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GCR Affirms Dangote Cement Plc’s Long Term Issuer Rating of AAA(NG), Stable Outlook

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Dangote Cement - Investors King

GCR Ratings (“GCR”) has affirmed Dangote Cement Plc’s national scale long-term and short-term Issuer ratings of AAA(NG) and A1+(NG) respectively, with the Outlook accorded as Stable. Concurrently, GCR has affirmed the national scale long-term Issue rating of AAA(NG) each accorded to the existing N100bn Series 1 Senior Unsecured Bonds and N50bn Series 1 (Tranche A-C) Senior Unsecured Bonds, with the Outlook accorded as Stable.

Rated Entity / Issue Rating class Rating scale Rating Outlook / Watch
Dangote Cement Plc Long Term Issuer National AAA(NG) Stable Outlook
Short Term Issuer National A1+(NG)
N100bn Series 1 Senior Unsecured Bond Long Term Issue National AAA(NG)
N3.64bn Series 1 Tranche A Senior Unsecured Bond Long Term Issue National AAA(NG)
N10.45bn Series 1 Tranche B Senior Unsecured Bond Long Term Issue National AAA(NG)
N35.91bn Series 1 Tranche C Senior Unsecured Bond Long Term Issue National AAA(NG)

Rating Rationale

The ratings reflect Dangote Cement Plc’s (“DCP” or “the Group”) competitive position as one of Africa’s leading integrated cement manufacturers, evidenced by very strong earnings, robust cash flows and solid gearing metrics.

DCP’s ability to penetrate new markets with large-scale, modern and energy-efficient factories give it a strong competitive edge in the African market. Nevertheless, the company profile is constrained by the very high concentration to the Nigerian market, accounting for about 88% of group EBITDA and 65% of capacity at end-March 2021. In recent periods, DCP has increased focus on its export strategy within West and Central Africa, which should support the advancement of its competitive positioning across the African continent, albeit marginally offset by the higher risks in many of the countries it is targeting.

DCP’s market dominance has translated into very strong earnings and cash flows, with the EBITDA margin registering around 47% over the last five years, well above the industry average. Based on the 1Q FY21 management results to 31 March 2021, the margin registered around 53% (FY20: 46%), supported by improved cement volume sales across its key markets, and its cost control efforts with cheaper fuel mix and lower power costs. Inflationary pressure and foreign currency shortages (particularly in Nigeria) are expected to continue to weigh adversely on production costs and operating expenses, but DCP’s strong financial profile serves to moderate the impact of external shocks. The current headroom to ramp-up production volumes based on existing capacity across other market should drive strong earnings growth over the medium term, while sustaining strong margins.

At 1Q FY21, gross debt declined to N426bn following part repayment of the existing obligations. This saw annualised net debt to EBITDA registered at a low 0.4x, against 0.7x recorded at FY20, indicative of a strong credit protection. Similarly, EBITDA coverage of net interest was high at 16x in 1Q FY21, from an average of 11x between FY16 and FY20. In May 2021, DCP successfully raised N50bn from the debt capital market in Series 1 Senior Unsecured Bond Issue under its N300bn Bond Issuance Programme. Notwithstanding the additional amounts raised under the Programme, GCR expects the Group to continue to demonstrate strong financial flexibility, with net debt to EBITDA (including operating leases) expected to range between 40%-55% over the outlook period, and net interest cover projected between 10x and 15x. The Group’s robust operating cash flow is a key mitigant against concerns of higher debt. In this regard, Operating cash flow (OCF) coverage of debt registered at 166% in 1Q FY21 and should remain strong over the rating horizon.

DCP’s liquidity assessment is underpinned by expectation that cash flows will remain strong, along with N146m in cash and N153m in unutilised committed funding lines. Nevertheless, the assessment is somewhat constrained by the very high level of short-term debt, as well as the historically high dividend pay-out ratios. The uses vs. sources liquidity coverage is estimated at 1.3x over the next 12 months.

