Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-20 19:15 | Report Abuse

Commentary on prospects
B4. Profit forecast or profit guarantee
B5. Corporate proposals
There were no corporate proposal issued by the group for quarter ended 30 June 2023.
Material Changes in Profit for the Current Quarter as Compared to the Results of the Preceding Quarter (cont'd)
The Malaysian economy is expected to experience slower growth in 2023 due to weakening global trade, geopolitical
tensions, inflation, and tighter financial conditions, as forecasted by the IMF and World Bank. Despite these
challenges, the Malaysian government is confident in achieving a 4.0% to 5.0% growth forecast for 2023, citing strong
economic fundamentals and the implementation of measures as outlined in Belanjawan 2023. However, according to
MIER analysis, a potential further slowdown in Malaysia's economic growth in Q2, projecting it to settle at 3.2% which
is lower than the initial estimate of 4.1%. The government remains focused on addressing citizens' daily economic
concerns, reducing wastage, and combatting corruption to enhance economic efficiency and stability.
PICORP’s 3-year turnaround strategy encompasses core sector, i.e Environmental Monitoring Consultancy & Services
(EMCS) drinking water and wastewater treatment solutions and a new role as environmental monitoring contractor
for a major oil company. In Saudi Arabia, leveraging Saudi Asma as the leading Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
provider recognised by local ministry will further fuel expansion into new markets especially Riyadh and NEOM in
Tabuk Province. Our Cost optimization involves supplier contract renegotiation, a hiring freeze, and streamlining of
operations, leading to reduction in expenses. Operational efficiency improvement via lean management and
technological adoption.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 06:06 | Report Abuse

ESG is the future, climate change and its related consequences :)

https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2023/09/20/alliance-bank-hits-first-milestone-as-early-adopter-of-bursas-csi-platform/

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 06:16 | Report Abuse

Related to ESG again ;)

https://techcrunch.com/2023/09/19/plan-a-carbon-accounting/

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 06:21 | Report Abuse

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/09/957678/bursa-malaysia-falls-selldown-offers-good-opportunity-analyst

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 06:22 | Report Abuse

More biz4picorp :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKC5FCyiMr4

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 06:31 | Report Abuse

ESG matters in Indonesia :)

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/indonesia-plans-first-carbon-trade-next-week-2023-09-18/

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 08:26 | Report Abuse

Buy undervalued stocks, just wait for harvesting macam tanam pokok durian, tunggu durian runtuh :)

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 09:51 | Report Abuse

Picorp can be liked ytl, uem sunrise, few hundred % return.. just keep n enjoy yourself later :)

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 09:52 | Report Abuse

MGO anytime too, just relax

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 11:17 | Report Abuse

Picorp share is bring absorbed steadily... just be calm, don't miss the boat

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 12:02 | Report Abuse

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 21): Bursa Malaysia opened higher on Thursday as buying activities emerged with the US Federal Reserve (Fed) keeping rates steady, said an analyst.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 12:48 | Report Abuse

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/09/21/setting-the-standards-in-renewable-energy

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 16:09 | Report Abuse

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/09/20/private-landfill-operators-encouraged-to-turn-waste-into-renewable-energy-says-minister/91940

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-21 16:21 | Report Abuse

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Energy/Singapore-energy-appetite-fuels-ASEAN-s-renewable-power-grid

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 07:57 | Report Abuse

Hope, picorp soon :)

Toshiba, one of Japan's oldest and biggest firms, is set to end its 74-year stock market history as a group of investors have bought a majority stake.

The company has announced that a consortium led by private equity firm Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) has purchased 78.65% of its shares.

Owning more than two-thirds of the firm allows the group to complete a $14bn (£11.4bn) deal to take it private.

The firm's roots date back to 1875, as a maker of telegraph equipment.

Under the deal its shares could be taken off the stock market as early as the end of this year.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 08:15 | Report Abuse

Incredibly compelling’: The pros love small-cap stocks right now. ;)

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 08:52 | Report Abuse

Upon taking office as Prime Minister in November 2022, Anwar who is also the Finance Minister, said it was clear that his administration had no choice but to cross the Rubicon and reset Malaysia.

“I prioritised three areas — strengthening our governance, restructuring our economy and paving our future,” said Anwar, who was Finance Minister from 1991 to 1998.

