China Dongxiang Announces Operational Results for FY2020/21 Q1

Offline Retail Performance
Starts Picking Up

E-commerce Sales Continues
to Grow

HONG KONG, CHINA – Media
OutReach
 – 17 July
2020 – The
leading international sportswear brand enterprise in the PRC, China Dongxiang (Group) Co., Ltd.
(“China Dongxiang” or “the Company”, together with its
subsidiaries, “the Group”, HKEx stock code: 3818) announces its operational results for the three
months ended 30 June 2020 (”FY2020/21 Q1”).

 

For the FY2020/21 Q1, the retail performance of Kappa stores
(excluding Kappa kids’ apparel business and Japan business) for the overall
platform registered a mid-to-low single-digit decrease on a year-on-year basis,
of which the offline business recorded a low-teen decrease and the e-commerce
business recorded a mid-to-low thirties growth. Offline retail performance in
May 2020 recorded a low-single-digit growth as compared with that in April 2020 due to on-going market recovery. Retail discount has
dropped by 4 percentage points as affected by the market, with discount rate still under the controllable range.

 

As for the same-store-sales (“SSS”) during FY2020/21 Q1, in respect
of Kappa stores (excluding Kappa kids’ apparel business and Japan business)
which have been in operation since the beginning of the same quarter the
previous year, the SSS for the overall platform registered a mid-single-digit
decrease on a year-on-year basis, of which the offline business recorded a
mid-to-low-teen decrease, while the e-commerce business recorded a mid-to-low
thirties growth.

 

For the first quarter ended 30 June 2020, the number of Kappa-branded stores of the
Group was 1,147 (excluding Kappa kids’ apparel business and Japan business),
representing a net increase of 18 as compared with that as at 31 March 2020
(the end of FY2019/20). In the next step, the Group will continue to close inefficient
stores.

Mr. Zhang Zhiyong, CEO,
President and Executive Director of China Dongxiang
, said, “Market competition has been intensified since the outbreak of
COVID-19. We anticipate that there will be a year-on-year volume growth
in sports apparel and equipment industry this year, though selling prices will be under
pressure. Entering the third year of ‘direct-franchise’ model reform for Kappa brand, the Group’s inventory level is expected to decline. By implementing such business reforms, the
market share of Kappa brand has been maintained during the period. In addition, our management has improved and implemented localised strategies
for the sales teams in an orderly manner, while driving reforms and
construction of  the product team, with an aim to enhance core competitiveness of the brand. We will continue to closely monitor the changes of
the pandemic, strengthening supervision and control over our operations, in order to minimise the negative impacts brought by the pandemic,
protecting the Group’s value and shareholders’ interests.”

 

About China Dongxiang (Group) Co., Ltd. (Stock code: 3818)

China Dongxiang (Group) Co., Ltd. is a leading international sportswear
brand enterprise in China which has been listed on the Main Board of the Hong
Kong Stock Exchange since 10 October 2007. The Group is primarily engaged in
the design, development, marketing and wholesale of branded sportswear in
China. Currently, China Dongxiang owns all rights to the internationally
renowned Kappa brand in China, Macau and Japan. On 1 May 2008, China Dongxiang
completed the acquisition of Phenix, a Japanese sportswear enterprise. Phenix
is the most popular ski brand in Japan with the largest market share, as well
as a well-known brand in the international market.

Qatar Airways to Resume Guangzhou Passenger Flights from 26 July

  • Flights will be operated initially with one weekly
    frequency every Sunday
  • The airline recently announced the upcoming resumption of
    flights to destinations including Maldives, Berlin, Prague, Toronto,
    Kilimanjaro, Venice and Zanzibar

BEIJING, CHINA – Media
OutReach
 – 17 July
2020 – Qatar
Airways
is pleased to announce that it will resume Guangzhou scheduled
passenger services with an initial one weekly flight starting 26 July. The Southern
China economic and commercial centre becomes the latest destination to join the
global network the airline is gradually rebuilding, in addition to the recently
announced flight resumptions to Bali, Maldives, Beirut, Belgrade, Berlin, Edinburgh,
Larnaca, Prague, Zagreb, Ankara, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Bucharest, Sofia and Venice.

 

The much-anticipated resumption of Guangzhou passenger flights will
further enhance the airline’s commitment to the Chinese market by providing passengers
access between Doha, China and beyond via the airline’s award-winning hub,
Hamad International Airport (HIA), which was recently voted ‘Best Airport in
the Middle East’ for the sixth year in a row  by the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2020.

