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PanJam Investments Reporting Second Quarter Losses Of JA$61M, Driven By Losses Generated By Associated Company Investments

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Highlights
• Net profit attributable to shareholders of $489 million for the quarter (2019: $3,055 million); and $494 million for the six months (2019: $3,947 million)
• Earnings per stock unit for the quarter of $0.46 (2019: $2.92); and $0.47 for the six months (2019: $3.76)
• Book value per stock unit of $40.32 at 30 June 2020 (31 December 2019: $40.36)
• Ordinary dividend paid during the quarter of $0.275 (2019: $0.265)

Stephen B. Facey, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of PanJam Investment Limited, is reporting that while global financial markets experienced significant volatility in the June quarter, the group’s securities portfolio broadly retained its value during the second quarter. The Group however saw its financial performance resulting in a loss of JA$61 million, while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on Jamaica.

The closure of the country’s borders during the second quarter of 2020, along with other government-imposed measures, resulted in reduced economic activity, particularly in tourism and travel-related businesses. The effect of this was seen in the losses generated by associated company investments, which include hotel operations and adventure tours he reported.

Commenting further in his report included in the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2020, he noted that the Groups real estate assets, again, demonstrated resilience, with their property segment performing admirably over the three-month period.

Associated companies, which operate in a number of industries, have seen varying levels of impact. Positive highlights of their performance include the strong results produced by New Castle Company (the owners of the Walkerswood brand) and Sagicor Group Jamaica (“Sagicor”)’s core insurance and employee benefits business lines.

The results of associated companies consist principally of their 30.2% investment in Sagicor, noting that they also hold minority positions in a number of diverse private entities.

PanJam’s share of results of associated companies for the first six months of 2020 decreased by $1billion, or 47 percent, driven principally by Sagicor’s results, but also negatively influenced by results from the Courtyard by Marriott Kingston and Chukka Caribbean Adventures, both of which saw little business activity during the second quarter due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Facey also noted in his report to shareholders that PanJam has spent decades creating a robust balance sheet, specifically for times such as these. As at the end of June, the group held cash and cash equivalents of $2.2 billion and maintained a conservative leverage ratio which, when combined, would enable them to raise financing in order to capitalize on attractively-priced investment opportunities that may arise.

Looking at the Groups Balance Sheet, he reported that total assets at June 30, 2020, amounted to $58.1 billion, compared to $54.4 billion at December 31, 2019, and $50.3 billion at June 30, 2019. Stockholders’ equity of $42.7 billion was relatively flat to the 31 December 2019 balance of $42.7 billion. This equates to a book value per stock unit of $40.32 (December 31, 2019: $40.36).

Notwithstanding the strength of their balance sheet, management has taken a number of steps to preserve cash, including rigid cost containment exercises and the suspension of quarterly dividends for both May and August 2020, as they navigate the uncertain timeline associated with this pandemic.

Six-month operating expenses of $824 million (2019: $847 million) decreased as a result of cost-saving measures. Finance costs for the same period of $378 million (2019: $378 million) were flat when compared to 2019 as a result of lower average interest rates on a larger debt portfolio.

In terms of the Groups Income Statement, he reported that net profit attributable to owners of $489 million for the three months ended 30 June 2020 was significantly below the $3,055 million recorded in the same period in 2019.

Last year’s results were heavily influenced by unrealized gains from a portfolio of Jamaican equities, which were largely erased in the first quarter of 2020. The decline in the second quarter’s profit compared to last year was also driven by a decline in the share of results of associated companies, as well as a non-recurring gain on the disposal of shares in associated companies of $941 million in 2019.

Earnings per stock unit for the quarter were $0.46 (2019: $2.92).

PanJam’s securities trading portfolio suffered a minor loss for the quarter, in line with movements in stock and bond prices both locally and globally. Portfolio composition, including exposure to Jamaican equities, reflects confidence in the nation’s eventual economic recovery and their well-defined approach to investment risk management he reported.

Net profit attributable to owners for the six months ended 30 June 2020 amounted to $494 million (2019: $3,947 million), equivalent to earnings per stock unit of $0.47 (2019: $3.76).

The performance was heavily influenced by investment losses of $1,145 million (2019: $1,278 million of income), a decrease of $1,001 million in share of results of associated companies, and the second quarter non-recurring gain on the disposal of shares in associated companies of $941 million in 2019, which more than offset increases of $162 million in property income and $294 million in other income.

Investment losses were driven by unrealized losses in their portfolio of local and overseas securities, despite higher interest, dividend income, and foreign exchange gains. Property income increased due to high occupancy, contractual rate increases, and devaluation effects on leases denominated in US dollars. Other income was boosted by gains from the sale of the Bamboo Avenue property in Kingston.

With stable occupancy levels, year-to-date property income grew 17 percent when compared to the same period in 2019. This as their relationships with tenants have grown stronger and, on that basis, believes that their properties will continue to hold significant value.

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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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