In releasing its Interim Stockholders’ Report for the Second Quarter ended June 2018, the Board of GraceKennedy Limited is reporting revenues of J$48.4 billion, an increase of 4.3% or $2 billion over the corresponding period of 2017. This was driven largely by growth in its Food Trading and Insurance segments.
Net profit for the period was $2.5 billion, an increase of J$266.1 million or 12.2% compared with 2017.
In commenting on the Group’s performance, Group CEO Don Wehby said, “We are pleased with the increase in profits during the six-month period. The Company has performed well and we will continue to make the necessary changes to position ourselves for continued growth. We are expecting this positive trend to carry through to the end of 2018.
The Company has embarked on a multi-year transformational journey aimed at improving performance and shareholder value. Since the beginning of 2018, the Group has been reviewing its overall organizational design, cost structure, and business processes at all levels. The changes being made, the Group CEO said, are aimed at achieving greater agility, sustainable efficiency, and revenue growth.
Segments within the GraceKennedy Financial Group experienced mixed fortunes during the period, as the Money Services and Banking & Investments segments both experienced decline in revenue and pre-tax profits, while the Insurance segment grew revenue and pre-tax profits over the corresponding period of 2017. The performance of the Money Services segment was due to a reduction in transaction volumes in the remittance business in Jamaica stemming from the implementation of enhanced compliance measures. These strengthened compliance measures continue to impact the business in the short term but they are expected to lead to long term benefits for the Company and increased competitive advantage through a stronger network of agencies. GKGI showed increase in profitability which resulted from growth within the motor, property and engineering portfolios with the GKGOnline channel continuing to show strong growth.
The Group reported that its Food Trading segment experienced growth in revenue and pre-tax profits over the corresponding period of 2017. This was due to improved performance in the domestic foods business. While showing an increase in revenue over prior year, the Company’s international foods business experienced a decline in pre-tax profits compared to the corresponding period of 2017 primarily due to the performance of Grace Foods UK Limited. During the period Grace Foods UK Limited made significant investments in the Nurishment and Aloe brands. These investments resulted in increased costs however it is expected that this will lead to sustained brand value growth and a stronger market share for these products.
The Group continued to execute on its strategy of increasing its online presence with Grace Foods Canada successfully increasing its product offering, including Grace Coconut Milk Powder and Grace Pure Coconut Water, on Amazon.
The Company also announced its intention to acquire a 35% share in Catherine’s Peak bottled pure spring water business, subject to the satisfactory completion of due diligence. This transaction forms part of GraceKennedy’s strategic growth initiative to expand the Group’s healthy product alternatives portfolio, while acquiring top Jamaican brands with broad consumer appeal capable of growing both locally and internationally.
GraceKennedy was appointed the exclusive distributor for the Catherine’s Peak brand which will immediately benefit from GraceKennedy’s extensive distribution network.
The Board has approved the payment of an interim dividend of 45 cents per stock unit, payable on September 26, 2018. This is up 18% from the 38 cents per stock unit paid to stockholders in September 2017.
Group CFO Frank James said, this brings the dividends declared to date to approximately $844 million, an increase of 25% or $169 million over the corresponding period in 2017.BM