 

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker
said: “The resumption of Guangzhou passenger services is one of the significant
steps taken by Qatar Airways to demonstrate our confidence in the gradual
recovery of the regional travel market and global connectivity. Since the COVID-19
crisis started, we have challenged ourselves to be at the forefront and combat
the effects of this global pandemic, by volunteering our services to deliver worldwide
medical supplies coordinated by Chinese Embassies and Consulates.

 

“In addition to scheduled freighter services,
we have also operated a large number of charters and freight-only passenger
aircraft to meet China’s surging demand for imports and exports. With the
resumption of passenger flights, we will have 52 flights in total, comprising
of passenger freighters, belly-hold cargo flights and freighters in and out of
Mainland China each week, providing more than 2500 tonnes of weekly cargo
capacity each way.”

 

“Qatar Airways been closely working with the
local authorities to secure regulatory approval and ensure we are staying up to
date with the latest in airport procedures and the most advanced safety and
hygiene measures onboard. The return of Guangzhou in our international network will
help to re-establish the connection between Doha and China that directly
benefits our customers and trade partners. We continue to uphold our core mission
of being the trusted airline that gets people home safely and look forward to
further strengthening our schedule to China by increasing frequencies and
destinations as operating environment permits.”

 

The airline’s share of the passenger and air cargo market has grown
significantly over the past three months. Qatar Airways has remained in
operation throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and has operated a significant
schedule of over 17,000 flights, including over 300 special charters to more
than two million people home globally. The airline has also been running a
robust cargo operation globally, with up to 180 dedicated cargo flights daily,
and has transported over 580,000 tonnes of cargo all around the world.

 

During the past months, Qatar Airways Cargo has also worked closely with
governments and NGOs to transport over 250,000 tonnes of medical and aid
supplies to impacted regions around the world on both scheduled and charter
services. This equates to roughly 2,500 fully loaded Boeing 777 freighters.

 

Qatar Airways has further enhanced its onboard safety measures for
passengers and cabin crew, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) suits for cabin crew while onboard, as well as a modified service that
reduces interactions between the passengers and the crew inflight. Cabin Crew
have already been wearing PPE during flights, including gloves and facemasks. Recently,
Qatar Airways has also introduced new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits for
passengers that include a facemask, disposable gloves and hand sanitiser. In
addition, passengers will be provided a face shield visor, available in adult
and children size, for their use in conjunction with facemask during flights.

 

The airline recently announced plans to
gradually rebuild its network in line with the evolution of passenger demand
and the expected relaxation of entry restrictions around the world. By the end
of July, the airline plans to expand its network to over 70 destinations. To
find out where the airline is still flying, visit https://qatarairways.com/en/travel-alerts/COVID-19-update.html.

Notes to Editors

Qatar Airways
is the national carrier of the State of Qatar. As a multiple award-winning
airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 World
Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation
Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best
Business Class’ and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its
ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite. Qatar Airways is the only
airline to have been awarded the coveted “Skytrax Airline of the Year” title,
which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, five
times.

Qsuite, a
patented Qatar Airways product, features the industry’s first-ever double bed
in Business Class, as well as privacy panels that stow away, allowing
passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room, a first of its
kind in the industry.

Qatar Airways
was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance oneworld, enabling
its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 160
countries, with 14,250 daily departures.

Oryx One,
Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 4,000
entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music,
games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its
B787, B777, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in
touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning
airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.

Qatar Airways
proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives
dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways, the
official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting
events, including the FIFA 2022 World Cup, reflecting the values of sports as a
means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own
brand message – Going Places Together.

Qatar Airways
Cargo, one of the world’s leading international air cargo carriers, serves more
than 60 freighter destinations worldwide via its world-class Doha hub and also
delivers freight to more than 160 key business and leisure destinations
globally on more than 250 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet includes two
Boeing 747-8 freighters, 21 Boeing 777 freighters and five Airbus A330
freighters.

Qatar
Executive is the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group. Luxury
jet services are available for worldwide charter on board the operator’s wholly-owned
business jet fleet. Qatar Executive is the launch customer for Gulfstream’s
G700, the world’s first commercial service operator of the Gulfstream G500 and
largest commercial operator of the G650ER worldwide. Qatar Executive’s service
portfolio also includes aircraft management, maintenance and Fixed Based
Operator services.

