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GK Capital Announces Entry Into Mutual Funds Market

“the initial funds will diversify the sphere of investment opportunities for our clients and expand GK Capital’s product reach.” He acknowledged that “while we are entering a competitive CIS market, the design of the funds and the planned innovative approaches to distribution will deliver a unique customer experience and drive client acquisition and the accumulation of assets under management.”

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GK Capital Management Limited (GK Capital) has announced that it has received approval from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) to enter the Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) market in Jamaica. This approval will allow GK Capital to offer mutual fund products through a newly incorporated entity, GK Mutual Funds Limited (GK Mutual Funds).

Commenting on the new venture, GraceKennedy Group CEO, Don Wehby explained, “GraceKennedy is committed to helping Jamaicans pursue their dreams, whether big or small, through innovative financial solutions. These new investment options from GK Capital are yet another example of our commitment. On the eve of GraceKennedy’s 100th anniversary, which we will celebrate on February 14, the launch of GK Mutual Funds is yet another glimpse into the bright future of our Group. I am very excited about this new venture for GK, and we look forward to expertly serving our new GK Mutual Funds customers. Congratulations to the GK Capital team on this innovation, which will see GK offering mutual funds for the first time on the Jamaican market.”

Initially, three products will be offered to the market by GK Mutual Funds: the GK US Dollar Income Fund; the GK Jamaican Dollar Money Market Fund; and the GK Jamaican Dollar Growth & Income Fund. The funds have been designed to provide a suite of diversified investment solutions to investors with varying risk appetites. When launched, qualified investors will be able to subscribe for shares in a fund or funds which best meet their investment objectives.

Steven Whittingham, Chief Operating Officer of the GraceKennedy Financial Group and the Head of GK’s Investment and Insurance Divisions, explained “the initial funds will diversify the sphere of investment opportunities for our clients and expand GK Capital’s product reach.” He acknowledged that “while we are entering a competitive CIS market, the design of the funds and the planned innovative approaches to distribution will deliver a unique customer experience and drive client acquisition and the accumulation of assets under management.”

The launch date for GK Mutual Funds is set for the second quarter of 2022. The timing is in keeping with GK Capital’s heightened activity in the local investment landscape.

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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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