Our opinion on the current state of SPAR(SPP)Vunani (VUN) is a black-owned financial services group with interests in asset management, investment banking, property, and stockbroking. It also has an interest in coal mining, which has been performing well with the rise in coal prices.
In its results for the six months to 31st August 2023, the company reported revenue up 4% and headline earnings per share (HEPS) of 18.2c compared with 20.4c in the previous period. The company said, "The group generated total comprehensive income for the period of R35.9 million (2022: R39.3 million), while total profit attributable to equity holders of the company amounted to R28.9 million (2022: R32.3 million)."
In a trading statement for the year to 29th February 2024, the company estimated that HEPS would fall by between 63% and 83%.
From a private investor's perspective, the biggest problem with this share is that it is simply too thinly traded to be a practical investment. The low trading volume can result in difficulty buying or selling shares at favorable prices and may lead to increased volatility.
While Vunani has diverse interests and has shown growth in some areas, the significant drop in HEPS and the thin trading volume make it a less attractive option for private investors. Potential investors should consider these factors and may want to look for more liquid and stable investment opportunities.