Businessuite Markets
GraceKennedy Reporting Revenue And Profit Ahead Of Half-Year Targets
Donald G. Wehby, Group Chief Executive Officer for GraceKennedy Limited (GK) has released the following report on the company’s financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
During the first half of 2022, GK achieved revenues of J$72.59 billion, representing an increase of 14.6% or J$9.24 billion over the corresponding period in 2021. Profit before tax (PBT) was J$5.46 billion or $12.6 million higher than the corresponding period in 2021.
Net profit attributable to stockholders was J$3.70 billion, $111.6 million higher than
the corresponding period in 2021. Earnings per stock unit for the period was J$3.73 (2021: J$3.62).
GK remains cautiously optimistic as we continue to manage the business through the challenges presented by high inflation globally, sustained supply chain issues, increasing interest rates, and foreign currency volatility. Notwithstanding the difficult economic climate, revenue and profit are ahead of our half-year target, and our team remains unwavering in their commitment to GK and focused on the execution of our strategic initiatives.
Performance of Business Segments
Foods
GK’s food business recorded an overall growth in revenues when compared to the corresponding period of 2021.
PBT recorded an increase, however there were mixed results across the segment, reflecting the dynamic nature of the current economic environment within which we operate. Challenges included higher distribution costs, resulting in compressed margins.
Our Jamaican food distribution business continues to do well and recorded healthy growth in both revenues and pre-tax profits. Our next generation product portfolio, which includes Grace Sardines, Grace Tuna, Grace Mighty Malt and Grace Aloe, displayed growth over the corresponding period last year. Key products such as vienna sausages, frankfurters, and the Tastee Cheese and Tropical Rhythms lines reported strong growth over 2021.
World Brands Services (WBS) recorded a strong performance, with increases in both revenues and PBT over the corresponding period in 2021. This was driven by the growth of signature brands such as Frito-Lay, Capri Sun, Lucozade, and Mars. Consumer Brands Limited (CBL) also reported significantly increased revenues and PBT.
Both WBS and CBL continue to prioritize the expansion of their distribution points and have renewed customer engagement through in-store promotions.
GK’s chain of supermarkets in Jamaica, Hi-Lo Food Stores, remains focused on improving service levels and customer satisfaction. Strong growth in revenues and PBT were recorded during the period and Hi-Lo’s e-commerce platform continues to receive positive feedback from our customers.
GK’s Manufacturing Division achieved growth in revenues and PBT compared to the corresponding period last year, due to solid performances by Grace Agro-Processors (Hounslow), Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited (DIJL) and Grace Food Processors (Meats). The merger of two of our factories in Jamaica, National Processors (Nalpro) and Grace Food Processors (Canning), into NALCAN, is on track to be completed in 2022 and will bring greater efficiency to our manufacturing operations in Jamaica.
Our international food business recorded improvement in revenue over prior year; however, record inflation in all territories, as well as elevated distribution costs resulted in mixed performance results.
GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC (GK Foods USA) delivered good revenue growth over prior year. PBT was impacted by high demurrage and storage costs, for which corrective measures have been put in place. Cost saving and margin management initiatives continue to be implemented to help mitigate these conditions.
Grace Foods UK Limited reported a commendable performance, achieving growth in both revenues and PBT. The company remains challenged by high commodity prices and the high cost of trading in Europe due to BREXIT.
Notwithstanding, the food service side of the business has rebounded with significant improvements in both revenue and profitability compared to the prior year period.
Grace Foods Canada Inc. closed the second quarter of 2022 with revenues exceeding prior year; however, record inflation in the Canadian market and supply chain challenges affected margins and impacted PBT. Key products including Grace Corned Beef, Grace Mackerel and Grace Canned Peas remained popular, which helped to drive top line growth.
Grace Foods Latin America and the Caribbean (GF LACA) reported positive half year numbers with growth in both revenues and PBT being attributed to the strength of the Grace brand across the region. GF LACA was successful in negotiating the listing of Grace Sardines and Grace Coconut Milk in PriceSmart Barbados, and launched Grace Coconut Milk regionally, and Grace Coffee in Guyana.
Financial Services
The GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) reported a positive performance for the period, as we continue to expand our regional footprint.
