Positive Performance Persists In the Local Bourse, As NSE ASI Inches Up by 0.03%

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Positive Performance Persists In the Local Bourse, As NSE ASI Inches Up by 0.03%

At the end of today’s trading session, the Nigerian Equities market closed in the green as the benchmark index improved by 0.03% to close at 38,917.99 points.

This was mainly due to buying pressures in bellwether stocks such as PRESCO (3.71%) and CUTIX (10.00%). Consequently, the YTD loss improved to -3.33% as market capitalization increased by  ₦2 billion to close at  ₦20.28 trillion.

The Sectoral Performance weakened as three of the five indices under coverage declined. The Oil & Gas index, the biggest loser, declined by 0.63% on OANDO (-3.35%). The Insurance and Consumer Goods indices followed suit, falling by 0.18% and 0.04% on REGALINS (-6.67%) and GUINNESS (-0.94%) respectively. On the flip side, the Banking and Industrial indices, the gainers under coverage, improved by 0.56% and 0.04% on ACCESS (2.22%) and WAPCO (0.46%) respectively.

Investor sentiment strengthened in today’s trading session, as market breadth increased to 0.84x from 0.46x . This was illustrated by the advance of 16 stocks, led by  CUTIX (10.00%) and VERITASKAP (8.70%), and the decline of 19 stocks, led by SOVRENINS (-7.14%) and REGALINS (-6.67%). Activity level weakened as total volume and value declined by 10.87% and 49.77% as investors exchanged about 206.29 million units of shares worth over N1.07 billion respectively.

Fixed Income

There was relatively quiet activity across the bond yield curve as three of the four bond yields under coverage closed flat while the yield on FGN-APR-2023 bond compressed by 1bps. The FGN-APR-2024, FGN-JAN-2026 and FGN-JUL-2030 bond yields closed flat at 10.84%, 11.79% and 12.42% respectively.

Treasury bill yields for the 90 and 180-day papers closed flat at 3.66% and 5.56% respectively while the 365-day paper compressed by 17bps to close at 8.48%.

We expect investor sentiment to be swayed by the search for real positive returns and developments in the fixed income space.

MARKET SNAPSHOT

  • Positive Performance Persists in the Local Bourse, NSE ASI Gains 3bps
  • Quiet Activity across the Bond Yield Curve
  • Mixed Performance in Global Stocks
  • Parallel Market Reports at N506/$
  • Bullish Sentiment in African Stocks

Combined Market Cap of World`s Five Largest Hotel Chains Up by $12B YTD

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Combined Market Cap of World`s Five Largest Hotel Chains Up by $12B YTD

Although hotel stocks underperformed the broader economy in June for the fourth straight month, the market cap of the world’s largest hotel chains still recovered significantly this year.

According to data presented by Stock Apps, the combined market capitalization of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Choice Hotels International, Marriott International, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and Hilton Worldwide Holdings, as the five largest hotel chains in the world stood at $107.8bn last week, nearly a $12bn increase YTD.

Hilton and Marriot Hotels the Biggest Gainers, Market Cap Jumped by $8.8B in 2021

The year 2020 was probably the most challenging year for the hotel industry in decades. Although hotels worldwide implemented increased safety and sanitation measures and cautiously reopened for the summer travel season, all of them witnessed colossal revenue and market cap drops.

Combined Market Cap of World`s Five Largest Hotel Chains Up by $12B YTD
Photo by Rhema Kallianpur

The first half of 2021 brought a long-expected recovery, with hotel stocks surpassing their pre-pandemic values. However, in June, the COVID-19 Delta variant brought fears of new restrictions and disruptions for the global hotel industry, causing stocks to drop again. Despite that, the market cap of the world’s largest hotel chains still recovered significantly.

The YCharts data show the market cap of Wyndham Worldwide, the biggest hotel chain in the world by the number of hotels, stood at $4.4bn in January. By June, the combined value of shares of the US corporation, which owns 8,092 hotels, jumped to nearly $7.2bn. Although this figure slipped to $6.61bn last week, it still represents a $2.2bn increase YTD.

