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Scotia Group Jamaica Reporting Q2 Net Income Of JA$5.4B, A JA$2.3B Increase Over Previous Quarter, Approves Dividend Of 40 Cents

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Audrey Tugwell Henry President And CEO For Scotia Group Jamaica Has Released The Following Report For Second Quarter Of Fiscal 2024

Scotia Group reports net income of $8.54 billion for the six months ended April 30, 2024, representing an increase of $1.1 billion or 14.0% over the comparative prior period.

Net income for the quarter of$5.4 billion reflected an increase of $2.3 billion over the previous quarter.

In furtherance of our objective to return value to our shareholders, the Board of Directors has approved a dividend of 40 cents per stock unit in respect of the second quarter, which is payable on July 18, 2024, to stockholders on record as at
June 26, 2024 (Q2 2023 – 35 cents).

The Group’s performance continues to be anchored by solid growth across our business lines, prudent risk management and efficient management of our operations.

Our asset base grew by $46.2 billion or 7.3% to $676.5 billion as at April 2024 and was underpinned by the excellent performance of our loan portfolio. Deposits from our clients increased by $26.9 billion or 6.1% to $464.4 billion, signaling our clients’ continued confidence in the strength and safety of the Scotia Group.

President and CEO of the Scotia Group, Audrey Tugwell Henry, commenting on the Group’s performance said, “We are very proud to have delivered another strong quarter to our stakeholders. There has been strong growth across all business lines which is a testament to the health of our business and the effectiveness of the execution of our strategy. We remain focused on supporting our clients and cultivating a winning team culture which we believe is key to continued growth and success.

We were very proud to have been bestowed with the coveted Best Bank award from the prestigious Global Finance Magazine for 2024 as well as the Best International Private Bank award. These achievements give credence to our position as the preferred financial institution for Jamaicans.

Business Performance
Total loans increased by $35 billion or 14% over the prior year period indicating strong demand for our products and services. Our commercial solutions are best-in-class and we continue to see increased interest from our business clients as evidenced by the 8% growth in our portfolio when compared to the prior period. The retail business also performed well with a 13% increase in Scotia Plan Loans and another stellar performance in our mortgage portfolio which grew by 24% compared to 2023.

We have also noted commensurate improvements in client feedback across the Group as we continue to enhance our service levels.

Scotia Investments made a solid contribution to the overall performance of the Group with Assets Under Management increasing by 10% year over year. Our funds have also performed very well with our Scotia Premium JMD Fixed Income Fund and our Scotia Premium USD-Indexed Fund ranking first among their peers for the quarter. We will continue to engage our clients on the opportunities in the investment landscape.

Scotia Insurance, our life insurance business, continues to distinguish itself in the market by offering a strong value proposition to clients. As at the end of the quarter, gross written premiums increased by 7% year over year and the number of policies sold grew by a strong 24% when compared to the prior period.

Our general insurance agency, Scotia Protect, has demonstrated steady performance since its formal launch last year. There has been significant growth in digital sales via our online platform where clients can receive a quote and purchase home and motor insurance from the comfort of their homes. The team has focused their efforts on increasing client awareness about the company’s various products and has been very efficient in targeting the Bank’s existing clients. The results have been extremely positive with sales increasing by 185% and annualized gross written premiums by 205% over the prior year comparative period.

In furtherance of our objective of making it easier for our clients to do business with us, we recently opened a new Private Banking location in Montego Bay to provide clients on the western side of the Island – with complex financial needs, more convenient access to our advisors.

We completed full migration of our clients from the previous online platform to our newly upgraded native online banking platform. This upgrade now allows clients to seamlessly conduct their online banking transactions as well as to share feedback directly with us via our mobile or online platforms.

As part of our Winning Team strategy, we took another step towards creating optimal work-life balance by enhancing our parental leave policy. In February, we increased maternity leave from 14 to 16 weeks while paternity leave was increased from 4 to 8 weeks. We are very proud to be a leader in this area and to support our team members and their families.

Environment, Social and Governance (ESG)
During the quarter, we executed new initiatives to support our ESG goals. In March, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Group hosted a breakfast for female students from underserved communities to advise and inspire them to maximize their potential. Keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Kasan Troupe from the Ministry of Education and Youth.