Our Banking and Investments segment yielded positive results, led by GK Capital Management Limited (GK Capital), the investment and advisory arm of GKFG. GK Capital sustained its growth momentum into the second quarter of 2022, with revenues growing significantly compared to the same period last year. This positive performance was largely buoyed by the two successful initial public offerings of Spur Tree Spices Jamaica Limited and Jamaica Fibreglass Products Limited and GK Capital’s increased non-interest revenue streams.
GK Capital has signed an agreement with the largest operator and manager of mutual funds in the Caribbean, the Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (TTUTC). The new venture, which remains subject to the requisite regulatory approvals, will allow GK Capital and TTUTC to partner in the distribution of mutual funds in Jamaica.
First Global Bank (FGB), GK’s commercial bank in Jamaica, continues to achieve growth in its loans and deposits portfolios when compared to the prior year. FGB’s revenues increased over the same period last year and PBT recorded growth. For the remainder of 2022, FGB will continue to focus on implementing its digital strategy, including online credit card applications and other digital alternatives to in-branch transactions.
SigniaGlobe Financial Group Inc., GK’s jointly owned merchant banking business in Barbados, continues to show significant growth in retail loan and non-interest income revenue over the corresponding period of 2021. As a result, profitability over the period has doubled when compared to prior year. GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) reported a decline in revenue and PBT for the period, primarily attributed to lower remittance flows and the volatility of the Jamaican dollar against the US dollar.
The Bank of Jamaica has reported a decline in remittance inflows since the start of the year, and we have put strategies in place to address this which are focused on marketing, pricing, agents, compliance, and our customers.
Bill Express and FX Trader continue to perform well, and recorded growth in both revenues and PBT. GKMS remains focused on improving and expanding its digital channels and service levels.
GK’s Insurance segment continues to benefit from our recent acquisitions and recorded double digit growth. GKFG’s most recent acquisition, GK Life Insurance Eastern Caribbean Limited continues to implement its strategy to maximize the performance of its portfolio while establishing itself as a major pan-Caribbean insurer. Key Insurance Company Limited continued to produce positive results, recording growth in revenues and PBT during the first half of 2022.
Canopy Insurance Limited generated revenue growth over prior year in all business segments and remains focused on revenue diversification and the pursuit of strategic partnerships. The company remains challenged from a profitability perspective, driven primarily by medical inflation. Allied Insurance Brokers Limited is focused on strengthening and growing client relationships and leveraging partnerships.
GK General Insurance Company Limited (GKGI) outperformed its prior year revenues due to growth in its core business portfolios. An initiative which was implemented in the first quarter of 2022 to optimize GKGI’s structure and internal processes, as well as keen partner relationship management, have improved efficiency and service delivery and remain key to the company’s growth strategy.
Digital Transformation
The GK One mobile app was released in the Google Play and Apple App stores in March with the Bill Payment feature enabled. Customers can now also receive a Western Union remittance via the app, directly to their mobile wallet.
The Visa prepaid card associated with the app has been dubbed the “Shelly” card as it features an image of our outstanding Jamaican sprinter and GK Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Customers have expressed excitement upon receiving their “Shelly” card and are responding positively to the ease of use of the GK One app and card. Additional money services are on target to be rolled out via the app in the coming months.
Mergers & Acquisitions
GK continues to advance its Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) strategy. Following the acquisition of Bluedot in the second quarter of 2022, the M&A Unit continues to hold discussions regarding M&A transactions locally and internationally, as we move towards achievement of our 2030 objectives.
GK100
GK100 continued to be prominently featured at events, in campaigns and customer engagement activities during the second quarter of 2022. Following a special celebration at the 2022 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Champs in April, our 100th anniversary also featured prominently during the Jamaica 60 Diaspora Conference in June. Since 2004, GK has been a legacy partner of the Diaspora Conference, which is convened by Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. On the evening of the first day of the Conference this year, the GK team hosted in-person and virtual participants to a mini-concert, which featured performances by Jamaican reggae artistes Tony Rebel and Ding Dong, and highlighted GK100.
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Businessuite Markets
Main Event Entertainment Records $9.4M Net Loss For April 2025 Quarter
As part of its long-term strategy to reduce revenue volatility and deepen brand equity, the company has begun investing in its proprietary events. The performance of these initiatives is expected to materialise in the upcoming quarters.