The N50bn Series 1 Senior Unsecured Bond is split into N3.64bn Tranche A, N10.45bn Tranche B and N35.91bn Tranche C, with varying interest rates and maturities in 2024, 2026 and 2028, respectively. Being senior unsecured debt of DCP, the existing N100bn Series 1 Bond and the additional N50bn Series 1 Tranche A-C Bonds rank pari passu with all other senior unsecured creditors. As such, the Bonds will bear the same national scale long term rating as that accorded to DCP. Accordingly, any change in DCP’s long term Issuer rating would impact the Bond rating.

Outlook Statement

The Stable Outlook reflects GCR’s view of DCP’s robust earnings and strong cash flows, which serves to moderate the impact of external shocks and limit recourse to additional debt.

Rating Triggers

A rating upgrade is not possible as DCP’s long-term and short-term ratings are the highest possible ratings on GCR’s rating scale. However, downward ratings pressure could arise from protracted earnings pressure or greater competition emerging from major international cement manufacturers. The aggressive dividend policy could result in materially higher than anticipated leverage and adversely impact GCR’s view of liquidity.

 

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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DLM Trust Unveils DLM Single Asset Trust

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DLM Capital Group

DLM Trust, a subsidiary of DLM Capital Group is thrilled to announce the launch of DLM Single Asset Trust.

The model is a variant of the Living Trust construct that allows for a groundbreaking solution for individuals or Corporations seeking to settle assets into a trust, for the benefit of themselves and their chosen beneficiaries.

The DLM Single Asset Trust guarantees that peoples’ assets are protected and managed in accordance with their intentions by operating under the tenets of trust, security, and careful management. The DLM SAT offers a novel approach to trust services by fusing state-of-the-art technology with knowledgeable advice to enable people and families effortlessly manage their assets.

DLM SAT enables individuals, often referred to as Settlors, to create a single asset trust that will serve both their own and their designated beneficiaries’ purposes. The Trust Fund may be started using the Settlor’s assets/funds and then expanded with future contributions in accordance with the Settlor’s goals. Only authorised individuals, including the settlor, can access the trust because of its strong independent and confidentiality level. DLM Trust Company holds the Fund in trust and manages it for the benefit of the Settlor and designated Beneficiaries.

In a statement, MD of DLM Trust, Lola Razaaq commented on the introduction of the DLM Single Asset Trust, stating that it is a means of establishing a timeline for legacy preservation. “The DLM SAT is our newest offering, and we are thrilled to announce this important milestone for DLM Trust.” The aim of our organisation is to equip people and families with the necessary resources and assistance to safeguard and maintain their heritage for future generations. “Furthermore, we are transforming the concept of future planning with DLM Single Asset Trust.” she said.

DLM Trust Company Limited is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act to provide trust services to individuals, corporations, sub-sovereign entities. As always, strategic thinking and innovation will be combined by DLM Trust Company to offer its clients best-in-class services. Since its founding, DLM Trust has worked on a variety of creative and unique transactions, including securitizations, private and public bonds.

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Shell’s $2.4bn Asset Sale Under Close Scrutiny

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Shell

The proposed $2.4 billion asset sale by energy giant Shell to Renaissance Africa Energy has become the focal point of intense scrutiny as the Federal Government of Nigeria aims to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance in the transaction.

The deal has sparked widespread interest and raised questions about its implications for the country’s energy landscape.

Shell, a prominent British energy major with a century-long history of operations in the Niger Delta, announced in January its intention to divest its Nigerian onshore subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, to Renaissance Africa Energy.

This landmark agreement, if finalized, would represent a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s energy sector dynamics.

Renaissance Africa Energy, a consortium comprising five companies, including four Nigerian-based exploration and production firms and an international energy group, has confirmed its participation in the deal.

The consortium’s involvement underscores its strategic positioning to capitalize on Nigeria’s vast energy resources and contribute to the country’s economic development.

