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Softness In Overall Advertising Market Due To Businesses Continuing To Experience Supply Chain Challenges Negatively Impact RJRGLEANER Communications Group First Quarter Results

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Gary Allen Chief Executive Officer for Radio Jamaica Limited (RJRGLEANER) has released the following unaudited financial results of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group (The Group) for its first quarter ended June 30, 2022.

A number of factors related to local and global economic conditions had an adverse impact on Group performance during the quarter. Instability in global commodity markets precipitated by the Russia/Ukraine war, lead to an unprecedented rise in inflation globally, and further exacerbated those supply chain challenges which emerged during the pandemic.

In response to dampening consumer demand, advertisers appear to have reduced spending in anticipation of a return to more normal conditions in the short to medium term. The Group has at the same time faced significant upward price pressure on its input most notably, energy and newsprint.

Preliminary revenue performance for the month of July 2022 shows a marked recovery in advertising revenue, and we have also been pleased to note more recent reductions in energy prices as well as a downward trend in global freight rates which should assist in improving market conditions.

The Group recorded a pre-tax loss of $51 million and an after-tax loss of $40 million for the quarter, compared to a pre-tax profit of $148 million and an after-tax profit of $110 million for the similar prior year period.

Primary contributors to this quarter’s performance were: –
• A 9% decrease in the Group’s revenues, driven mainly by decreases in the Audio/Visual division (12%), Print and Online (6%) and Audio (2%). There was a decline in some activities in the current year due to, the protracted impact of COVID-19, non-reoccurrence of revenues from Ministry of Education, and as mentioned before, softness in the overall advertising market due to businesses continuing to experience supply chain challenges, higher global inflation and the wider economic effects of the Russia/Ukraine war.
• Other income increased by more than 100% compared to the prior year period, due mainly to one-off proceeds from a negotiated confidential settlement.
• Direct expenses were higher than the prior year, due mainly to increased newsprint costs, increased costs for the staging of the Boys’ and Girls’ Championships, along with the higher cost for the National Track and Field Trials.
• Selling expenses increased by $16 million (7%) driven by increased distribution-related commissions as well as increased marketing activities and events that were suspended in the previous year.
• Administrative expenses fell by $21 million (6%) compared with the prior year, driven by savings from cost containment measures
• Other operating expenses increased by $25 million (13%) compared with the prior year, due mainly to increased utility costs, higher technology license fees and higher transmitter and other equipment maintenance costs.

The results of the first quarter reflect the challenges of the local market as previously described above. That said our usual quick responses to adjust the business to meet market challenges are already being employed. The positive impact of our ongoing targeted efficiency projects and efforts will also assist in bringing our targets back in line.

The challenging first quarter did not dampen the strong advancement in our digital transformation drive, and we made good progress in moving the television Digital Switch Over (DSO) project forward. Our overall digital revenue performance continues to improve as our various digital assets garnered more revenues from more digital streams than before.

During the quarter under review, we also announced an agreement by our Board with that of 1834 Investments Limited, to acquire the assets and liabilities of that listed company with a Net Book Value of over $1.5Billion. The transaction, on completion will see an increase in the asset base of RJRGLEANER, an increase in available cash to complete our strategic digital investments, including DSO, and will also secure the 7 North Street headquarters of our subsidiary, The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited, which is now being leased. Should the shareholders of 1834 Investments and the Courts approve the transaction on August 10t 2022, it will take our RJRGLEANER business into another phase of growth and expansion, to which we look forward.

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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