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Sagicor Group Jamaica Individual Life Insurance Segment Continues To Lead Group’s Profit Generation, Accounting For $8.74B In Reported Net Profit For FY2022.

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Christopher Zacca, President & CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited (SGJ or the Group) has released the following report to shareholders on the Group performance report for the year ended December 2022.

Overview
Sagicor Group Jamaica achieved net profit attributable to stockholders of $16.38 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022, a 6% reduction over the prior year but a creditable performance in a difficult year.

The Individual Life insurance segment continues to lead the Group’s profit generation, accounting for $8.74 billion in reported net profit.

The Employee Benefits and the Commercial Banking segments were also major contributors, with $4.05 billion and $3.29 billion, respectively.

The Group ended the year with earnings per share of $4.19 (December 2021: $4.46). The 2022 year-end saw the stock price closing at $59.42, an increase over prior year (December 2021: $58.25). The Group’s market capitalization ended the year at $232.07 billion, the largest of any company on the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

2022 was an extremely challenging year characterised by volatility in local and international financial markets emanating from geopolitical tensions, rising inflation, tightening of monetary policies and supply chain disruptions. Notwithstanding these challenges, Sagicor Group Jamaica continues to strategically position itself for growth by optimising our operations and transforming our business processes. In the final quarter of 2022, the Group announced a series of management changes to implement these plans. During the year the Group also entered the Cambio and Remittance market through the acquisition of Alliance Financial Services Limited and disposed of its shareholdings in Sagicor Real Estate X Fund.

The Group declared dividends totalling $1.60 per share (December 2021: $1.11 per share) during the year as part of our commitment to providing a return on capital to our shareholders, in spite of the challenging environment.

Financial Performance
Total revenue for 2022 for the Group was $97.10 billion, a 5.3% decline year over year. The Group recognized fair value losses of $3.31 billion (December 2021: $8.97 billion in gains); a result of depressed market prices for fixed income and equity securities. Sagicor’s main revenue streams were net premium revenue, net investment income and fee income. Net premium revenue improved over prior year by 7.1% to contribute $56.55 billion, a result of strong new business and policy retention. Net investment income grew by 10.7% over prior year amounting to $21.30 billion, emanating from growth in the loan portfolio and commercial banking activities. Fees and other income recorded improved results over prior year by 6.4% to close the year at $18.51 billion. This was driven mainly by income from cambio and remittance services as well as an increase in commercial banking fee income.

Total benefits and expenses for the Group decreased year over year by 3.1%, ending at a total of $75.87 billion. An upward movement in prevailing market interest rates resulted in a favourable net movement in actuarial liabilities of $8.12 billion. This was partially offset by net insurance benefits incurred and administrative expenses increasing by $2.08 billion and $3.72 billion, respectively year over year.

The Group’s statement of financial position was impacted by the sale of Sagicor Real Estate X Fund and the softening of asset prices. Total Assets and Shareholders Equity ended at $519.18 billion and $113.87 billion, respectively. The Group’s Funds under Management of $456.89 billion grew nominally year on year, contributing to the Total assets under Management of $976.07 billion, an increase over prior year (December 2021: $956.30 billion). Sagicor Group’s annualized return on equity was 14% (down from 16% in the corresponding period in 2021).

Individual Insurance
The Individual Life segment ended the period with $8.74 billion in net profit, a 2.4% decline over prior year. Net premium income grew year over year by $2.16 billion across Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, as a result of new business sales growth and policy retention. In the current year, actuarial liabilities were primarily impacted by changes to discount rates, a result of the prevailing market conditions. The prior year period included adjustments to the morbidity and lapse experience.

Employee Benefits
The Employee Benefits segment produced profits of $4.05 billion, 10.5% above prior year. Net group health premium income of $12.32 billion increased by 13.2% over the prior year, due to new business written during the period, particularly the acquisition of a large client in the Group Health portfolio. Net insurance benefits incurred increased by $1.77 billion, as medical inflation continued to trend upward, however, this was partially offset by a reduction in actuarial liabilities for the period.

Commercial Banking
The Commercial Banking segment produced a net profit of $3.29 billion, 1% higher than the prior year. The segment was aided by a 10.5% increase in total revenues, primarily due to increases in banking activities through credit card and point of sale transactions.

Additionally, a 17% growth in the segment’s loans portfolio translated to 14% or $1.52 billion increase in interest income.

Total assets of $191.8 billion grew 9.1% over December 2021. This growth was driven by a $15.47 billion increase in loan assets which ended the period at $108.49 billion. Customer deposits increased by $12.5 billion against the prior year end to total $148.9 billion as at December 2022.

Investment Banking
The Investment Banking segment’s net profit outturn was $1.20 billion, a decline of 64.2% against prior year. The prevailing macroeconomic conditions have caused a significant reduction in business transactions, adversely affecting performance.

Notwithstanding, the segment benefitted from our recently formed Cayman subsidiary, which grew its interest earnings asset base by 95% and positioned itself to benefit from higher yielding securities within the market.

Liquidity And Solvency
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the end of December 2022 were $42.94 billion, down from $51.88 billion as at December 2021. Regulatory capital requirements continue to be exceeded across all operating entities.

