The Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) Board has signed off on the financial results for the half-year ended 31 December 2017, which have been reviewed by the company’s auditors, BDO.
The net profit of the group after income tax for the half-year ended 31 December 2017 was $5.31 million.
The group achieved an operating profit before tax (excluding the valuation adjustment and Perth Markets Limited contribution) for the half-year of $6.93 million, which was a similar result to the prior year. The Board is pleased with this result which reflects a period of development of the site, with new revenue streams to commence within the next six months.
The highlights for the reporting period include:
- capital expenditure of $14.3 million for the period including the Multi-level Car Park and various building and site works;
- a Directors’ valuation of the Brisbane Markets Property at $300 million;
- a profit contribution from Perth Markets Limited of $5.97 million (before tax) including the impact of its independent property valuation at 31 December 2017;
- BML group total assets have increased by 5.2% since June 2017 to $348 million;
- BML group net assets have increased by 1.43% since June 2017 to $150.5 million; and
- BML net assets per share is $3.53 per share at 31 December 2017.
PAYMENT OF DIVIDEND
The Board of Directors is also pleased to advise shareholders that the Group’s operating result remains strong and on this basis, the Board has declared an interim dividend for the half-year of 8.0 cents per share, fully franked. This dividend is a reflection of the sound underlying performance of the business for the period.
The dividend of 8.0 cents per share fully franked, will be paid on Wednesday, 28 March 2018.
This will paid to shareholders on the share register of the company at 5pm on Tuesday, 13 March 2018.
POTENTIAL CAPITAL RAISING
In a Circular to Shareholders dated July 2017, shareholders were advised that the BML Board was progressing its deliberations in relation to future funding requirements given the potential for ongoing major capital expenditure projects. It was highlighted that the Board was anticipating that it may look to raise additional equity, depending on the progress of any new projects, and that shareholders would be offered the opportunity to participate as part of any capital raising.
In addition to the ongoing site upgrading, potential major construction projects which are currently being evaluated by BML, represent an exciting opportunity for the company to continue to grow.
Any capital raising undertaken by BML may require a disclosure document and in that case anyone wishing to participate will need to apply under the disclosure document.
SHARE TRADING
BML publishes a Share Transaction Sales History report on its website on a monthly basis. In the six-month period from 1 July 2017 to 31 December 2017 there have been five share transactions with the share trading price in the range of $3.60 to $3.80 per share. For further information, please refer to our website https://brisbanemarkets.com.au/bml/investor-information/.
Any shareholder wishing to sell shares can do so by private treaty where they have identified a buyer, or you may advise BML who will circulate your details to parties who have registered their contact details with BML as being interested in acquiring shares and they will contact you directly.
To register your interest in selling or buying shares, send an email to shares@brisbanemarkets.com.au.
ONGOING INFORMATION UPDATES
BML will provide ongoing updates to shareholders in relation to any significant matters that may occur. BML will continue to make all shareholder announcements available on its website. In addition, BML will also continue to email shareholders where an email address has been supplied, or mail the relevant information to shareholders where we do not hold an email address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Please see the Report to Shareholders for a more detailed overview of the results for the half-year.
To view the full Financial Report for the half-year ended 31 December 2021, please download it here.
Andrew Young
Chief Executive Officer
Note:
Under the Accounting Standards, BML is required to conduct both an annual and half-yearly review of the value of the investment property with increases/decreases being taken up directly through the Statement of Comprehensive Statement. There is no depreciation expense on investment property.