The market cap of the second-largest hotel chain globally, Choice Hotels International, rose by $670 million in this period, rising from $5.9bn in January to $6.57bn last week. Intercontinental Hotels Group follows with a $230 million market cap increase.

Statistics show Hilton Worldwide Holdings and Marriot International were the biggest gainers this year, with their combined market cap rising by $8.8bn in the last seven months.

In January, the combined value of shares of Marriot International stood at $42.8bn. After rising to $47.4bn in June, this figure slipped to$46.7bn last week, still almost a $4bn increase YTD. Hilton Worldwide Holdings follows with a $4.9bn market cap increase since the beginning of the year.

Global Hotel Industry Revenues to hit $192.3B in 2021, 47% Below 2019 Levels

Although hotel stocks bounced back in 2021, the entire sector is far from recovery. In fact, Statista data indicate it will take another two years for the global hotel industry to reach pre-pandemic levels.

In 2021, revenues are projected to grow by 33% YoY to $192.3bn, 47% less than in 2019. However, the following year is expected to witness even more significant growth, with hotels worldwide generating over $310bn in revenue, still significantly below pre-COVID-19 levels.

The year 2023 is forecast to witness $370.8bn in sales revenues, slightly above 2019 figures. By the end of 2025, the entire sector is expected to reach a $462.4bn value.

Statistics also show the number of users in the hotel industry plunged by 60% amid the pandemic, falling from 1.1 billion in 2019 to 438.5 million in 2020. Although Statista predicts this figure to rise to 576.5 million in 2021, that is still half the pre-pandemic levels.

The Buzz: A Glimpse Into The BBNaija Housemates’ Secret Diary Sessions

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The Buzz: A Glimpse Into The BBNaija Housemates’ Secret Diary Sessions

Showmax’s exclusive BBNaija show, The Buzz, hosted by Toke Makinwa premiered on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 7 pm. And for the first time this season, we got exclusive access to the housemates’ secret diary sessions.

These sessions allow the housemates to rant about anything and everything, revealing some of the juiciest details. People discuss who they like, who they want to be with, those they can’t stand and more.

The Buzz: A Glimpse Into The BBNaija Housemates’ Secret Diary Sessions

Here’s a quick summary of what some of your favorite housemates had to share during their first secret diary sessions:

– Saskay hates when the housemates play sexual games or ask sexual questions because she doesn’t like talking about her sexuality and doesn’t think everything should be about sex.

– Boma sometimes feels like speaking rather harshly to some of the housemates, but he always has to remind himself that he can’t do that since they are all adults.

– Saga thought it was painful that Nini kicked him out of her bed after making some moves on her. But, he also thought he was making progress.

– Princess feels like the other housemates don’t listen to her or take her suggestions about tasks seriously.

– Liquorose feels like the house can sometimes get too divided during tasks, and she just wants everyone to focus.

– Yerins is just confused about his place in Big Brother’s house.

– Jaypaul thinks Pere is very vain and self-centred, so he’s keeping his distance from the 35-year-old. Viewers will note that it seems Pere also doesn’t like Jaypaul as he put the latter up for eviction on Monday when he was exercising his wildcard privileges.

– Nini thinks her argument with Pere about their group task on Saturday was necessary because he refused to accept that he was wrong. She adds that they are good now since she’s his guy.

– Jackie B just really misses her son and home. She told Big Brother that she’s already drained and starting to feel tired.

– Whitemoney doesn’t like the way the housemates are cooking and eating what they like. He just wants everyone to manage the food they have in the house better.

– Emmanuel has been feeling uncomfortable about having to open up to a lot of new people.

– Maria thinks the emotions are getting high in the house, and she’s not sure how she feels anymore.

Pere and Saskay told Big Brother they didn’t have anything they wanted to rant about.

The secret diary sessions are exclusive to Showmax. They feature as part of the platform’s brand new and exclusive show, ‘The Buzz’, hosted by award-winning media personality Toke Makinwa. You can catch brand new episodes on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7 pm.

