Fintech
Quinsam Reports Q4/2019 Results and Declares Dividend
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – April 29, 2020) – Quinsam Capital Corporation (CSE: QCA) (“Quinsam” or the “Company”) wishes to announce its Q4/2019 results, with a net loss of $5.9 million ($0.05 per share basic, $0.05 fully diluted) versus a net loss of $3.2 million ($0.03 per share basic, $0.02 fully diluted) in Q4/2018. Investors can access the Company’s full financial statements on sedar.com.
“At December 31, 2019, we had net assets of approximately $0.29 per share outstanding,” said Roger Dent, CEO of Quinsam. “Even though our NAV declined in Q4 due to negative conditions in the cannabis space, our trading price is at an extremely large discount to our underlying asset value. The discount to reported NAV has never been larger than it has been in recent weeks.”
Quinsam notes that the cannabis sector generally had negative performance in Q4/2019. For example, the Horizon Marijuana Life Sciences Index ETF NAV fell by approximately 28% in the quarter bringing its total decline for the year to approximately 43%. In comparison, Quinsam’s NAV per share declined by approximately 15% in Q4/2019 (from approximately $0.34 to approximately $0.29) and approximately 21% for 2019 as a whole (from approximately $0.37 to approximately $0.29). In addition, Quinsam paid dividends of $0.005 per share over the course of 2019 so the Company’s NAV decline before dividends was better than these figures. Portfolio selection, as well as our focus on convertible debenture, debt and private company investments, helped to shelter Quinsam from some of the negative environment. NAV was also positively impacted by issuer bid share repurchases. “It goes without saying that losing money is never a good outcome. However, we take solace in the fact that our NAV performance after all expenses was well above levels generated by the ETF” said Roger Dent.
Included in the quarterly loss were approximately $1.3 million of provisions related to private company equity investments due to the negative cannabis index performance. Because of the negative index performance, Quinsam and its auditors believe that it is reasonable to adjust the carrying values of private company investments where there have been no recent transactions to provide definitive indications of value. We highlight this because we want our investors to understand that a large component of our reported decline in NAV is being generated by this valuation process.
We note that a number of our convertible debentures are now carried at below face value, even when we expect to ultimately recover our full investment. This occurs in some cases as a result of Black-Scholes adjustments to the carrying values of the conversion features inherent in our convertible debenture portfolio and in other cases because quoted prices are below face value.
Dividend
The Board of Directors of Quinsam has approved the Company’s 23rd consecutive quarterly dividend. The dividend is $0.00125 per share ($0.005 per share per year). The distribution will be paid on May 29, 2020 to shareholders of record on May 8, 2020. This dividend will be designated as an “eligible dividend” for Canadian income tax purposes. Future quarterly dividends will be subject to Board approval.
2020 Update
General market conditions have been negative and volatile in 2020. Overall, cannabis shares have been negatively impacted as well. However, we are seeing anecdotal evidence that the market is starting to recognize cannabis issuers that are well managed and reporting good performance. For example, in the last few weeks the shares of IM Cannabis Corp. have increased nearly 3x from their 52-week low on a number of positive news releases. Sixth Wave Innovations Inc. shares more than doubled to all-time highs on news in early April, at which point Quinsam chose to exit its investment.
Our strategy of investing to a material degree in convertible debentures is proving to be fortunate. The declines in value in our convertible debentures have been less severe than would have been the case had we invested in common shares. Also, we are beginning to see value enhancements through the announcement of conversion price adjustments. For example, on April 24 Sproutly Canada Inc. announced that it was reducing the conversion price on our convertible debentures from $0.75 to $0.105. This creates the realistic potential for us to exit this investment with a gain through conversion, which had seemed quite unlikely prior to this news. As a result, we were able to exit a small portion of our investment at a premium earlier this week. We note our Sproutly convertible debenture was carried at a little less than 90% of face value as at December 31, 2019.
Since year-end, Quinsam has sold investments on a net basis and at the present time our net cash balance is over $300,000.
Quinsam expects to report Q1/2020 results in mid to late May. We already know that the cannabis ETF declined in Q1/2020, so for accounting purposes we will likely adjust the values of many of our private cannabis investments in line with the index.
