Jeremy Barnes Managing Director For Future Energy Source Company Limited Has Released The Following Report For The Third (3rd) Quarter Ended December 31, 2023 For The Financial Year April 1, 2023 To March 31, 2024

Overview
We are pleased to report that the Company has achieved its best quarterly performance to date. The Company’s performance reflects an increase in gross profit, operating profit (EBIT) and EBITDA whilst acquiring and integrating an additional LPG filling plant (FESGAS Naggo Head), improving its brand awareness, and increasing its advertising, depreciation and interest expenditures.

The Company achieved:
1. Gross profit: J$423.21 million up J$182.82 million or 76.0% vs Q3 December 2022
2. EBIT: J$190.66 million up J$35.07 million or 22.5% vs Q3 December 2022
3. EBITDA: J$248.15 million up J$85.56 million or 52.6% vs Q3 December 2022
4. Net profit: J$149.25 million down J$4.07 million or 2.7% vs Q3 December 2022
5. YTD (9 month’s) Net Profit: J$465.95 million up J$31.56 million or 7.3%
6. Book value of equity: J$1.768 billion, which is up 35.8% since the last financial year ended March 31,2023 and up 51.8% or J$602.92 million when compared to Q3 December 30, 2022.

Further, the Company was able to:
1. Add its 21st FESCO branded retail service station to its network, FESCO Port Maria, in mid-December;
2. Acquire, integrate and operate its 2nd LPG filling plant facility, FESGAS Naggo Head;
3. Secure approval for its 2nd company owned and company operated service station, FESCO OVAL on Spanish Town Road;
4. Become the authorised distributor of Castrol motor oils for Jamaica;
5. Continue its service station network expansion efforts and work-in-progress Capex/investments.

Financial Highlights:

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, FESCO recorded Turnover/Revenues of J$7,589.02 million which reflects a 13.0% or J$875.65 million year over year increase. Several factors affect revenue/turnover with the supply price of fuel being a major component.

On average, this quarter’s refinery prices have remained relatively flat for gasoline and have decreased significantly for diesel. Gasoline prices increased by between 0.75% and 1.9% or J$1.35- J$3.47 per litre and decreased by J$33.38 – J$34.04 for diesel relative to the similar period last year Q3 ending December 31, 2022.
Accordingly, FESCO’s growth in Turnover for the quarter (Q3) ended December 2023, relative to Q3 December 2022, reflects significant growth in litres of fuel sold.

FESCO recorded gross profit of J$423.21 million for the quarter which reflects growth of 76.0% or J$182.82 million year over year. The Company’s YTD Q3 2023/2024 gross profit of J$1,141.72 surpasses the gross profits earned for the entire year ended March 2023 by 28.6% or J$253.91 million and exceeds its YTD Q3 2022/2023 gross profits by J$495.08 million. The improvement in gross profit reflects both increasing throughput
(measured in litres of fuel sold) and diversification of product offerings (fuel types including LPG) and services (increased retail presence).

Operating Expenses of J$232.56 million, for the period, is up J$147.75 million versus the similar period last year or 174.2%.

This expansion of expenses directly reflects the expanded:
1. Operating locations including the additions of: FESCO Kitson Town, FESGAS Bernard Lodge and FESGAS Naggo Head;

2. Asset base which includes significant LPG and service station assets;

3. Operational scope (which now includes increased retailing and manufacturing);

4. Early stage new business costs including but not limited to:
a. business acquisition;
b. property acquisition and development costs; and
c. business integration costs.

The Company is committed to and has expanded its Marketing and Advertising expenditure to create brand awareness for its “FESGAS” branded LPG products, among other initiatives.

For the quarter, the Company’s advertising expenditure was J$14.06 million which is up 149.4% or J$8.43 million compared to Q3 December 2022. The Company’s Q3 (2023) YTD advertising expenditure of J$42.92 million exceeds last year’s Q3 (2022) YTD expenditure by J$29.62 million.

A look ahead
FESCO continues to monitor the moderating inflationary forces within the economy, the recent interest “freeze” by the central bank, the near full employment in many sectors of the economy, a resilient and expanding tourism product among other factors affecting consumer consumption as well as our allocation of investment capital. The Company must also navigate industry-related margin contractionary forces and consolidation within the industry. The Company remains mindful of opportunities for growth and further investment. Internal or self-funding via profit generation, profit retention, at this time, has proven to be the most efficient and cost-effective source of capital to fund growth.