He said the transformation that Malaysia needs is mapped out in MADANI Economy: Empowering the People, a robust framework to systematically address the structural deficiencies in the government’s fiscal policy and revenue drivers, the country’s economic ecosystem and Malaysians’ well-being.

“The Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), which will be tabled in Parliament in October, outlines the principles and fiscal rules to enhance accountability, governance and transparency in fiscal management.”

This will be complemented by other fiscal frameworks such as the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) and Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS), he said.

Besides that, the prime minister also outlined Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap as well as The New Industrial Master Plan 2030 in advancing the country’s economy and tapping on new growth areas.

In fact, in the past few months, the nation has seen the early results from the government’s commitment to deliver change to the Malaysian economy and its people.

Citing the Germany-based global semiconductor company Infineon Technologies, Anwar said they have agreed to invest an additional 5 billion euros over the next five years to build the world’s largest 200mm silicon carbide power fabrication plant in Malaysia.

“And of course, there is Tesla. Despite the fierce courting by other regional economies, we rather quickly won over Tesla. Together with that of SpaceX,” he said.

The prime minister said companies like Tesla, Amazon and Infineon are but some of the leaders in global industry that have recently stepped up to be part of this change and put their trust in Malaysia.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 08:59 | Report Abuse

Continuous pest control Biz for picorp

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230172604_Insect_Pests_of_Saudi_Arabia

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 09:07 | Report Abuse

Pest control is an essential service that protects homes and businesses from the damage and health risks caused by pests. In Arab, pest control is necessary due to the region's warm and humid climate, which provides a perfect breeding ground for many common pests. For example, fire ants, carpenter ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and termites ar

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 13:13 | Report Abuse

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Bhd held its first physical Invest Malaysia New York (NY) in six years, on Thursday, as part of a push for investments for Madani Economy initiatives.

The last Invest Malaysia NY was held in 2017.

The Invest Malaysia NY 2023 forum attracted about 200 delegates, including foreign fixed income, equity and private equity investors with combined asset under management (AUM) of over US$40 trillion (approximately RM188 trillion).

Themed "Regaining Malaysia's Lead in Asia", Invest Malaysia NY 2023 centred on promoting Malaysia's inherent strengths and how the Malaysian government's visionary Madani economic framework will re-establish Malaysia as a leading Asean economy.

Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated and delivered the keynote address at the event, said that the Madani economic framework is the cornerstone of Malaysia's transformation journey, offering a clear roadmap to steer Malaysia's economic growth and longer-term sustainability agenda.

Anwar emphasised three essential pillars in the framework for economic recovery and enhancing Malaysia's competitiveness: the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), and the Twelfth Malaysia Plan Mid Term Review (12 MP MTR).

Additionally, he shared Malaysia's plans in moving towards a sustainable growth path, in line with the target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 16:25 | Report Abuse

In 2022, the US topped Malaysia’s list of foreign direct investments with a net inflow of approximately RM37.8 billion.

Last month, outgoing US Ambassador to Malaysia, Brian McFeeters, said US companies have pledged investments totalling RM100 billion in various sectors in Malaysia over the last 18 months.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 17:22 | Report Abuse

Asia must reduce oil dependency – but how to fund clean energy transition?

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3235353/why-asia-needs-reduce-oil-dependency-how-fund-clean-energy-transition

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 17:24 | Report Abuse

The GDP contribution from NIMP and NETR can be significant with strong tailwinds.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 18:08 | Report Abuse

Same here too :)

https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3235401/hong-kong-stocks-arrest-weekly-slide-funds-make-comeback-and-yuan-stabilises-growth-signals

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 18:42 | Report Abuse

Control your emotion, wait for rebound... don't miss the boat :)

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 18:54 | Report Abuse

Wahid acknowledged that companies need to adopt sustainable practices and goals to boost their competitiveness, resilience and attractiveness.

To this end, he said Bursa had introduced a sustainability framework in September last year to assist companies in adopting international reporting frameworks and standards.

The endeavour will be introduced in a phased approach starting on Dec 31.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 18:56 | Report Abuse

Bursa will also work with the London Stock Exchange to develop a centralised repository for environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) disclosures.

This platform will enable companies to disclose ESG data that can drive sustainable practices across industries.

Another mechanism that facilitates Malaysia’s energy transition is the recently introduced Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX), the world’s first shariah-compliant voluntary carbon market exchange.

“The BCX is one of the key building blocks that will help finance some of the actions and investments required for decarbonisation.

