Botswana: Sechaba Brewery Holdings Limited reports clear beer sales volumes decreased by 17.9%

SABMiller’s subsidiary Sechaba Brewery Holdings Limited (Sechaba) reported less than desired results for the year ended 31 March 2006 through its investments in Botswana Breweries
Ltd and Kgalagadi Breweries Ltd (KBL and BBL), SABMiller released June 06. These results reflected the current trading conditions in Botswana.

Prevailing challenging economic and trading conditions resulted in a disappointing performance for KBL. However, BBL attributable profits grew marginally on prior year. Clear beer sales volumes decreased by 17.9%, carbonated soft drinks volumes decreased by 11.6%, while traditional beer volumes decreased by only 5.7%. Net profit attributable to shareholders is reported down by 7.0%. Profit before tax is down by 8.8 %.

Against this background, KBL and BBL's combined turnover decreased by 5.8% over the prior year. Operating profits decreased by 8.5%. Cost of Sales decreased 4.8%.Cost of Sales was also supported by foreign exchange holdings and high stock levels at the time of devaluation.

The Directors announced the declaration of a fourth and final dividend for the year amounting to 17 thebe per share. Total dividend for the 12 months amounts to 93 thebe per share

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