Métier reports lower margins, higher revenue

JSE-listed Sephaku Holdings’ mixed concrete subsidiary Métier increased its revenue 13% to R874-million in the year to March 31, but subdued demand from the construction industry resulted in prices remaining flat year-on-year, resulting in Métier having to prioritise cost management and the production of high-value concretes to assist margins. The decline in margins was owing to increased price competition and it having halted supply into a significant government contract for a period of six weeks in the first half of the financial year, owing to inconsistent payment.