Chuo Spring adopts Infor ERP solution at overseas sites to improve business visibility and standardize operations globally

Provides governance and expands standardized model from Japan for manufacturing industries

 

TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach – 17 July 2020 – Infor Japan K.K., the Japanese subsidiary of
Infor, a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry,
today announced that Chuo Spring Co., Ltd., an automotive components
manufacturer, has adopted at its Indonesian sites Infor CloudSuite Industrial,
an ERP solution for manufacturing industries, to enhance business visibility
and standardize its operations globally.

 


Background

 

Chuo Spring is an automotive components manufacturer engaged in the
development, manufacturing, and sale of springs, control cables, and other
components incorporated into vehicles. Using its control cable technologies,
the company is expanding its product range outside of automotive components as
well, developing businesses in areas such as construction equipment and
welfare-related equipment.

Chuo Spring’s overseas network comprises 10 sites in five countries as
part of its commitment to overseas expansion. However, because each overseas
site operates different core business systems, and conducts operations
differently, it has been difficult for head office in Japan to obtain accurate
real-time information. As a result, each site has been left to implement its
own business improvements, and governance from head office has been largely
ineffective.

Chuo Spring made the decision to use Infor CloudSuite Industrial as a
dedicated core system for its overseas sites, and deploy the solution in its
Indonesian sites, in recognition of its ability to adapt Japanese standardized
operations to sites overseas and support centralized management and global
operations from its Japanese head office.

 


Results of adoption

 

Chuo Spring deployed Infor CloudSuite Industrial in the latter half of
2019, and is using it to manage shipping, sales, procurement, warehousing, and
accounting at its Indonesian sites. The company is gradually deploying Infor’s
single-instance ERP, built for global operations, across its overseas sites,
starting with Indonesia. In this way, its head office in Japan will be able to
understand data in real time across its global network, and drive business
improvements based on companywide data (including from those overseas sites).

Along with adoption of Infor CloudSuite Industrial, Chuo Spring’s
Indonesian sites are standardizing operations in line with Japan. They are
improving the efficiency of their operations, including eliminating data entry
work for shipping processes, reducing conversion time through a unified code
system, and eliminating double entries through data centralization. Going
forward, in addition to more accurate inventory management, accelerated
financial reporting, and other operational improvements at its Indonesian
sites, Chuo Spring will expand its standardization model to other overseas
sites as well.

 


Comment from Kenta Koide, Vice President, Member of the board, Chuo Spring Co.,
Ltd.

 

“To enable
continued expansion at Chuo Spring, we needed an ERP solution to visualize our
overseas site data in real time and enable data-driven business decisions. In
addition to the rich functionality and proven achievements for global
manufacturing businesses offered by Infor’s ERP solution, we were impressed
with its versatility, flexible licensing structure, and development environment
enabling easy implementation and meeting local requirements.”

 

Media contact

Phyllis Tan

Infor Asia Pacific

+65 97999133

phyllis.tan@infor.com

 

About Chuo Spring

Chuo Spring
Co. Ltd. was established in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, in 1948 as a specialist
manufacturer of springs and control cables. It is engaged in Japan and overseas
in the development, manufacturing, and sale of mainly automotive chassis
springs, precision springs, and control cables, which require advanced
technical capabilities. For details, please see
https://www.chkk.co.jp/ .


About Infor

Infor is a global leader in business cloud software specialized by
industry. With 17,300 employees and over 68,000 customers in more than 170
countries, Infor software is designed for progress. To learn more, please visit
www.infor.com.

 

Infor customers include:

  • The top 20 aerospace companies
  • 9 of the top 10 high tech companies
  • 14 of the 25 largest U.S. healthcare delivery networks
  • 19 of the 20 largest U.S. cities
  • 18 of the top 20 automotive suppliers
  • 14 of the top 20 industrial distributors
  • 13 of the top 20 global retailers
  • 4 of the top 5 brewers
  • 17 of the top 20 global banks
  • 9 of the 10 largest global hotel brands
  • 7 of the top 10 global luxury brands

Philips 2000 series in-ear true wireless headphones are always ready to go

TAT2205 offers water resistance, 12 hours of playtime, extreme comfort, and compact size

 

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 17 July 2020 – Philips
TAT2205 are true wireless headphones with long 12 hours play time and a compact
charging case that fits comfortably even in the pocket of the slimmest-fit
jeans. These splash and sweat-resistant in-ear headphones not only sound great,
but also give you a comfortable fit, easy touch control, and up to 12 hours
play time, so you can be surrounded by your choice of sounds wherever you go.