Download the Showmax app on your iOS or Android device to stay updated on the drama from the BBNaija ‘Shine Ya Eye’ edition.

Final Cost Of Hosting Tokyo Olympics 4x Higher Than Planned

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Final Cost Of Hosting Tokyo Olympics 4x Higher Than Planned

…estimated Loss Counted In Tens Of Billions Of Dollars

After a spike in COVID-19 infections, the Japanese authorities and the Olympics Organizing Committee decided Tokyo Olympic Games will be held without spectators at venues in and around the capital. It was a new hit for the project that was already severely over budget.

According to data presented by Safe Betting Sites, the total cost of hosting the Tokyo Olympics is expected to hit around $28bn, which is four times higher than planned. At the same time, the estimated loss due to one-year postponement and spectators ban is counted in tens of billions of dollars.

Final Cost Of Hosting Tokyo Olympics 4x Higher Than Planned
Photo by Ryunosuke Kikuno

Estimated Loss Of Tokyo Olympics To Reach Over $20B

When the Japanese capital was awarded the Olympics in 2013, the bid committee projected a final bill of $7.3bn. This was revised to $12.6bn in December 2019 before the COVID-19 postponement.

A year later, when the Tokyo Organizing Committee announced the fifth version of the budget, the total expenses rose to around $14.9bn. Approximately 55% of that value, or $8.2bn, was planned for the venue-related budget of the 2020 Summer Olympics. Tournament operation cost rose to $6.6bn, while another $870 million was planned for COVID-19 countermeasures.

Later, Japan’s National Audit Board reported that the final cost would be far higher at $22bn. However, the Japanese financial newspapers Nikkei and Asahi claim that the end cost of hosting the Olympics will hit a whopping $28bn or four times more than planned.

Moreover, according to the Kansai University estimates from January 2021, the Japanese government and other entities involved in hosting the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games would lose over $5.8bn if the event was postponed, which happened already.

If the Olympic Games were kept without spectators, which is partially happening now with no spectators allowed in the host city, the total loss would surge to nearly $22bn.

Tokyo Olympics The Most Expensive, But Not With The Biggest Budget Overrun

Unfortunately, cost overruns have become the norm for the cities hosting the Olympics, and Tokyo is only the most recent example. Many other cities have also learned that hosting the games can have shocking financial consequences.

The most notable example was the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics, where the games were 720% over budget.

Rio de Janeiro was the hosting city with the second-largest cost overrun. The 2016 Olympics held in the Brazilian city cost just under $14bn, or 352% more than planned. The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi follows with a 289% cost overrun, mainly due to overbudget venues.

Statistics show the 2012 London Olympics saw its final bill of nearly $15bn, or 76% over budget.

The Launch of the Digital Naira and its Likely Impact

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The Launch of the Digital Naira and its Likely Impact

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently announced plans to launch its own digital currency before the end of the year. The ‘digital Naira’ would be issued by the CBN and held in digital wallets. Nigeria is now set to join countries like China (digital yuan), Bahamas (sand dollar), Eastern Caribbean (DCash) that have officially launched their own national digital currencies.

Digital, not Crypto

While the recent surge – and plunge – in cryptocurrencies took the world by storm, many sceptics still dismiss them as the fool’s gold and lacking in most of the fundamental properties of a fiat currency (medium of exchange, store of value and a unit of account). At this juncture, it is important to note that digital currencies are not the same as cryptocurrencies. While all cryptocurrencies are digital currencies, not all digital currencies are cryptocurrencies.

How do they differ? Regulation! Digital currencies are forms of money or cash available in non-physical (electronic/virtual) forms, typically issued by Central Banks and are subject to all the scrutiny and government backing of fiat currencies. They are also only accessible via internet-enabled devices.

Digital naira NATIONAL DEBT investors Santa came early but with T&C
Afolabi Sotunde Illustration Naira

Cryptocurrencies, while being digital are not issued by Central banks or tied to any entity – governments/institutions/individuals. Crucially, the crypto space is devoid of regulation, hence the wild fluctuations witnessed daily in response to market forces.

