TIDMINQO
RNS Number : 8070H
Inqo Investments Limited
29 November 2022
Inqo Investments Limited
Unaudited Group Results for the period ended 31 August 2022
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE STATEMENT
Inqo Investments Limited ("Inqo" or "the Group") is a South
African based social impact company that acquires and invests in
businesses that tackle poverty and the social needs of low-income
earners in Sub-Saharan Africa.
COMMENTARY
The Group remains in a good financial position with total assets
of R 147,458,432 and minimal debt. Funds provided by shareholders
of R2,824,078 and the proceeds of R1,481,182 from the sale of the
groups interest in its Bee Sweet Honey investment have provided the
Group with the funds to support subsidiaries from a working capital
perspective. Furthermore, the Group expects to receive the first
tranche of monies from Reforest 'Action in early 2023 pertaining to
the spekboom project. A portion will be earned by the Group for
project management services delivered and the balance will be used
to fund operations.
Kuzuko Lodge, the main subsidiary of Inqo Investments, has
required continued financial support through the Covid-19 pandemic
period. Travel restrictions, lockdowns and consumer confidence in
travel have significantly impacted the business throughout the
financial year to date - as it has for the hospitality industry
around the world.
There are a number of challenges for businesses across the
group. However, the outlook has improved since the height of the
Covid-19 pandemic and the directors of the company have assessed
that it will continue as a going concern.
The results for the six months under review showed revenue of
R3,389,258 (August 2021: R607,688) and incurred a loss after tax of
R 4 327 761 (August 2021: R5,060,946). The loss for the period is
reported after accounting for the following operating costs:
August 2022 August 2021
Depreciation 1,730,282 1,659,770
Listing expenses 428,462 357,806
Directors' fees and salaries 490,403 418,136
Professional fees 315,678 321,415
Impairments and fair value adjustments 194,417 -
Like businesses around the world, the Group has been heavily
impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. To counter the effects of the
pandemic, the Group has taken extensive steps to reduce costs with
companies in the Group adopting industry appropriate strategies to
operate safely and effectively under challenging condition. The
diverse nature of the Group portfolio has meant that the impact of
the pandemic has been less significant across investee companies in
the hospitality sector than the agricultural sector. Now that most
of the world has relaxed Covid-19 restrictions, the companies in
the Group are seeing their operations returning to some form of
normality, but whilst some were able to grow despite the pandemic,
others have yet to return to pre-Covid-19 business levels.
The directors of the holding company reviewed the valuation
placed on all assets to ensure that they reflect their fair value.
This review was done at 31 August 2022 and having conducted the
review, the directors are of the view that the Group's assets are
reflected at fair value. In reaching this conclusion it was decided
that the group's investment in Four One Financial Services was
further impaired by R 194,417 (August 2021: R 16,196 ).
INVESTEE COMPANIES
Kuzuko Lodge (South Africa)
Kuzuko Lodge ("Kuzuko") reopened to guests on 1 September 2021
but has not yet reached pre-Covid-19 trading levels. The tourism
industry has been particularly effected in the Eastern Cape
Province with tour operators reporting that interest in the region
is not returning at the same pace as other South African
destinations. The management team at Kuzuko is now actively seeking
new strategies to position the lodge in the post-pandemic market.
An improvement in bookings at the Lodge is expected to be felt when
international bookings for the traditional peak season commence.
Revenue levels for Kuzuko, are not expected to return closer to
pre-pandemic levels until the 2023/4 financial year.
Pre-Covid, the Lodge had a full-time staff complement of 64, the
bulk of whom were drawn from the local community. Currently the
staff complement is 31 who once again are mainly drawn from the
local community. The directors of the company and the management
company, Legacy Hotels and Resorts, have maintained contact with
the members of the workforce who were retrenched/laid off and
provided them with food parcels during the period that the Lodge
has been closed in recent months. The previously retrenched/laid
off staff will be re-employed by the Lodge as soon as occupancies
allow.
Spekboom Trading (South Africa)
The company signed an agreement with Reforest'Action, a B Corp
certified reforestation specialist based in Paris, France in August
2022 to reforest over 5,000 hectares of degraded land on the Kuzuko
Private Game Reserve. The restoration project, one of the largest
of its kind, will make an important contribution towards climate
change through carbon sequestration, whilst restoring habitats to
boost biodiversity and creating jobs.
The project is a direct response to the call for action by the
UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration for individuals and
organisations to rapidly upscale the implementation of ecosystem
restoration projects so that hundreds of millions of hectares of
degraded land are restored by the year 2030.
Bee Sweet Honey (Zambia)
Inqo made a series of investments in the Bee Sweet commercial
honey production operation between 2016 and 2019. Bee Sweet Honey
contracts with rural farmers to manage hives placed on farmers'
land in return for a share of the profit from the harvest.