 

Ready for all-day performance

 

You’ll be amazed by the clear, dynamic sound from the Philips TAT2205’s
6mm neodymium drivers while you rock your tunes in real comfort thanks to the
snug, lightweight design. The soft, interchangeable ear-tip covers fit so well
that you could almost forget you’re wearing headphones. Enjoy music all day
with up to 12 hours of playtime — about four hours from a single charge of the
headphones, plus an additional eight hours from a fully charged case. Just pop
the earbuds in the case for 15 minutes to get another hour of playing time. A
full charge of the case takes only two hours via USB-C. No matter the weather
and no matter your activity — IPX4 water resistance keeps the sounds flowing
through rain and sweat.

 

Hassle-free control

 

No need to fiddle with your phone. With Philips TAT2205, a button on
each earbud makes it easy to control your listening. You can quickly adjust the
volume, skip or pause tracks, take or reject calls–and more. The built-in mic
with echo cancellation keeps sound crisp and clear so you can be relaxed and at
your best when you need to chat, whether you’re talking for work or for
pleasure. You can wake your phone’s voice assistant without touching your
phone. Simply ask Siri or the Google Assistant to play some music, call or send
messages to friends, check the weather, and more.

 

Quick, trouble-free wireless connection

 

Don’t worry about Bluetooth configuration hassles. Smart pairing
automatically finds your smartphone and other Bluetooth devices. The headphones
are ready to pair the instant you switch on Bluetooth. Once they’re paired,
they remember the last device they were paired with.

 

Price and Availability

The Philips TAT2205 is available for an MSRP of SGD$139 and the
promotion price at SGD$79.

All series colours are ready to sell on Shopee,
Juzsoppe and Ishopchangi

Read more information about Philips
TAT2205
and TAT2205 video

About TP Vision

TP
Vision Europe B.V. (‘TP Vision’) is registered in the Netherlands, with its
head office in Amsterdam. TP Vision is a wholly owned company of TPV Technology
Limited (‘TPV’), which is one of the world’s leading monitor and TV
manufacturers.

TP
Vision is a consumer electronics key player in TV and audio entertainment. TP
Vision concentrates on developing, manufacturing
and marketing Philips-branded TV sets (Europe, Russia, Middle East, South
America, India and selected countries in Asia-Pacific) and Philips-branded
audio products (Globally) under trademark license by Koninklijke Philips N.V.
We combine the strong Philips brand with our product development and design
expertise, operational excellence, and industry footprint of TPV. We believe in
creating products that offer a superior audio and visual experience for
consumers.

Customers laud Mr Bigg’s, Debonairs Pizza on quality, standard

0

Consumers in Lekki area of Lagos have lauded Mr Bigg’s and Debonairs Pizza for a sustained period of quality and standard at its first northwest combo store in Lekki during the past year.

The Northwest combo store was commissioned on July 9, 2019 and it has experienced unprecedented patronage in the past one year.

Some of the consumers who spoke during the first anniversary celebration of the northwest store in Lekki said that the brand has completely rejuvenated its operations with the introduction of the combo store hence the renewed fortune it is enjoying.

L-R, Tolulope Aderibigbe, Famous Brand Training Manager, UAC Restaurants, Eustesia Ogunsusi, Marketing Service Manager, UAC Restaurants, Dabrella Friday, Teacher and Funmilayo Taoreed during the first anniversary of the uac restaurants northwest store celebration in Lekki Lagos recently..

A medical doctor and a resident of VGC, Dr. Chris Offorkansi said, Mr Bigg’s has come a long way. We have seen the best times and the worst time of the brand but this new innovation have impacted positively on the brand so far.”

“We have not eaten anywhere else in the last one year but here. This outlet gives us the kind of security we want. The meals and facility here can be compared to any international eatery in the world, therefore, I wish to thank the company for sustaining this standard over the past year,” Offorkansi said.

A student, Ms. Faith Ogidiga who corroborated the earlier exertions by other customers said that Mr Bigg’s has improved with the introduction of the combo store.

According to her, ”The combo store has changed this negative perception and the brand has lived up to expectation with this new innovation.”

UAC Restaurants Limited had said that the new approach promises to sustain excellence in a wide variety of dishes, pastries, and confectionaries to the delight of its teeming consumers, which is the heritage of Mr. Bigg’s.

