Wrap Text
Further COVID-19 Market Update
MURRAY & ROBERTS HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Registration number 1948/029826/06
JSE Share Code: MUR
ADR Code: MURZY
ISIN: ZAE000073441
(“Murray & Roberts” or the “Group”)
FURTHER COVID-19 MARKET UPDATE
Stakeholders are referred to the COVID-19 Market Update published on SENS on 20 March 2020.
The Group’s global portfolio of projects are now experiencing an increased impact from the spread of
COVID-19. The actions taken globally by governments and clients to contain the spread of the virus,
and our response to those actions, has been varied and region specific.
Where projects are continuing to operate, we have worked with our clients to implement measures to
safeguard employees as far as possible from exposure to the virus. Globally, most office-based
employees, who are able to do so, are working remotely and efficiently.
The Group has several tenders under adjudication and we have no reason to believe that its clients will
not go ahead with the award of these projects. Some awards, however, may be delayed as clients are
considering the effects of COVID-19 on their investment decisions.
As the current complex situation is evolving at a rapid pace, it is not possible at this point to give an
accurate estimate of the financial impact that the pandemic will have on the Group.
BALANCE SHEET AND LIQUIDITY
As the extent of the COVID-19 impact remain uncertain at this time, it is important to ensure that the
Group maintains a position of adequate liquidity, also taking into consideration that the lockdown in
South Africa might be extended and that more stringent regulations might be implemented in any of the
Group’s operations in Australasia and the Americas.
The Group entered this period of uncertainty with a strong balance sheet and has taken further action
to protect its financial position. Cost saving initiatives have been implemented across the Group,
together with prudent cash and working capital management.
The Group’s current liquidity position is strong, supported by approximately R1,5 billion of available
cash and unutilised credit facilities of approximately R1,0 billion. The Group does not have any
covenants on its South African facilities and do not anticipate any breaches of covenants on its
international facilities in the short to medium term. The Group is also pleased to report strong support
from funding providers.
BUSINESS UPDATE
UNDERGROUND MINING PLATFORM
Australasia - The Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia (in joint venture with the Oil & Gas and Underground
Mining platforms as two of the three joint venture partners) has experienced the biggest impact to date.
As Mongolia shares a border with China, the project was brought to a halt over a few weeks due to
supply chain constraints and travel bans. The businesses have, in conjunction with the client, taken the
necessary action to reduce costs and preserve cash on the project.
Projects in Australia and Asia Pacific continue to operate, albeit with added restrictions on people
movement that have necessitated a revision of work rotations on most of the remote mining sites.
Sub-Saharan Africa - Most of the project sites are shut down for the duration of the 21-day lockdown
period that has been instituted by the South African government. Certain of the projects are on care
and maintenance and limited essential work, as directed by clients. Some clients have indicated that
our costs will be covered during this period. Projects in Zambia continue uninterrupted.
Americas – Approximately 50% of the project portfolio in the region is affected. These projects, mainly
in Canada, have been suspended by clients for periods ranging from two weeks to two months, as a
measure to prevent the virus from spreading to some of the remote project locations. Certain states in
Canada have declared mines as essential services. We have demobilized employees from affected
projects and have instituted measures to reduce costs and preserve cash. In the USA, only one project
is on reduced level of work at this stage.
OIL & GAS PLATFORM
Australia – A complete lockdown has not been implemented at this time, although interstate travel is
no longer allowed. Projects are continuing, but clients are implementing modified work rosters which
will impact project resourcing and progress. Engineering and procurement services are continuing on
the multi-billion rand Snowy Hydro project and construction teams have since remobilised to site post
the tragic Australian bush fires earlier this year, though activities are still site preparation works.
Americas – A complete lockdown has not been implemented, however, most states have imposed
various levels of lockdown measures over the past month. The Group’s multi-billion rand Next Wave
project in Texas has been classified as an essential service, with engineering and procurement services
continuing.
Europe (UK) - Integrated engineering services company, Booth Welsh’s projects are on hold – at this
stage there is no indication when projects will recommence.
POWER & WATER PLATFORM
Sub-Saharan Africa - Most of the project sites are shut down for the duration of the 21-day lockdown
period that has been instituted by the South African government. Maintenance and outage work are
continuing at Medupi and Kusile power stations. Some projects have invoked force majeure clauses
and commercial teams will respond accordingly in line with contractual requirements. Some clients have
indicated that our costs will be covered during this period.
BOMBELA CONCESSION COMPANY
The Gautrain is not operating during the lockdown period. The system’s infrastructure has been secured
while essential maintenance functions are continuing. It is expected that this shutdown will impact the
fair value adjustment of the investment in the Bombela Concession Company in the current year.
CONCLUSION
The Group continues to focus on the safety and well-being of all its people and ensuring the long-term
sustainability of the business. The safe restart and ramping up of affected projects, once allowed, will
be a priority.
It is expected that market conditions will be adversely impacted in the medium term, considering the
global COVID-19 pandemic, further deterioration of the oil price and the downgrade of South Africa’s
credit rating by Moody’s.
It is important to re-emphasise that the Group does not undertake any oil projects, although the weak
oil price will impact the gas sector in the medium term. Currently, the bulk of the Oil & Gas platform’s
significant order book of R30 billion, comprises infrastructure sector work.
The Group will continue to provide further updates to stakeholders as appropriate.
The information contained in this announcement has not been reviewed and reported on by Murray
& Roberts’ external auditors.
Bedfordview
03 April 2020
Sponsor
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Date: 03-04-2020 11:00:00
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