Connect with us

Businessuite Markets

Scotia Group Jamaica Reporting 67% Jump In Net Income To JA$17.2B For Fiscal 2023

Published

on

Audrey Tugwell Henry President And CEO For Scotia Group Jamaica Has Released The Following Reports For Fiscal 2023

Scotia Group reports net income of $17.2 billion for the year ended October 31, 2023, representing an increase of $6.9 billion or 67% over the previous year. The Group’s performance continues to be anchored by solid growth across all business lines, prudent risk management and efficient management of our operations.

In keeping with our commitment to deliver shareholder value, the Board of Directors approved a dividend of 40 cents per stock unit in respect of the fourth quarter, which is payable on January 19, 2024, to stockholders on record as at December 28, 2023.

Commenting on the Group’s results, President and CEO Audrey Tugwell Henry said “We are extremely proud to deliver a stellar year’s performance to our shareholders. Our results can be attributed to the alignment and strong implementation of our strategic imperatives, which consisted of 2 main tenets –
• creating a winning team culture where our staff can be their best every day and
• maintaining an unrelenting commitment to helping customers achieve their financial goals.

The growth in the business has been significant and is underscored by the deliberate actions in every area of our business to be the preferred financial institution in Jamaica. We are committed to delivering a consistent best-in-class service, and relevant innovative financial solutions.

Group Financial Performance

Our strong performance for the year yielded a return on average equity of 15.15% versus 9.43% in the prior year, a marked improvement of 5.72%. Our asset base grew by $70.3 billion or 11.8% to $664.7 billion as at the end of the fiscal year and was underpinned by the excellent performance of our loan portfolio.

Shareholders’ equity available to common shareholders increased by $20.2 billion or 19.0% when compared to October 2022. We continue to maintain strong capital adequacy, exceeding regulatory capital requirements in all our business lines, and our strong capital position also enables us to capitalize on any growth opportunities which emerge in the market.

The Group’s expected credit losses for the year showed a reduction of $661.5 million or 21.6% when compared to the previous year. Credit quality remains very strong, and we are well provisioned for both our performing and non-performing loans.

Our non-accrual loans as a percentage of gross loans was 1.64% and was lower than the prevailing industry average of 2.46% as at September 2023.

Business Line Performance

All business lines within the Group have made a strong contribution to the overall results as we offer customers a comprehensive suite of financial services.
Our deposit book continues to grow as customers choose us to manage their finances.
Total deposits grew by 12.7% when compared with the previous year while total loans increased by 14.6% year over year.

In our retail business, we continue to see significant growth in mortgages which increased by 25% when compared with prior year. This continued growth is indicative of the demand in the market, our competitive rates as well as our very streamlined mortgage process.

Commercial banking also delivered outstanding results with commercial loans increasing over prior year by 12%. Our relationship managers have consistently delivered positive results by understanding the needs of our business customers and providing solutions to facilitate their growth and development.

As we continue to promote a balanced financial portfolio, our wealth and insurance businesses continue to offer real value to our customers. This year, we re-affirmed the importance of adequate protection through our insurance subsidiaries.

Our life insurance arm – Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company reported an increase in net insurance revenues of 105% year over year.

Key to their performance were product enhancements for flagship products such as ScotiaCriticare as well as our Approved Retirement Scheme, ScotiaBRIDGE. Our newest subsidiary, Scotia General Insurance Agency (ScotiaProtect), generated $400 million in annualized premiums in its first year of operation as customers positively responded to our strong value proposition.

Scotia Investments made a strong contribution to the Group’s performance despite the challenging macro-economic conditions. Assets under Management increased by $11 billion or 6% year over year. Additionally, all Scotia Investments mutual and unit trust funds continue to deliver good returns to unitholders.

Our stable NAV fund, the Scotia Premium Money Market Fund recorded a 1-year return of 7.3%, delivering returns exceeding the inflation rate (5.1%) for the 12-month period. Our Scotia Money Market US$ Fund also delivered returns of over 4% to unitholders over the last 12 months.

For More Information CLICK THIS LINK

Continue Reading
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Businessuite Markets

Prestige Holdings Enjoyed A Strong Performance For First Quarter Of Fiscal 2024.

Published

on

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.
For More Click THIS LINK

Continue Reading

Businessuite Markets

GraceKennedy’s Strategic Spur Tree Spices Acquisition: Positioning For Growth

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Businessuite Markets

ANSA McAL Group Announces Formation Of Joint Venture Company, Globus ANSA Private Limited, With Globus Spirits Limited In India.

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Businessuite Markets

Jamaica Broilers Group Reporting Strong Top and Bottom Line Performance for January 2024 Quarter

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Businessuite Markets

Main Event Reporting Net Profit Of JA$100M For Quarter Ended January 2024

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Trending

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x