Speaking on the new combo restaurant, the manager marketing services, Mrs. Eustesia Ogunsusi said, “The new outlet is designed to sustain the heritage of the 34 years old outfit by raising the customer service to a new level.

L-R, Tolulope Aderibigbe, Famous Brand Training Manager, UAC Restaurants, Eustesia Ogunsusi, Marketing Service Manager, UAC Restaurants, Sunday Agboola, Group Head, Public Sector, eTranzact/Customer, Funmilayo Taoreed, marketing Assistant, and Bolaji Olatunji, Food Court Manager, Debonairs Pizza, during the first anniversary of the uac restaurants northwest store celebration inLekki Lagos recently..

“The new store is patterned to deliver high-quality food and good ambiance as the basic standard. The menu offering is aimed at providing a wide variety of choices to meet the customer tastes and trends,” she said.

She said, “We will continue to sustain the quality and standard for our consumers have a great time.”

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate hits 12.56%; highest since March 2018 – NBS

  • Headline inflation grew by 12.56% YoY in June 2020; 0.16% higher than 12.40% recorded in the previous month.
  • Food inflation grew by 15.18% YoY in June 2020; 0.14% higher than 15.04% recorded in the previous month. 
  • Core inflation grew by 10.13% YoY in June 2020; 0.01% higher than 10.12% recorded in the previous month. 

Nigeria’s headline inflation accelerated for the 10th straight month in June 2020 as restrictions on access to foreign exchange and continued border closures drove up prices.

Headline Inflation

In June 2020, the headline inflation increased by 1.21 % MoM, this is 0.04% higher than the rate of 1.17% recorded in the previous month. The yearly average rose to 11.90% this current month, this is 0.11% greater than 11.79% recorded in the previous month.

This is the 10th consecutive monthly increase and the highest rate in over two years as supply disruptions caused by the planting season and the partial lockdown of the economy as well as exchange rate adjustments continue to pressure prices.

Food Inflation

In June 2020, the food index rose by 1.48% MoM, this is 0.06% higher than the rate of 1.42% recorded in the previous month. The yearly average rose to 14.46% this current month, this is 0.13% greater than 14.33% recorded in the previous month. The food index, which accounts for more than half the inflation basket, rose 15.20%, the highest since March 2018.

Core Inflation

In June 2020, the core index recorded a marginal decrease to 0.86% MoM, this is 0.02% down from 0.88% recorded in May 2020. The yearly average rose to 9.37% this current month, this is 0.1% greater than 9.27% recorded in the previous month.

Conclusion

We expect to see increased pressure on inflation in the near to medium term as food prices continue to rise with continued border closure as the Naira remains under pressure. The central bank’s move to end official foreign-exchange supply for corn imports to boost local production could increase costs further.

With the MPC meeting holding next week, it remains to be seen how the apex bank would react to the continued rise in headline inflation. Again, we maintain that the CBN’s posturing reflects deeper concerns on the exchange rate front.

Comercio Partners

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Increases to 12.56% YoY In June 2020; 0.16% Higher Than May 2020

The consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 12.56 percent (year-on-year) in June 2020. This is 0.16 percent points higher than the rate recorded in May 2020 (12.40) percent.

On a month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased by 1.21 percent in June 2020. This is 0.04 percent rate higher than the rate recorded in May 2020 (1.17 percent).

The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve months period ending June 2020, over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period, was 11.90 percent, representing a 0.11 percent point increase from 11.79 percent recorded in May 2020.

The urban inflation rate increased by 13.18 percent (year-on-year) in June 2020 from 13.03 percent recorded in May 2020, while the rural inflation rate increased by 11.99 percent in June 2020 from 11.83 percent in May 2020.

On a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.23 percent in June 2020, up by 0.05 from 1.18 percent recorded in May 2020, while the rural index also rose by 1.19 percent in June 2020, up by 0.03 from the rate recorded in May 2020 (1.16) percent.

The corresponding twelve-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index was 12.50 percent in June 2020. This is higher than 12.36 percent reported in May 2020, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in June 2020 was 11.36 percent compared to 11.26 percent recorded in May 2020.

Food Index

The composite food index rose by 15.18 percent in June 2020 compared to 15.04 percent in May 2020.

This rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of Bread and Cereals, Potatoes, yam and other tubers, Fruits, Oils and Fats, Meat, Fish and Vegetables.