Our proprietary women’s business development programme, the Scotia Women’s Initiative (SWI) is fulfilling its mandate by assisting women-led and owned businesses to thrive. Since inception, the SWI has deployed approximately $2 billion in capital to assist women to scale and reinvest in their businesses. We are proud to be making a real difference in this area as we believe that supporting women in business indirectly supports the development of the wider economy.

We continue to execute on global initiatives to support efforts to address the risks related to climate change. In April the Bank also announced a call for entries to our global Net Zero Research Fund which supports the efforts of registered charities and non-profit organisations leading decarbonization initiatives.

For More Information CLICL HERE

Business Insights

RedPlate Group Limited: Corporate Profile

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About RedPlate Group

RedPlate Group Limited is a distinguished Caribbean-based investment holding company, specializing in equity investments across various sectors. Our diversified portfolio includes stakes in both established businesses and promising start-ups, with a focus on:

  • Business-to-Business (B2B)
  • Technology
  • Data-Driven Solutions
  • Integrated Fulfillment Logistics
  • Transportation Solutions
  • E-commerce
  • Mobile Payments

Our Companies

RedPlate Group encompasses a range of dynamic companies, each contributing to our overarching mission:

  • InterMetro Transit Jamaica
  • RedPlate Logistics and Fulfilment Group
  • RedPlate MarketPlace
  • RedPlate Technologies Jamaica Limited
  • RedPlate Financial Group

Innovative Business Model

RedPlate Group’s pioneering business model is poised to revolutionize the transportation and logistics sectors in Jamaica and the broader Caribbean. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we address current inefficiencies, enhancing productivity and profitability across the value chain. Our holistic, horizontal integration of business units fosters seamless collaboration, creating a robust, technology-driven ecosystem.

Market Opportunity

Jamaica’s transportation and logistics landscape is currently fragmented and inefficient, posing significant challenges for businesses and commuters alike. RedPlate Group aims to resolve these issues by developing a cohesive and interconnected platform. This platform optimizes operations, maximizes resource utilization, and delivers an unparalleled experience for both corporate clients and end consumers.

Strategic Vision

RedPlate Group’s strategic vision is centered around building synergistic relationships and fostering a collaborative environment. Our approach not only fortifies the value chain but also enhances productivity and increases income for all stakeholders. By addressing the fundamental challenges within Jamaica’s transportation and logistics sector, we are paving the way for a more efficient and profitable future.

Conclusion

RedPlate Group Limited invites high net worth investors to join us in transforming the Caribbean’s transportation and logistics industry. Our innovative, technology-driven approach and commitment to excellence position us as a leader in the sector, offering substantial growth and investment opportunities. Together, we can achieve remarkable advancements and drive significant value for our stakeholders.

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Businessuite Markets

Indies Pharma Jamaica Reporting 51% Or J$45M Jump In Net Income For Six-Month Ending 30 April 2024

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Vishnu V. Muppuri (Mrs.) Co-Founder, Executive Director & COO for Indies Pharma Jamaica Limited has released the following Executive Summary For the Six-Months (Q2) Unaudited Financial Results Period Ending 30 April 2024 (FY 2023-24 Quarter 2)

For the second quarter, three months ending Apr 30, 2024, Indies Pharma Jamaica Limited earned gross sales of J$ 301 million, versus J$ 231 million in the prior year, an increment of 30.19%.

❖ Gross Profit for the period was recorded at J$ 208 million in comparison to J$ 163 million, which represents a 27.29% increase (J$ 45 million) in comparison to the prior year.
❖ Net Income recorded is a 147.59% increase (J$ 42 million) in the current 2nd Quarter Period, compared to the prior year.
❖ Earnings per share recorded an increase of 147.59% in the current 2nd Quarter Period, in comparison to the prior year.

For the six months ending Apr 30, 2024, Indies Pharma Jamaica Limited earned gross sales of J$570 million, versus J$ 487 million in the prior year (six months) for the period 2022-23, an increment of 17.17%.