The directors of the company realised that this investment was
not performing in terms of its agreed financial mandate and thus
concluded a sale agreement in May 2022 to dispose of the Bee Sweet
investment. The realisation of this asset was done at a capital
loss to the company.
Four-One Financial Services Limited (Uganda)
Inqo made an initial investment in 2017 and a further investment
in 2018 in Four-One Financial Services Limited ("Four-One"), a
Ugandan based financial services company that pioneered a
micro-pension approach in Uganda and has also offered savings and
short-term loan products. A combination of regulatory challenges
and the Covid-19 pandemic led Four-One to pivot their business
model into property development. Four One launched Bitbricks in
2021, leveraging their financial expertise and technology platforms
to offer micro shares in property developments which offer
affordable housing at 20% below market rate whilst offering
investors a financial return.
Bitbricks are now looking to complete their phase one
development in December 2022 and are now looking for additional
investment to begin phase two with the construction of a second
apartment block. Bitbricks have two units remaining to be sold in
their phase one development after which they anticipate starting to
pay back their investors in Q1 2023.
South Lake Medical Centre (Kenya)
South Lake Medical Centre ("SLMC") is a private healthcare
provider in the Naivasha region of Kenya serving predominantly
low-income flower farm workers. SLMC operate a 'hub and spoke'
model around a 30-bed private referral-level hospital with smaller
satellite clinics based on surrounding flower farms and in nearby
population centres. Inqo invested in SLMC in the 2019/20 year. The
Naivasha region in Kenya is predominantly populated by low-income
workers working in the horticultural, agricultural and tourism
industries.
SLMC has continued to execute its growth plans despite
challenging conditions this financial year including challenging
economic conditions in the country, the challenges of working with
Kenya's National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and a period of
uncertainty during the Kenyan election. SLMC have worked
extensively on developing and refining their medical, financial and
businesses processes to ensure they can offer high quality care at
affordable prices with improvements made across the board. SLMC is
in a stable financial position with the management team controlling
costs well in what is at times a turbulent business environment.
The SLMC team also achieved an important win this year as they were
recently upgraded from Level 3 to Level 4 by NHIF in recognition of
the developments in their major surgical unit placing the facility
on par with a district level hospital.
Kentegra Biotechnology Limited (Kenya)
Kentegra Biotechnology Limited ("Kentegra") is a Kenyan based
biotechnology firm owned by the US holding company, Kentegra
Biotechnology Holdings LLC. Kentegra produces pyrethrum, a natural
active ingredient from the chrysanthemum flower, for the use in
biocide, agricultural and pharmaceutical pesticide markets. The
chrysanthemum flowers must be grown in specific conditions in order
to produce pyrethrum. These conditions are found only in a few
places around the world, predominantly East Africa (Tanzania,
Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya) and Australia. With ideal growing
conditions, Kenya was once the largest producer of pyrethrum in the
world until management issues and synthetic alternatives led to a
major decline in the nationalised industry in the early 2000s. In
2013, the Kenyan government liberalised the pyrethrum sector in a
concerted effort to revive the industry and support the growing
worldwide "organic" movement. Kentegra is one of the six companies
in Kenya with a licence to produce pyrethrum.
Kentegra has continued to push forward and grow throughout this
financial year despite challenging conditions including extended
periods of drought in the East African region which have impacted
flower production. The team have continued to focus on refining
their agronomy practices and production practices with increased
efficiencies across the board. Sales remain strong with Kentegra
shipping product across the globe including North America, Africa,
Asia and Europe. At its core, Kentegra remains committed primarily
to its farmers providing them with additional benefits such as
financial training in support of human flourishing.
Sanergy Incorporated (Kenya)
Sanergy Incorporated ("Sanergy") is a Nairobi based firm
recycling sanitation and organic waste into high protein animal
feed, fertilizer and biomass briquettes using an innovative
circular economy approach. Sanergy currently recycles 40,000 tons
of organic waste per year. At full capacity, the factory is capable
of processing 90,000 tons of organic waste per annum.
Sanergy have made steady progress during this financial year
with demand consistently outstripping supply for their products and
a successful investment round completed. The rise in fuel prices,
in part due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, has led to a significant
rise in fertilizer prices which has increased demand Sanergy's
organic Evergrow fertilizer. In response, Sanergy are looking to
establish fertilizer operations across Kenya which are simpler
operations than their complete factory but will play an important
role in Kenya's food security. Sales of Kuzapro insect protein also
comfortably outstrip supply with both domestic and international
interest. Sanergy are also exploring possible carbon finance
options due to the carbon savings from their circular economy
approach - potentially a valuable new revenue stream. Sanergy going
forward will operate under Regen Organics brand, which reflects its
links to regenerative agriculture and the circular economy.