On a month-on-month basis, the food sub-index increased by 1.48 percent in June 2020, up by 0.06 percent points from 1.42 percent recorded in May 2020.

The average annual rate of change of the Food sub-index for the twelve-month period ending June 2020 over the previous twelve-month average was 14.46 percent, representing a 0.13 percent points increase from the average annual rate of change recorded in May 2020 (14.33 percent).

All Items Less Farm Produce

The “All items less farm produce” or Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 10.13 percent in June 2020, up by 0.01percent when compared with 10.12 percent recorded in May 2020.

On a month-on-month basis, the core sub-index increased by 0.86 percent in June 2020. This was down by 0.02 percent when compared with 0.88 percent recorded in May 2020.

The highest increases were recorded in prices of Medical services, Hospital services, Passenger transport by road, Pharmaceutical products, Motor cars, Paramedical Services, Maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, Bicycles, Motorcycles, Vehicle spare parts and Other services in respect of personal transport equipment.

The average 12-month annual rate of change of the index was 9.37 percent for the twelve-month period ending June 2020; this is 0.1 percent points higher than 9.27 percent recorded in May 2020.

State Profiles

In analysing price movements under this section, note that the CPI is weighted by consumption expenditure patterns which differ across states. Accordingly, the weight assigned to a particular food or non-food item may differ from state to state making interstate comparisons of consumption basket inadvisable and potentially misleading.

All Items Inflation

In June 2020, all items inflation on year on year basis was highest in Bauchi (15.02%), Sokoto (14.88%) and Ebonyi (14.60%), while Cross River (10.95%), Lagos (10.78%) and Kwara (10.03%) recorded the slowest rise in headline Year on Year inflation.

On a month on month basis, however, all items inflation was highest in Bauchi (1.95%), Sokoto (1.89%) and Kogi (1.83%), while Delta (0.56%), Borno and Kwara (0.45%) and Ekiti (0.40%) recorded the slowest rise in headline month on month inflation.

Food Inflation

In June 2020, food inflation on a year on year basis was highest in Sokoto (17.88%), Plateau (17.04%) and Abuja (16.82%), while Lagos (13.46%), Ogun (13.18%) and Bauchi (12.86%) recorded the slowest rise.

On month on month basis, however, June 2020 food inflation was highest in Kogi (3.07%), Benue (2.41%) and Zamfara (2.24%), while Ondo (0.47%), Anambra (0.42%) and Lagos (0.18%) recorded the slowest rise.

DOWNLOAD THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (INFLATION REPORT) FOR JUNE

Coca-Cola reveals a touch-free Freestyle machine

On Monday, Coca-Cola announced that it is rolling out an update to its Freestyle machine that allows customers to choose and pour drinks via smartphone making it a touchless soda fountain.

“No sector has been more damaged or hurt by the pandemic than the restaurant and entertainment business,” Chris Hellmann, Coca-Cola Freestyle vice president.

People can pour drinks simply by scanning the QR code on the Freestyle machine, without having to download an app or create an account. The beverage options then appear on the phone screen, allowing people to control what they want to pour into their cups. The entire process takes just a few seconds.

There are roughly 52,000 Coca-Cola Freestyle machines in the US. According to Hellmann, Coca-Cola plans to roll out touchless technology to 50 machines this week, roughly 10,000 by the end of the summer, and have all Freestyle machines using touchless technology by the end of the year.

Most major chains including McDonald’s, Popeyes, and Burger King have shut down their self-serve soda fountains as part of safety precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic. As restaurants reopen dining rooms, high-touch surfaces such as beverage dispensers and condiment stations remain off-limits.

Coca-Cola is also currently working on touchless options for legacy dispensers, Hellmann said. The soda giant has also worked with restaurants to provide other pandemic era safety options, such as hand sanitizer and disposable stylus pens.

While Hellmann said that restaurants have been “hungry” for a touch-free soda fountain, he emphasized it is still unclear on how people will react to the updated Freestyle.

“I’m not sure how much we’re going to see consumers use it,” Hellmann said. “And I’m okay with that.”

“This could be very common, and consumers might be very comfortable and want to use it all the time, or it could be a small part of our business,” Hellmann added. “We’ll see, as behaviour evolves.”

United Capital announces ₦1.9 billion profit

United Capital announced a profit after tax of ₦1.9 billion in the first half of 2020 – a 16% increase compared with the same period last year. This was primarily driven by a 77% increase in the investment bank’s revenue from fees and commissions which amounted to ₦1.4 billion. 

