Our opinion on the current state of KAPKAP International Holdings (KAP) is a diversified industrial company that produces and markets timber, chemicals (PET and related chemicals), bedding, and car parts. It also has a logistics division. The acquisitions of Safripol and Hosaf were integrated into a polymers business under the Safripol name. The bedding division showed strong growth with new investment in infrastructure and manufacturing capability, while growth in the automotive parts division was muted. The company was 43% owned by Steinhoff, which has now divested completely. The renewal of the government's Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) until 2035 will be a boost for KAP's parts manufacturing business.
The timber division is ramping up after the lockdown, and demand for its products has remained buoyant. The automotive components division was severely impacted, and the post-lockdown recommencement has been slow. The bedding division was able to operate through the lockdown with strong demand for medical and agricultural needs. Polymers also operated throughout the lockdown. In a report on 20th April 2022 into the flooding in Natal, the company said, "The Company’s operations in the region have experienced some temporary operational and supply chain disruptions, which are in the process of being resolved."
In its results for the six months to 31st December 2023, the company reported revenue decreased by 2% and headline earnings per share (HEPS) down 36%. The company's net asset value (NAV) increased by 1% to 478c per share. The company said, "EBITDA decreased by 13% to R2.0 billion, while operating profit before capital items decreased by 17% to R1.3 billion, mainly attributable to Safripol." There was a 20% increase in finance costs due to higher interest rates. In a trading statement for the year to 30th June 2024, the company estimated that HEPS would decrease by between 0% and 8%.
Technically, the share made a low of 127c in March 2020 and subsequently made a cycle low of 201c on 10th October 2023. Since then, it has been trending up on improved international prospects. Obviously, the logistics problems at Transnet are having an impact. We think it may represent good value at current levels, but it is volatile.