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
Aquis Exchange PLC (AIM: AQX) acquired the NEX Exchange in March
2020, which has now been renamed The Aquis Stock Exchange (AQSE).
Shares on AQSE will remain exempt from Capital Gains Tax and
Inheritance Tax as they were on the NEX Exchange.
OUTLOOK
Kuzuko Lodge - The Lodge reopened in September 2021 and while
there has been a regular flow of guests since that date,
occupancies have not yet reached pre-Covid-19 levels and are not
expected to until the 2023/4 financial year. There has been an
upturn in booking enquiries experienced with booking enquiries
indicating that the property should see an increase in occupancy
levels from November 2022.
Spekboom Trading - Planting in terms of the reforestation
project commenced on 5 September 2022. Planting teams involved in
the planting process are becoming more comfortable with the
planting process and currently planting seedlings/cuttings at an
average rate of 75 acres (30 hectares) a month.
Four-One Financial Services - This business has been especially
hard hit because it serves the informal sector in Uganda with
savings and short-term loans products. The Covid-19 pandemic has
been extremely challenging for the informal sector in Uganda with
many traders going out of business. We are pessimistic about the
outlook given the overall economic impact of the pandemic in
Uganda.
South Lake Medical Centre -Despite the challenging conditions
the management team have made steady progress and continue to make
improvements across the board placing them in a strong position for
the future.
Kentegra Biotechnology - The company continues to perform well
and has made progress in the efficiency of both flower production
and processing this year. With continued strong demand for their
product the outlook for Kentagra is positive.
Sanergy Incorporated - The company rebranded its operation and
now operates as The Sanergy Collaboration. The company enjoys
support from a wide range of clients across all its product lines
where orders for product currently exceed production levels.
SUMMARY OF SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL METRICS SINCE PROJECT
COMMENCEMENT
-- 35,705 acres (14,450 hectares) of former farmland restored as
a game reserve in a region of endemic poverty in the poorest
province in South Africa.
-- Increased VAT and income tax paid by Kuzuko year on year.
-- Currently, Kuzuko has a reduced staff complement due to Covid-19.
-- All staff living at Kuzuko in standard housing with flush
toilets, power, water and solar panels.
-- Conservation of 3 endangered species.
-- Re-wild, bred and released 6 cheetahs with new genetics into
the metapopulation in South Africa, with a further 4 cheetahs still
to be released.
-- Reforestation of 500 acres (200 hectares) of degraded land
with spekboom providing work for 100 part-time staff and
sequestering carbon in prior financial periods.
-- 15 acres (37 hectares) of land between the reception area of
the Lodge and the Lodge area has been replanted with various forms
of vegetation to recover heavily degraded land on the property. As
part of this erosion recovery process 100,000 spekboom cuttings
have been planted.
-- 2,100+ voluntary low-income savers in micro-pension and loan schemes.
-- 60,033 patient visits in the first 9 months of 2022 including
101 safe deliveries, 365 HIV patients receiving care and
counselling, 644 infants immunised, and 28,762 people receiving
health education including, Covid-19 education, through community
outreach programs in Kenya.
-- Increased the economic livelihoods of over 17,000 farmers and
their families in Zambia and Kenya.
-- 4,000 toilets serving 125,000 people daily in Nairobi
-- The reforestation contract planting program, in terms of the
contact signed on 5 August 2022, started on 5 September 2022.
STAFF
The directors would like to take this opportunity to thank all
the operating staff in the Group for their contribution and
commitment to the Group's objectives during this challenging
time.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The financial information set out in this announcement does not
constitute statutory financial statements. This financial
information has been extracted from Inqo's unaudited group
financial statements for the period ended 31 August 2022.
DIVID
The company has not declared a dividend the period ended 31
August 2022.