Total Revenue in HY 2020 soared to N4.45bn from N3.24bn in HY 2019, an increase of 14.10% was recorded in PBT while PAT grew by 15.98% YOY.

Total Assets grew by 46.03%, being well-financed by a 54.04% increase in Liabilities and a slight decline in Shareholders Fund by 7.47%. Also, the impacts of Covid-19 reduced the value of the firm’s assets by ₦474 million during the period.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RESULT:

Statement of Profit or Loss:
Year-on-Year Analysis (HY 2020 to HY 2019) reveals the following;
  • Revenue: N4.45 billion in HY 2020, compared to N3.24 billion in HY 2019 (37% YoY Increase)
  • Operating Income: N4.10 billion in HY 2020, compared to N2.82 billion in HY 2019 (45% YoY Increase)
  • Operating expenses: N2.18 billion in HY 2020, compared to N1.25 billion in HY 2019 (74% YoY Increase)
  • Profit Before Tax: N2.27 billion in HY 2020, compared to N1.99 billion in HY 2019 (14% YoY Increase)
  • Profit After Tax: N1.91 billion in HY 2020, compared to N1.65 billion in HY 2019 (16% YoY Increase)
  • Earnings Per Share: 32 Kobo. (2019: 28kobo)

While commenting on the group’s performance the Group CEO, Mr. Peter Ashade, had this to say:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted than envisaged and caused greater speculations of the global recession and slower global recovery from the pandemic. The Nigerian economy has been greatly affected by the pandemic as seen in the increasing depreciation of the exchange rate, inflation rate and other economic indicators. As we stated at the release of our last quarter result, our business was not immune to these challenges; however, the Group was able to endure the challenges- Thanks to the well-articulated and diligent implementation of our plans set out last year.

With our well-articulated plans, business continuity plan in economic crisis and solid risk assessment framework we were able to deliver an increased revenue of over 37.26%, increased PBT of 14.10% and PAT increase of 15.98%. During this same period, we successfully issued our N10 billion Series 1 bond under the N30 billion Medium-Term Debt Program – The first to be issued by an investment banking firm in Nigeria – which was oversubscribed by about 24%.”

“Going into the remaining half of the year, we remain assiduously committed to delivering greater returns to our shareholders, by constantly reviewing our strategy in the light of global and domestic happenings, ensuring that we provide value to all our stakeholders from time to time.”

Discussing the result further he stressed that; “In line with our initial strategy for the 2020 business year, we shall continue to push further our market diversification and cost-optimization initiatives as well as implement phased automation of our business processes whilst upholding our commitment to ensuring a significant improvement in our value delivery to all our stakeholders.”

Statement of Financial Position:

  • Total Assets: N219.73 billion, compared to N150.46 billion as at FY 2019 (46% YTD growth)
  • Total Liabilities: N201.60 billion, compared to N130.88billion as at FY 2019 (54% YTD growth)
  • Shareholders Fund: N18.12 billion, decreased by 7.5% YTD as at FY 2019 N19.59 billion.

Comparing HY 2020 with HY 2019, the following are worthy of note:

  • Total Revenue: The total revenue of United Capital Plc surged 37.26% in HY 2020 compared to its revenue of HY 2019. This significant increase is on the back of a strong year-on-year increase of 347.65% increase in net interest margin, 85.03% increase in net trading income and 77.15% increase in fee and commission income.
  • cost-to-income ratio: The cost-to-income ratio rose by 10.35 percentage points due to the sharp rise of 363.79% in impairment allowance. This increased cost is in compliance with IFRS 9 that requires some financial assets to be measured at amortized costs.
  • PBT Margin: During the period under review, United Capital’s PBT margin declined by 10.35 percentage points, although PBT increased by 14.10% in the same period. The decline in PBT margin is because of the increase in operating expenses arising from a significant increase in impairment charges during the period under review due to the impact of Covid-19.
  • PAT Margin: Due to the same reasons as the PBT margin, the PAT margin declined by 7.89 percentage points year-on-year on the back of the rise in operating cost due to significant increase in impairment charge during the period under review arising from Covid-19, although the PAT significantly increased by 15.98% during the same period.
  • Total Assets: Total Assets appreciated by 46.03% between HY 2020 and FY 2019, significantly on account of over 242.09% increase in cash and cash equivalent holdings and 9.29% increase in trade and other receivables.
  • Total Liabilities: This increased by 54.04% owing to the growth in managed funds by 95.22%, 22.56% increase in current tax liabilities and 15.96% rise in other liabilities.
  • Shareholders’ Fund: The Shareholder’s wealth declined marginally by 7.47% YTD due to 6.47% decline in retained earnings and 42.28% increase in the negative other reserves.