We have not been highly active on the new investment front in recent months. As we exit existing investments, in light of current cannabis market conditions, Quinsam may choose to look at investments outside the cannabis sector going forward.
Issuer Bid Update
Quinsam announced a normal course issuer bid to purchase up to 5,733,635 of its common shares (the “Bid”) in August 2019. The Bid commenced on August 28, 2019 and will terminate on August 27, 2020, or on an earlier date in the event that the number of common shares sought in the Bid has been repurchased. The Company reserves the right to terminate the Bid earlier if it feels that it is appropriate to do so.
In the quarter ending December 31, 2019, Quinsam repurchased and cancelled 1,500,000 shares pursuant to the Bid. The shares were purchased at a large discount to NAV and the repurchases had a positive impact on NAV per share for remaining shareholders. This brings our total repurchases pursuant to the Bid since August 28, 2019 to 3,500,000 shares.
About Quinsam Capital Corporation
Quinsam is a merchant bank based in Canada with a focus on cannabis-related investments. Quinsam also invests in non-cannabis related enterprises. Our merchant banking business may encompass a range of activities including acquisitions, advisory services, lending activities and portfolio investments. Quinsam invests its capital for its own account in assets, companies or projects which we believe are undervalued and where we see a viable plan for unlocking such value. We do not invest on behalf of any third party and we do not offer investment advice.
Generally, Quinsam does not believe that individual investments are material reportable events. Quinsam may choose to announce certain investments once the company is certain that it has finished buying its position because the Company feels that this information helps Quinsam’s investors understand its investment decision making process. Generally, Quinsam does not announce the sale of investments.
For further information please contact:
Roger Dent, CEO
(647) 993-5475
[email protected]
This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance or expectations that are not historical facts but instead represent our beliefs regarding future events, which are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements can often, but not always, be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “expect”, “goal”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “may”, “project”, “predict”, “potential”, “target”, and “will” or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance.
By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions which include, among other things, that (i) Quinsam will have sufficient capital under management to effect its business strategies, (ii) the business strategies will produce the results intended by Quinsam, and (iii) the markets will react and perform in a manner consistent with the business strategies.
Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking information expressed in this press release include, but are not limited to: cannabis companies Quinsam has invested in obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals including acquiring and renewing U.S. state, local or other licenses, and the uncertainty of existing protection from U.S. federal or other prosecution; regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. state-law legalization; market and general economic conditions of the cannabis sector or otherwise, interest rates, regulatory and statutory developments, the nature of the Company’s investments, the available opportunities and competition for investments, the concentration of the Company’s investments in certain industries and sectors, reliance on key personnel, risks affecting the Company’s investments, management of the growth of the Company, and exchange rate fluctuations. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of risks and factors is not exhaustive. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause events or results to differ from those intended, anticipated or estimated.
The forward-looking information contained herein is provided as at the date of this press release, based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained in this press release.
NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION BY ANY UNITED STATES NEWS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE
Fintech is on an accelerated trajectory of investment, collaboration, and innovation. This pulse tracks the most significant developments in the sector, from high-profile investments to global platform expansions. Each update in this briefing serves as a key indicator of where the industry is headed.
1. European Fintechs Face Regulatory Pressures Amid New Investment Surge
The European fintech sector finds itself at a crossroads with increasing scrutiny and rising costs due to stringent regulations. While investments continue to flow into the continent’s financial technology companies, challenges in meeting new compliance requirements, especially around data privacy and cybersecurity, create a complex landscape for scaling. This tension between opportunity and operational limitations might affect European fintechs’ growth strategies.
Source: Financial Times
2. Shopify, Slack Founders Join Peter Thiel in Fintech Investment Push
Tobi Lütke of Shopify and Stewart Butterfield of Slack, along with investor Peter Thiel, have co-invested in a new fintech initiative that aims to bolster small business access to capital. By merging technology with a streamlined funding model, this new initiative targets underserved SMBs, highlighting a broader trend of high-profile tech leaders pivoting to fintech investment. The participation of Lütke and Butterfield signals increased cross-sector collaboration in fintech, bringing expertise from e-commerce and communication technology into the financial arena.
