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GraceKennedy 2022 Q1 Results Reflect Continued Efforts To Successfully Navigate Myriad Challenges In Various Jurisdictions

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Donald G. Wehby, Group Chief Executive Officer at GraceKennedy (GK) has released the following report on the company’s financial results for the first quarter of 2022.

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, GK achieved:

  • Revenues of J$36.26 billion, representing an increase of 15.5% or J$4.86 billion over the corresponding period in 2021.
  • Profit before other income was J$1.55 billion, a $26.6 million or 1.74% increase over prior year.
  • Profit before tax (PBT) was J$2.57 billion or $53.9 million higher than the corresponding period in 2021;
  • while net profit after tax was J$1.88 billion, representing an increase of 2.1% or J$39.4 million over prior year.
  • Net profit attributable to stockholders was J$1.74 billion, 4.9% or J$81.7 million higher than the corresponding period in 2021.
  • Earnings per stock unit for the period was J$1.75 (2021: J$1.67).

These results reflect our continued efforts to successfully navigate the myriad challenges we face in the various jurisdictions where we operate around the world, including global inflationary pressures, rising interest rates and supply chain and logistic challenges.

Our revenue remains robust and profits for three of our four business segments increased when compared to the corresponding period of the prior year.

Given the current geopolitical climate and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our outlook for the remainder of 2022 remains cautious; however, we are resolute in the execution of our strategic initiatives, while remaining agile in order to mitigate the impact of any headwinds on our business.

GraceKennedy Q1 Results Reflect Continued Efforts To Successfully Navigate Myriad Challenges In Various Jurisdictions Including Global Inflationary Pressures, Rising Interest Rates And Supply Chain And Logistic Challenges.

Performance of Business Segments

Foods

GK’s Foods recorded an overall growth in revenues and PBT when compared to the corresponding period of 2021. However, there were mixed results across its various divisions as the businesses continued to manage logistics issues including delays in the supply chain and port congestion, as well as margin pressures.

Our Jamaican food distribution business maintained its momentum from 2021, recording growth in both revenues and pre-tax profits. Core products, including Tropical Rhythms beverages, Grace Ketchup, Grace Coconut Milk Powder, Grace Vienna Sausages and Grace Frankfurters, demonstrated notable growth. This was coupled with the very strong performance of our Caribbean Choice brand, Spring Time laundry products, and Grace Sardines.

World Brands Services (WBS) continued to rebound, recording mid to high double-digit growth in both revenues and PBT. This was attributable to more distribution points being added by WBS throughout Jamaica, which resulted in double-digit growth in key brands.

The resumption of in person classes in Jamaican schools earlier in the year has also been a contributing factor to the improved performance of brands such as Frito-Lay, Mars, and Capri-Sun, which are distributed by WBS.

Jamaica-based Consumer Brands Limited (CBL) also reported double-digit growth in revenues and PBT. Notwithstanding this improved performance, CBL continues to experience inventory challenges for some key products, as global supply chain issues persist.

GK’s chain of Jamaican supermarkets, Hi-Lo Food Stores, recorded strong growth in revenues and PBT, as its initiatives focused on service levels and customer satisfaction continue to yield positive results.

GK’s Manufacturing Division also achieved growth in revenues and PBT, despite significant shipping delays and the rising cost of raw materials and packaging.

The demand for Grace brands remained strong during the period under review.

Our International Foods business recorded an improvement in revenue over prior year, however there was a decline in PBT primarily due to significant charges incurred arising out of shipping and port delays in the United States.

GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC (GK Foods USA) exceeded prior year’s revenues, however due to shipping logistics costs, profits for the period were negatively impacted. Measures have been implemented to mitigate a recurrence of this going forward. GK Foods USA has benefitted from the growth of the La Fe brand, and the Grace brand also continues to resonate with shoppers, particularly our canned fish and meats. New products such as Tropical Rhythms in the tetra pack and Grace Peanut Punch exceeded expectations.

Grace Foods UK Limited continued its positive trajectory, recording growth in both revenues and PBT. This performance was bolstered by the recovery of the food service industry as COVID-19 restrictions eased in the UK. The newly relabelled Encona sauces have recently hit shelves and we anticipate a positive reception.