“It successfully held its first carbon credits price discovery auction in March this year, and its trading is set to go live in early October,” he said.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 20:02 | Report Abuse

Next, picorp probably :)

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 22): Chin Hin Group Bhd said it will be making a mandatory general offer (MGO) for the remaining shares in Ajiya Bhd at RM1.53 per share, but intends to maintain Ajiya's listing status.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-22 20:21 | Report Abuse

Insya-Allah, jam 9.30 malam ini waktu Malaysia (9.30 pagi waktu di New York), saya akan menyampaikan Kenyataan Negara di Perhimpunan Agung Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) Ke-78.

Saya akan berkongsikan usaha Malaysia dalam menangani krisis iklim untuk mencapai Agenda 2030, pelan hala tuju negara di bawah rangka kerja Malaysia MADANI serta beberapa lagi isu global.

Rakyat Malaysia boleh menyaksikan Kenyataan Negara ini secara langsung melalui saluran media tempatan dan facebook live.

Doakan agar semuanya berjalan lancar.

#MalaysiaMADANI
#UNGA78

https://www.facebook.com/100044147303672/posts/pfbid0GAUWWkHYegtbqqQy3UgPvm1vQbgQLXQ5KM8BcSv8X8Ap3rJytdWD6uFBQUTkr44rl/?mibextid=cr9u03

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-23 12:31 | Report Abuse

Picorp, next :)

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 22): Tanco Holdings Bhd's group managing director Datuk Seri Andrew Tan Jun Suan has raised his indirect shareholding in the group to 785.06 million shares or a 39.59% stake after acquiring five million shares on Friday.

Tan bought the stake in the open market via TJN Capital Sdn Bhd on Friday at 56 sen per share, according to the group's bourse filing. This values the purchase at RM2.8 million.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-23 22:20 | Report Abuse

https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/videos/malaysia-tells-developed-nations-to-be-committed-to-us-100bil-a-year-to-address-climate-change/vi-AA1h6Pc8?&item=flights%3Aprg-mobileappview

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-24 13:53 | Report Abuse

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/09/23/sc-unveils-measures-to-attract-foreign-investors

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 08:53 | Report Abuse

Malaysia is currently in a position of strength as it ranks 35th globally in the Energy Transition Index that incorporates the balancing of the energy trilemma — security, sustainability and equity. The recent announcement of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) indicates the government’s strong will to transition the country’s energy system to one that is based on cleaner energy sources.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 08:55 | Report Abuse

The SC is also working to speed up the initial public offering process and reduce time-to-market to ensure Malaysia’s competitiveness and attractiveness.

PETALING JAYA: The Securities Commission (SC) has announced several capital market initiatives in an effort to boost market vibrancy and enhance investor access to the country’s capital market.

This includes automatic promotion of eligible public limited companies from the ACE to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, stamp duty reduction, enabling fractional share trading by investors through stockbrokers and introducing the Foreign Exempt Scheme (FES) framework.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 08:57 | Report Abuse

From 8sen to 10sen, total shares available for sale is worth few hundred thousand RMs only ;)

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 09:15 | Report Abuse

More to come, NTA at 8sen equals current market price




7201 PICORP PROGRESSIVE IMPACT CORPORATION
Quarterly rpt on consolidated results for the financial period ended 30/06/2023
Quarter: 2nd Quarter
Financial Year End: 31/12/2023
Report Status: Unaudited
Submitted By:
Current Year Quarter Preceding Year Corresponding Quarter Current Year to Date Preceding Year Corresponding Period
30/06/2023 30/06/2022 30/06/2023 30/06/2022
RM '000 RM '000 RM '000 RM '000
1 Revenue 22,022 19,900 42,553 42,434
2 Profit/Loss Before Tax 1,223 261 2,514 1,120
3 Profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent -372 -1,839 -1,787 -3,482
4 Net Profit/Loss For The Period 1,275 32 1,672 -229
5 Basic Earnings/Loss Per Shares (sen) -0.06 -0.28 -0.27 -0.53
6 Dividend Per Share (sen) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.30
As At End of Current Quarter As At Preceding Financial Year End
7 Net Assets Per Share (RM) 0.0800 0.0800
Remarks:
You are advised to read the entire contents of the announcement or attachment.
To read the entire contents of the announcement or attachment, please access
the Bursa website at http://www.bursamalaysia.com

28/08/2023 07:00 AM


Ref Code: 202308283100363

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 09:17 | Report Abuse

MGO at 2 to 3 times P/B value :)

