XMH: Maintains FY2017 dividend in tough market conditions

Coal prices have corrected to US$80.95 per metric ton on 29 June 2017 after rocketing from about US$50 in January 2016 to over US$110 in November 2016.  (Chart: Trading Economics)

XMH Holdings is proposing a 0.5-cent dividend for FY2017 even though its earnings have dipped into the red.

The diesel engine, propulsion and power generating solutions provider posted a net loss attributable to shareholders of S$1.1 million compared to a profit of S$7.9 million a year ago when it paid a 2-cent dividend.

At the Group’s results briefing on Friday (30 June), Managing Director Elvin Tan expressed confidence in a business recovery.

“Demand for coal transportation is recovering, boosted by energy demand in developing Asian countries,” he said.

Vietnam is the Group’s largest export market, contributing 17.3% to Group revenue in FY2016.

The country's energy demand is expected to grow 13% annually over the next four years.

Historically, it has been self-sufficient in coal, but this has changed. In 1Q2017, it spent over US$400 million importing coal, according to the Vietnam Industry and Trade Information Center. Its demand for coal imports is expected to boost demand for the Group's power generating solutions.

Z-Power Automation, a leading integrator for power, control and system solutions that the Group acquired in March 2015, has an operating subsidiary in Vietnam.

“Demand is currently dragged down by the dearth of newbuilding orders due to conservative ship financing.

“Coal prices have stabilized after the price correction following the price spike last November. We believe the banks will begin to extend more ship financing loans toward the end of this year because the market is gaining confidence due to the level of demand for coal exports and the firm coal prices,” said Mr Tan.

By focusing on cost reduction, the Group managed to boost its net operating cash flow close to 3 times, from S$884,000 in FY2016 to S$2.6 million in FY2017.

Distribution expenses decreased by 12.1% year-on-year to S$6.1 million due to controls on traveling, marketing, and entertainment allowances, lower bonus payouts as well as the implementation of a compulsory unpaid leave scheme.

Excluding a one-off non-cash impairment, the Group's net profit attributable to shareholders is S$1.6 million.

For more info on its financial results, refer to its media release here.