❖ Gross Profit for the period recorded J$398 million in comparison to J$ 339 million, which represents a 17.38% increase (J$59 million) in comparison to the prior year.
❖ Net Income recorded is a 51.31% increase (J$45 million) in the current six-month period, compared to the prior year.
❖ Earnings per share recorded an increase of 51.31% in the current six-month period, in comparison to the prior year.

Total assets valued as of 30th April 2024 were J$ 2.35 billion compared to J$ 2.24 billion as of Q2 for the period 2022-23, an increase in value of 4.64% recorded.

Shareholder equity was recorded at a value of J$ 1.35 billion in the Q2 2023-24 period compared to the J$1.095 billion as at Q2 2022-23, an increase of 23.52%.

Total liabilities were recorded in the current year Q2 2023-24 with a value of J$ 0.997 billion compared to Q2 2022-23 of J$ 1.15 billion.

For More Information CLICK THIS LINK

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Businessuite Markets

Limners And Bards Reporting Improved Net Profits Driven By Higher Gross Profits From Agency Segment And Reductions In Administrative Expenses

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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 Six Months Ended April 30, 2024, Prepared In Accordance With International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Note: 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 an 18% 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.

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 endeavors 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 six months was $180.4 million, down 6.4% when compared to the corresponding period.

Net Profit achieved was $49.4 million, up 143.7% relative to the comparable period, due to higher gross profits from the agency segment and lower administrative expenses. Administrative expenses decreased by $30.6 million or 18% 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 $155.1 million or 17.4% to $1.04 Billion compared to $893.2 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 $864.3 million, increasing by $131.3 million over the prior year, primarily due to a 27.1% increase in cash and cash equivalent. Management continues to maintain tight monitoring and control over receivables.

Cash and cash equivalent increased by $119.1 million over the corresponding period last year.

Shareholders’ equity grew to $647.3 million, up from $561.8 million or 15.2% over the corresponding period last year.

Outlook
The LAB is thrilled to share significant progress in our strategic initiatives and exciting updates on our upcoming projects. We are proud to announce that our TV/web series, ‘Jenna In Law’, has been officially selected to screen at the prestigious 2024 Essence Film Festival (EFF) this summer in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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 endeavors have a suitable platform to reach global audiences.

For More Information CLICK THIS LINK

 

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Productive Business Solutions Acquires Xerox Operations In Ecuador And Peru

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Pedro M. París C., Director and Group CEO For Productive Business Solutions Limited Has Released The Following Unaudited Interim Report For Q1 2024

Q1 2024 – Financial Performance Overview

In the first quarter of 2024, Productive Business Solutions (PBS) reported revenues of US$65.9 million, a decrease of US$21.6 million compared to the same period in 2023.

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) for the quarter was US$8.5 million, down from US$10.2 million in the first quarter of the previous year. Additionally, our Profit After Tax (PAT) for the first quarter was US$0.4 million, as compared to US$1.7 million during the corresponding period in 2023.

Notably, our first quarter results in 2023 were impacted by a large transaction in which PBS provided laptops to the government in El Salvador. The transaction produced a significant revenue contribution to PBS in that period but carried a lower than-average gross margin. As a result, PBS recorded higher gross profit in in Q1 2024 relative to Q1 2023 despite a reduction in revenue. PBS’ gross margin for the first quarter of 2024 improved to 35.5% from 26.5%, which is more representative of our business without the influence of any large, non-recurring sales.

Historically, the fourth quarter represents the strongest financial period for PBS, while the first quarter typically exhibits the lowest earnings. Our performance in Q1 2024 reflects this seasonal trend.

Strategic Acquisition Announcement
We are delighted to share a significant milestone in our company’s journey. During this quarter, we successfully initiated the strategic acquisition of Xerox operations in Ecuador and Peru and expect to close the transaction by the end of the second quarter of 2024. This acquisition is a testament to our commitment to expanding our market presence and enhancing our service offerings in the Latin American region.

The integration of Xerox operations in these key markets strengthens our capabilities in delivering expanded product/service and industry-leading solutions to a broader client base and offers a deeper Latin American footprint for our regional and global customers. We expect that this transaction will close in the coming months subject to regulatory approvals.

