annual report
2007

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments which have been recognised at their fair value, and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and the requirements of the Companies Act.

The following new or revised IFRSs and interpretations have become applicable to the 2007 financial statements:

The implementation of these interpretations and amendments to the standards did not have a significant impact on the group’s results and cash flows for the year ended 31 March 2007 and the financial position as at 31 March 2007. Disclosure in the notes to the financial statements have been amended in accordance with the requirements of the revised IAS 19.

Management have not performed an assessment of the potential impact, if any, that the implementation of these standards and interpretations will have on the consolidated financial statements.

The preparation of the financial statements necessitates the use of estimates, assumptions and judgements. Estimates are based on management’s knowledge and judgement of the current circumstances at the balance sheet date. For further information on critical estimates and judgements, refer to note 2.

The consolidated annual financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are entities in which the group has an interest of more than one half of the voting rights or otherwise has the power to govern the financial or operating policies. The results of the subsidiaries are included from the effective date of acquisition to the effective date of disposal. The accounting policies and year-ends of all subsidiaries are consistent throughout the group. Intergroup transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation.

Investments in subsidiaries are carried at cost less any impairment. Employee share trusts are consolidated. Shares in Lewis Group Limited held by subsidiaries and the share trust are classified as treasury shares.

Goodwill, being the excess of the purchase consideration over the attributable fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition, is initially carried at cost. Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test and written down to the recoverable amount, where impairment has occurred.

Any excess in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities over the purchase consideration at the date of acquisition is recognised immediately in the income statement.

The financial statements of the subsidiaries are measured in the currency of the primary economic environment of the subsidiary (“the functional currency”). The group and company financial statements are presented in South African Rand, the group and company’s functional and presentation currency.

Transactions in foreign currency are converted at the exchange rate ruling at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange profits and losses arising from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities at balance sheet date or on subsequent settlement of these monetary items are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they arise.

The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries (excluding loans which are part of the net investment) are translated at the closing rate, while income, expenditure and cash flow items are translated using the average exchange rate. Differences arising on translation are reflected in a foreign currency translation reserve, a separate component of equity. On disposal of a foreign subsidiary, such translation differences are recognised in the income statement as a gain or loss of the sale.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and deposits reduced by amounts in overdraft. These are carried at amortised cost.

Derivative instruments (forward exchange contracts) are utilised to hedge exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. Despite the derivative instrument providing an effective economic hedge, changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recognised immediately in the income statement.

Investments are classified into three classes, based on the purpose for which the investment was acquired. The classification is determined at the time of the investment and re-evaluated thereafter on a regular basis.

Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade date, being the date that the group commits to the transaction. The financial assets are initially recognised at their fair value with transaction costs being expensed in the income statement in respect of assets classified as fair value through profit and loss and for other categories, added to their carrying value. Both the assets designated as fair value through profit and loss and available-for-sale assets are carried at fair value and valued by reference to quoted bid prices at the close of business on the balance sheet date or, where appropriate, by discounted cash flow.

Realised and unrealised gains and losses arising from a change in the fair value of financial assets classified as fair value through profit and loss are included in the income statement in the period in which they arise. Unrealised gains and losses arising from a change in fair value of available-for-sale investments are recognised in equity. When investments classified as available-for-sale are sold, the accumulated fair value adjustment is included in the income statement as gains and losses on investment.

At each balance sheet date, an assessment is made as to whether there is objective evidence to impair the financial assets. If any such evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss less any impairment previously recognised on the asset is removed from equity and recognised in the income statement.

Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate, less a provision for doubtful debts. The provision for doubtful debts is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the effective interest rate. Changes in the provision are recognised in the income statement.

Financial liabilities are recognised at amortised cost, being original debt value less principal payments and amortisations, except for derivatives which are accounted for in accordance with 1.4.2.

Where there is a legally enforceable right of setoff between a financial asset and liability, and settlement is intended to take place on a net basis or simultaneously, such financial asset and financial liability are offset.

Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. The asset’s residual values and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.

Subsequent expenditure is capitalised when it is probable that future economic benefits will arise. All other expenditure is recognised through profit and loss.

Assets are depreciated to their residual value, on a straight-line basis, over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives of the assets in years are:

Land is not depreciated.

Leases of property, plant and equipment, where the group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the lesser of the fair value of the leased assets or the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are allocated, using the effective interest rate method, between the lease finance cost, which is included in financing costs, and the capital repayment, which reduces the liability to the lessor. Capitalised leased assets are depreciated to their estimated residual value over the shorter of the lease period or their estimated useful lives.

Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the asset are classified as operating leases. Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Inventory, comprising merchandise held for resale, is valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average basis, net of trade and settlement discounts. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less variable selling expenses. Provision is made for slow moving, redundant and obsolete inventory.

Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation, but tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortisation and depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Deferred taxation, using the liability method, is provided on all temporary differences between the taxation base of an asset or liability and its carrying value. Deferred tax is not accounted for if, on initial recognition, it arises from an asset or liability in a business combination nor where the transaction neither affects accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred taxation is calculated at current or substantially enacted rates of taxation at balance sheet date. A deferred tax asset is raised to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will arise in the foreseeable future against which the asset can be realised.

A provision is recognised when the group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made.

Insurance contracts are those contracts that transfer significant risk. The group defines as significant insurance risk the possibility of having to pay benefits on the occurrence of an insured event in terms of the cover given to the insured.

Contracts entered into by the company with reinsurers under which the group’s insurer is compensated for losses on contracts issued by it and that meet the requirements for insurance contracts are classified as reinsurance contracts held. Insurance contracts entered into by the group’s insurer under which the contract holder is another insurer (inwards reinsurance) are included with insurance contracts.