Outlook
As we come to the close of an undoubtedly challenging year, our outlook for 2023 remains conservative as many of the constraining factors to economic growth remain in place, namely inflation, the war in Ukraine and the lagging effect of high interest rates, causing the World Bank to issue a downward revision in global economic growth from 3% to 1.7%. We expect a continued slowing of growth amongst our key trading partners, including the United States and Britain, as consumer spending and market activity responds to the extended period of high interest rates. Domestically, we anticipate the Bank of Jamaica will remain focused on taming inflation, but indications are
that its recent market actions have been effective given the downward trajectory of this key measure.

The Group is cognizant of and well prepared for the potential impact of International Financial Reporting Standard (“IFRS”) 17. The standard which becomes effective January 1, 2023, replacing IFRS 4, is anticipated to materially change the recognition and measurement requirements for our insurance business segments, as well as the presentation and disclosures in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

For more information CLICK HERE

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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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The LAB Reporting Higher Net Profits Based On Strong Focus On Agency Segment

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Kimala Bennett Chief Executive Officer for Limners and Bards Limited (The LAB) has released the following unaudited financial statements for the three months ended January 31, 2024, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The consolidated results include the subsidiary Scope Caribbean Limited (Scope) whose principal business is the scouting, placement and management of talent while expanding and maintaining a database of quality talent.

The LAB achieved higher net profits when compared to the corresponding period last year. This was based on the strong focus on the Agency Segment of the business for this quarter, as the company continued to build brands. The Agency Segment provides the highest profit margin and as such bolstered the results for the period. The company also implemented cost containment measures, which resulted in a 19.2% reduction in administrative expenses when compared to prior period. We continue to maintain a strong balance sheet and our cash position grew stronger over the period. Our asset base increased, as we reinvested in the business through further upgrading film studio facilities.

Revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2023, was $219.4 million, down 11.4% relative to the prior period. This decline was primarily attributable to a reduction in production during the period due to its cyclical nature. Notwithstanding this, the Agency segment outperformed the comparable period. The revenue achieved was derived from the company’s core business lines: Media totalling $118.3 million, followed by Production with $29.3 million and Agency with $71.6 million.

The company remains fully focused on executing its strategy of diversifying its income, through engaging new clients and the introduction of new service lines. These strategic endeavours are aligned with our company’s expansion strategy into emerging markets, all aimed at fostering sustainable growth, increased revenues, enhanced profitability; while proactively anticipating the evolving needs of our valued clients and enhancing shareholders’ value.

Gross Profit for the three months was $88.9 million, down 3.3% when compared to the corresponding period. Net Profit achieved was $26.2 million, up 295.7% relative to the comparable period. due to higher gross profits from the agency segment and lower administrative expenses. Administrative expenses decreased by $16.3 million or 19.2% in comparison to the corresponding period last year. These decreases are primarily due to reduction in contractor and staff cost.

The consolidated Balance Sheet saw total assets increasing by $119 million or 15.1% to $909.3 million compared to $790.2 million in the corresponding period. This increase in assets is driven by building and film studio facilities improvement and purchases of new production equipment to facilitate future growth.

Current Assets amounted to $731.7 million, increasing by $107.6 million over the prior year, primarily due to a 43.6% increase in cash and cash equivalent. Management continues to maintain tight monitoring and control over receivables. Cash and cash equivalent increased by $142.4 million over the corresponding period last year. Shareholders’ equity grew to $624 million, up from $548.1 million or 13.9% over the corresponding period last year.

The LAB is pleased to report significant progress in our strategic initiatives. We have successfully completed the pilots for two TV/web series, “SEEN” and “Jenna In Law,” as outlined at our last Annual General Meeting (AGM). Additionally, Pre-production for our first feature film, “Love Offside,” is currently underway, with production scheduled to commence in June 2024.

In line with our strategic objectives, we are actively engaging with international networks and digital streaming platforms to secure distribution opportunities for our content upon production completion. This proactive approach ensures that our creative endeavours have a suitable platform to reach global audiences.

For More Information CLICK HERE

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Maximum Participating Voting Share Capital Of Companies Listed On The Junior Stock Exchange Moving From JA$500 Million To JA$750 Million

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“Utilizing equity capital is an effective avenue to stimulate innovation and reduce operating costs thereby allowing companies to drive growth, improve productivity and increase their chances of sustainability. We commend the Government for this decision and encourage small and medium sized companies to take advantage of this opportunity.”

The Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service has announced that they have increased the participating share capital limit from $500 million to $750 million for companies on the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

“This is very exciting news for the Exchange,” commented Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange. “This is an exceptionally good move by the Government as this will allow small and medium sized companies to come to market to raise additional capital for business expansion and assist new companies to raise capital and to consider this capital raising option as viable. She stated that “Utilizing equity capital is an effective avenue to stimulate innovation and reduce operating costs thereby allowing companies to drive growth, improve productivity and increase their chances of sustainability. We commend the Government for this decision and encourage small and medium sized companies to take advantage of this opportunity.”

The Junior Market was established in 2009 to allow small and medium sized companies (SMEs) to raise a maximum of $500 million dollars during an initial public offering (IPO). The Government’s new initiative towards companies listed on the Junior Market now allows them to raise up to $750 million dollars, an increase of $250 million dollars.

Source Jamaica Stock Exchange

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