Effects of changing prices

The group has a diverse range of operations spread throughout South Africa as well as internationally. Many of these operations are affected by different inflation factors due to the varying nature of businesses, climatic conditions, geographical locations and business cycles. The diversity of these factors does not allow for meaningful inflation-adjusted statements to be prepared using a simple, standardised procedure.

The effect of inflation is monitored by examination of cash flows inherent in operating results, budgets, plans and new projects, with emphasis concentrated towards the objective of the creation of shareholder wealth in real terms.

The following graphs show the extent to which certain key performance indicators compare when discounted by the movement in the Consumer Price Index (base December 2012).