Blockchain the Disruptor

However, all digital currencies rely on blockchain technology. Known as distributed ledger technology (DLT), it is a digital platform and database that allows digital information to be distributed but not copied.

Originally created to authenticate bitcoin (the most popular cryptocurrency), it was designed as a way to centralize record-keeping without needing third-party authorization – like a bank or a regulator. It enables users to record, track, and validate peer-to-peer transactions.

Confirmation of records is done by multiple users with access to the data. It keeps a permanent record of all transactions, keeps users information anonymous while all activity is secure and unchangeable. But beyond recording financial transactions, it can be used to record practically everything of value. The digital naira will employ the use of the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain.

More Pro than Con…hopefully

While the risks associated with the growing use of digital currencies are clear and evolving, the CBN is banking on embracing the emerging digital world and reaping its benefits. The CBN would use electronic coins or notes instead of printing physical money. This would lower the costs of currency management.

The use of digital currencies will cut off intermediaries like banks or clearinghouses and drastically lower the cost and time involved in cross-border transactions. Remittances and trade finance, especially with the launch of AfCFTA, will be major beneficiaries. The speed of transactions will increase and enhance the velocity of circulation of money, which will boost economic activity.

The adoption of a digital currency will facilitate financial inclusion by increasing the share of the population with access to financial products. It would enable banks to bridge this gap by circumventing legacy infrastructure – and the attendant costs – especially in the rural communities. This would allow Nigeria’s informal economy to go mainstream, giving them access to services like credit and insurance, allowing them to expand their business and maximize potential – by so doing, stimulating the wider economy.

The CBN will now need to create sufficient awareness of its digital currency project and its benefits given the perception of most Nigerians who have come to associate crypto-currency use to online scams.

Standard Chartered Bank Reports its Highest H1 Operating Profit for 5 Years

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Standard Chartered Bank Reports its Highest H1 Operating Profit for 5 Years

Standard Chartered PLC released its financial results for the half-year ending 30 June 2021. Profit before tax grew 37 percent year on year, helped by improved loan impairments, strong underlying business momentum and good progress across the Bank’s strategic priorities.

Standard Chartered further announced an additional share buy-back programme together with the resumption of the interim dividend payment.

In Africa and the Middle East region, the bank has recorded its highest half-yearly operating profit over the last five years.

Performance highlights

  • Income remained flat YoY and 1 percent higher on a constant currency basis despite being impacted by rate cuts and currency devaluation (drag of approx. 8 percent). Underlying income was up 8 percent reflecting growth in Wealth Management Income and healthy pipeline conversions.
  • Healthy Operating Profit of USD 476 million compared to USD 91 million during the same period last year; driven by significantly reduced credit impairments, wealth growth, productivity actions and a strong pipeline; partly offset by the flow-through impact of rate cuts.

Standard Chartered Launches the 2nd edition of its Women in Tech programme to support Nigerian Female Entrepreneurs Brandspurng

  • Significant improvement in the region’s Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE) ratio.
  • A great turnaround story in the UAE; with significantly improved returns.
  • The Bank’s income in Africa grew by 6 percent on a constant currency basis driven by the digital banking momentum in CPBB and deal pipeline.

Commenting on the results, Sunil Kaushal, Regional CEO, Africa and the Middle East said:

“I’m extremely proud of our best ever first-half performance in over five years! This is the result of all the hard work the team has put in over the years and the execution of some tough decisions we made to drive efficiencies and reduce risk. This has happened during a period when the backdrop while improving remains uncertain and challenging and is a true testament to the resilience of our underlying business. We have remained focused on clients and people and have made very good progress on our priorities.

We are excited about the recent expansion of our network into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We will leverage our presence in the Kingdom to promote trade, investment, and capital flows in support of the Saudi Vision 2030.

The digital banking platforms we have launched across nine key African Markets – Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria – have transformed the way we do business and connect with our clients. The pandemic, rather than becoming a stumbling block, has accelerated our growth by increasing our customer base by over half a million, which is 50% higher than our legacy base.