Source: Yahoo Finance
3. Lean Technologies Raises $67.5 Million to Drive Fintech Innovation in the Middle East
Riyadh-based fintech platform Lean Technologies recently secured a $67.5 million Series B investment round, aiming to expand its operations across the Middle East. This funding reflects growing investor interest in emerging markets and the potential of Middle Eastern fintech to bridge regional gaps in financial services access. As Lean Technologies broadens its service offerings, the funding will support further technological integration and scalability across financial ecosystems in the region.
Source: Fintech Global
4. Apollo Global Management Invests in Fintech for Private Offerings Support
Apollo Global Management has taken steps to enhance its services for private offerings by investing in specialized fintech solutions. This development signifies a growing trend among private equity firms to adopt fintech as a core component in their service expansion, particularly for personalized client services. Apollo’s strategy of integrating fintech solutions into private offerings marks a strategic shift toward digitalization within traditional financial sectors.
Source: Bloomberg
5. Juniper Research Names 2025’s Future Leaders in Fintech
Juniper Research has revealed its picks for the top future leaders in fintech for 2025. This list emphasizes innovation in fields such as AI, open banking, and decentralized finance, highlighting startups that exhibit potential for reshaping industry standards. As these up-and-coming firms push the boundaries of traditional finance, they exemplify the rising tide of next-generation financial technology poised to become industry mainstays.
Source: Globe Newswire
Conclusion
The convergence of seasoned tech giants with fintech, new funding rounds for region-specific platforms, and the rise of future industry leaders underscore the momentum of the fintech sector. Each of these stories reflects a broader narrative: fintech is not only diversifying in services but also rapidly integrating into traditional finance and tech, paving the way for a transformative era.
The post Fintech Pulse: Evolving Fintech Investments and Partnerships Signal Industry Transformation appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
In this edition of Fintech Pulse, we delve into groundbreaking announcements from the 2024 Hong Kong Fintech Week, spotlight strategic collaborations fostering financial accessibility, and examine significant profit growth in global fintech companies. Here’s our comprehensive breakdown of the latest happenings in fintech.
1. Bairong’s Full-Scenario AI Products Showcase at Hong Kong Fintech Week
Source: PRNewswire
At the 2024 Hong Kong Fintech Week, Bairong showcased its range of AI-driven solutions designed to support the digital transformation of financial institutions. Their new “full-scenario” suite aims to enhance data analysis, financial risk management, and credit scoring. The offering underscores Bairong’s strategic vision to advance financial decision-making with AI technology that serves a variety of sectors, including banking, insurance, and asset management.
This development aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing the power of AI to bridge operational gaps in traditional finance. Bairong’s solutions promise to optimize financial workflows, identifying high-risk factors in real-time. The commitment to developing comprehensive, adaptable AI tools demonstrates Bairong’s ambition to stay at the forefront of AI-powered fintech innovations.
2. SBI and APIX Establish Innovation Hub to Propel Fintech Partnerships
Source: The Paypers
SBI Holdings, Japan’s major financial services group, recently announced the launch of an Innovation Hub in partnership with APIX to advance fintech collaboration and innovation. The hub will serve as a catalyst for startups and financial technology firms to collaborate, leveraging APIX’s open innovation platform for API exchange.
Through this hub, SBI and APIX aim to address critical technological needs in the fintech sector. Startups and established firms can collaborate on new technologies and bring forward interoperable systems for the industry. This initiative marks a new phase in fintech alliances, where regulatory support and open innovation can accelerate fintech growth on a global scale.
3. Wise’s Record Profits Point to Growing Market Dominance
Source: MSN
British fintech giant Wise reported a 55% surge in profits, driven by an expanding customer base and increased market share. The company’s cross-border payment solutions are seeing widespread adoption, as it provides individuals and businesses with affordable currency exchange options, bypassing high fees associated with traditional banks.
Wise’s success underscores the current demand for transparent, low-cost international payments. As the firm continues to focus on product expansion and market penetration, its financial trajectory showcases how fintech firms can challenge the status quo in cross-border transactions, maintaining profitability while serving a rapidly growing user base.