Grace Foods Canada Inc. closed the quarter with revenues above prior year while PBT was affected by freight and other supply chain related cost increases. The growth in revenue came mainly from key products such as Grace Coconut Water, Grace Rice and Nutrament. Our new offering Grace Jerk Wings also performed well, in addition to meal replacement products such as Grace Peanut Punch and Vitamalt.

Financial Services

The GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) delivered a positive performance for the period, recording growth in revenues and PBT when compared to the same period of 2021.

Our Banking and Investments segment yielded positive results led by GK Capital Management Limited (GK Capital), the investment and advisory arm of GKFG, who had an exceptional start to 2022.

GK Capital acted as the principal broker for two successful Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) – Spur Tree Spices Jamaica Limited and Jamaica Fibreglass Products Limited in January and March, respectively. The company also sustained its focus on expense management during the period and realised noteworthy growth in both revenues and PBT as a result.

In February, approval was received from the Financial Services Commission in Jamaica for our mutual fund offering from GK Mutual Funds Limited, which is expected to launch to the public by the third quarter of 2022.

SigniaGlobe Financial Group Inc., GK’s jointly owned merchant banking business in Barbados, reported encouraging results evidenced by double digit growth in revenue and PBT.

Our Jamaican commercial bank, First Global Bank Limited (FGB) achieved growth in both its loan and deposit portfolios during the period and continues its focus on strengthening relationships and expanding its digital offerings to its customers.

GK’s Insurance segment also recorded a positive performance.

GK General Insurance Company Limited (GKGI) outperformed its prior year revenues due to growth in its core business portfolios. The company aims to drive continued revenue growth through innovation and expanding its digital footprint through “GKGOnline” and internal system upgrades.

Key Insurance Company Limited also continues to produce positive results, recording growth in revenues and PBT.

Canopy Insurance Limited (Canopy) generated revenue growth over prior year in all business segments. The Canopy team remains focused on revenue diversification and continues to actively pursue strategic partnerships.

GKFG’s most recent acquisition, GK Life Insurance Eastern Caribbean Limited reported double-digit top-line growth and will continue implementing its strategy to maximize the performance of its portfolio while establishing itself as a major pan-Caribbean insurer.

Allied Insurance Brokers Limited remains one of the leading insurance brokers evidenced by the award of two new tenders in the first quarter. The team is focused on strengthening and growing client relationships and leveraging partnerships.

GraceKennedy Money Services Limited (GKMS) reported a decline in revenue and PBT, primarily attributed to lower remittance flows and foreign currency volatility during the first quarter of 2022. Other GKMS products, such as “Bill Express” and “FX Trader” however, saw growth in both revenues and PBT.

GKMS continued to advance its digital agenda during the period, which was reflected in the positive performance of its online offerings, such as direct-to-bank transactions and “Bill Express Online”.

Digital Transformation

The “GK ONE” App was released in the Google and Apple App stores in March with the Bill Payment feature enabled. The development of the Credit Card Application was completed in March and released early in April. This followed 2 months of pilot testing with customers of FGB and GK staff. With this feature, GK ONE customers are able to apply for a credit card from FGB, thereby, allowing the Bank to offer credit cards using a digital application. The business has also completed testing of the flagship product, “Receive Remittance”, which will facilitate the receipt of remittances directly to their GK ONE wallet and expects to launch in the near term.

Mergers & Acquisitions

GK continues to advance its Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) strategy in 2022. In April, GK entered into an agreement with entrepreneur and information technologist Larren Peart to make a private equity investment in Bluedot. The business was founded by Peart in 2016, and is a full-service research and data intelligence consultancy, which uses data collection and analytics to inform business insights and decision making. The private equity investment sees GK becoming the majority shareholder and the remaining interest held by Larren Peart. Peart will be the Managing Director responsible for its day-to-day operations and developing and implementing its strategy.

More information CLICK HERE

See also GraceKennedy Limited Businessuite 2021 #1 Jamaica Main Market Company – US$ Revenue 

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Prestige Holdings Enjoyed A Strong Performance For First Quarter Of Fiscal 2024.

