF THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL
RESULTS FOR THE HALF-YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

The unaudited consolidated interim financial results for the half-year ended 30 June 2023 are
available at:


https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/2023/JSE/ISSE/AFE/Interim23.pdf

https://www.ftp.aeciworld-online.com/pdf/investors/interim-results/2023/interim-results-
2023.pdf
Any investment decisions made by investors and/or shareholders and/or noteholders should
be based on consideration of the unaudited consolidated interim financial results for the half-
year ended 30 June 2023.


Directors:
KDK Mokhele (Chairman), H Riemensperger1 (Group CE), ST Coetzer2, SA Dawson3, FFT De
Buck, WH Dissinger1, KM Kathan (Executive), P Mishic O’Brien4, AM Roets, PG Sibiya

1 German 2 Canadian 3 Australian 4 American

Group Head Investor Relations: Z Salman


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Group Company Secretary: C Singh

Board sign-off date: 25 July 2023

Results released on: 26 July 2023

Equity Sponsor and Debt Sponsor
Rand Merchant Bank (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited)
1 Merchant Place, Cnr Fredman Drive and Rivonia Road, Sandton, 2196

Registered office
First floor, AECI Place, 24 The Woodlands, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, Sandton

Share transfer secretaries
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited, Rosebank Towers,
15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, 2196
And Computershare Investor Services PLC, PO Box 82, The Pavilions,
Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS 99 7NH, England




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