As we move forward, the region is focused on executing swiftly against the strategy to drive growth and we are determined to support our clients achieve prosperity whilst being the most responsible and sustainable bank.”

Standard Chartered Bank’s Africa, Middle East Region has received the following awards for the year 2021 which further cements the progress and leadership the Bank is establishing in this region.

  • Most Impressive Bank for the Middle East and Africa Bonds by Global Capital voted by our clients and peers.
  • Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Middle East Award for Bond House of the Year.
  • Best International Bank award at the 2021 Asiamoney Middle East’s Best Bank Awards
  • World’s Best Subcustodian Banks 2021, Standard Chartered Middle East, Global Finance Magazine
  • Best Innovation in Trade Finance by MEA Finance Banking Technology Awards 2021
  • Best Islamic Investment Bank by Global Finance Magazine
  • Best Islamic Bank for Digital Customer Experience – Overall by the Digital Banker magazine
  • UAE International Trade Finance Bank of the Year in the ABF Wholesale Banking Awards 2021

Bristow Reports Revenues of $300.6M; Africa Operating Revenue Drops $15.3M

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Bristow Reports Revenues of $300.6M; Africa Operating Revenue Drops $15.3M

Aug. 4, 2021 – Bristow Group Inc. today reported a net loss attributable to the Company of $14.2 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, for its fiscal first quarter ended June 30, 2021, on operating revenues of $288.4 million compared to a net loss attributable to the Company of $42.6 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, on operating revenues of $281.5 million.

Bristow’s operating revenues in the current quarter were $26.8 million higher compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2020 (prior-year quarter). Operating revenues from oil and gas services were $2.3 million lower.

Operating revenues in the Africa region were $15.3 million lower primarily due to the end of customer contracts and lower utilization. Bristow currently has customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the U.K. and the U.S.

Bristow

Key highlights:

  • Total revenues of $300.6 million in Q1 FY22 compared to $293.3 million in Q4 FY21
  • Net loss of $14.2 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, in Q1 FY22 compared to $42.6 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, in Q4 FY21
  • EBITDA adjusted to exclude special items and asset dispositions was $40.0 million in Q1 FY22 compared to $30.5 million in Q4 FY21
  • Adjusted Free Cash Flow excluding Net Capex was $38.7 million in Q1 FY22
  • As of June 30, 2021, the unrestricted cash balance was $244.7 million with total liquidity of $298.8 million
  • In June and July 2021, the Company repurchased 1,480,804 shares at an average price of $27.02

Operating revenues in the Europe region were $5.1 million lower primarily due to the end of customer contracts and lower utilization in the U.K., partially offset by the strengthening of the British pound sterling relative to the U.S. dollar and increased revenues in Norway due to the strengthening of the Norwegian krone relative to the U.S. dollar and higher utilization. These decreases were partially offset by a $18.1 million increase in operating revenues in the Americas region primarily due to the impact of the Merger.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $14.8 million in the current quarter compared to $(32.2) million in the preceding quarter.  EBITDA adjusted to exclude special items and gains or losses on asset dispositions was $40.0 million in the current quarter compared to $30.5 million in the preceding quarter.

Operating revenues from government services were $15.8 million higher in the current quarter primarily due to the impact of the Merger, the strengthening of the British pound sterling relative to the U.S. dollar and an increase in flight hours.

Chris Bradshaw, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bristow said,

“Since the commencement of the Board-authorized stock repurchase plan in September 2020, Bristow has repurchased approximately 1.9 million shares for a gross consideration of $50 million, representing an average repurchase price of $25.92 per share. We continue to believe that Bristow’s strong balance sheet and robust free cash flow generation provide multiple avenues to create value for shareholders.”

German Deputy Consul General Commends Rite Foods,Others For Environmental Preservation Efforts

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German Deputy Consul General Commends Rite Foods,Others For Environmental Preservation Efforts

The Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, Mr. Alexander Ernst, has eulogized the efforts of Rite Foods Limited in environmental preservation, especially in the beaches where polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and other plastics are cleared for a healthy environment and recycling purposes.