PBS expects to file its Audited Financial Statements for 2023 by June 30, 2024. The audit has been delayed as a result of accounting corrections which impact revenue, cost of goods sold, and contract assets primarily in periods before 2023.

Outlook
Our company’s pipeline of sales opportunities for the remainder of the year is strong.
We expect PBS’ 2024 revenue, EBITDA and profitability to closely align with our full year budgetary expectations.

PBS connects the largest enterprise software companies in the world to the leading firms and governments in our region. Our business is increasingly diversified by country, customer and supplier. Moreover, our growth reflects the enduring long-term trends of digital transformation to meet the needs of businesses and consumers. As we look ahead, we expect PBS to continue its trajectory of profitable growth.

For More Information CLICK HERE

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Decline In Marketing Spend By Major Clients And Lower Than Normal Return From Carnival 2024, Impacts Main Event Q2 2024 Weak Performance.

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Solomon Sharpe Chief Executive Officer For Main Event Entertainment Group Limited Has Released The Following Unaudited Financial Statements For The Quarter Ended April 30, 2024 (Q2).

Performance Highlights:
The company generated revenue of $418.575 million for the second quarter ended April 30, 2024. This represents a decline of $113.313 million or 21% for the quarter when compared to the second quarter of 2023.

For the half year, the company earned revenue of $986.327 million, a decline of $172.548 million or 15% relative to the corresponding period. The decline is the result of a lower performance in traditional revenue sources, caused by the changing landscape within the
entertainment sector, a decline in marketing spend by some of our major clients and a lower-than normal return from Carnival in Jamaica, 2024. The company’s revenue was also impacted by biennial events which contributed significantly to our revenue during the second quarter of the corresponding period.

Gross profit for the quarter was $198.064 million. Compared to the second quarter of 2023, this represents a decrease of $104.669 million 16%; while for the six months ended April 2024, gross profits fell by $101.457 million or 16% to $513.887 million.

Notably, the company has invested heavily in critical maintenance exercises to ensure the upkeep of its audio, visual, and lighting equipment, highlighting its commitment to quality and excellence.

These investments have temporarily impacted on gross margins, which fell to 47% for the quarter but will yield long-term benefits and ensure the company’s continued competitiveness.

Net profit for the second quarter was $20.016 million, a decline of 73% compared to the
corresponding 2023 quarter. At mid-year of the 2024, net profit of $120.271 million represents a decline $72.107 million or 37%.

Administrative and general expenses for the quarter were $133.414 million, a decrease of $55.734 million or 29% relative to $189.148 million last year, and $298.645 million for six months ended April 2024, down $34.656 million or 10% versus the corresponding period in 2023.

These results were driven by lower activity compared to the corresponding 2023 periods. Despite the overall decline in operating expenses, there were increases in key expense categories, namely security expense and staff costs resulting from increased staffing to support the company’s growth objectives, with a focus on enhancing its capabilities and driving innovation. Depreciation and amortisation charges increased by 61% and 203%, respectively, owing to significant capital investments, and right-of-use adjustments.
The increase in finance costs was driven by an increase in interest expense on right-of-use assets.

Taxation charges decreased by $12.470 million or 47% for the six months ended April 2024.
For the second quarter ended April 30, 2024, earnings per share declined to $0.07 from $0.25 per share in the corresponding period; a decrease of 73%. Earnings per share of $0.40 for the half year, represented a $0.25 per share or 37% decrease over the six months ended April 30, 2023.

The company’s total assets fell by $33.342 million or 3% to $1,219.929 million, compared to $1,253.271 million at April 30, 2023. Receivables decreased by $124.754 million or 29%, partly because of our reclassification of deposits on fixed assets now capitalised.

Loans decreased by $23.869 million or 30%, while Payables decreased by $35.533 million or 15% because of lower operating activities when compared to the six months ended April 30, 2023.

Shareholder’s equity stands at $932.678 million as at April 30, 2024, an increase of $69.303 million or 8% compared to the prior year.

Overall, the company has demonstrated its resilience and ability to navigate challenging times and remains poised for future growth and success.

For More Information CLICK HERE

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