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Transcorp Hotels Records Impressive Turnaround In Q3 2021, With A 662% Growth In Profit

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Transcorp Hotels Plc. (the “Company” or the “Group”), (Bloomberg: TRANSCOH:NL; Reuters: TRANSCOHOT.LG), owner of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Transcorp Hotels Calabar, and Aura by Transcorp Hotels has announced its unaudited Q3 results showing 115 percent growth in revenue year-on-year (YoY) to N14.6 billion and gross profit growth of 149 percent to N10.8 billion, leading to a profit before tax of N745 million a 662% improvement on a performance recorded at the same period in 2020.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RESULT:

Statement of Profit or Loss:

Year-on-Year Analysis (YTD Sep 2021 to YTD Sep 2020) reveals the following:

  • Revenue: N14.6 billion in YTD Sep 2021, compared to N6.8 billion in YTD Sep 2020 (115% growth year-on-year)
  • Gross profit: N10.8 billion in YTD Sep 2021, compared to N4.3 billion in YTD Sep 2020 (149% growth year-on-year)
  • Operating expenses: N7.9 billion in YTD Sep 2021, compared to N6.0 billion in YTD Sep 2020 (31% growth year-on-year)
  • Interest Cost: N3.1 billion in YTD Sep 2021, compared to N4.5 billion in YTD Sep 2020 (31% decline year-on-year)
  • Profit/(Loss) Before Tax: N745 million in YTD Sep 2021, compared to N(5.6) billion in YTD Sep 2020 (662% improvement year-on-year)

Statement of Financial Position

  • Total assets increased by 2.18% from N115.3 billion in December 2020 to N112.9 billion in Q3 2021 due to the increase in Trade Receivables and Cash and Cash Equivalents precipitated by the improvement in business activities within the period.
  • Total liabilities increased by 3.31% from N53.5 billion in December 2020 to N51.8 billion in Q3 2021. This is due to the increase in trade payables because of improved business activities within the period.
  • Shareholders Fund: N61.84 billion, a 1.21% year-to-date increase relative to FY 2020’s value at N61.10 billion.

Commenting on the results, Dupe Olusola, the MD/CEO said:

“Our performance reflects the strength of our business to withstand external shocks and continue to grow revenue even in tough economic conditions.

“Demand has continued to improve at impressive levels during the year, accelerating in the third quarter to pre-pandemic levels. We ended September with 63 percent occupancy, growing from 28 percent achieved in the same period last year, as we continue to outperform the industry average on several indices.

“We are seeing significant improvement in our corporate and group bookings, as vaccination rates increase, and companies begin to return to full operations.. Domestic leisure demand remains very strong and continues to be responsible for the improvement seen on our revenue and this signifies our nimbleness and strength of purpose to redefine hospitality in Africa.

“Our flagship hotel Transcorp Hilton was named by the World Travel Awards as Africa’s Leading Business Hotel, for seven consecutive years. This is a testament to our continued focus on redefining hospitality and providing excellent services to our customers, ensuring that every experience with us is memorable.

“We remain focused on the execution of our growth strategy, leveraging technology and the expertise of our people to deliver best-in-class guest experience across all our assets, properties, and touchpoints.

“Recently, we launched Aura by Transcorp Hotels, a digital platform for booking accommodation, food, and experiences. Aura caters to the three major things people need when they travel; where to stay, what to eat, and things to do to make their travel memorable. This business, which stems from our asset-light strategy offers us a great opportunity for expansion in line with our long-term plans to expand across Africa.

“As the global economy continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Transcorp Hotels Plc. will remain a leader in the industry, offering bespoke hospitality services to discerning guests, who live for memorable experiences and excellent service delivery.”

BIG STORY

Nigeria’s FX Reserves To Hit $41bn As Naira Seen Sustaining Gains

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Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves are projected to reach $41 billion by the end of the year, slightly higher than the 2024 figure, as the naira continues to strengthen, according to CardinalStone’s mid-year outlook.

The expected increase in reserves is linked to the federal government’s plan to raise $3.2 billion in the second half of the year to address certain fiscal needs. Potential inflows from portfolio investors are also anticipated to support this outlook.

“These proposed external borrowings, alongside other anticipated inflows, will likely boost the FX reserves to $41.00 billion by year-end, compared to $37.27 billion as of H1’25,” the Lagos-based research and investment firm stated in its report.

A stronger external reserve position is seen as a positive for the naira, with the firm projecting the local currency to stay within the N1,550.00 — N1,635.00 per dollar range through the end of 2025.

So far this year, Nigeria’s FX reserves have dropped by over $3.5 billion as the central bank settled around $2 billion in external obligations and continued to inject dollars into the market to sustain liquidity and stabilize the naira amid global challenges.

CardinalStone Research analysts noted that external pressures—including instability in the Middle East and new tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump—have driven $22.83 billion in FX outflows, as investors pivot to US Treasuries and Gold.

This situation has prompted the central bank to implement a “discretionary FX framework”, resulting in the sale of $4.72 billion to counteract market distortions.

The report highlighted that the CBN’s average monthly FX intervention stood at $786.58 million, significantly below the pre-COVID average of $2.30 billion and the post-COVID level of $1.38 billion, both of which were previously used to support the naira despite broader macroeconomic weaknesses.

To control inflation, attract foreign investment, and boost the naira’s value, monetary authorities have maintained key interest rates for two consecutive sessions after increasing lending rates by a total of 875 basis points to 27.5 percent.

The analysts foresee an additional 50 to 100 basis point adjustment before the year concludes, potentially easing the burden on businesses affected by high borrowing costs.

