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GraceKennedy Group Reporting 17% Jump In Q3 Profit Before Tax

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The GraceKennedy Group reported improved performance for the third quarter of 2019, with revenue of J$25.54 billion and net profit of J$1.44 billion, relative to the corresponding period of 2018.  Profit before tax for the three month period was J$277.0 million or 17.0% higher than the corresponding period of 2018.

GraceKennedy Limited positioned itself for future growth and the on-going implementation of transformational structural and process improvement initiatives is producing positive results and improving stockholder value. The Group expects to meet its financial targets for 2019 while achieving improved operating performance.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the GraceKennedy Group achieved revenues of J$77.03 billion, representing an increase of 4.3% or J$3.20 billion over the corresponding period of 2018.  Net profit after tax for the nine month period was J$3.71 billion, representing a marginal increase of 0.1% or J$2.04 million relative to the corresponding period of 2018.   Net profit attributable to stockholders for the nine month period was J$3.27 billion, 1.7% or J$54.2 million higher than that of the corresponding period of 2018.

Our results were impacted by increases in non-operating expenses as a consequence of the adoption of the new accounting standard on leases, IFRS 16 and the previously adopted IAS 19 post-employment benefit expenses, resulting in a combined negative impact of J$489.0 million.   Profit before other income for the nine month period was J$2.88 billion, 30.2% or J$668.1 million higher than that of the corresponding period of 2018, indicating an improved operating margin. Earnings per stock unit for the period was J$3.30 (2018: J$3.24).

Stockholders will recall that the GraceKennedy Group is a net earner of foreign exchange and has net foreign assets, whose values are subject to movements in foreign currency exchange rates.  During the period January to September 2019, the volatility in the Jamaican foreign exchange market, particularly in the US Dollar exchange rate had a significant negative effect on the Group’s results when compared to the corresponding period of 2018.

Over the nine month period, stockholders’ equity increased by J$7.65 billion to J$52.26 billion.  On the adoption of IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019, the Group recognized a right-of-use asset of approximately J$6.4B shown in fixed assets, with a corresponding amount being recognized as a lease liability shown in bank and other loans.

The Food Trading segment recorded improved revenue and profitability for the reporting period when compared to the corresponding period of 2018 due mainly to the performance of our Jamaican and USA food businesses.

Our Jamaican foods distribution business experienced growth in both revenue and pre-tax profits coupled with improved operating margins.  All core products reported higher sales when compared to the corresponding period of 2018 with Grace Corned Beef showing double digit growth.    Our chain of Jamaican supermarkets, Hi-Lo Foods Stores, showed improved operating performance when compared to the corresponding period of 2018. Customer count for the chain for the nine month period increased by six percent (6%) when compared to the corresponding period of 2018.  Our investments in the Catherine’s Peak brand of pure spring water and Consumer Brands Limited continue to perform well. Our manufacturing companies, Grace Agro Processors (GAP) and GAP Denbigh continue to broaden their supplier base for raw materials. This is expected to improve production yields, reduce shortages and improve quality control for our raw materials while strengthening our network of farmers. GAP Denbigh commenced its export of Grace Canned Ackee, Grace Canned Callaloo and Grace Jerked Seasoning to the USA, UK and Canada.

GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC continues to show improved performance for the nine month period when compared to the corresponding period of 2018.  Revenue for the Grace brand grew double digits primarily driven by improved sales of Grace Frozen Patties, Grace Corned Beef, Grace Sardines and Grace Mackerel.

On October 7, GraceKennedy opened its new Grace/La Fe distribution facility in Woodbridge, New Jersey.  GraceKennedy invested US$5 million in outfitting the new facility, which boasts a state of the art layout, fully compliant with all health and safety standards.  This investment is expected to drive increased operating efficiencies and improve staff and customer satisfaction.  We continue to invest in brand building activities for the La Fe brand and re-launched the La Fe brand in May with the brand being promoted as fresh, healthy and convenient.    Grace Foods UK’s performance was impacted by the decline in sales of its Nurishment brand.  We are currently in the process of rolling out the Nurishment re-launch plans which include a new label design for the can and a new advertising campaign.  Additionally, a new format, Nurishment in a PET bottle, will be launched in the first quarter of 2020.

Grace Foods Canada Inc. has strengthened its distribution presence in Western Canada with additional listings of Grace Jerked Chicken Wings and other frozen products in Sobeys, the second largest supermarket chain in Canada.  Earlier this year the company secured numerous listings with Federated and Calgary Co-op, a regional chain in Western Canada.

The GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) reported growth in revenues and pre-tax profit for the nine month period over the corresponding period in 2018.

The Banking and Investments segment reported an increase in revenue and pre-tax profit for the nine month period compared to the corresponding period in 2018.  First Global Bank Limited (FGB)’s focus on financial inclusion has driven further growth in loans disbursed to Small and Medium Enterprises. FGB opened four (4) bank agents in the quarter in Buff Bay in Portland, Junction in St. Elizabeth, Morant Bay in St. Thomas and New Kingston in St. Andrew under the FGB Money Link Brand in keeping with its Financial Inclusion Strategy.  This brings the total number of Money Link agents across Jamaica to eight (8).

The Insurance segment reported an increase in revenue and pre-tax profit for the nine month period compared to the corresponding period in 2018.  The segment continues to perform well with existing operations achieving growth and various new initiatives forming a base for future growth.  GK General Insurance Company Limited (GKGI) reported revenue growth in its motor, engineering and property portfolios. Motor claims continued to perform within expected levels and this resulted in improved core business results. GKGI continues to play a major role in the insurance sector, providing insurance products for many of the large infrastructure projects across Jamaica.   The Money Services segment reported a marginal decline in both revenue and pre-tax profit for the nine month period compared to the corresponding period of 2018. The business continues to enhance customer convenience through digital offerings which have showed increasing adoption by customers since introduction.

These offerings include WU.com, a digital money transfer platform which allows customers 24/7 access to send funds electronically to over 200 countries, and Direct to Bank where customers can receive money through Western Union for deposit to their bank accounts. Our strategic focus on growth is being supported by our network expansion increasing our presence in Jamaica and regionally through a combination of traditional and digital channels.

The Group’s continued investment in enhanced compliance measures has positioned the business for growth as we solidify our market leadership. Our overseas operations in this segment delivered strong performance with Guyana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman and the Bahamas showing growth over the corresponding period of 2018.

Donald  G. Wehby, Group Chief Executive Officer

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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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