A Prosus logo is displayed in the Amsterdam Stock Exchange building as Prosus begins trading on the Euronext stock exchange in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on September 11, 2019. REUTERS / Piroschka van de Wouw
AMSTERDAM, June 21 (Reuters) – Prosus NV (PRX.AS), the international investment arm of South African firm Naspers (NPNJn.J), on Monday reported better-than-expected net profit of 7.45 billion dollars for 2021, driven by strong returns from its large stake in Chinese software giant Tencent.
However, the company reported an operating loss of $ 1.04 billion in companies it owns around the world in online marketplaces, food delivery and educational software.
Analysts had seen a net profit of $ 4.63 billion for the 12 months ended March 31, down from $ 3.66 billion for the same period a year earlier, according to data from Refinitiv. Prosus owns 28.9% of Tencent (0700.HK) and is itself controlled by Naspers, Africa’s largest company by market capitalization.
Of the net profit, $ 7.1 billion came from minority investments, dominated by the contribution from Tencent, which increased its profits by 33%.
Prosus said its operating loss was due to higher personnel costs and that its business had performed well amid the coronavirus pandemic.
He pointed to a 54% increase in turnover for the companies it consolidates, to $ 5.1 billion from $ 3.3 billion.
“During the period, we accelerated revenue growth, improved profitability and cash generation, and increased the number of customers,” the company said in a statement.
Prosus parent company Naspers reported a 24% increase in gross earnings per share – the main indicator of corporate earnings in South Africa – of 814 cents US, compared to 656 cents reported for the same period one year earlier.
Naspers currently owns 73% of Prosus. The companies are seeking shareholder support to move to a cross-ownership structure that would move most of their assets to Amsterdam while leaving control to Naspers. Read more
Reporting by Toby Sterling, editing by Louise Heavens
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