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Sagicor Group Jamaica Records 30% Reduction In Net Profit Attributable To Stockholders

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According to Christopher Zacca, President & CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has been unprecedented in their lifetime and has caused them to reevaluate priorities as they navigate the far-reaching humanitarian, social, and economic impacts of the disease.

It was against this backdrop he reported the Group generated reduced net profit attributable to stockholders of $1.88 billion, equivalent to a $0.82 billion or 30% decrease when compared to the prior year.

The earnings per share reduced to $0.48 from $0.69.

Total revenue before unrealized capital losses increased by 15% or $3.05 billion.

The Group’s Insurance businesses reported strong new business and portfolio growth, resulting in net premium income and fee income being 24% and 34% higher than the prior year, respectively.

The core metrics of their Commercial and Investment banking businesses have also remained strong.

However, these strong core results were dampened by the dramatic downturn in the economy, he said, creating the following impact:
• Significant unrealized capital losses driven by the broad decline in bond and equity prices, noting this downturn is temporary and that they anticipate some reversal as the effects of COVID-19 are mitigated;
• Significant unrealized IFRS 9 Expected Credit Losses (ECL) on investment securities and the loan portfolios;
• COVID-19 and the resulting travel restrictions have adversely impacted their investments in hotel operations. Hotel revenue had been on an upward trend until the latter part of the quarter when the effects of travel restrictions were keenly felt. The Group recognized:
i. A significant share of loss from its investment in associate (Playa);
ii. An impairment charge on its Investment in Playa and
iii. An impairment charge relating to the Goodwill that arose on the acquisition of the X-Fund Group in 2018.

Despite these negative effects, the operating cash flow of the company has increased by $4.40 billion and the Group’s cash position has improved by $6.10 billion.

Consolidated net profit attributable to stockholders of $1.88 billion was generated from total revenues (including unrealized capital losses of $6.36 billion) of $16.81 billion. When compared to the corresponding 2019 period, profit attributable to stockholders declined by 30% (an increase of 13% when impairment charges are excluded) and revenue decreased by 16%.

The annualized return on stockholders’ equity was 8% as against 14% for Q1 2019.

Net premium income of $12.85 billion was up 24% in 2019, an increase of 16% when excluding premiums from Advantage General Insurance Company (AGIC), acquired in the Third Quarter of 2019.

Net investment income of $4.49 billion was 16% better than last year.

The Group recorded substantial ECL during the quarter on its portfolios of loans and domestic and international investment securities. The value of equities experienced a sharp decline in the latter part of March 2020.

Fee and other income of $3.90 billion grew by 30% since last year, partly due to strong growth in the Bank’s Payments channels business.

The Group also benefited from realized foreign currency trading gains and unrealized gains from the revaluation of foreign currency denominated assets, net of liabilities.

The Group recognized impairment charges of $1.16 billion, resulting from the lower valuations of investments in hotel operations, a direct result of the uncertainty surrounding the future impact of travel restrictions caused by COVID-19.

Despite the effect of unrealized losses on investment securities, Group assets of $458.46 billion showed only a minor decline from December 2019 and significant growth of 13% over the prior year.

Stockholders’ equity of $87.09 billion as of March 2020 increased by 10% or $7.60 billion over the prior year. There were significant unrealized losses on investment securities being carried at fair value through OCI which contributed to a 5% reduction since December 2019.

Individual Insurance

The Individual Life segment posted net profits of $1.27 billion,112% better than 2019. Net premium income of $6.93 billion was 12% higher than the comparative 2019 period, driven by higher new sales (API) in 2020 for both Jamaica and Cayman resulting in the in-force block of policies growing by 7% to almost 600,000 policies.

There were large unrealized capital losses mainly for the segregated funds and an increase of $0.78 billion in Benefits accrued or paid to policyholders due to withdrawals from Segregated policy funds, primarily driven by a change in the investment stance of clients.

The actuarial liabilities were positively influenced by improvements in morbidity and lapse experience.

Employee Benefits

The Employee Benefits segment produced profits of $1.09 billion, being 13% less than in 2019. Overall new sales were much better than last year as annualized new premium income showed 42% growth over 2019. This segment recorded higher ECL and other unrealized losses on its investment securities portfolio.

Benefits expense of $4.08 billion was 8% more than last year, driven by portfolio growth but mitigated by a marginal improvement in claims ratios.

Commercial Banking

Sagicor Bank contributed net profits of $0.13 billion for the quarter, a sharp reduction when compared to 2019. The results were severely impacted by higher ECL on loans relating to Tourism, Entertainment, and Energy sectors. The fee-based income of $1.06 billion was 12% more than the prior year as our Payments channels continued to grow.

Total assets of $153.43 billion were 20% above the amount in March 2019 and 8% higher than the December 2019 amount. Loans and advances, net of provision for loan losses, were $89.97 billion, 26% higher than the March 2019 balance, and $5.30 billion or 6% ahead of December 2019. Customer deposit liabilities of $119.17 billion were up 25% on last year.

Investment Banking

Sagicor Investments showed strong profitability during the period, contributing $0.53 billion (excluding the share of AGIC earnings) to the Group, 43% higher than the prior year. Fee income was down on Q1 2019 as less corporate financing deals were closed during the review period and the business line recorded large unrealized capital losses on its equity portfolio. However, an improvement in its net investment income along with foreign exchange gains contributed to revenues of $1.49 billion, which is 26% above 2019.
Liquidity and Solvency.

Group consolidated cash generated from operating activities was $10.57 billion compared to $6.16 billion in 2019. The liquidity of the Group remained strong with Cash and Cash Equivalents at the end of March 2020 is $27.44 billion (2019: $21.34 billion). The Group has maintained its strong capital position and continues to exceed regulatory capital requirements across all entities, he reported.

In his outlook, Zacca noted that as global economic conditions may deteriorate further in the coming months, they are carefully monitoring and assessing the overall impact on the Group. Sagicor Group Jamaica, he said, remains cautiously optimistic about the future but feels it prudent to take a conservative view of the potential impact of COVID-19 and manage their businesses accordingly.

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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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