NGIP Agmark Limited Delivers Profit Despite Drought: FY22 Financial Results Unveiled

NGIP Agmark Limited has announced a preliminary result of K3.97 million after tax for the year ended December 31, 2022. This is a decrease in revenue by K9.4m or 6.33% due to diminished sales in cocoa and coffee exports. However, the company still managed to declare a profit for FY22, proving its resilience despite a challenging year.

NGIP Agmark Limited Decrease in Revenue

The decrease in revenue was mainly due to a drought that hindered cocoa production for most of the year, leading to a significant drop in revenue compared to the previous year. 

However, through key initiatives from past experiences, combined with a robust reporting system and a streamlined management structure, NGIP Agmark Limited was able to minimize costs and take advantage of profit-making opportunities to ensure a profit for FY22.

The company's cost of sales decreased by K8m or 7.5% in FY22, and admin and finance costs grew by 1.31m or 2.8%, mainly due to occupancy costs. 

Despite the increase in occupancy costs, the company closed underperforming branches in the previous year, resulting in a 22% decrease in occupancy costs in FY21.

NGIP Agmark Limited Dividend Payout

During the AGM held in June 2022, the board announced a dividend payout for the FY21 performance of the audited K7.3M profit after tax. A distribution of K0.04 per share was paid in November 2022, marking the second consecutive year that a dividend was paid.

Throughout FY22, the company continued to focus on supporting its customers, especially the cocoa farmers, and solidifying strong relationships with suppliers, providing shareholder value through the challenges of 2022.

Looking forward, NGIP Agmark Limited

Looking forward, NGIP Agmark Limited aims to:

• continue its expansion plans, focusing on investing in technology to improve operational efficiency, and
• enhance customer experience, while also exploring new markets and business opportunities to grow the company's revenue and profitability.

Investors' Takeaway

• Despite facing a challenging year due to a drought that hindered cocoa production, NGIP Agmark Limited managed to declare a profit for FY22, demonstrating the company's resilience and strength.
• The company's focus on cost optimization and taking advantage of profit-making opportunities helped minimize costs and achieve profitability.
• NGIP Agmark Limited paid dividends for two consecutive years, indicating its commitment to creating value for shareholders.
• The company's investment in technology to improve operational efficiency and customer experience, coupled with its exploration of new markets and business opportunities, bodes well for its future growth and profitability.
• NGIP Agmark Limited's continued focus on supporting its customers, especially cocoa farmers, and building strong relationships with suppliers reinforces the company's commitment to its stakeholders and sustainable growth.

In Brief

Despite the challenges faced by NGIP Agmark Limited in FY22, the company has shown resilience and strength, delivering a profit and paying dividends to its shareholders. 

The company's focus on cost optimization and investment in new technology and markets bodes well for its future growth and profitability.

How to Invest in Stocks and Bonds in PNG: A Beginner's Guide

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a rapidly growing economy that offers opportunities for investors who are willing to take on some risk. Investing in stocks and bonds in PNG can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and potentially earn high returns. 

In this beginner's guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to invest in stocks and bonds in PNG.

Choose a Broker

The first step in investing in stocks and bonds in PNG is to choose a broker. There are several reputable brokers in PNG, including 

• Kina Securities, 
• BSP Capital, and 
• Capital Markets. 

It is important to choose a broker that is licensed and regulated by the Bank of PNG to ensure that your investments are safe and secure.

Understand the Fees

When you invest in stocks and bonds in PNG, you will incur brokerage fees, which are charged by the broker for executing trades on your behalf. 

Brokerage fees vary depending on the broker and the size of the trade, but they typically range from 0.25% to 1% of the trade value.

Know the Stocks Available on POMSoX

The PNG Stock Exchange (POMSoX) is the only stock exchange in PNG, and it lists several companies in various sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and mining. 

Some of the stocks available on POMSoX include:

• Bank South Pacific Limited (BSP), 
• Credit Corporation (PNG) Limited (CCP),
• NGIP Agmark (NGP)
• Kina Securities Limited (KSL),
• Newcrest Mining Limited (NCM) and
• City Pharmacy Limited (CPL).

Check out the complete list of companies on POMSox website. 

If you want to find out how to invest in stocks, check out this article I wrote in 2017.

Differentiate Between Stocks and Bonds

Stocks and bonds are two different types of investments that offer different benefits and risks. 

Stocks represent ownership in a company and offer the potential for high returns but come with high risk due to market volatility. 

Bonds, on the other hand, represent debt and offer a fixed rate of return but come with low risk due to their stability.

Understand Government Bonds

Investing in government bonds is a low-risk investment option that offers a fixed rate of return over a set period. 

The Papua New Guinea government issues several types of bonds, including Treasury Bills, Inscribed Stock, and Inscribed Stock Indexed. 

These bonds can be purchased through a broker, and the minimum investment amount is usually PGK 5,000.

Visit the Central Bank of PNG website for more info on Treasury Bill and Government Bond.

(Screenshot Central Bank of PNG Bills and Bonds Rates)

SWOT Analysis of Stocks and Bonds Investments in PNG

Strengths:

• High potential returns in a growing economy
• Diversification opportunities to spread risk
• Government policies to promote investment

Weaknesses:

• Market volatility with fluctuating prices
• Limited options and lack of reliable information
• Currency risk due to exchange rate fluctuations

Opportunities:

• Growing economy with abundant natural resources
• Infrastructure development priorities
• Emerging markets for new investment opportunities

Threats:

• Political instability and natural disasters
• Currency risk and exchange rate fluctuations

Conclusion

Investing in stocks and bonds in PNG can be a lucrative opportunity for investors who are willing to take on some risk. 

By following the steps above, investors can choose a reputable broker, understand the fees, research available stocks, differentiate between stocks and bonds, and understand government bonds. 

With careful consideration and a long-term investment strategy, investors can potentially earn high returns in a growing economy. 

However, it is important to be aware of the risks and threats associated with investing in PNG and to seek advice from professional brokers before making any investment decisions.