K.S Tan C.J Bertie
Chairman Chief Financial Officer
Enquiries
Inqo Investments Limited Tel: +27 (0)83 6254069
Chris Bertie, Chief Financial Officer Email: cbertie@acland.co.za
and Chief Operating Officer
Hobart Capital Markets LLP
AQSE Corporate Adviser and Broker Tel: +44 (0)20 7070 5665
Dr Wang Chong Email: wang.chong@hobartcapital.com
Condensed consolidated statement of profit or loss and other
comprehensive income
for the six months ended 31 August 2022
Six Months ended Six Months ended
31 August 2022 31 August 2021
R R
Revenue 3 389 258 607 688
Cost of Sales (481 850) (112 692)
----------------- -----------------
Gross profit 2 907 408 494 996
Other income 761 454 44 773
Personnel expenses (1 962 577) (1 282 230)
Depreciation (1 730 282) (1 659 770)
Loss on disposal of land - (82 898)
Listing expenses (428 462) (357 806)
Professional fees (315 678) (321 415)
Impairment (57 142) (16 196)
Directors emoluments (490 403) (418 136)
Provision for doubtful debts (137 275) -
Selling and administrative expenses (3 826 319) (2 361 669)
----------------- -----------------
Operating loss (5 279 276) (5 960 351)
Net financing income 102 949 122 757
----------------- -----------------
Finance income 184 255 217 629
Finance costs (81 306) (94 872)
----------------- -----------------
Loss before taxation (5 176 327) (5 837 594)
Taxation credit 848 566 776 648
----------------- -----------------
Loss for the period (4 327 761 ) (5 060 946)
----------------- -----------------
Loss attributable to:
Equity holders (4 216 047) (4 938 835)
Non-controlling interest (111 714) (122 111)
----------------- -----------------
(4 327 761) (5 060 946)
----------------- -----------------
Other comprehensive income:
Other comprehensive income - -
Total comprehensive income for the period (4 327 761) (5 060 946)
----------------- -----------------
Condensed consolidated statement of financial position
as at 31 August 2022
Reviewed Audited
31 August 28 February
2021 2021
R R
Assets
Non-current assets 141 662 382 143 346 953
-------------- -------------
Property, plant and equipment 129 893 594 131 315 802
Intangible assets 5 854 8 517
Right of use asset 425 059 505 421
Other investments 11 337 875 11 517 213
Current assets 14 328 453 11 702 363
-------------- -------------
Inventories 4 119 836 4 264 824
Trade and other receivables 3 097 180 3 139 521
Other investments 440 388 440 388
Biological assets 2 864 694 2 864 694
Cash and cash equivalents 3 806 355 992 936
-------------- -------------
Assets held for sale - 5 695 345
-------------- -------------
Land held for sale - 5 695 345
-------------- -------------
Total current assets 14 328 453 17 397 708
-------------
Total assets 155 990 835 160 744 661
============== =============
Equity and liabilities
Capital and reserves
Ordinary share capital 72 584 925 71 809 195
Share premium 87 585 270 86 294 138
Revaluation reserve 72 015 535 72 015 535
Accumulated loss (86 522 896) (81 584 061)
-------------- -------------
Equity attributable to equity holders
of:
Inqo Investments Limited 145 662 833 148 534 807
Non-controlling interest 360 054 482 164
-------------- -------------
Total equity 146 022 887 149 016 971
Non-current liabilities 3 809 633 4 632 671
-------------- -------------
Loans from related parties 167 845 167 845
Other long-term loans 740 384 707 185
Deferred taxation 2 568 257 3 344 896
Lease liability 333 147 412 745
-------------
Current liabilities 6 158 315 7 095 019
-------------- -------------
Trade and other payables 5 788 110 6 695 255
Provision 215 347 253 341
Lease liability 154 858 146 423
-------------- -------------
Total liabilities 9 967 948 11 727 690
-------------
Total equity and liabilities 155 990 835 160 744 661
============== =============
Condensed consolidated statement of financial position
as at 31 August 2022
Reviewed Audited
31 August 28 February
2022 2022
R R
Assets
Non-current assets 135 954 488 137 275 303
-------------- -------------------------
Property, plant and equipment 126 853 067 128 440 653
Intangible assets 2 652 3 622
Right of use asset 308 687 362 693
Other investments 8 790 082 8 468 335
Current assets 10 022 761 10 396 005
-------------- -------------------------
Inventories 4 045 519 4 058 788
Trade and other receivables 2 802 496 2 743 619
Biological assets 2 671 627 2 921 627
Cash and cash equivalents 503 119 671 971
-------------- -------------------------
Assets held for sale 1 481 183 1 333 287
-------------- -------------------------
Assets held for sale 1 481 183 1 333 287
-------------- -------------------------
Total current assets 11 503 944 11 729 292
Total assets 147 458 432 149 004 595
============== =========================
Equity and liabilities
Capital and reserves
Ordinary share capital 72 584 925 72 584 925
Share premium 87 585 270 87 585 270
Revaluation reserve 72 015 535 72 015 535
Accumulated loss (98 180 375) (93 964 328)
-------------- -------------------------
Equity attributable to equity holders
of:
Inqo Investments Limited 134 005 355 138 221 402
Non-controlling interest 136 130 247 844
-------------- -------------------------
Total equity 134 141 485 138 469 246
Non-current liabilities 4 807 132 2 903 675
-------------- -------------------------
Loans from related parties 3 739 431 902 409
Deferred taxation 889 555 1 738 112
Lease liability 178 146 263 154
-------------------------
Current liabilities 8 509 815 7 631 674
-------------- -------------------------
Bank overdraft 575 460 688 491
Trade and other payables 7 741 413 6 770 068
Lease liability 192 942 173 115
-------------- -------------------------
Total liabilities 13 316 947 10 535 349
-------------- -------------------------
Total equity and liabilities 147 458 432 149 004 595
============== =========================
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