Ernst also lauds the company’s support for initiatives that promote youth empowerment as well as employment opportunities through the partnership with Popbeachclub, an organization involved in the removal of social plastics from Lagos beaches and the training of youths in various areas of specialization for self-empowerment and job creation.

The Deputy Consul General was present at the launch of Popbeachclub’s social enterprise, “Riteonthebeach” at Ilashe Community, supported by Rite Foods, on Sunday, August 1, where 30 local youths were trained in different skills for better living, with an expanded scope of preventing plastics from finding their way into the ocean for safe marine activities and aquatic lives.

These wastes are later recycled for other useful purposes, with the proceeds used in providing scholarships to students in the community, with a similar project at Tarkwa Bay.

Also, in collaboration with Popbeachclub is the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, which identifies communities where youths can be trained to make a meaningful impact in their environment.

German Deputy Consul General Commends Rite Foods, Others For Environmental Preservation Efforts

At the Ilashe beach event, Ernst pointed out that plastic waste is a global problem that needs to be well tackled and appreciates what Rite Foods is doing in that direction, likewise its assistance on the “Rite on the Beach” program which will create lots of impact on Ilashe and Takwa Bay communities.

According to him, the scheme will give the youths the opportunity to strive for a better life and to earn a living. He added that the transformation undergone by Rite Foods within the last few years shows that it is possible to build a world-class company and facility of the same standard in Nigeria. “I congratulate them for their effort,” the Deputy Consul General stated.

The Deputy Director, Head of Migrant Resource Centre, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs. Mienye Badejo, posits that Rite Foods is doing the right thing in its collaboration with organizations in creditable projects in improving healthiness through green technology, by cleaning the environment and creating employment.

Mrs. Badejo stated that the initiative is needed to curb the growing migration due to lack of jobs, by introducing employment schemes that are viable if well harnessed and imbibe the consciousness that the planet should be preserved.

“We are very excited to know that this is going on and we are optimistic that it will be a launchpad for people to buy in,” she stated.

The Managing Director of Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, affirmed that the company is deeply committed to adding value to lives hence its partnership with Popbeachcub on its activities.

He stated that Rite Foods will continue to safeguard the environment to make it habitable, especially in our communities and public spaces.

According to him, the recyclable waste can be turned into other useful products and helps create more jobs and also keep the environment clean.

The world-class company in the food and beverage sector of the Nigerian economy has quality brands such as the widely preferred Bigi soft drinks, Fearless Energy Drinks, and today’s market-leading brand of Rite Sausages.

Notebook PC Market Powered To Record Sales In Q2 2021

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Notebook PC Market Powered To Record Sales In Q2 2021

Global Notebook shipments reached 65.6 million units in Q2 2021, up 15% compared to Q2 2020 and down -4% from 68.2 million in Q1 2021 as some parts of the world prepare to either go back to the office or adopt a hybrid work system due to uncertainty in many markets, according to a new report by Strategy Analytics.

Commercial customers preparing to return to work and upgrading towards more mobility (desktop to notebook PC) were the main driving factors for commercial demand.

As supply constraints are expected to get tighter in the second half of the year, some consumer spending may be forced to shift elsewhere for the holidays.

The full report from Strategy Analytics’ Connected Computing Devices (CCD) service, Preliminary Global Notebook PC Shipments and Market Share: Q2 2021 Results can be found here.

Chirag Upadhyay, Industry Analyst said, “As more and more customers are shifting towards hybrid work solutions, enterprise and small and medium businesses are using contractual solutions such as Device as a Service and work from home systems.

Consumer demand is more orientated around choosing the right options such as operating system, entertainment and balance of work from home and distance education. This is why Chromebook, gaming, and commercial grade notebook shipments were strong and overall shipments are even higher than the previous high demand mark set in Q2 2020.”

Notebook PC Market Powered To Record Sales In Q2 2021

Eric Smith, Director – Connected Computing added, “The component supply issue and new brands entering the market should be the primary focus points for all vendors. How smaller vendors maintain momentum in the face of supply constraints now will impact performance in the long term as the natural consolidation trend by larger vendors creates more pressure for niche players to stay in the game. Still, the top vendors face risks on the margins as niche customers are being picked off by smaller vendors.”

