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OMNIA HOLDINGS LIMITED - OMNIA CREDIT RATING UPGRADED BY GLOBAL CREDIT RATING CO.

Release Date: 23/08/2012 12:40
Code(s): OMN     PDF:  
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OMNIA CREDIT RATING UPGRADED BY GLOBAL CREDIT RATING CO.

OMNIA HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1967/003680/06)
JSE code: OMN
ISIN: ZAE000005153
(“Omnia” or “the Group”)


OMNIA CREDIT RATING UPGRADED BY GLOBAL CREDIT RATING CO.

As a result of Omnia’s improved financial profile and its continued solid business
performance, the rating agency Global Credit Rating Co. (“GCR”) today upgraded Omnia’s
long term rating to A- (from BBB+) and short-term rating to A1- (from A2) with a rating
outlook of stable. This is the highest credit rating Omnia has received to date.

Commenting on GCR’s upgrade and recognition of Omnia’s achievements, Rod Humphris,
Omnia’s Managing Director, said:

“We are very pleased with the ratings assigned to the Group by GCR. They are a validation
of the strength of our existing business strategy and our leading position within the chemical
services sector. This upgrade reflects the diversification, integration and financial stability we
have built into our business model.       I am especially pleased that GCR recognises the
benefits of the new nitric acid complex which heralds a significant and much needed
investment in the future of South Africa’s agricultural and mining sector, enabling us to add
greater value to our customers, while benefitting from supply chain efficiencies”.

The GCR report states that the completion of the new nitric acid complex should bolster
margins by 2% to 3%. The rating report also reflects the following views:

    •   Omnia’s entrenched position as the leading domestic producer of fertilizer and
        mining explosives has been enhanced by the recently completed nitric acid plant
    •   Since FY2010, the Group has reported sustainable top line growth, driven by strong
        demand from the agricultural and mining sectors, combined with the introduction of
        new products to service these sectors. This has also translated into growth in
        operating profits
    •   Omnia’s extended product range will likely add some stability to earnings, as many
        of the products are not dependent on ammonia and thus unaffected by price
        volatility.
    •   Although gross debt increased at FYE2012, gearing ratios remain moderate and net
        interest coverage rose to a review period high. Moreover, with little capex required
       going forward, the Group expects strong cash retention in F13, resulting in a
       considerable reduction in gearing.




Johannesburg
23 August 2012


Sponsor
One Capital




For more information contact Omnia Group:            011 709 8850

Rod Humphris, Managing Director

Noel Fitz-Gibbon, Finance Director




Issued by Brunswick:                                 011 502 7300

Taryn Wulfsohn                                       0832731301

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