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GRACEKENNEDY Continues To Deliver Outstanding Results In 2021

The global consumer group which operates in the areas of food and financial services realized J$129.3 billion in revenues in 2021, an increase of J$13.9 billion or 12% over 2020. Profit before tax (PBT) for 2021 was J$11.7 billion, a notable increase of 20.3% compared to the prior year.

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2021 revenues up J$13.9 billion or 12% over prior year; profit after tax up 30.4%

GraceKennedy (GK) has released its annual financial results for the period ended December 31, 2021.  In a year which continued to be characterised by the COVID-19 pandemic, GK defied the odds and delivered outstanding results in 2021, building on its record-breaking 2020 performance. The global consumer group which operates in the areas of food and financial services realized J$129.3 billion in revenues in 2021, an increase of J$13.9 billion or 12% over 2020. Profit before tax (PBT) for 2021 was J$11.7 billion, a notable increase of 20.3% compared to the prior year. Profit after tax totalled J$8.9 billion, representing an increase of J$2.1 billion or 30.4%. GK’s total assets grew by 16.4% or J$28.1 billion in 2021, up from J$171.7 billion in 2020 to J$199.8 billion.  

Net profit attributable to the stockholders of the Company was J$8.2 billion in 2021, a J$2 billion increase over 2020.  Earnings per share was J$8.27 in 2021, compared to J$6.28 in 2020, representing a 31.7% increase. Last year, GK’s share price on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) increased by 59.6%, from J$62.68 on December 31, 2020, to J$100.02 on December 31, 2021. Dividends totalling J$1.9 billion or J$1.93 per share were paid out by GK in 2021, an increase of 21% over the $1.6 billion paid out in 2020. GK’s 2021 dividend pay-out has broken the previous year’s record as being largest in the Company’s history.

GK Group CFO, Andrew Messado has also announced GK’s first dividend payment for 2022 of 48 cents per stock unit, payable on April 8, 2022, totalling approximately $476 million.

Commenting on the 2021 results, GK Group CEO, Don Wehby stated “In the face of the pandemic our GK team remained Stronger Together, consistently going above and beyond to provide our customers with the highest standard of products and services, whilst working to achieve our strategic goals. These results are testament to the hard work of our team and the loyalty of our customers around the world, who continue to support our businesses year after year. Of course, this year is a very special one for us and all our stakeholders, as GK celebrates our 100th anniversary in 2022. It’s a monumental milestone for our Company and for Jamaicans around the world, who are very much a part of our GK story. Also, to consistently be delivering such a strong performance after a century in operation is truly an extraordinary accomplishment.”

GK’s Foods business performed extremely well in 2021, despite the challenges associated with high inflation and supply chain delays. Both GK Foods – Domestic and GK Foods – International recorded double-digit growth in revenue and profitability over the previous year, with GK Foods (USA) LLC notably reporting an improved performance over the exceptional returns it recorded in 2020. The GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) also reported growth in revenue and PBT in 2021 when compared to 2020. Notwithstanding the increasingly competitive remittance environment globally, GK’s Money Services segment ended the year with revenue and pre-tax profit exceeding 2020. GK’s Banking, Investments and Insurance segments also performed well in 2021.

GK continued executing its M&A strategy in 2021, adding Scotia Insurance Eastern Caribbean Limited (SIECL) to its portfolio. The regional entity was subsequently renamed GK Life Insurance Eastern Caribbean Limited (GK Life) and continues to offer credit protection in the Eastern Caribbean. The 876 Spring Water brand was also acquired by GK in 2021, further strengthening its position in the spring water market.

GK also advanced its digital transformation agenda in 2021 with the launch of its Digital Factory early in the year. A new e-commerce platform from GK’s Hi-Lo Food Stores supermarket chain, Hi-Lo Online, was also launched, and the development of GKFG’s much-anticipated GK ONE mobile app was completed.

“We will continue to execute GK’s strategy going forward, including our focus on M&A and digital transformation. Our new GK ONE app is slated for launch before the end of March, and we have several transactions in the pipeline as we advance our M&A strategy. Supply chain management, inventory management, and providing new delivery channels and innovative solutions also continue to be key areas of focus for our businesses. And of course, above all we remain firmly committed to our we care mantra, by supporting the well-being of the communities we serve around the world and by making the health and safety of our team and other stakeholders our top priority,” said Wehby. 

In 2021 through its Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation, GK provided scholarships for over 1,000 Jamaican students, and continued to operate homework centres, distribute care packages, and deliver counselling sessions for residents in underserved Jamaican communities. In 2021 the GK Foundation began a pioneering pilot project with the Dutch non-profit environmental organisation The Ocean Cleanup to install Interceptor Barriers at the mouths of three Kingston gullies to prevent solid waste from entering the Kingston Harbour. Last year GK companies also donated over J$13 million towards the purchase and shipping of supplies to residents of St Vincent following several massive eruptions of the island’s La Soufrière volcano in April.

 “I’m filled with immense pride and eternally grateful to be leading this amazing GK team at such an important time in our history. After 100 years, GraceKennedy continues to demonstrate the strength of our team, the strength of our strategy, and the strength of our spirit. Thank you to all GK’s supporters around the world, especially our longstanding customers, business partners and shareholders. In the coming months I will be sharing the details of GK’s 2030 vision. The best is yet to come for our business, and I know I speak for the entire GK team when I say how much we look forward to continuing to work with all our stakeholders to shape a better future for the communities we serve around the world,” concluded Wehby.

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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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