Exhibit: Notebook Shipments Climb 15% Over High Demand from 20201

1 All figures are rounded

Lenovo once again dominates the market with record Notebook PC shipments (sell-in) of 15.5 million units in Q2 2021 (calendar year). This represented 14% growth from the 13.6 million shipped the year prior. Market share marginally declined by -0.1 percentage points to 23.6% compared to same time in the previous year. The new normal work from home and e-learning demand supported by an increasing device per person trend helped Lenovo maintain the leading position across many markets.

HP maintained the second position despite record sales across the industry in the second quarter, as shipments reached 14.9 million, representing 11% growth year-over-year. As other vendors grew much faster compared to HP, the vendor actually lost -0.8 percentage points of market share to settled at 22.8%. HP delivered a strong performance with fulfilling backlog orders from previous quarters while commercial demand outpaced supply.

Dell maintained the third position globally and gained 1.5 percentage points of market share over the last year’s quarter to reach 16.2%. In Q2 2021, Dell notebook shipments grew to 10.7 million units at a 26% growth rate year-on-year. The vendor maintained its position in enterprise business as well as in consumer customers, as the refresh cycle, migration from desktop to notebook and gaming PC trends suited existing and new customers.

Apple MacOS business did exceptionally well as they registered record sales for MacBook in the June quarter, growing over 5.5 million units, which was 21% higher than last year. The popularity of M1 MacBooks drove strong sales in both consumers and large enterprises customers.

In Q2 2021, Acer finished fifth with shipments growing to 5.2 million units at 45% growth rate year-on-year. This added 1.6 percentage points of market share over the same period, totaling 7.9%. The strong performance in EMEA and overall Chromebook success helped significant growth in both consumer and commercial segments.

MMA Partners UNICEF, Launches Reporting On Children In The Media Course

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MMA Partners UNICEF, Launches Reporting On Children In The Media Course

Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), in partnership with UNICEF South Africa, launched the ‘Reporting on Children in the Media Course’ at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg today.

The accredited journalism course brings together 20 practicing reporters, from a range of media agencies, on a virtual journey through 16 interactive seminars that aim to deepen their reporting skills in the best interest of children. The course also includes a number of open and free sessions for journalists, or interested persons, to login, with the final assessment taking place on 04 September.

“I am excited to be engaging with the journalists during the course and I am sure we are going to have very robust conversations on how to report on children’s law, to balance reporting and to ensure children’s well-being and protection while reporting on their issues,” said Zita Hansungule, Senior Project Coordinator at the Centre for Child Law, and one of the course experts.

“We are delighted to be supporting this innovative reporting on children media course,” said Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative. “The media play a vital role in telling untold stories and shining a spotlight on issues affecting children that can in-turn mobilize the whole of society to respond,” Muhigana added.

MMA Partners UNICEF, Launches Reporting On Children In The Media Course

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the critical importance of media in giving a voice to children and young people who can all too often be forgotten in public discourse.

The course, in exploring how children are represented, will work with journalists to develop new skills and to demonstrate how children’s rights can be respected in the media, whilst ensuring journalism of the highest quality. Journalists will be challenged to question the common representation of children and their issues, as well as open their outlook to new possibilities for alternative representations.

The analysis of media coverage of children, conducted by Media Monitoring Africa in 2020, indicated that coverage of children increased between 2016 and 2020, from 6 to 13 per cent of all stories.

“The increase in coverage of children’s stories shows progress, but it is not enough,” said Kabir Budlender, a youth Web Rangers SA Ambassador. “Children and young people need to be covered in a respectful manner that gives us a voice, is consistent and balances the challenges we face with positive stories,” Budlender added.

The partnership between Media Monitoring Africa and UNICEF South Africa also includes the Isu Elihle Journalism Awards, the commissioning of a research paper on reporting on children in South Africa, as well as support to the Web Rangers programme that promotes positive online experiences among youth.

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