Solomon Sharpe Chief Executive Officer For Main Event Entertainment Group Limited Has Released The Following Unaudited Results For Six Months Ended April 30, 2025
The second quarter of the financial year unfolded within a still recovering economic environment. Jamaica experienced two consecutive quarters of economic contraction prior to this period, with the latest data from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) indicating a return to modest growth.
As a business closely tied to consumer activity and discretionary spending, MEEG’s performance is inevitably influenced by prevailing economic conditions. In times of reduced disposable income, demand for entertainment, events, and promotional services often comes under pressure. This context has framed many of the challenges and opportunities we faced during the quarter.
The company generated revenue of $306.368 million for the second quarter ended April 30, 2025. This represents a decline of $112.207 million or 27% compared to the second quarter of 2024. For the half-year, the company earned revenue of $891.395 million, reflecting a reduction of $94.932 million or 10% relative to the corresponding period last year. This contraction in revenue is primarily attributable to continued softness in core event categories, most notably Entertainment & Promotions and M-Style Decor. Performance was impacted by a combination of lower client marketing spend, fewer large-scale productions, and the nonrecurrence of several high-value projects that contributed materially to the prior year’s second quarter. Despite the general slowdown, the period saw several new and re-engaged clients contribute positively to revenue performance.
As part of its long-term strategy to reduce revenue volatility and deepen brand equity, the company has begun investing in its proprietary events. The performance of these initiatives is expected to materialise in the upcoming quarters.
Gross profit for the quarter was $165.818 million, compared to $198.064 million in the second quarter of 2024 — a decline of $32.246 million or 16%. Gross profit for the six months amounted to $467.485 million, down $46.402 million or 9% relative to the same period last year.
The company’s gross margin remained relatively stable at 54% for the quarter, a slight improvement from the 53% reported in the prior year. This increase reflects stronger project cost control and enhancements in resource planning, even amidst a softer revenue performance.
The company recorded a net loss of $9.337 million for the quarter, compared to a net profit of $20.016 million in Q2 2024. For the six-month period, net profit stood at $64.329 million, a decrease of $55.942 million or 47% from the $120.271 million earned in the comparative period. This swing was primarily driven by the reduction in revenue and other operating income, which was not fully offset by cost reductions.
Administrative and general expenses for the quarter totalled $143.244 million, an increase of $15.757 million or 12% compared to $127.487 million in the prior year.
Selling and promotional expenses also rose to $7.177 million, up 62% year over year, driven by increased brand-building efforts.
Depreciation expense declined by approximately $6.718 million or 20% compared to the prior quarter and by $9.764 million year-over-year, reflecting the completion of previous capital cycles. Conversely, amortisation charges increased, largely due to the refinancing of existing leases and the addition of new ones. These movements are aligned with the company’s strategy to invest in equipment and assets that enhance operational capacity and service delivery.
Total operating expenses for the quarter were $186.794 million, compared to $178.886 million in Q2 2024, an increase of 4%. On a year-to-date basis, total operating expenses amounted to $405.514 million, up $20.279 million or 5% over the $385.235 million recorded in the prior year.
Finance costs were marginally higher at $2.959 million, while taxation for the quarter reflected a credit of $1.876 million, corresponding to the pre-tax loss position.
The company reported a loss per share of $0.03 for the second quarter, compared to earnings per share of $0.07 in the prior year. For the six-month period, EPS was $0.21, down from $0.40 in 2024.
As at April 30, 2025, total assets stood at $1,219.275 million, broadly in line with $1,219.929 million recorded at the end of the second quarter of 2024.
Cash and bank balances amounted to $141.700 million, with short-term deposits increasing to $252.598 million, together reflecting a stable liquidity position.
Receivables closed at $299.718 million, slightly below the $309.556 million reported in the prior year.
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Businessuite Markets
The LAB Posts $20.6M Half-Year Profit, Down 58%, Impacted by Revenue Timing and Margin Compression
Kimala Bennett Chief Executive Officer for Limners and Bards Limited (The LAB) has released the following unaudited consolidated financial statements for the six-month period ended April 30, 2025, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The consolidated results include the performance of subsidiary Scope Caribbean Limited (Scope), whose core business involves the scouting, placement, and management of talent, supported by the development and maintenance of a comprehensive talent database.