The proposed transaction, however, is contingent upon approvals from the Federal Government of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies.

To ensure adherence to regulatory protocols and safeguard national interests, the government has initiated a comprehensive due diligence process, commencing with a high-level meeting held on Monday.

Parties involved in the deal, alongside officials from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), convened in Abuja for a thorough examination of the transaction details.

Gbenga Komolafe, the Chief Executive of NUPRC, outlined the government’s objective to conclude the divestment exercise by June, underscoring the importance of timely and meticulous evaluation.

Komolafe revealed that the government has enlisted the expertise of two globally renowned consulting firms, S&P Global and the BCG Group, to facilitate the due diligence process.

These consultants, recognized for their proficiency in financial analysis and regulatory compliance, will collaborate with NUPRC to ensure that the transaction aligns with industry best practices and regulatory standards.

The due diligence meeting served as a forum to discuss the proposed divestment of Shell’s participating interests in the SPDC JV assets, which are currently operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigerian Limited.

These assets, awarded as Oil Exploration Licence-1 in 1949, have played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, contributing significantly to the nation’s crude oil and gas output.

With an estimated total reserve of nearly 5 billion barrels of oil and extensive gas resources, the SPDC JV assets hold immense strategic importance for Nigeria’s energy security and economic prosperity.

However, as Nigeria seeks to optimize its energy sector operations, the selection of a responsible and capable successor to manage these assets remains paramount.

As discussions continue and the due diligence process unfolds, stakeholders remain optimistic about the prospects of the deal.

Representatives from Shell, Renaissance Africa Energy, and regulatory authorities expressed their commitment to ensuring a transparent and seamless transition, with the overarching goal of advancing Nigeria’s energy sector agenda.

The outcome of the scrutiny surrounding Shell’s $2.4 billion asset sale will not only shape the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape but also demonstrate the country’s commitment to fostering a conducive investment environment and promoting sustainable development in the oil and gas sector.

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NNPC and ARPHL Collaborate to Expand Port Harcourt Refinery to 310,000bpd

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NNPC - Investors King

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has joined forces with the African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited (ARPHL) to expand the Port Harcourt Refinery.

The collaboration entails ARPHL’s subscription of a 15% equity stake in the Port Harcourt Refining Company, a move aimed at augmenting the refinery’s daily production capacity from 210,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 310,000bpd.

The agreement, finalized at a signing ceremony held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, underscores the commitment of both parties to bolstering Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector.

Managing Director of African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited, Omotayo Adebajo, and NNPC’s Executive Vice-President, Downstream, Adedapo Segun, sealed the deal, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.

According to statements released by NNPC and ARPHL, the subscription agreement represents a crucial step towards expanding Nigeria’s refining capacity and addressing the nation’s persistent reliance on imported petroleum products.

The proposed increment of 100,000bpd in the Port Harcourt Refinery’s capacity is poised to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, fostering economic resilience and energy security.

Speaking on the collaboration, NNPC’s Executive Vice-President highlighted the strategic significance of co-locating the proposed additional refining capacity with the existing facilities at the Port Harcourt Refinery complex.

The move not only optimizes existing infrastructure but also underscores NNPC’s commitment to modernizing and revitalizing Nigeria’s refining sector.

In a similar vein, Tola Ayo-Adeyemi, Group Executive Director, Legal and Regulatory Compliance at African Refinery Group, emphasized the transformative impact of the collaboration on Nigeria’s energy landscape.

He highlighted the ARPHL refinery project’s position as the largest private refinery in Nigeria’s South-South and South-East geopolitical regions, underscoring its pivotal role in driving regional development and economic growth.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the ARPHL refinery project, scheduled for later this year, symbolizes a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards energy independence.

With construction slated to commence in 2025 and commercial operations targeted for 2027, the project represents a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s refining sector, promising to deliver over 30 million liters of various petroleum products daily upon completion.

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