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PanJam’s Weak First Quarter Results Reflect Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic On Investment Holding Companies.

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Stephen Facey, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer for PanJam Investment Limited is assuring shareholders that PanJam has spent decades creating a robust balance sheet, specifically for times such as these, noting that following many successful years, the company is well-positioned to withstand the impact of this unexpected and unprecedented shock.

This as PanJam is reporting its first-quarter results reflecting the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on investment holding companies. As with most economic downturns, attractively priced investment opportunities will arise and that they do not expect current circumstances to be any different. As such, they will seek above-average returns in the short term, in order to create greater shareholder value in the long term, he reported he reported to shareholders.

Commenting further he noted that real estate holdings have proved to be their most resilient assets and that in the long term, properties will continue to hold significant value, underpinned by strong relationships with their tenants.

Associated companies are challenged to repeat prior performances, and each will have to make tactical and strategic decisions to protect shareholder value and capitalise on opportunities that will arise in the new normal, he said.

Consistent with the performance of the local equities market, PanJam’s securities trading portfolio suffered a loss for the quarter, noting that they were confident, that they have invested in well-managed, well-capitalised organisations that will help to drive the nation’s economic recovery.

PanJam he said was actively managing costs, the benefits of which will primarily occur in the second quarter, as they continue to execute existing major development projects, including the ROK Hotel & Residences.

The first quarter’s highlights are:

 Net profit attributable to shareholders of $5 million (2019: $892 million)

 Return (annualized) on opening equity of 0% (2019: 11%)

 Earnings per stock unit of $0.005 (2019: $0.85)

 Book value per stock unit of $38.26 at March 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019: $40.36)

 Ordinary dividend of $0.275 declared (2019: $0.265)

Commenting on the financial performance of PanJam Investment for the quarter ended March 2020, Chief Executive Officer Facey, noted that net profit was just above flat at $5 million, down 99% compared to last year, with losses on investments and a decline in the share of results of associated companies being the largest contributors.

Addressing the Income Statement, he noted that net profit attributable to owners, for the quarter amounted to $5 million, compared to $892 million for 2019, as earnings per stock unit were recorded at $0.005, down significantly on the $0.85 reported for 2019.

Performance for the quarter was influenced negatively by investment losses of $1,084 million (2019: $94 million of income) and a decrease of $305 million in the share of results of associated companies, offsetting increases of $61 million in property income and $331 million in other income.

Group operating results for the first quarter moved from an operating profit of $190 million in 2019 to an operating loss of $655 million in the current year, as the investment losses and operating expense increases more than offset increased property and other income.

Investment losses arose due to unrealized losses in their portfolio of local and overseas equity holdings, which outweighed higher interest and 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 a development property in Kingston.

Operating expenses increased principally as a result of utility costs being driven by consumption levels and rate increases, as well as higher insurance premiums and professional fees.

Finance costs decreased by 15% to $146 million (2019: $171 million) on lower average debt balances and interest rates.

Pre-tax profit of the property segment improved to $494 million (2019: $136 million) while the investment segment reflected losses before tax of $756 million (2019: $731 million profit).

Turing to Associated Companies, he reported that the results consisted principally of their 30.2% investment in Sagicor, where PanJam’s share of earnings decreased by $265 million (31%) to $578 million.

Sagicor and other associated companies first quarter results reflect the impact of the COVID-19 and all are navigating this challenging environment.

PanJam also holds minority positions in New Castle Company Limited (owners of the Walkerswood and Busha Browne lines of sauces and seasonings), Caribe Hospitality of Jamaica Limited (owners of the New Kingston Courtyard Marriott Hotel) and Chukka Caribbean Adventures (“Chukka”), Outsourcing Management Limited (business process outsourcing), Williams Offices Caribbean Limited (managed office solutions) and Term Finance (consumer lending).

PanJam’s share of the results of associated companies for the quarter decreased by $305 million to $584 million (2019: $889 million).

On the Balance Sheet, he noted that total assets at March 31, 2020, amounted to $56.3 billion, compared to $54.4 billion on December 31, 2019, and stockholders’ equity of $40.5 billion was down 5% relative to the December 31, 2019 balance of $42.7 billion. This equates to a book value per stock unit of $38.26 (December 31, 2019: $40.36).

The Board of Directors of PanJam Investment Limited has taken a decision to suspend its consideration of a second interim dividend until its next meeting, currently scheduled for the third quarter of 2020.

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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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