For the period under review, the Group’s consolidated balance sheet remained sound with a stable cash position, providing the financial flexibility to support ongoing operations and strategic initiatives.
Revenue over the 6-month period of $460.2 million, represented a 3.3% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024. This growth was driven primarily by increased activity in the Production and Media business segments. Media contributed $240.7 million, followed by Production at $151.8 million, and Agency at $67.5 million.
Gross profit amounted to $175.4 million, reflecting a 2.7% decline year-over-year. This was due to a higher proportion of revenue being derived from Media, which typically carries lower margins relative to the Agency segment. This shift in revenue mix also resulted in a 2% decline in the company’s net profit margin.
Net profit for the six-month period stood at $20.6 million, a 58.3% decline compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower gross margins and a reduction in second-quarter revenue which was largely due to seasonal variations and the timing of project deliveries.
Operating expenses, comprising administrative, selling, and distribution costs, increased by $14.4 million or 10 percent compared to the same period last year. This increase primarily reflects strategic investments in talent, particularly in areas critical to our growth agenda such as business development, content creation, and enhancing the overall customer experience. While these investments contributed to higher short-term costs, they are considered essential to scaling our operations and building long-term shareholder value.
Total assets amounted to $1.03 billion, reflecting a decrease of $11.2 million or 1.1 percent, mainly attributable to normal depreciation. Current assets increased marginally to $865.9 million, up $1.6 million from the prior year.
Cash and cash equivalents stood at $332.4 million, down $226 million year-over-year, due primarily to increased investment in the development of proprietary content assets.
Accounts receivable increased by $39.5 million, and management continues to work closely with clients to manage credit terms and reduce outstanding balances.
Shareholders’ equity grew to $659.1 million, up 1.8 percent from $647.3 million in the prior-year period.
The LAB remains focused on disciplined execution of its growth strategy, with a continued emphasis on improving operational efficiency, diversifying revenue streams, and delivering long-term value to shareholders
Outlook & Growth Strategy
Looking ahead, the Group remains focused on executing its strategic roadmap amidst continued transformation in the marketing and creative services sector. Our efforts are concentrated on expanding and diversifying revenue streams, acquiring new clients, and introducing new service lines that align with emerging market needs. At the same time, we are maintaining a strong emphasis on cost discipline and efficiency.
The integration of artificial intelligence into our operations is expected to further streamline processes and deliver cost savings where appropriate.
Continued investment in content development also remains a strategic priority.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, 2025 has presented key opportunities for us to advance several critical initiatives. Our revenue expansion strategy includes the rollout of our “Five-in-25” content plan, which focuses on the development of five scalable content properties, the geographic expansion of our Agency and Production services, and the monetization of existing financial and intellectual assets to enhance top-line growth.
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SEE ALSO
Meta’s AI Ad Revolution Is A Seismic Shift in the Media Landscape – Its Impact On Caribbean Agencies
Businessuite Markets
Scotiabank Trinidad And Tobago Declares Dividend Of 70 Cents Per Share For 2nd Quarter
Businessuite Markets
CIBC Caribbean Delivers Another Strong Quarter Of Financial Performance
We have maintained our focus on credit quality, and this is reflected in our provision for credit losses of US$2.8 million, which is US$5.1 million lower than the prior year. The reduction was driven by improved economic conditions and our prudent risk management approach.
Businessuite Markets
Scotia Group Delivers 19% Q2 Profit Growth, Net Income Hits $5B for the Quarter
The Following is an extract from Scotia Group Jamaica Limited (SGJ) Quarterly Financial Statements Q2/2025 and Declaration of Second Interim Dividend Payment
Scotia Group reports net income of $9.2 billion for the six months ended April 30, 2025, representing an increase of $665.6 million or 7.8% over the prior year. Net income for the quarter of $5 billion reflected an increase of $797.9 million or 19% over the previous quarter. The Group’s asset base grew by $87 billion or 12.9% to $763.5 billion as at April 2025 and was underpinned by the excellent performance of our loan and investment portfolios.
