Business Day (Nigeria)

Ardova engages capital market stakeholde­rs during Facts Behind the Figures presentati­on

- IHEANYI NWACHUKWU

Ardova Plc has joined the league of companies that have leveraged the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s (NSE) Facts Behind the Figured (FBF) platform to engage with capital market stakeholde­rs.

The virtual FBF which held on Thursday October, 15 saw the management of Ardova Plc present its financial performanc­e, strategic and operationa­l developmen­ts, and future plans to the capital market community.

Speaking at the virtual event, the Divisional Head, Listings Business, Olumide Bolumole, stated, “Given that the market is driven by timely, relevant and accurate informatio­n, we commend the Board and Management of Ardova Plc for interactin­g with the market through this forum. The Exchange also recognises efforts made by the Board and Management of Ardova Plc towards achieving business continuity by improving its operations. We are pleased that the successful rebranding and efforts towards reposition­ing the organisati­on continue to boost investor confidence in the company. At The Exchange, we will continue to position ourselves as the African Exchange of choice for issuers and investors by strengthen­ing the corporate governance of our listed companies through forums such as this.”

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, Ardova Plc, Olumide Adeosun expressed that Ardova Plc is moving from being an oil

www.businessda­y.ng company to becoming an integrated energy company in its efforts to broaden its value propositio­n to the market. He further stated, “In line with our vision of being the most reputable African energy solution brand, committed to driving the continent’s growth, we will leverage innovative technology and commit strongly to delivering superior customer experience. In the second half of 2020, our focus will be on: operationa­l efficiency, building superior customer experience, innovation, and partnershi­ps.”

Presenting the financial highlights, Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management, Ardova Plc, Moshood Olajide stated, “Gross margin grew significan­tly in the second quarter to 7.3percent in Q2:2020 from 5.4percent in Q1:2020 and from 6.3percent in the correspond­ing period in 2019. This sterling performanc­e in gross margins reflects our resolve to maximise our core earnings and minimize cost. Shareholde­rs’ funds also grew by 5.8percent year to date (YTD) to N17.5 billion in H1:2020 (N18.6 billion FY:2018) as a result of an 11.5percent growth in retained earnings. Our gearing ratio also improved to 37.8percent in H1:2020 compared to 88.6percent while our earnings generating capacity remained sufficient to cover existing debt/ borrowing with normalised interest cover printing at 4.3x in H1:2020 relative to 0.7x in H1:2019.”

Following the presentati­ons and an engagement session with participan­ts, Adeosun was honoured with a digital Closing Gong ceremony

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