Provision is made for the estimated final cost of all claims notified but not settled at the accounting date and claims arising from insurance contingencies that occurred before the close of the accounting period, but which had not been reported by that date.

A contingency reserve is maintained in terms of the Insurance Act, 1998. Transfers to this reserve are at 10% of premiums written less reinsurance and treated as an appropriation of retained earnings.

The provision for unearned premiums represents that part of the current year’s premiums relating to risk periods that extend to the subsequent years. The unearned liability is calculated on a straight-line basis over the period of the contract.

The reinsurer’s share of insurance provisions are dependent on the expected claims and benefits arising under the related reinsured insurance contracts and are measured consistently with the amounts associated with the reinsured insurance contracts and in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance contract. Reinsurance liabilities are primarily premiums payable for reinsurance contracts and are expensed as and when premiums are due.

The principal segments of the group have been identified on a primary basis by the principal revenue producing activities of the group and on a secondary basis by significant geographical region. The source and nature of business risks are segmented on the same basis. Assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses that are not directly attributable to a particular segment are allocated between segments where there is a reasonable basis for doing so. The accounting policies are consistently applied in determining the segmental information.

Current assets and liabilities have maturity terms of less than 12 months, except for instalment sale and loan receivables. Instalment sale and loan receivables, which are included in trade and other receivables, have maturity terms of between 6 to 24 months but are classified as current as they form part of the normal operating cycle.

Where any group company purchases the company’s equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including the costs attributable to the acquisition, is deducted from the group’s equity until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of transaction costs, is included in the group’s equity. The weighted average number of shares is reduced by the treasury shares for earnings per share purposes. Dividends received on treasury shares are eliminated on consolidation.

The group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans, the assets of which are held in separate trustee-administered funds. These plans are funded by payments from employees and group companies, taking into account the recommendations of independent, qualified actuaries. Pension costs are assessed annually by a qualified actuary, in terms of IAS 19, using the projected unit credit method.

The liability in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligations at the balance sheet date minus the fair value of plan assets, together with adjustments for actuarial gains/losses and any past service cost. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of government securities which have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related liability.

To the extent that actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments, changes in actuarial assumptions and amendments to pension plans exceed the greater of 10% of the fund’s obligation or plan assets at the end of the previous reporting period, the excess is charged or credited to income over the average remaining service lives of employees. Actuarial surpluses are not accounted for unless the group has a legal right to such surpluses.

The group’s contributions to the defined contribution pension plans are charged to the income statement in the year to which they relate and have been included in employment costs.

The group has an obligation to provide post-retirement medical aid benefits by subsidising medical aid contributions of certain retired employees and ex-gratia pensioners, who joined the group prior to 1 August 1997. The post-retirement healthcare costs are assessed annually by a qualified independent actuary using the projected unit credit method. The cost of providing these subsidies and any actuarial gains and losses are recognised in the income statement immediately. The post-retirement healthcare benefit is measured as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows using an appropriate discount rate.

The group operates a number of equity-settled share incentive schemes. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of share awards and options is recognised as an expense. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of share awards and options granted, excluding the impact of non-market vesting conditions. Non-market vesting conditions are included in the assumptions about the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. At each balance sheet date, the group revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. It recognises the impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, in the income statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity. Any accelerated vesting of the share awards and options requires immediate recognition of the remaining expense.

Employee entitlements to annual leave are recognised as they accrue to employees. A provision is made for the estimated liability for annual leave as a result of services provided by employees up to the balance sheet date.

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the group has an unconditional liability for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.

The group’s trading cycle, consistent with prior financial periods, ends on the fifth day after the month being reported on, unless such day falls on a Sunday, in which case it ends on the fourth day.

Revenue comprises merchandise sales net of discounts, earned finance charges, earned TV and appliance service contracts, cartage and insurance premiums earned, net of reinsurance premiums paid. Value-added tax is excluded.

Revenue from the sale of merchandise is recognised on the date of delivery. Insurance premiums are recognised on a straight-line basis over the period of the contract, after an appropriate allowance is made for commission and reinsurance cost. Finance charges are recognised, on a sum-of-digits basis which closely approximates the effective yield basis, as instalments become due. Revenue from maintenance contracts is recognised over a 24-month period to ensure a reasonable profit margin. Revenue from the provision of other services is recognised when the services are rendered.

Interest on investments is recognised on a time proportion basis taking into account the effective yield on the assets. Dividends are recognised when the right to receive payment is established.

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the preparation of the financial statements, the following key estimates were made in determining the assets and liabilities of the group:

A discounted cash flow model using the contractual interest rate on the expected future collections from customers is applied. The cash flows are calculated using the payment ratings of customers at the balance sheet date. Payment ratings assess the customer’s actual payment pattern as compared to the contractual payments. Customer payment ratings are affected by the overall economic and credit environment such as the levels of employment and interest rates and, consequently, the impairment provision will be dependent on the changing financial circumstances of our customers.

Customer accounts are written off, once it is assessed that the customer is no longer in a position to service the account.

The share-based payment was valued in terms of an option pricing model. Details of the option pricing model and the assumptions used are detailed in note 17.2.

Deferred tax assets are recognised on the basis described in note 1.9. The tax and deferred tax liabilities and assets are calculated using considered interpretations of the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which the group operates.

The underlying actuarial assumptions are set out in note 12.

The estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed annually taking cognisance of historical trends for that class of asset and the commercial and economic realities at the time.