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Christian E. Mouttet Chairman for Prestige Holdings has released the following Consolidated Unaudited Results for the Three Months Ended 29 February 2024

I am pleased to report that Prestige Holdings enjoyed a strong performance for the First Quarter of fiscal 2024. Group sales increased by 10% to $341 million from $309 million in the prior year, which resulted in a Profit Before Tax of $15.3 million compared to a profit of $11.6 million for the same period in 2023, a 32% increase. Profit After Tax, attributable to shareholders, increased by 25% from $7.8 million to $9.8 million. Cash flow from operations was $26.9 million and we ended the quarter with $100 million in cash having reduced total borrowings by $5.8 million. During the period we remodelled 2 restaurants and ended the period with 134 restaurants.

All brands posted solid performances during the quarter, with our Subway and Pizza Hut results driven by improved operations, efficiencies and strong demand for our innovative menu items and value offerings. Top line sales were impacted by the opening of five new Starbucks restaurants at Brentwood, Aranguez, O’Meara, St. Augustine and Amazonia Mall, Guyana, when compared to the First Quarter of 2023.

I am extremely pleased to report that KFC recently achieved a significant milestone of serving 150,000 Harvest Meals. The Harvest Meal Programme, which has been active for two years, is designed to provide unsold KFC food to participating NGOs in Trinidad and Tobago. This unsold food is carefully packaged and transported, following accepted global food safety protocols, and is then repurposed into delicious meals and served to the less fortunate. We are very happy to have the opportunity to positively impact the communities in which we operate by partnering with NGOs to provide meals to those in need.

As mentioned in my previous report, significant investment is planned in this financial year for new store development, including Guyana, as well as the remodelling of existing assets in Trinidad and Tobago. We expect these developments, as well as our continued brand initiatives, to continue to deliver positive results.
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GraceKennedy’s Strategic Spur Tree Spices Acquisition: Positioning For Growth

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GraceKennedy Limited’s recent acquisition of an increased stake in Spur Tree Spices (Jamaica) Limited has positioned it as the second-largest shareholder in the company. With an estimated 338,410,375 shares now under its belt, based on Spur Tree’s issued share count of 1,676,959,244 ordinary shares, GraceKennedy solidifies its influence in Jamaica’s culinary landscape.

Continued Expansion through M&A

This transaction marks the latest in GraceKennedy’s series of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities, reflecting the company’s aggressive growth strategy. Following its acquisitions of Scotia Insurance Caribbean Limited and Unibev Limited in 2023, as well as doubling its interest in Catherine’s Peak Bottling Company Limited to 70% in February 2023, GraceKennedy demonstrates its commitment to diversification and market expansion.

Spur Tree’s Strategic Evolution

Meanwhile, Spur Tree Spices is undergoing a strategic transformation, expanding beyond spices and seasonings to become a full-fledged food brand. With plans to launch more than two dozen new products on May 1 and a brand refresh to reflect its new focus, Spur Tree is poised for a significant market repositioning.

Diversification and Innovation

In the upcoming quarter, Spur Tree Spices is set to unveil an array of innovative products, including their much-anticipated line of dried spices. This strategic move represents the company’s foray into new categories and a substantial expansion of its product offerings. By diversifying its portfolio, Spur Tree aims to capture a broader consumer base and solidify its position as a leading player in the culinary industry.

Implications of the Acquisition

GraceKennedy’s increased stake in Spur Tree Spices not only strengthens its position in the spice market but also opens doors for collaboration and synergies between the two entities. As GraceKennedy continues to expand its presence through strategic acquisitions, it can leverage Spur Tree’s innovative product line-up to bolster its offerings and tap into new market segments.

GraceKennedy Limited’s acquisition of a significant stake in Spur Tree Spices marks a strategic milestone for both companies. With GraceKennedy’s growing influence and Spur Tree’s strategic evolution, the stage is set for a dynamic partnership that promises innovation, growth, and market leadership. As they navigate the evolving landscape of Jamaica’s culinary industry, GraceKennedy and Spur Tree Spices are poised to redefine the future of food, one spice at a time.

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ANSA McAL Group Announces Formation Of Joint Venture Company, Globus ANSA Private Limited, With Globus Spirits Limited In India.

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A. Norman Sabga Executive Chairman of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies has announced the formation of the joint venture company, Globus ANSA Private Limited, with Globus Spirits Limited in India.

In a release posted on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange ANSA McAL confirmed that with effect from 4th April 2024, ANSA McAL Limited (“ANSA McAL”) entered into a joint venture agreement with Globus Spirits Limited (“GSL”) to establish Globus ANSA Private Limited (“GAPL”).

