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PULSE BARTERS TO PROFITABILITY Received $1.3b in sponsorship during ’08

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While bartering may be an old concept, it still has enormous contemporary relevance as a tool that businesses of all sizes can utilize to more extensively maximize their cash reserves and to attract customers.

As reported in a related article in this issue bartering is not negotiating! Bartering is “trading” for a service, or for the goods you want. In essence, bartering is simply buying or paying for goods or services using something other than money (coins or government printed paper currency). Thus defined, bartering has been around much longer than money as we know it today. Recent estimates indicate that at least 60 percent of companies on the New York Stock Exchange use the principles of bartering as a standard business practice.

Some would be surprised to know that today corporate bartering is a multi-billion dollar industry. “In 2007, the total value of commercial barter transactions reached $6.5 billion, up slightly from the previous year”, said Krista Vardabash, investor relations director for International Monetary Systems Ltd. of New Berlin, Wisconsin, one of the biggest bartering businesses worldwide.

In Jamaica, Pulse Investments Limited, a Jamaica-based company engaged in activities such as model agency representation, multi-media production, marketing, and show production and promotion, has successfully used bartering to grow revenues and profitability.

For the financial year ended June 30, 2008, the company reported net profit attributable to members of $429,891,292, or diluted earnings per stock unit of 1580 cents on operating revenue of $1,356,745,012, against net profit attributable to members of $266,143,476 or diluted earnings per stock unit of 101 cents on operating revenue of $788,791,615, for the same period a year ago.

Pulse now boasts a balance sheet valued at $1.5 billion heavily weighted in advertising contract entitlements – $924 million – which represent future revenue for the agency. For the financial year to June 2008, company profit jumped 45% to $430 million, or $1.58 per share. Its operating profit at $435 million was up 63% despite a 77% or $400 million jump in operating expense to $921 million.

“We do not view their profit and loss as a true statement of income,” said Michelle Hirst, analyst with Kingston brokerage Stocks
and Securities Limited.”
Pulse banking on new projects to diversify income
Published: Friday | October 24, 2008 Sabrina N. Gordon, Jamaica Gleaner Business Reporter

Revenues climbed by more than half a billion to $1.36 billion; but what was driving this massive growth in revenues and profitability. At the core of Pulse performance is a whopping 97.3 per cent of its income from ‘advertising entitlements’. This according to company Executive Chairman Kingsley Cooper is what firms pay to have their brands displayed at Pulse’s events, and critically, the value of the advertising time and space it receives from media as “sponsors” of its events.

In other words rather than collect hard cold cash for it events and media properties, the company has opted to exchange this for entitlements with the related sponsoring company. Put another way, Pulse is bartering its products and services for products and services of sponsoring companies.

For 2007, Pulse carried on its balance sheet as an asset $476.5 million in unused advertising entitlements, which is booked as income as it is used. A year later, those entitlements had doubled to $924 million. Pulse however did collect some cash, so while “advertising” revenue rocketed, other income streams, including model agency fees and earnings from property lease dipped marginally from $37.8 million to $36.7 million.

Pulse’s overall balance sheet points to a strong financial position, but only if the value of advertising assets carried on its balance sheet can be easily realized or converted to cash. For the financial year ending June 30, 2008, Pulse Investments received well over $1.3 billion in sponsorship, which was nearly all of the company’s revenue during the year.

The Kingsley Cooper led company is coming a long way having restructured and relisted on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) in 2006. At a recently held investor briefing, Cooper issued a two page Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet on the merit and strategic benefits to the company of bartering entitlements.

According to Cooper, most of the non-cash revenue in the financial report presented represents advertising entitlements and market sponsorship. Advertising entitlements he said are available ad slots during the broadcast of Pulse television productions.

He said, “Producers (like Pulse) have two ways to earn money from broadcasting television shows. They can sell the shows directly to the broadcaster or split the advertising slots with the broadcaster. Pulse earns more by splitting the advertising slots with television stations. In the case of Pulse TV, entitlements are perfect for us; television stations will be happy to offer entitlements because of the downturn and cash shortage. But we have to manage this skilfully in order to make money.”

“For example, a half-hour television show of similar quality to Pulse’s product would sell to broadcasters in the Caribbean for somewhere between US$500 and US $1,000. By splitting the six minutes of advertising (legally allowed in such a programme) between Pulse and the broadcaster, as is the usual agreement, Pulse ends up getting three minutes of ads (six 30 seconds ads) every time the show is broadcast or rebroadcast. Given the fact that some of these programmes are looped and rebroadcast several times on cable and at least twice on free to air TV, and given ad rates of anywhere between US $100 and US$500 per 30 second spot, Pulse earns between US$3,600 and US$6,000 per programme per broadcast. This is much more than the company would have received in a cash sale,” he said.

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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.

For More Information CLICK HERE

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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.

For more information CLICK HERE

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