Standard Bank prepares for worse bad debt

The bank says says credit impairment charges in the first three months of the year were significantly higher than a year ago.

Gemfields steps up security to protect its gems

The Mozambican government recently released prisoners to reduce overcrowding in its prisons, including around 150 illegal miners.

Octodec withholds dividend amid uncertainty

The property group says future payouts are at the mercy of a shrinking economy, rising unemployment and declining disposable income.

KAP warns a dividend is unlikely as it cuts salaries

The industrial group says it is cutting costs, including its wage bill, and its board is unlikely to declare a dividend this year.

Nu-World cushioned by offshore businesses

The consumer electronics group is expanding products and brands offshore as it battles weak consumer demand in SA.

Lockdown adds pressure to Cashbuild’s sales

The building materials retailer says its SA stores are operating under strict guidelines and reduced hours.

Sasol slides as oil prices turn negative

The oil and chemicals group fell sharply before recovering most of its losses as oil futures contracts for May expired.

BHP maintains guidance despite Covid-19 setback

The mining giant expects full-year production to be in line with last year but may trim capital spending going into 2021.

Eskom serves force majeure letters on Wescoal

Wescoal says Eskom has not yet indicated how its coal supply agreement with its power stations will be affected.

Liberty open for business - from home

The life assurer says the impact of volatile market conditions has been felt mostly in its Shareholder Investment Portfolio.

Quilter to proceed with dividend payout

The wealth manager says its financial position remains strong after completing part of its share buyback programme.

Stenprop says its properties remain in demand

The group says it continues to attract new tenants for its multi-let industrial properties through digital channels.

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Pandemic reins in horse racing

Phumelela says an extended lockdown could spell disaster for the local industry, resulting in rationalisation and job losses.

Exxaro questions Eskom's force majeure

The resources group says after consulting its lawyers, it does not believe the event constitutes a force majeure.

Life Healthcare preps for pandemic

The private hospitals group has suspended all non-urgent procedures, freeing up beds for an expected influx of Covid-19 patients.

Whose telling fibs, equity or credit ?

EOH speeds up disposals due to Covid-19

German firm RIB Software has accelerated its call option for the outstanding stake in CCS, while EOH has also sold LSD back to its sellers.

Steinhoff reports deteriorating conditions

The retailer says restrictions on trade due to social distancing and lockdown measures will hurt revenue this year.

South32 on track despite Covid-32 impact

The diversified miner says apart from some SA and Colombian operations, full-year production guidance remains intact.

Harmony set to restart local production

The gold producer says it will take up to five working days to restart its underground operations and steps have been taken to protect workers.

Implats exec arrested as workers return

The platinum miner recalled some of its workforce last week as it prepares to increase production under government guidelines.

Mediclinic puts off operations to focus on pandemic

The private hospitals group has suspended non-urgent elective surgery to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Road ahead uncertain as Zeder recovers

While providing essential services, the food and agriculture investment company says it is not to immune to challenges posed by Covid-19.

Murray and Roberts warns of Covid-19 hit

The engineering and construction services group says lockdown conditions will have a considerable negative impact on earnings.

The Week Ahead with Chris Gilmour 20 April 2020

Chinese GDP growth contracts to levels not experienced since the 1970s

Hulamin keeping a close eye on its cash

The aluminium products manufacturer says it is managing cash flows and costs daily as the lockdown continues.

Ecsponent plans pref share restructure

The small cap financial services company wants to convert R2.56 billion in preference shares into equity following a change to its business model.

Vodacom increases capacity as demand soars

The network operator has applied for additional spectrum and plans to spend millions to add capacity due to more customers working from home.

Tiger Brands closes Durban bakery after Covid-19 scare

The fast-moving consumer goods group says staff who tested positive for the virus working in the admin building.

Ascendis finds buyer for Scitec as it accelerates disposals

The pharmaceuticals and healthcare group says the proceeds will be used to reduce debt and enhance its balance sheet and liquidity.

“A negative endowment”

Ingham Analytics have repeatedly warned about exposure to banking stocks in several notes and they say the recent cuts in interest rates reinforce their bearish stance.

Who's doing what this week in the South African M&A space?

Weekly summary of Merger & Acquisition activity by South African companies

Who's doing what in the African M&A space?

Weekly summary of all Merger & Acquisition activity from across Africa (excluding South Africa)

Truworths may exit Office: report

Sky News reports that a professional services firm has been appointed to run an accelerated sales process for the UK shoe chain.

HomeChoice pulls dividend for now

The direct marketer and fintech company says it will release a revised dividend timetable with its interim results in August.

Weekly corporate finance activity by SA exchange-listed companies

Weekly summary of corporate finance activity by South African exchange listed companies

Thorts - The Cannabis Industry in Africa – a growing trend

The substantial economic potential offered by properly-regulated Cannabis markets in Africa means that regulating the industry is becoming increasingly urgent

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