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 09:56 | Report Abuse

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2379581/business-economy

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 09:56 | Report Abuse

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2379596/business-economy

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 09:57 | Report Abuse

35sen->6sen->8sen->? $$$$

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 10:00 | Report Abuse

On the way to recovery, first mover advantage in Saudi Arabia

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 13:21 | Report Abuse

Foreign buying of Malaysian equities swelled to RM550.9m last week, says MIDF
By Surin Murugiah / theedgemalaysia.com

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 20:59 | Report Abuse

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/25/call-to-give-matching-esg-grants

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-25 21:07 | Report Abuse

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/09/24/deputy-minister-mosti-welcomes-proposals-to-develop-clean-water-technology-from-seawater/92674

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-26 09:17 | Report Abuse

Come to picorp :)

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 25): Cypark Resources Bhd co-founder and group chief executive officer Datuk Daud Ahmad has remerged as a substantial shareholder of the renewable energy and solid waste management company, only days after his status ceased.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-26 18:31 | Report Abuse

more environmental monitoring and testing services required as construction activities started to intensify, etc :)

The negative effect of construction activities toward the environment has put pressure on the key
players in the construction industry on the need to protect the environment (Yusoff et al., 2018) whose
domains of work and responsibilities involve selecting of building materials, designing alternatives,
relating them to environmental regulations, and demands of clients and they are linked with suppliers
and manufacturers who are the source of the technology (Rautray et al., 2019). As Smajlović et al.
(2023) proposed, it is therefore important for these players to consider the prevailing environmental
issues in their day to day operations.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-26 18:33 | Report Abuse

2nd half should be much improved/better :)

Monday, 28 Aug 2023
5:37PM
PICORP 1H net profit 1.672 million

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-27 10:42 | Report Abuse

Environmental monitoring and testing services are of paramount importance for Malaysia due to several key reasons:

Biodiversity and Ecosystems:
Malaysia is renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, including rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs. Environmental monitoring helps track changes in these ecosystems, assess the health of flora and fauna, and identify threats to endangered species.

Natural Resources:
Malaysia is a major producer of natural resources like palm oil, rubber, and timber. Monitoring environmental conditions is essential to ensure sustainable resource management, prevent deforestation, and mitigate the negative impact of resource extraction.

Agriculture:
Agriculture is a significant sector in Malaysia's economy. Environmental testing helps ensure the safety of agricultural products, including food and crops, by monitoring for contaminants, pesticides, and pollutants that may affect both human health and the environment.

Air Quality:
Urban areas in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, face air pollution challenges due to industrial activities, traffic congestion, and haze from forest fires. Monitoring air quality is crucial to protect public health and reduce the impact of pollution-related diseases.

Water Resources:
Malaysia relies heavily on its water resources for drinking water, agriculture, and industry. Monitoring water quality in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs is essential to ensure a safe and sustainable supply of clean water.

Climate Change:
Malaysia is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including sea-level rise and extreme weather events. Environmental monitoring helps assess climate-related risks and develop strategies for adaptation and mitigation.

Sustainable Development:
As Malaysia continues to develop economically, it must strike a balance between growth and environmental protection. Monitoring services provide the data needed to make informed decisions about sustainable development practices.

Compliance with Regulations:
Environmental monitoring ensures that industries and businesses comply with environmental laws and regulations. Regular testing helps identify non-compliance issues and facilitates corrective actions.

Tourism and Reputation:
Malaysia's natural beauty is a major attraction for tourists. Monitoring and protecting the environment enhance the country's reputation as a sustainable and responsible tourism destination.

Health and Well-being:
Clean air, water, and a healthy environment are fundamental to the well-being of Malaysia's population. Monitoring services help identify and address environmental health risks.

In summary, environmental monitoring and testing services are crucial for Malaysia to protect its unique ecosystems, sustainably manage natural resources, address pollution and climate change challenges, ensure public health, and support the country's economic development while preserving its natural beauty and reputation on the global stage.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-27 10:43 | Report Abuse

Companies involved in environmental monitoring and testing services often have significant growth potential due to several key factors:

Increasing Environmental Concerns: Growing awareness of environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction has led to increased demand for monitoring and testing services. Concerned governments, businesses, and individuals are willing to invest in solutions to address these challenges.

Regulatory Compliance: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter environmental regulations. Companies that provide monitoring and testing services help other businesses comply with these regulations. This creates a consistent and growing demand for their services.