4. Parker Secures $20 Million Series B Funding for Fintech Data Suite
Source: Forbes
Fintech startup Parker raised $20 million in a Series B funding round, with the goal of expanding its suite of financial data tools. Parker’s product range enables small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to gather and analyze data, facilitating more informed financial decisions. This funding reflects investor confidence in the need for specialized financial data tools tailored to SMEs, a sector often underserved in financial innovation.
By addressing the needs of smaller businesses, Parker is positioning itself as a key player in the niche market of financial data, which has typically been dominated by larger corporate-focused platforms. This funding round highlights the growing trend of venture capital backing for niche fintech solutions aimed at smaller, agile businesses.
5. The Payments Group and HubPeople’s Cash Payments Initiative for Online Daters
Source: PRNewswire
The Payments Group, a digital payments solution provider, announced a collaboration with HubPeople, an online dating platform, to integrate cash payment solutions for over 100 million users globally. This partnership aims to reach users who may not have access to traditional banking or prefer alternative payment methods.
The initiative points to the broader trend of payments inclusivity in fintech, whereby payment firms are making financial transactions more accessible for underserved communities. By integrating cash payment solutions, The Payments Group and HubPeople highlight the importance of flexibility in payment options, acknowledging the diverse financial preferences of users worldwide.
Industry Implications and Observations
These stories collectively reveal several key trends and insights about the evolving fintech landscape. The focus on AI, digital collaboration hubs, profitability through transparency, specialized data tools, and inclusive payment solutions are reshaping financial services. Fintech’s current trajectory indicates a robust push towards not only digital transformation but also inclusivity and global accessibility.
As financial technology continues to innovate, these advancements illustrate the increasing overlap between technology and finance, as well as the potential for fintech to foster inclusive growth. With companies like Bairong and Wise setting benchmarks for AI and cross-border payments, respectively, and emerging startups like Parker developing new, data-centric tools, fintech’s future promises a dynamic shift towards improved service and enhanced user engagement.
The post Fintech Pulse: Industry Innovations and Partnerships Drive Global Fintech Forward appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
In today’s dynamic fintech landscape, developments range from notable appointments to industry conferences, global ranking achievements, and the ongoing struggle between digital innovation and traditional cash reliance. This op-ed-style daily briefing dives into key updates and their potential impacts on the fintech industry, touching on politics, corporate shifts, and emerging trends.
1. Trump’s Potential Impact on Fintech: Policy Shifts and Market Reactions
As Donald Trump continues to be a central figure in U.S. politics, his stance on financial regulations and fintech could significantly influence the sector’s future. Historically, Trump has advocated for deregulation, which benefited banks and other financial services firms. His policies were known to relax certain compliance requirements, which made it easier for fintech companies to expand.
Under Trump’s administration, fintech firms might anticipate reduced regulatory constraints, particularly for newer sectors such as crypto and online lending. This relaxed stance could lower compliance costs for startups, allowing more resources to flow into technology and product innovation. However, a deregulated environment also increases the risk of market manipulation and consumer harm, raising concerns among advocates for tighter oversight.
The question remains whether a Trump-influenced regulatory environment would favor long-term fintech innovation or lead to an environment that could increase risks for both investors and consumers. As debates continue, fintech companies may need to be agile in adjusting to potential policy changes.
Source: Forbes
2. Hong Kong’s Love for Cash: Fintech Growth Stymied by Cultural Preferences
Hong Kong’s journey toward a cashless society faces a unique cultural hurdle—its residents’ affinity for cash, particularly among taxi drivers. Despite the proliferation of digital wallets and payment platforms in Asia, cash remains king in this metropolis. The attachment to cash among certain groups, especially cab drivers, poses a significant challenge for fintech companies aiming to promote mobile and digital payments in Hong Kong.
This resistance to cashless options highlights the complexities of fintech adoption, where technology alone cannot drive transformation without aligning with user behavior. For Hong Kong, overcoming this challenge may require fintech firms to develop hybrid solutions that incorporate cash with digital functionality or offer incentives for digital adoption. Until then, Hong Kong’s fintech ambitions will remain somewhat constrained by the cultural fondness for cash.
