Miners seek clarity on Covid-19 lockdown

Most mines are being placed on care and maintenance but some remain critical to the economy, including those supplying coal to Eskom.

Hotel and casino operators close shop

Operators in the hospitality sector are preparing to close almost all their operations for the duration of the countrywide lockdown.

Brait likely to take a hit from coronavirus

The investment group says companies in its portfolio will be affected differently by the pandemic, with most of its Virgin Active gyms closing.

Dividends postponed as companies conserve cash

Mpact and Trellidor have delayed payment of their dividends until September in order to preserve financial liquidity due to current uncertainty.

Sappi declares force majeure at Saiccor Mill

The pulp and paper producer says the Vulindlela expansion project will undergo a controlled shut down due to the pending lockdown.

Master Drilling benefits from diversification

The drilling services specialist has maintained a stable order book as it develops new technology and makes complementary acquisitions.

Dividends on hold as companies batten down the hatches

A growing number of property groups say retaining cash will help them weather the difficult conditions that are likely to continue for the short term.

ADvTECH defers dividend as pandemic spreads

The private education and staffing group says it will revisit the situation at its May board meeting and may resort to share buybacks.

Banks ready to assist customers

Standard Bank says it remains well capitalised and liquid but cannot estimate the likely negative impact Covid-19 will have on its performance.

What do fixed income and equities have in common? A lot says Ingham Analytics.

In another timely Macro Insight at a time of turmoil in markets is titled "Fixed income leads the way for equities" offers valuable pointers- and lessons.

Rhodes reports rising demand for tinned goods

Households are stocking up on long life products including canned meat and vegetables and baby food due to Covid-19.

Famous Brands restricted by Covid-19 rules

The casual dining restaurant group is beefing up its home delivery capability but says trading will become increasingly difficult, impacting sales this year.

Alexander Forbes halts Mercer share buybacks

The companies say they will revisit the share repurchase at a later date once markets have settled.

Steinhoff sales impacted by Covid-19

While supply chain disruptions are easing, the retail group says turnover will be impacted as European countries restrict trading.

AngloGold closes Argentine mine due to Covid-19

The gold producer says it is developing plans to help regain delayed production once mining operations resume.

Covid-19 adds to Investec’s challenges

The bank and wealth manager will report a decline in full-year earnings, with the pandemic impacting fourth-quarter results.

Datatec benefits from more home workers

The ICT group says its Logicalis and Westcon division have reported rising orders for remote access computing, security and collaboration networks.

MTN slashes data prices in CompCom deal

The network operator says it will reduce the price of its monthly bundles by up to a half next month.

The Week Ahead with Chris Gilmour 23 March 2020

Fear grips the world

New focus pays off for Grand Parade

The investment group has liquidated loss-making franchises and is disposing of businesses so it can improve shareholder returns.

Capitec moves to calm investors

The mass market bank and lender has defended the resilience of its business model following a sell-off of its shares this week.

Sasfin ready to deal with Covid-19 fallout

The bank says it is taking steps to protect stakeholders and has appropriate capital, liquidity and funding buffers in place.

Amplats counts the cost of plant repairs

The group is reviewing its capex plans for the year due to the expense of fixing the converter plant at its Waterval smelter.

EOH cuts losses as restructuring progresses

The technology group is halfway through a two-year turnaround as it cuts costs, sells non-performing businesses and reduces debt.

Rain buoys ARC

The investment group has grown its intrinsic value during a turbulent period thanks to an increase in the value of the data network operator.

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)

Weekly corporate finance activity by SA exchange-listed companies

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

Thorts - Creating a Cannabusiness in South Africa

Businesses should be well aware of the risks involved, the regulatory requirements and licences necessary, before entering into the Cannabis market

Metair prepared for Covid-19

The manufacturer has benefited from new vehicle launches but says it is already seeing declines in new vehicle sales and exports due to the pandemic.

Libstar dishes up higher earnings

The branded food producer and distributor has benefited from improving profit margins and a lower interest bill.

OPEC – minus 1

Sasol is under considerable pressure, with massive loss of value for shareholders. Ingham Analytics issues a timely Macro Insight on the oil market.

Balwin says residential demand remains strong

The residential property developer says it is keeping a close watch on the Covid-19 virus despite strong demand for its lifestyle apartments.

PPC sees signs of stabilising volumes

The cement producer says year-to-date sales are down in SA but most of its international operations have continued to grow revenue.

TeleMasters flags higher earnings

The telecommunications solutions company credits a debt recovery for the improvement.

Unicorn warns of steeper losses

The mining services group is no longer selling its Nkomati Anthracite and Benison Coal operations but has earmarked others for disposal.