The Company recently received approval for its proposed service station on Spanish Town Road, FESCO Oval. FESCO Oval will be a company owned and company operated service station (COCO) and will increase our retail presence within the Kingston and St Andrew (KSA) region. The development promises to showcase the creativity, forward thinking, mindfulness, commitment to community and the immense potential of Jamaica and Jamaicans and we believe it exemplifies our tag line and motto, “Proudly Jamaican”. The development will take approximately fifteen (15) months to execute and we anticipate its opening during Q2 2025 (i.e. July 2025 – September 2025).

Finally, the Company will continue to make investments in real assets and equipment to support expanding its service station businesses and network, its industrial client base, and LPG business.

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Tropical Battery Company Limited (JSE:TROPICAL), a leader in innovative energy solutions, is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of Rose Electronics Distributing Company (Rose Batteries), based in San Jose, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Founded in 1963, Rose Batteries is a manufacturer of specialized batteries for high value industries requiring critical power, including healthcare and aerospace. The company has built a solid reputation for the customized design and assembly of highly reliable batteries providing essential power and charging solutions to a broad range of B2B customers.

The company’s strength lies in its ability to cater to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), offering customized solutions that supply continuous power in challenging environments. Rose’s approach in providing tailor-made contract manufacturing solutions has redefined industry standards and garnered a loyal customer base supporting stable, recurring revenue streams.

The acquisition of Rose Batteries represents a significant milestone in Tropical Battery’s strategy of diversification into new complementary product lines, market segments and geographies, and reaffirms the company’s commitment to technological innovation and growth in the global energy market. The acquisition was completed through Tropical’s US subsidiary Tropical Battery USA LLC. The purchase price is subject to strict non-disclosure restrictions, however the price significantly exceeds 50% of the market capitalisation of Tropical.

The integration of Rose Batteries into the Tropical Battery group of companies represents much more than simply an expansion into the world’s largest economy; it’s a significant step forward in boosting technological capabilities, innovation potential, and key financial indicators. The acquisition is projected to materially enhance Tropical Battery’s free cash flow, improve its cash conversion cycle, and increase the return on capital, thereby enhancing shareholder value and financial strength.

Rose CEO Itamar Frankenthal, an influential shareholder who has led the company since 2016, will join Tropical Battery as a shareholder and board member, continuing his focus on growth opportunities in the United States. His extensive experience, shaped by his Harvard MBA journey, along with his transformative leadership at Rose, underscores the expertise and visionary approach he will bring to the Tropical Battery group of companies. Rose COO Chris Wunderlich will become the new CEO of Rose Batteries, bringing a rich blend of experience in management, engineering, operations, and technology.

Following the acquisition of Dominican Republic-based KAYA Energy Group in 2023, and now, the acquisition of Rose, Tropical Battery will focus on integrating and harmonizing these three dynamic organizations to leverage synergies, optimize costs, and explore new growth opportunities across various markets.

“This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to transforming Tropical Battery into a multinational organization at the vanguard of innovative growth in emerging segments driving the transition to more sustainable energy solutions,” commented Tropical Battery Managing Director Alexander Melville.

“The integration of Rose Batteries will position the Tropical Battery group of companies to offer even greater value to our customers and stakeholders than ever before. We are reinvigorated by this next chapter in our growth and passionate about enabling a more sustainable, technologically driven future in the energy sector, while strengthening our financial performance with the support of pioneers in the Caribbean financial services ecosystem like Sygnus Capital, which served as lead arranger in this transaction.”

“Sygnus Capital’s partnership with Tropical Battery for this transformative acquisition reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive the growth of medium-sized businesses throughout the Caribbean,” noted Gregory Samuels, Senior Vice President & Head of Investment Banking at Sygnus Capital Limited. “We believe in empowering local companies to acquire overseas assets, thereby boosting our country’s foreign exchange inflows. This move aligns with our focus on impactful and sustainable investments, while also deepening our longstanding relationship with a valued client, namely Tropical Battery’s holding company, Diverze Assets. Together, we pave the way for growth, innovation, and financial resilience in the energy sector,” Samuels added.