This preference for cash also has implications for Hong Kong’s broader economy. If the city cannot shift toward digital transactions, it may fall behind other financial hubs in terms of fintech innovation and integration.
Source: Bloomberg
3. Dave Inc. Joins the KBW Fintech Conference: Setting the Stage for New Partnerships
Next week, Dave Inc. is set to participate in KBW’s annual Fintech Conference, a major industry event in New York City. Scheduled for November 14, the conference will bring together industry leaders, investors, and innovators. Dave Inc.’s involvement underscores its ongoing commitment to establishing new partnerships and tapping into emerging fintech trends.
For Dave, a prominent U.S.-based neobank, participating in high-profile conferences like this not only enhances visibility but also presents networking opportunities with potential investors and partners. The company’s growth strategy focuses on making financial services more accessible and affordable for underserved communities. With industry leaders present, the conference may foster collaborative efforts, especially in areas such as lending, personal finance, and digital banking.
The KBW Fintech Conference could provide Dave Inc. with critical insights and alliances to further its mission, potentially accelerating product innovation and geographical expansion.
Source: GlobeNewswire
4. MeridianLink’s Recognition in IDC Fintech Rankings: A Boost in Reputation
MeridianLink has recently been recognized in IDC’s Global Fintech Rankings, securing a spot in the Top 50. This accolade acknowledges the company’s commitment to digital transformation within the financial services sector, where it focuses on providing cloud-based software solutions for banks, credit unions, and financial institutions.
Being named to this prestigious list elevates MeridianLink’s reputation within the fintech community. This recognition could help MeridianLink secure more significant contracts with major financial institutions, as industry recognition often leads to increased trust among potential clients. Additionally, this placement in the IDC rankings may serve as a strategic advantage when pursuing funding and partnerships in a competitive market.
This recognition is a testament to MeridianLink’s innovation in fintech, showing how its cloud-based solutions align with industry trends toward digital-first financial services.
Source: Business Wire
5. Leadership Change at Alliant Credit Union: Navigating Transition with New Interim CEO
Alliant Credit Union has named Ken Schaafsma as the interim CEO following the departure of Dennis Devine. Schaafsma, who was previously the CFO, will guide the organization through this transitional phase as it searches for a permanent CEO. Leadership changes in financial institutions often signal shifts in strategic focus or operational adjustments, and Schaafsma’s background in finance could mean an emphasis on fiscal discipline and profitability.
As a credit union with a significant member base, Alliant’s choice of leadership may influence its approach to digital services and customer engagement. With Schaafsma’s familiarity with the organization’s financial health, his interim tenure may bring stability during this transitional period.
In an industry undergoing rapid digital transformation, Alliant Credit Union’s ability to maintain a clear strategic vision and leadership stability will be crucial in keeping pace with fintech competitors.
Source: Fintech Futures
The post Fintech Pulse: The Latest Trends and Insights Shaping Fintech appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
-
Fintech3 days agoFintech Pulse: Industry Innovations and Partnerships Drive Global Fintech Forward
-
Fintech2 days agoFintech Pulse: Evolving Fintech Investments and Partnerships Signal Industry Transformation
-
Fintech PR7 days agoConverge Technology Solutions Named Solution Partner of the Year at the 2024 Ingram Micro ONE Innovation Summit
-
Fintech PR7 days agoManulife Investment Management aligns capabilities across regions under the newly created role of Global Emerging Market Equities CIO
-
Fintech PR7 days agoBybit and Block Scholes Uncover Post-Election Bullish Sentiment: Traders Lean Into Leveraged Longs Amid Stabilized Market
-
Fintech PR7 days agoPalm Jebel Ali Project Surges Ahead in 2024: Milestones Achieved in Record Time for Dubai’s Most Anticipated Development
-
Fintech PR7 days agoThe Trade Facilitation Commission release their report entitled ENSURING ECONOMIC GROWTH
-
Fintech PR7 days ago‘ESSE’ Maker KT&G Expands Presence in Europe with Romania Entry, Achieving Record-Breaking Overseas Sales in Q3