The combination of tighter monetary policy, improved FX reserves, and more effective FX management is gradually restoring investor confidence, which had declined during previous episodes of currency instability.

Nonetheless, the forecast remains vulnerable to shifts in global oil prices, the level of portfolio investments, and how quickly fiscal consolidation efforts advance. Disruptions in these areas could negatively affect both reserves and currency stability.

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BIG STORY

Dangote Refinery To End Crude Imports By December — Bloomberg Report

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery plans to stop importing crude oil by December 2025, aiming to replace hundreds of thousands of barrels per day of imported crude with domestic supply.

A Bloomberg report quoted Devakumar Edwin, Vice President at Dangote Industries, who oversees the 650,000-barrel-per-day facility in Lagos, saying that contracts with foreign crude suppliers will expire, allowing the refinery to shift to sourcing feedstock locally.

Edwin stated that the refinery had previously imported crude from Brazil, Angola, Ghana, and Equatorial Guinea. However, he explained that “improved relations between the refinery, local oil traders and the government will result in a steady supply of Nigerian crude.”

The report noted that in June, the plant received about half of its crude from local producers, who will be able to supply more as their foreign commitments wind down.

Edwin said, “We expect some of the long-term contracts will expire. Personally, and as a company, we expect that before the end of the year, we can transition 100 per cent to local crude.”

Data compiled by Bloomberg revealed that in June, the refinery sourced 53 per cent of its crude from domestic producers and 47 per cent from the United States.

Edwin added that the plant is currently processing 550,000 barrels of crude per day.

According to cargo allocations seen by Bloomberg News, Dangote was scheduled to receive five cargoes from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in July, with the same amount set for August. Each cargo contains nearly one million barrels of crude.

Aliko Dangote constructed the $20 billion refinery to end the export of Nigerian crude for refining abroad and the subsequent importation of refined products.

The gradual ramp-up of the refinery has already enabled Nigeria to become a net exporter of petroleum products, despite initial challenges in securing adequate domestic crude to reach its full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. This led to the refinery relying heavily on foreign crude.

Dangote recently stated that despite a naira-for-crude deal, the refinery had been largely dependent on crude from the United States.

The refinery expects a notable increase in local crude supply over the coming months.

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BIG STORY

UBA, Wema, GTB Resume International Transactions On Naira Cards After Years Of Suspension

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Three commercial banks in Nigeria have revealed the recommencement of international transactions on their naira cards. In separate messages to customers, the United Bank of Africa (UBA), Wema Bank, and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) confirmed that the service is back on their naira cards. This change comes about three years after several banks halted international transactions on naira debit cards.

In a recent notice to customers, UBA stated the resumption is part of its ongoing commitment to delivering seamless and improved banking experiences. “In line with our continued commitment to providing you with seamless and enhanced banking experiences, we are pleased to inform you that all UBA Premium Naira Cards, including Gold, Platinum, and World variants are now enabled for international transactions,” the message read. “This means you can now use your Premium Naira Card for everyday payments, online shopping, POS, and ATM transactions across the world, with more ease and flexibility. If you haven’t used your card recently, now’s a great time to rediscover the convenience and prestige that comes with being a UBA premium cardholder.”

In its own statement, Wema Bank informed customers they could now “pay in dollars” using their naira cards. “Your Wema Naira Mastercard just went global! Now you can pay in dollars on all your favourite international platforms; Amazon, eBay, AliExpress? Netflix, Spotify, YouTube,” the bank noted.

In an email to customers, GTB explained that users can spend up to one thousand dollars every quarter with its naira card worldwide. “We are pleased to inform you that you now have a quarterly limit of $1,000 on your GTBank Naira Card to pay for all your favourite things anywhere in the world,” it said. “Withdrawals at ATMs Abroad: $500 quarterly. Online and POS Transactions: $1,000 quarterly. Kindly note that the quarterly limit of $1,000 covers all transactions including ATM cash withdrawals abroad, purchases on international websites, POS payments outside Nigeria, and more.”

WHY BANKS ARE MAKING THE SHIFT

Ayokunle Olubunmi, head of financial institutions ratings at Agusto & Co, explained that the improved liquidity in the foreign exchange (FX) market encouraged banks to restart global transactions with their naira cards. “The moderating premium on the parallel market transactions and the reduced arbitrage opportunities is also responsible for the decision,” he said.

Charles Sanni, chief executive officer of Cowry Treasurers, told TheCable that the smaller spread between the official and parallel market rates likely influenced the move. He added that interest rates are very high in Nigeria, which discourages borrowing to speculate on foreign exchange. “The naira has also continued to appreciate against the other major currencies of the world. More so, there has been increased diaspora remittances based on the new policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on opening of accounts for non-residents, particularly Nigerians in diaspora,” he explained.

Sanni also pointed to renewed confidence in FX management by the federal government and the CBN, noting improvements in fund transfers and capital repatriation. He mentioned that factors such as an improved credit rating for Nigeria, the clearance of FX backlogs, a “new trading platform, increase in oil prices from geopolitical conflicts, and banks capitalisation” also played a role.

Between July 2022 and January 2023, several other banks had also temporarily stopped international transactions on ATMs and POS channels. The pause was due to severe FX scarcity, which posed a risk to vital sectors of the economy.

In July, Standard Chartered Bank halted international transactions on its naira visa debit card. First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), on September 21, 2022, announced it would stop international transactions on its naira Mastercard. Three months later, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) suspended global payments on its naira Mastercard, and Zenith Bank followed suit on January 9, 2023.

Flutterwave, Eversend, and other fintech platforms also suspended their virtual card services for international transactions.

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