About Tropical Battery Company

Established in 1950, Tropical Battery has become a household name in premium energy solutions in the Caribbean. Listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange in 2020, the company has diversified beyond its core car battery business into automotive care products, renewable energy and electric mobility as part of its transformation into a diversified energy group enabling sustainability with innovation, technology and exceptional service delivery.

About Rose Batteries

With over 60 years in business, Rose Batteries has emerged as a leading contract manufacturer of specialized batteries for high growth industries driving the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The company’s dedication to innovation and sustainable practices has positioned it as a vital partner across several sectors, including healthcare, robotics, aerospace and telecommunications.

Jamaica stands at a critical juncture in transforming its transportation sector to achieve both economic resilience and sustainable development. Reflecting on the broader goals within the realms of energy efficiency and sustainability, it becomes imperative to examine the factors influencing Jamaica’s transportation efficiency. As an island nation with a high dependency on imported fossil fuels, Jamaica faces unique challenges that directly impact its transportation sector’s efficiency and sustainability.

External Economic Vulnerabilities

Being economically vulnerable to external factors, such as fluctuations in global energy prices, significantly influences Jamaica’s transportation sector. This vulnerability stems from an over-reliance on imported oil, making the cost of transportation susceptible to global oil market dynamics. Such dependencies not only increase the operational costs of transportation but also hinder efforts towards achieving efficiency and sustainability.

The volatility of oil prices directly impacts the operating costs for both public and private transportation modes, translating into higher fares for commuters and increased expenses for goods transportation. This scenario underscores the urgent need for Jamaica to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependency on imported oil.

Integrating renewable energy sources into the transportation sector could serve as a viable mitigative strategy. Utilizing Jamaica’s abundant renewable resources, such as solar and wind, could significantly reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, thereby insulating the transportation sector from external economic shocks and contributing to enhanced efficiency.

However, transitioning to renewable energy-powered transportation systems involves overcoming a range of structural, economic, and technical challenges. Investments in infrastructure, public awareness, and regulatory frameworks are essential to facilitate this transition.

Societal Consumption Patterns

Jamaica’s high consumption society profoundly impacts transportation efficiency. Choices in vehicular purchases, for instance, are seldom made with energy efficiency in mind. This inclination towards high-consumption models contributes to greater fuel use and increased greenhouse gas emissions, further straining the push towards transportation efficiency.

Addressing societal consumption patterns requires a shift in public perception and behavior towards transportation. Encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient vehicles through incentives and awareness campaigns could play a significant role in this regard. Additionally, promoting public transportation and non-motorized transport modes as viable and efficient alternatives could also help reduce the transportation sector’s overall energy footprint.

Furthermore, enhancing public awareness about the interconnectedness of lifestyle choices, energy consumption, and environmental impact is crucial. Education and outreach initiatives that highlight the benefits of energy-efficient transportation choices could foster a societal shift towards sustainability.

The Government of Jamaica’s role in championing energy efficiency via policy interventions, such as the National Energy Policy and the Vision 2030 Jamaica Plan, plays a pivotal role in steering society towards more sustainable consumption patterns. Regulatory instruments, alongside targets and incentives for energy efficiency, can provide a balanced mix of push and pull factors to drive efficiency improvements across the transportation sector.

Infrastructure and Technology

Infrastructure and technology advancements are pivotal for enhancing Jamaica’s transportation efficiency. The existing transportation infrastructure often does not support optimal energy use or facilitate the deployment of modern, energy-efficient technologies.

Investing in infrastructure modernization and maintenance can significantly reduce energy consumption in the transportation sector. Improvements in road quality, for example, can decrease fuel consumption by reducing vehicle wear and tear and travel times.

Adopting advanced transportation technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) and implementing smart traffic management systems can also contribute to efficiency. However, such technological transitions require supportive infrastructure, including EV charging stations and integrated traffic management systems.

In conclusion, a multi-faceted approach encompassing policy interventions, societal shifts, and infrastructure and technological upgrades is essential for improving transportation efficiency in Jamaica. Addressing these key factors will not only contribute to reducing Jamaica’s carbon footprint but also pave the way towards a more resilient and sustainable transportation sector.