Technological Advancements: Advances in technology, including sensors, data analytics, remote sensing, and automation, have improved the efficiency and accuracy of environmental monitoring. Companies that innovate in this space can gain a competitive edge and expand their market reach.

Global Expansion: Environmental issues are not limited by borders. Companies in this sector often find opportunities for expansion beyond their home markets, particularly in regions with emerging environmental concerns and regulations.

Public and Private Sector Investment: Governments and private companies are investing heavily in environmental initiatives, including monitoring and testing. These investments can create lucrative partnerships and opportunities for service providers.

Diverse Applications: Environmental monitoring and testing services have applications across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and more. This diversity allows companies to tap into multiple markets and industries.

Risk Mitigation: As environmental risks become more pronounced, businesses are increasingly focused on mitigating these risks to protect their operations and reputation. This drives demand for environmental services that assess and manage these risks.

Data-Driven Decision-Making: The collection and analysis of environmental data are becoming integral to business strategies. Companies that offer data-driven insights and solutions are in high demand.

Corporate Sustainability Initiatives: Many companies are adopting sustainability goals and commitments. Environmental monitoring services help them track progress and demonstrate their environmental responsibility to customers, investors, and stakeholders.

Market Differentiation: Companies that invest in environmental monitoring and sustainability can differentiate themselves in the market, attract environmentally conscious customers, and secure competitive advantages.

Research and Innovation: Companies in this sector often engage in research and development to create new technologies, methodologies, and solutions for environmental monitoring and testing. These innovations can open up new revenue streams.

Public Awareness and Advocacy: Environmental issues have garnered significant public attention and advocacy. Companies involved in environmental monitoring and testing can benefit from this heightened awareness and support.

In conclusion, companies in the environmental monitoring and testing services sector have substantial growth potential due to increasing environmental concerns, regulatory pressures, technological advancements, and a growing market for sustainability-related solutions. As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, these companies play a crucial role in addressing global challenges and driving positive change.

Posted by Good123 > 2023-09-27 10:44 | Report Abuse

Pest control service providers in Saudi Arabia have significant growth potential due to several factors:

Climate and Geography: Saudi Arabia's climate, characterized by high temperatures and arid conditions, creates a conducive environment for various pests. These pests can negatively impact agriculture, food storage, and public health, creating a strong demand for pest control services.

Agricultural Sector: Agriculture is a vital sector in Saudi Arabia, and pests can cause substantial damage to crops and livestock. As the country seeks to increase its agricultural production through initiatives like the "Saudi Green Initiative," the need for effective pest control services is likely to grow.

Food Safety and Security: Ensuring food safety and security is a top priority for Saudi Arabia. Pests in food storage facilities and processing plants can lead to contamination and spoilage. Strict food safety regulations drive the demand for pest control services to maintain quality and hygiene standards.

Urbanization and Construction: Rapid urbanization and construction projects in Saudi Arabia create disturbances in natural habitats, leading to increased pest infestations in urban areas. Pest control services are essential for managing these infestations in residential and commercial spaces.

Tourism Industry: Saudi Arabia is actively promoting its tourism industry, which includes attracting international tourists. Hotels, resorts, and other hospitality establishments require pest control services to maintain high hygiene standards and protect their reputation.

Health Concerns: Pests can pose health risks by transmitting diseases to humans and animals. Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector relies on pest control to prevent outbreaks and ensure public health.

Regulatory Compliance: The Saudi government has regulations in place that require businesses and institutions to maintain pest-free environments. Compliance with these regulations necessitates the services of professional pest control providers.

Awareness and Education: Growing awareness of the importance of pest control for health and safety is leading individuals and businesses to seek preventive measures, which includes regular pest control services.

Technological Advancements: The pest control industry has seen technological advancements in recent years, such as the use of eco-friendly and non-toxic methods, as well as digital monitoring systems. These innovations make pest control services more effective and environmentally friendly, aligning with global sustainability trends.

Market Growth: The pest control industry in Saudi Arabia is evolving and becoming more competitive. This competition drives providers to enhance their services and offer innovative solutions, ultimately benefiting consumers.

Given these factors, pest control service providers in Saudi Arabia have the potential to tap into a growing and diverse market. However, success in this industry requires a commitment to high-quality service, compliance with regulations, and a willingness to adapt to changing pest control techniques and customer preferences.