Shares of Cimic Group Ltd (ASX: CIM) (formally Leighton Holdings) today leaped 6% higher following the release of its 2015 annual report.
For the year ended 31 December 2015, Cimic Group reported a profit (from continuing operations only) of $514.4 million, up from a loss of $112.8 million in the prior corresponding period. The previous result, however, included an impairment charge of $680.3 million.
Revenue for the period fell from $16.87 billion to $13.37 billion, primarily a result of lower construction contracting services.
Cimic Executive Chairman, Marcelino Fernández Verdes, said, "CIMIC Group performed strongly during 2015, either meeting or exceeding key financial targets."
"2015 NPAT is at the top end of our profit guidance range and we have improved margins by reducing overheads and effectively managing financial and other costs," Mr Fernández Verdes added. "With our enhanced tendering approach, we have won new work of more than $14 billion. Our activity-focused operating model and increased attention to cash and cost control, delivered a solid result and has put us in a strong net cash position."
At 31 December 2015, Cimic reported cash of $2.17 billion and $1.06 billion in interest bearing debt.
Pleasingly, the company's board resolved to declare a final dividend of 50 cents per share, fully franked. The dividend represents 62% of net profit and will be paid on 8 April 2016.
Looking ahead, Cimic said there is $60 billion of relevant mining and infrastructure projects expected to be awarded in 2016, 60% of which is located in Australia and New Zealand.
The company said it had a "firm order book" with work in hand equivalent to $29 billion.
"We remain focused on further developing our core contracting business, and extending into new markets and exploring new value‐creating opportunities within our existing and complementary areas of expertise," Mr Fernández Verdes concluded.
Foolish takeaway
Around 91% of shares in Cimic Group are controlled by the company's top 20 shareholders, including HOCHTIEF Australia, which is a subsidiary of a German-based company owned by a Spanish company, holding nearly 70% of issued capital. In my opinion, investors should consider this before taking a stake in Cimic.