Sub Saharan Africa M&A transactions totalled US$10.3 billion in H1 2020

Refinitiv today released the 2020 first-half investment banking analysis for Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the report, investment banking fees in Sub-Saharan Africa reached an estimated US$64.5 million during the second quarter of 2020, half the value recorded during the first quarter of 2020 and the lowest quarterly total since Q1 2012.

Around US$196.1 million worth of fees were earned in the region during the first half of 2020, down 27% from last year and a six-year low with fee declines recorded across M&A advisory, debt capital markets underwriting, and syndicated lending.

Debt capital markets underwriting fees declined 45% to US$26.2 million, marking the lowest first half-year total for bond fees in the region since 2016.

Advisory fees earned from completed M&A transactions generated US$43.4 million, down 50% year-on-year to the lowest first-half level since 2005, while syndicated lending fees fell 36% to a six-year low of US$71.5 million. Equity capital markets underwriting fees increased 164% year-on-year to US$55.1 million.

Government & Agency fees accounted for 26% of total investment banking fees earned in the region during the first half of 2020, up from 14% during the same period last year. South Africa generated the most fees in the region during the first six months of the year, a total of US$108.4 million accounting for 55%, followed by Nigeria with 13%.

JP Morgan earned the most investment banking fees in the region during the first six months of 2020, a total of US$23.1 million or an 11.8% share of the total fee pool.

As for Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), the value of announced M&A transactions with any Sub-Saharan African involvement reached US$10.3 billion during the first six months of 2020, 44% less than the value recorded during the same period in 2019, and a two-year low.

The number of deals declined 18% over the same period. After just US$424.5 million worth of deals were recorded in April, marking the lowest monthly M&A total since October 2005, activity increased for two consecutive months to reach US$3.0 billion in June, a nine-month high.

Deals with a Sub-Saharan African target declined 76% by value to an eighteen-year low of US$3.2 billion, as domestic M&A within the region declined 71% from last year and the combined value of inbound M&A deals reached just US$1.2 billion, the lowest first-half level in more than two decades.

The largest deal involving a Sub-Saharan African target was announced at the end of May – Afrimat’s US$644.3 million acquisition of South African mine operator Unicorn Capital Partners.

Deals in the materials sector accounted for 46% of Sub-Saharan African target M&A activity during the first six months of 2020. South Africa was the most targeted nation, followed by Uganda and Nigeria.

Outbound M&A totalled US$3.6 billion during the first six months of 2020, 67% more than the value recorded during the same period in 2019, despite a 22% decline in the number of deals.

With advisory work on eleven deals with a combined value of U$1.7 billion, JP Morgan holds to the top spot in the financial advisor ranking for deals with any Sub-Saharan African involvement during the first six months of 2020.

In the Equity Capital Market space, Sub-Saharan African equity and equity-related issuance totalled US$1.5 billion during the first half of 2020, 16% more than the value recorded during the same period last year, but lower than every other first-half total since 2009. The number of deals recorded declined by 29% to the lowest first-half tally since 2009.

Only one initial public offering was recorded during the first six months of the year. Malawian telecoms company, Airtel Malawi, raised US$28.7 million on the Malawi Stock Exchange in February. JP Morgan took first place in the Sub-Saharan African ECM underwriting league table during the first six months of 2020.

As for Debt Capital Markets, the African Development Bank raised $3 billion in a “Fight Covid-19” social bond at the end of March to help alleviate the economic and social impact the Coronavirus pandemic will have on livelihoods and economies in the region.

With this deal and Ghana’s US$3 billion Eurobond in February, Sub-Saharan African debt issuance totalled US$8.9 billion during the first quarter of 2020, the second-highest first quarter DCM total in the region of all-time.

Only US$1.9 billion was raised during the second quarter, taking the value raised during the first six months of 2020 to US$10.7 billion, down 14% from last year and a four-year low. Deutsche Bank took the top spot in the Sub-Saharan African bond underwriter ranking during 1H 2020 with US$1.7 billion of related proceeds, or a 16% market share.