Market Insights: Botswana Equity
Market Review
The DCI was up 4.0% for the quarter on a total return basis. The largest gainers for the quarter were Letshego (40.9%), StanChart (32.3%) and Seedco (22.7%) on a total return basis.
The hospitality sector continues to face significant headwinds as the sector remains virtually closed off to international tourists and events. Cresta recorded a loss of P63.0mn for the full year 2020 as a result of COVID-19 containment measures and the business utilised P47.7mn in cash reserves during the year.
However, revenues did show some resilience, falling only 49.0%. With remaining cash reserves at P56.7mn, we estimate that the business can sustain itself for FY2021, after which whether it remains a going concern will be under review. Chobe recorded a full year loss of P67.7mn as revenues declined 92.6%.
The business used up P59.4mn in cash reserves; it has P4.3mn in cash and drew down P11.6mn of their P25mn overdraft facility. Chobe’s current cash position is more challenging compared to that of Cresta, however, the Group’s assets are all unencumbered, allowing for significant room for gearing.
On the property front, NAP interim results showed a 21.2% reduction in earnings due to negative property revaluation adjustments. Operating profit was 3.1% lower than the previous period and total distributions to shareholders increased 11.1% to 13.38t. Turnstar’s full year earnings were 30.1% lower because of P12.3mn in rental relief given to tenants, an impairment in Goodwill and negative revaluation adjustments. Distribution per linked unit doubled to 19.0t. Primetime interim earnings showed a decline of 84.3% due to foreign exchange losses of P20.9mn. Distribution per linked unit declined by 16.8% to 5.26t.
Seedco full year earnings came in 52.7% higher due to higher seed demand as weather conditions were favourable. The Company abandoned its acquisition of Seedco Limited after exchange control approval from the Zimbabwean Exchange Control authorities could not be secured.
On the corporate actions front, RDCP announced that it is in negotiations to acquire JSE listed Tower Property Fund at a price of R4.00 per share. This represents a total potential consideration of P980mn funded via P730mn in equity and the balance in debt.
BancABC announced that Atlas Mara Limited had entered into a share purchase agreement with Access Bank PLC in which the latter would acquire 78.15% stake in BancABC Botswana. G4S announced that Allied Universal had successfully acquired G4S PLC and that the transaction would not lead to any structural or operational changes in the business. BBS held its AGM under challenging circumstances and a number of changes to the Board took place. Five new Directors were appointed to the Board with Mr. Bernard Mzizi appointed as Board Chairman.
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