Strong balance sheet deleveraging and cash generation
Net debt reduced by ZAR 1.8 billion to ZAR 1.7 billion (from ZAR 3.5bn); net debt-to-EBITDA improved to 1.1x from 2.2x. Cash generated from operations increased to ZAR 1.4 billion (vs ZAR 10 million prior period). Cash operating profit of ZAR 821 million and ZAR 993 million of net debt repaid in the period.
Headline earnings per share growth
Headline earnings per share increased by 7.7% to ZAR 3.498 per share, supported by lower net interest expense and improved cash conversion.
Lucky Star Foods margin-driven performance
Lucky Star operating profit increased by ~40% to ZAR 324 million; revenue up 4.4%. Contribution to group operating profit rose from 34% to 49%. Gross profit margin improvement to 28.1% driven by lower inventory/freight costs, favorable sales mix and promotion management. Brand penetration remains very strong at 94%.
Wild Caught Seafood turnaround
Operating profit increased from ZAR 74 million to ZAR 204 million; segment revenue grew 19.1% and operating margin rose from 5.7% to 20%. Strong catch rates (hake and horse mackerel), fuel-hedge benefit (ZAR ~43m hedge gain recognized) and improved vessel reliability (sea days 542 vs 515) supported performance.
Daybrook (U.S.) operational momentum and season outlook
Although operating profit fell, start-of-season catch rates are strong: current catch almost double last year and ~20% ahead of 5-year average; management expects to exceed the 5-year average (625m fish) and target ~700m fish, positioning Daybrook well for the coming selling season.
Effective fuel hedging reduced cost volatility
Fuel cap-and-collar covering ~70% of forecast consumption produced a ZAR 43 million hedging gain (ZAR 9.4m realized, ZAR 33.4m unrealized), mitigating a major input (fuel ≈30% of hake operating cost). A 10% oil price move impacts operating costs by ~ZAR 10 million.
Capital allocation and fleet investment
Planned FY capex ZAR 542 million (replacement capex ZAR 312m). Acquired a dual-purpose vessel (ZAR 230m) to improve fleet versatility; vessel delivered May 2026 and will be refitted, with fishing ops expected from Jan 2027.
Dividend maintained and lower finance costs
Interim dividend maintained at ZAR 1.10 per share (unchanged). Net interest expense reduced by 31.3% to ZAR 99 million, driven by lower working capital and capital repayments.