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Looking Forward To OCM Group Returning To Growth Path In 2025 – Faarees Hosein

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The OCM Group for the year ended December 2024 reported Revenues of TT$301M / US$44.3M (2023: TT$318M / US$46.8M) and a NPBT and impairment of TT$17.1M / US$$2.5M (2023: TT$37.2M / US$5.5M).

In 2024, our Newspaper segment incurred restructuring costs and other one-off costs as management sought to develop business models better aligned to the current operating environments.

In Barbados, capacity challenges with the electrical grid persisted and impacted the financial performance of our Renewable Energy company. However, action has been taken to reduce the operating cost of the company while the relevant authorities seek a final solution.

In Trinidad, the forex shortages seriously affected our Distribution business and put a strain on supplier relationships. Efforts are being explored to mitigate this problem.

Positively, Flexipac (Packaging company) and Green Dot (Cable/ Internet services) were both able to achieve healthy profitability growth. In the case of Flexipac, the Company was able to double its regional sales and forex earnings and this growth trend is expected to continue with the introduction of new product offerings in 2025. Green Dot completed the rollout of the first phase of its fiber expansion program and is expected to launch the second phase during 2025. Both of these companies have been able to successfully progress their strategic plans to ensure the delivery of sustainable growth.

Our media assets in Barbados and Grenada were able to report profitability growth notwithstanding a contraction in advertising spend. This performance was realized due to the strategies implemented to achieve improved cost efficiencies and enhance our value proposition to customers. Additionally, our media assets across the Group were collectively able to report Digital Revenue growth over prior year with E-paper subscriptions growing by 36% over 3 years.

The Board has taken a conservative decision to impair its investment in one of its associates which has a long outstanding receivable due to it. Notwithstanding this impairment, it is anticipated that this matter will ultimately be favourably resolved and will redound to the benefit of all parties. The Board expresses its gratitude to the management and staff for their unwavering support and dedication throughout the year and we look forward to the Group returning to its growth path in 2025. Having regard to the Group’s performance and capital expansion plans, a dividend of TT$0.10 has been declared and will be paid on 31st July 20

Faarees Hosein Chairman 26th March, 2025

For More Information on One Caribbean Media Limited – Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31st, 2024 (Summary) Click Here

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Higher Operating Costs And Margin Pressures Impacted Main Event’s Overall Q1 Profitability.

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Entering 2025 with a strategic focus on expanding revenue streams, strengthening client relationships, and maintaining financial discipline, the Company achieved revenue growth.
However, higher operating costs and margin pressures impacted overall profitability.

The Company reported revenues of $585.03M, representing a 3% or $17.28M increase over the $567.75M recorded in Q1 2024. This growth was primarily driven by a significant increase in revenue contribution from a previously underperforming segment, reflecting the success of targeted expansion efforts. While revenue remains below prior peak levels, the Company continues to recalibrate and drive demand through expanded service offerings and strengthened client engagements.

Gross profit for the quarter stood at $301.67M, reflecting a 4% decline from $315.82M in Q1 2024. This decline resulted from higher direct costs associated with event execution, infrastructure upgrades, additional non-recurring costs incurred during the period, and increased labour costs related to service delivery. Consequently, the gross margin contracted to 51.56% from 55.63% in the prior year. The Company remains focused on managing costs effectively to support long-term profitability.

Operating expenses increased to $218.72M, up 7.5% from $206.35M in Q1 2024. This rise was attributed to planned administrative enhancements, a significant one-off expenditure for the Company’s 20th Anniversary celebration, higher personnel costs, increased security and fuel expenses, and a 51% increase in amortisation expenses to $11.36M due to renegotiated lease agreements and the addition of a new lease.

Operating profit stood at $87.48M, a 24% decline from $115.28M in Q1 2024. Increased finance costs, stemming from renegotiated lease agreements and new lease additions, also impacted results.
Net profit for the quarter amounted to $73.67M, a 27% decrease from $100.25M in Q1 2024, influenced by lower gross margins, increased operational costs, and higher impairment charges. As a result, earnings per share (EPS) fell from $0.33 in Q1 2024 to $0.25 in Q1 2025.

Total assets grew by 6.4%, reaching $1,306.01M, up from $1,227.37M in Q1 2024. This increase was primarily driven by a 53% rise in receivables, reflecting expanded customer engagements, with several balances stemming from events executed near the period’s end. Short-term deposits increased to $250.24M from $236.50M, while cash and bank balances declined by 30% to $131.74M from $188.91M due to timing differences in collections and reinvestments.

Shareholders’ equity strengthened to $956.17M, reflecting a 5% increase over $912.66M in Q1 2024. This growth was primarily supported by retained earnings, demonstrating the Company’s ability to generate and reinvest profits efficiently.

Payables increased by 47%, rising to $229.58M from $156.38M in Q1 2024, mainly due to the timing of event executions towards the end of the quarter, resulting in higher accrued expenses related to supplier payments.

While the macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, the Company remains optimistic about the upcoming quarters. The focus will be on enhancing operational efficiencies to manage cost structures effectively and strengthening revenue streams through deeper market penetration and strategic partnerships. Additionally, the Company intends to use owned-events as a driver of revenue growth.
Our continued success is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and resilience of our exceptional team. Their ability to adapt and innovate in a dynamic industry ensures that we consistently exceed expectations and deliver outstanding experiences. Their dedication was especially evident during the holiday period, where they worked tirelessly to execute high-quality events, ensuring continued excellence in service delivery. We also recognise and appreciate the unwavering guidance of our Board; whose strategic leadership continues to drive our company’s growth and long-term vision.

Solomon Sharpe Chief Executive Officer

For More Information on Main Event Entertainment Group Limited (MEEG) Unaudited Results, Q1 – Three Months Ended January 31, 2025 (Revised) Click Here

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