Each party will hold fifty percent (50%) of the issued and allotted ordinary share capital of GAPL.

“This collaboration signifies a new era in the Indian alcoholic beverages industry, driving innovation and growth, ‘

“Globus ANSA Private Limited will specialise in manufacturing and distributing alcoholic beverages across the Indian subcontinent, leveraging the strength of both ANSA McAL and Globus Spirits Limited,” said Mr. Shekhar Swarup, Managing Director for Globus Spirits Limited. “This collaboration signifies a new era in the Indian alcoholic beverages industry, driving innovation and growth, ‘he stated

 

 

 

Globus Spirits Ltd is one of the leading players in the Alcohol industry in North India distributing brands in the Consumer Segment including:
• GR8 Times.
• Rajputana.
• Globus Spirits Dry Gin.
• White. Lace.
• Governors’ Reserve Red.
• Governors’ Reserve Blue.
• Oakton.
• Laffaire. Napoleon.

Trinidad and Tobago conglomerate ANSA McAL Group has over 142 years of rich history representing many world-renowned brands, including some of their own home-grown successes. The partnership marks a significant milestone in ANSA McAL Group’s journey, merging cultures and expertise to revolutionise the beer industry in India, with their icon Carib brand and leading the charge.

Norman Sabga Executive Chairman of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, highlighted the immense opportunities in India and their commitment to delivering unparalleled value through this partnership.

“We are confident that our collaboration will allow us to seize the growing demand for high quality beverages by captivating palates with our distinctive products” he said

ANSA McAL is now poised to be an equal Shareholder of GAPL, an Indian company which
would produce, market, sell, distribute and retail beer and other beverages.

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Jamaica Broilers Group Reporting Strong Top and Bottom Line Performance for January 2024 Quarter

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Christopher E. Levy Group President & CEO of Jamaica Broilers Group Limited now release the following unaudited financial results for the quarter ended January 27, 2024, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

The Group produced a net profit attributable to shareholders of $1.3 billion, for the quarter ended January 27, 2024. The operations of the Group continue to be strong, and our gross margins are consistent with expectations.

Quarterly Group revenues amounted to $23.6 billion, a 4% increase above the $22.7 billion achieved in the corresponding quarter.

Our gross profit for the quarter was $5.9 billion, a 7% increase above the $5.5 billion achieved in the corresponding quarter in the prior year.

Jamaica Operations reported a segment result of $5.9 billion which was $448 million or 8% above last year’s segment result. Total revenue for our Jamaica Operations showed an increase of 2% over the prior year nine-month period. This increase was primarily driven by the growth in the sale and export of poultry and implementation of cost containment efforts.

Our US Operations reported a segment result of $3 billion which was $226 million or 8% above last year’s segment result. This increase was driven by increased volumes of poultry meat and eggs, as well as the implementation of cost management initiatives.
Total revenue for the US Operations increased by 3% over the prior year nine-month period.

We have begun to realise additional volumes through the US operations, which has resulted in increased financing requirements primarily around working capital.

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Main Event Reporting Net Profit Of JA$100M For Quarter Ended January 2024

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Solomon Sharpe Chief Executive Officer of Main Event Entertainment Group Limited has released the following unaudited financial statements for the quarter ended January 31, 2024 (Q1).

The company continues to have solid results in an increasingly competitive and largely difficult environment. The company’s performance was anchored by diversifying our client base through strategic targeting and efficient management of our operations.

The company reported net profit of $100.254M for the quarter ended January 31, 2024, representing a decline of 15% or $17.695M relative to the corresponding period of 2023. Consequently, earnings per share decreased by 15% to $0.33 per share.

Total revenues for the quarter ended January 31, 2024 declined by $59.235M to $567.752M, reflecting a decrease of 9% over the corresponding period. This was mainly due to a one-off event for one of our major clients which is not likely to reoccur in subsequent periods.

The company was strategic in its efforts to protect the margins and the gross profit for the quarter was $315.822M compared to the $312.611M earned in 2023. This demonstrates the company’s ability to be alert and responsive to market conditions. Gross margins improved to 56%, up from 50% in the corresponding period.

The company continues to generate revenues from activities requiring reduced external support.

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