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RJR Gleaner Group Posts Turnaround After-Tax Profit Of JA$38M For Financial Year Ending March 2020

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Radio Jamaica Limited (The RJR Gleaner Group), in its most recent report to stockholders for the financial year ending March 31, 2020, recorded a pre-tax profit of JA$40 million and an after-tax profit of JA$38 million for the year, compared with a pre-tax loss of JA$24 million and an after-tax loss of JA$22 million in the prior year.

Commenting on the results Group Chief Executive Officer Gary Allen, noted that the primary contributors to the year’s performance were: –

  • A $110 million or 2% increase in revenues in all segments, Audio 6%; Audio/Visual 1 0/0 and Print 1%.
  • Other income of $98 million decreased by $28 million or 22%, compared with the prior year, mainly driven by one-off none recurring income in the prior year.
  • Direct expenses were $156 million below the prior year, due mainly to the FIFA World Cup and related costs in the prior year which did not apply in the year under review.
  • Selling expenses of $853 million for the year were above the prior year by 5% commensurate with revenue increases.
  • Administrative expenses of $1.2 billion for the year were down by $13 million in the prior year as a result of a reduction in amortization costs for Intangible assets.
  • Other operating expenses of $915 million were higher by $151 million or 20% on the prior year due mainly to costs related to the new business feasibility study, and fees associated with the acquisition of new software across the group.

He reported further that in spite of the Group’s robust performance for eleven (11) months of the year, the impact of COVID-19r locally and internationally, dramatically and negatively impacted business revenues in the month of March 2020. For March alone, he noted that the Group incurred almost $50 million in advertising contract cancellations, while staff welfare, sanitisation, and related expenses increased due to measures implemented to safeguard staff and customers.

During the year under review, in addition to the Corporate Governance, Compensation, and the Finance Compliance & Audit Committees, two new committees were formed, a Human Resources Committee and a Technology Committee. An Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) driven Strategic Planning process has been advanced and several technology-driven planks have been introduced to the business, from which greater agility, efficiency and improved results are anticipated.

During the financial year under review, the Group continued implementation of its roadmap towards full digital transformation, which adds conversion of business process functions to the already underway broadcast workflow transition pending digital switchover.

TVJ brought in new revenue streams from the Cayman Islands through the launch of the TVJ International channel, while locally, TVJ started earning re-transmission fees from the largest cable provider, FLOW.

The radio and television transmission networks were improved across the island with further improvements slated for the new financial year, while the Group maintained its strong brand equity through continued unique product differentiation in quality local programming and relevant content.

The Group responded proactively to COVID-19, to maintain revenues, through TV’s pivot with education programmes and virtual parties, as well as, the implementation of cost reduction measures to mitigate against the economic impact of the disease.

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Higher Operating Costs And Margin Pressures Impacted Main Event’s Overall Q1 Profitability.

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Entering 2025 with a strategic focus on expanding revenue streams, strengthening client relationships, and maintaining financial discipline, the Company achieved revenue growth.
However, higher operating costs and margin pressures impacted overall profitability.

The Company reported revenues of $585.03M, representing a 3% or $17.28M increase over the $567.75M recorded in Q1 2024. This growth was primarily driven by a significant increase in revenue contribution from a previously underperforming segment, reflecting the success of targeted expansion efforts. While revenue remains below prior peak levels, the Company continues to recalibrate and drive demand through expanded service offerings and strengthened client engagements.

Gross profit for the quarter stood at $301.67M, reflecting a 4% decline from $315.82M in Q1 2024. This decline resulted from higher direct costs associated with event execution, infrastructure upgrades, additional non-recurring costs incurred during the period, and increased labour costs related to service delivery. Consequently, the gross margin contracted to 51.56% from 55.63% in the prior year. The Company remains focused on managing costs effectively to support long-term profitability.

Operating expenses increased to $218.72M, up 7.5% from $206.35M in Q1 2024. This rise was attributed to planned administrative enhancements, a significant one-off expenditure for the Company’s 20th Anniversary celebration, higher personnel costs, increased security and fuel expenses, and a 51% increase in amortisation expenses to $11.36M due to renegotiated lease agreements and the addition of a new lease.

Operating profit stood at $87.48M, a 24% decline from $115.28M in Q1 2024. Increased finance costs, stemming from renegotiated lease agreements and new lease additions, also impacted results.
Net profit for the quarter amounted to $73.67M, a 27% decrease from $100.25M in Q1 2024, influenced by lower gross margins, increased operational costs, and higher impairment charges. As a result, earnings per share (EPS) fell from $0.33 in Q1 2024 to $0.25 in Q1 2025.

Total assets grew by 6.4%, reaching $1,306.01M, up from $1,227.37M in Q1 2024. This increase was primarily driven by a 53% rise in receivables, reflecting expanded customer engagements, with several balances stemming from events executed near the period’s end. Short-term deposits increased to $250.24M from $236.50M, while cash and bank balances declined by 30% to $131.74M from $188.91M due to timing differences in collections and reinvestments.

Shareholders’ equity strengthened to $956.17M, reflecting a 5% increase over $912.66M in Q1 2024. This growth was primarily supported by retained earnings, demonstrating the Company’s ability to generate and reinvest profits efficiently.

Payables increased by 47%, rising to $229.58M from $156.38M in Q1 2024, mainly due to the timing of event executions towards the end of the quarter, resulting in higher accrued expenses related to supplier payments.

While the macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, the Company remains optimistic about the upcoming quarters. The focus will be on enhancing operational efficiencies to manage cost structures effectively and strengthening revenue streams through deeper market penetration and strategic partnerships. Additionally, the Company intends to use owned-events as a driver of revenue growth.
Our continued success is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and resilience of our exceptional team. Their ability to adapt and innovate in a dynamic industry ensures that we consistently exceed expectations and deliver outstanding experiences. Their dedication was especially evident during the holiday period, where they worked tirelessly to execute high-quality events, ensuring continued excellence in service delivery. We also recognise and appreciate the unwavering guidance of our Board; whose strategic leadership continues to drive our company’s growth and long-term vision.

Solomon Sharpe Chief Executive Officer

For More Information on Main Event Entertainment Group Limited (MEEG) Unaudited Results, Q1 – Three Months Ended January 31, 2025 (Revised) Click Here

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