In terms of the listings requirements of the Malawi Stock Exchange
Limited, a listed company is required to publish a trading statement as
soon as it is satisfied that a reasonable degree of certainty exists that the
financial results for the period to be reported next will differ by at least
20% from the financial results for the previous corresponding period.
FMBcapital Holdings Plc accordingly advises that its forecast profit after
tax for the year ending 31 December 2020 is projected to be more than
200% higher than was achieved for the same period 31 December 2019.
FMBcapital Holdings Plc projects that its forecast profit attributable to
shareholders for the year ending 31 December 2020 is estimated to be
over $12 million compared to a loss of $4.97 million for the same period
31 December 2019.
The Group’s current year performance is projected to normalise with the
Zimbabwe operations forecasting a profit, compared to the significant
loss of $29.5 million suffered in the prior year because of hyperinflation
and devaluation of the local currency. The performance of the other
businesses within the Group remains in line with expectations.
The information on which this trading statement is based has not been
reviewed or reported on by the Group’s external auditors. The
summarised consolidated and separate financial statements of the Group
for the year ending 31 December 2020 are expected to be published not
later than June 2021.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!

O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendor of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me.