In furtherance of our objective to continue to return value to our shareholders, the Board of Directors has approved a dividend of 45 cents per stock unit in respect of the second quarter, which is payable on July 17, 2025, to stockholders on record as at June 25, 2025.
Commenting on the Group’s performance, Scotia Group’s President and CEO, Audrey Tugwell Henry said “I am very pleased with our Q2 performance.
Our business continues to grow as we prioritize our clients’ needs, offering them the best financial services and solutions in the market. We are also very proud that our performance has been recognized by renowned international financial publications. Scotiabank Jamaica has been named Bank of the Year 2025 by the prestigious publication, The Banker Magazine, as well as the Best International Private Bank 2025 by Euromoney, and The Best Bank in Jamaica by Global Finance Magazine. These accolades are a testament to the effectiveness of our strategy and the excellence of our people. We are buoyed by these awards and motivated to continue to strive toward our ultimate goal of being our clients’ most trusted financial partner.
Business Performance
All business lines continue to perform well and made significant contributions to the Group. Our retail banking business boasts some of the best solutions in the market and our clients are increasingly choosing Scotia Group for their financing needs. Our flexible retail loans and mortgages offer among the lowest interest rates in the market. Our Scotia Plan loan portfolio grew 14% over the previous year and our mortgage portfolio grew by 24% over the same period.
The Corporate and Commercial Banking unit continues to provide significant support to the business sector. While the uncertainties of the geo-political environment remain a concern, Scotiabank is uniquely positioned to help our clients by leveraging insights from our global bank to support them in navigating the challenges in the market. In Q2, our commercial loan book grew by 7 % over the previous year.
Scotia Investments Jamaica Limited delivered another commendable performance with Assets Under Management increasing by 12% year over year. In March, SIJL’s corporate solutions unit was the lead arranger for a $950 Million bond raise for Fontana Pharmacy. The coordinated collaboration between our corporate banking and corporate solutions business units continue to yield strong results for the Group.
Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company (SJLIC) reported an increase in net insurance business revenue of 76% over the previous year driven by the performance of the portfolio. Scotia General Insurance Agency (SGIA) also made strong contributions to the quarter’s results with Gross Written Premiums increasing by 64% and policy sales increasing by 55% year over year.
GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
TOTAL REVENUES
Total revenues excluding expected credit losses for the six months ended April 30, 2025, grew by $2.9 billion to $33.4 billion, reflecting an increase of 9.5% over the prior year period. This was primarily driven by the strong growth in our loan portfolio which led to an increase in net interest income of $1.9 billion or 8.5% as well as an increase in other revenue of 13.1%. OTHER REVENUE Other income, defined as all revenue other than interest income, increased by $1.2 billion or 13.1%.
• Net fee and commission income for the period amounted to $3.9 billion, reflecting an increase of $501.1 million or 14.6%. This growth was fueled by higher volumes of client transactions and activities.
• Net insurance revenue increased by $797.4 million or 75.6%, driven by higher contractual service margin releases coupled with lower insurance expenses in keeping with the performance of the portfolio, as well as an increase in transaction volumes stemming from further deepening of our client relationships.
• Net gains on financial assets amounted to $288 million, reflecting a year over year increase of $85.5 million or 42.2%, given improved market performance.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses totaled $18 billion as at April 2025 and reflected an increase of $2.6 billion or 16.6% when compared to the prior period. Of note, annual asset taxes recorded during the period totaled $1.7 billion, an increase over 2024 of $140.1 million or 9%. Excluding the reduction in the net pension credit on our defined benefit plans, operating expenses increased by $2 billion or 12.3% year over year.
Additionally, higher billings associated with cash transportation services and deposit processing as well as our investments in technology also contributed to the increase noted in other operating expenses. The Group continues to expand on our digital capabilities geared towards simplifying and streamlining our processes to make it easier for our clients to do business with us.
CAPITAL
Shareholders’ equity available to common shareholders totaled $155.9 billion and reflected an increase of $29.1 billion or 22.9% when compared to April 2024. This was due primarily to the re-measurement of the defined benefit pension plan assets, higher fair value gains on the investment portfolio and higher internally generated profits partially offset by dividends paid.
We continue to exceed regulatory capital requirements in all our business lines, and our strong capital position also enables us to manage increased capital adequacy requirements in the future and take advantage of growth opportunities.
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