• Economic vulnerabilities due to reliance on imported oil significantly impact transportation costs and efficiency.
• Societal consumption patterns and preferences towards high-consumption vehicles impede efforts towards transportation efficiency.
• Investments in infrastructure and technology are crucial for enabling the adoption of energy-efficient transportation solutions.
• Government policy and regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in driving the transition towards more efficient and sustainable transportation systems.

Oliver Townsend Managing Director for Knutsford Express Services Limited has released the following report on the company’s unaudited financial statements for the second quarter ended November 30, 2023.

This second quarter in review has shown a strong demand for our core services. Revenue for the quarter grew by 18.9% to $473 million from $398 million in the comparative prior period. This was underpinned by more passengers travelling on all of our routes, contributing to the increase in our revenue over the six months by 18.7% to $965 million from $813 million in the comparative period.

Our ongoing investment in coaches will allow us to continue growing and square up to meeting the supply of seat expectations by our customers. The continued deployment of kiosks in our depots to meet the needs of our growing customer base that desire a seamless digital experience in the booking and check-in phases of travel bodes well for the future.

Solid support for our courier services reflects the continued benefits accrued to our many customers in having their packages moved seven days per week. This area of our business has our continued attention with renewed focus on the local buildout of more convenient courier locations and processes.

Contributions in rental income from our Drax Hall Business Centre and our café have combined to increase our results in terms of revenue and profits with net profit in this quarter growing by 21.7% from $58.9 million to $71.7 million in the prior year corresponding quarter. Earnings for six months ending November 30, 2023 grew to $0.32 per share.

As we continued to invest in coaches and deploy additional resources, our total assets grew by 17.7% to $1,834 million at November 30, 2023 from $1,557 million at November 30, 2022. Our plan of investing in our coaches and stations, of adding capacity, convenience, enhanced customer experience and gains
in operational efficiency and productivity is well underway that should allow us to record sustainable growth.

For More Information CLICK HERE

Jamaica’s transportation sector is poised for a digital revolution as local bus and taxi operators eagerly anticipate integrating the nation’s own central bank digital currency (CBDC), known as Jam-Dex.

Jamaica is actively working towards enabling CBDC services on the mobile phones of the general public.

Jamaica’s transportation sector is poised for a digital revolution as local bus and taxi operators eagerly anticipate integrating the nation’s own central bank digital currency (CBDC), known as Jam-Dex. The introduction of Jam-Dex by the Central Bank of Jamaica in 2022 was marked by an airdrop event aimed at accelerating its widespread adoption. Recent developments reveal that Aldo Antonio, co-founder and acting executive chairman of the National Transporters Alliance Group (NTAG), is actively championing the integration of Jam-Dex within the transport community.

Although Jam-Dex holds the potential to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance security for the transportation sector, local reports suggest that the adoption rate among vendors and consumers has been sluggish, causing some hesitation among bus and taxi drivers. Nevertheless, Antonio remains resolutely optimistic about the prospects:

“I see Jam-Dex as something that would be significantly transformative for the public transportation sector and needs to be embraced.”

To ensure the viability of Jam-Dex, Antonio emphasizes the necessity of cultivating a larger customer base willing to embrace the CBDC. The lack of customer interest could discourage merchants, ultimately leading to the abandonment of the digital currency initiative.

Antonio identifies food and transportation as the two key sectors that could drive the everyday usage of Jam-Dex. He elaborates on this concept, stating:

“If we can get them (Jamaicans) moving and paying for transportation using Jam-Dex on a daily basis, it increases the rate at which we can get the digital currency into people’s hands.”

Jamaica to enable CBDC on mobile phones

In addition to enhancing convenience for customers, the widespread adoption of a central bank digital currency also alleviates concerns related to the security risks associated with carrying physical cash or handling exact change. As part of its strategy, Jamaica is actively working towards enabling CBDC services on the mobile phones of the general public. Antonio envisions that, with proper training and implementation, the transportation sector could potentially begin accepting Jam-Dex payments by January, if not earlier.

Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 transportation owners are present in Jamaica, and their participation could significantly expand the reach of Jam-Dex beyond the existing user base of 10,000 vendors and 200,000 individuals who use the CBDC through the Lynk digital wallet.

https://www.cryptopolitan.com/jamaicas-taxi-drivers-embrace-crypto/

Original Source article BY DASHAN HENDRICKS Business content manager hendricksd@jamaicaobserver.com