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Jamaican Teas Financial Performance For Second Quarter And Half Year Ended March 2020, Impacted Significantly By Unrealized Investment Losses From QWI Investments

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Jamaican Teas Limited is reporting for the second quarter and half year ended 31 March 2020, noting that the Company has been very fortunate so far, in being able to manage without significant adverse effects and that their manufactured products are in strong demand both domestically and on the export market.

In his report to shareholders included with the financials, John Mahfood, Chief Executive Officer and Director, noted that they have also completed their latest real estate development, an apartment complex in Manor Park, without taking on any debt and they have sufficient cash on hand to meet all obligations.

They have commenced sales of the apartments and contracted several sales already, indicating that they will recognize the income from these sales when each contract is completed. They have not recognized any income from real estate sales in this quarter but project gross sales from this development, of $370 million during the third and fourth quarter of the current financial year.

Commenting further he reported that the most negative development for this quarter has been the sharp fall in the prices of stocks on the Jamaican Stock Exchange, which has resulted in significant unrealized investment losses for QWI Investments Ltd (QWI). Most of these losses are not attributable to the shareholders of JTL but to the non-controlling interests in QWI.

JA$117 million of QWI’s net loss for the quarter is included in JTL’s Group results, triggering an attributable loss for the quarter of $46.7 million. QWI has taken steps to minimise further losses by repaying its debt and adjusting its securities portfolio. The losses incurred by QWI Investments are primarily unrealized losses and while they impact the net assets of the Company
and the Group, they are not a major risk to their liquidity, reported Mahfood.

The Net Asset Value (NAV) per share of QWI Investments Ltd ended the month of April at $0.96, which compares to $0.95 at the end of March 2020, indicating that the investment decline may have abated.

Reporting on the company’s financials, Mr. Mahfood noted that JTL’s total revenues for the quarter increased by $159 million from $314.2 million to $473.3 million or almost 50%. $105.3 million of this increase arose because, in February and March 2019, their supermarket was operated by Bay City Foods Ltd, which at that time was only 50% owned by the Group.

These two months’ sales were not reflected in last year’s consolidated sales, and the remaining $53.7 million increase in sales reflects a 30% increase in export sales and a 9% increase in domestic sales in the manufacturing business. The jump in exports reflects a reversal of the temporary customer de-stocking that took place last year, he reported.

There were no real estate sales this quarter, or in the prior-year quarter.

Mr. Mahfood also noted that the large loss in Other Income reflects the fair value losses of QWI.

For the half-year, the 31% increase in sales reflected a 33% increase in export sales, a 5% increase in domestic sales, and the inclusion of six months’ supermarket sales compared with four months in 2018/19.

On the Expense side, he reported that the increase in Cost of Sales reflects the increased revenues, noting that Group’s gross profits increased by 37% in the quarter, due to higher revenues offset in part by a decrease in the gross profit margin from 32% to 28%.

The reduction in the profit margin is a result of the inclusion of a bigger proportion of the Group’s revenues with lower margin supermarket sales this quarter as compared to a year ago, he noted.

The decrease in marketing expenses for the quarter resulted from the shifting of programmed domestic spending to the first quarter to allow for launches of the Caribbean Select Teas in that period.

The $15 million increase in administrative expenses for the quarter ($30 million for the half-year) primarily reflects the exclusion of two months’ supermarket operations and operations at QWI in the year-ago quarter.

The increase in interest expense is primarily the result of interest on QWI loans that did not exist in the year-ago quarter.

Net loss attributable to Jamaican Teas for the quarter was $46.7 million, a decline of $101.3 million from the $54.6 million profit in the previous year quarter.

Loss per share from continuing operations was 6.7 cents (2018/9 – earnings of 7.9 cents).

Since the September year-end, QWI received the proceeds from its IPO which was included in Other Receivables and applied this money towards the purchase of additionally quoted equities and reducing its Accounts Payable.

The reduction in Investment Properties reflects the transfer of a property to Fixed Assets.

In his outlook, Mr. Mahfood pointed out that in July 2020 the income tax concession they have enjoyed under the rules of the junior market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange will expire and they will return to the full 25% corporate tax rate.

At the supermarket, sales declined over 15% in April as a result of the restrictions placed on operating hours from the 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew in Kingston and that the real estate business should contribute significantly later in the year from proceeds from the sale of apartments.

He also noted that the outlook for manufacturing continues to be positive so long as they are able to continue operations without interruption from the effects of COVID-19.

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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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