Kumba is currently finalising its results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2011 ("the period"), which will be released on SENS on 9 February 2012. Headline earnings and basic earnings for the period are likely to be between R16,500 million and R17,900 million, with headline earnings per share ("HEPS") and earnings per share ("EPS") to be between R51.40 and R55.80.
Headline earnings and basic earnings reported for the financial results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2010 (as released on SENS on 10 February 2011) ("the comparative period") were R14,328 million and R14,323 million respectively while headline earnings per share ("HEPS") and earnings per share ("EPS") reported for the comparative period were R44.67 and R44.66 respectively.
The increase in earnings is largely attributable to an increase in export iron ore prices in the period.
The financial information on which this trading statement is based has not been reviewed and reported on by the Company's external auditors.