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Stationery & Office Supplies Already Seeing Positive Trends

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Stationery & Office Supplies’ Managing Director David McDaniel is reporting that the combined effects of Government imposed COVID19 restrictions on movement and business operations led to a decrease in economic activities that affected every industry including his office supplies business. In April 2020, SOS for example experienced a decline in sales of 77% to $24.8M when compared to $110M in 2019, he remarked.

Reporting in the company’s just-released unaudited results for the 2nd quarter or 6 months ended June 30th, 2020, McDaniel, noted that during April SOS tried to minimize losses by rotating staff, conserving electricity usage and other expenses, and reducing management and other salaries. They also had to adjust focus during the Covid-19 pandemic from the growth of customers’ business to the protection of their employees and their own customers. And so SOS began to sell and distribute protective gear and equipment including custom-built acrylic screens.

Commenting further he noted that the 2nd Quarter 2020 had been difficult and full of challenges, but remain confident they will continue to grow and re-establish revenues to 2019 levels. SOS is already seeing the trend with business slowly increasing since April, as sales in the following month of May rose by 75% to $44M and in June it increased by a further 50% to $66M.

With reduced revenues during the 2nd quarter of 2020, the overall financial numbers for the year are far behind their 2019 6-month figures and even further behind expectations for 2020, he noted.

Expenses decreased primarily due to the drop in salaries and wages due to the Covid-19 virus and employees’ working hours being reduced significantly as a result of a rotation schedule allowing them to get an average 2.5 workdays per week.

The gross profit percentage fell by 2% year on year as the Jamaican dollar continued to devalue, forcing SOS to give larger discounts on products to help customers manage through the difficult times.

At the end of the 2nd quarter, SOS had increased its total assets year on year by 1.5%, moving from $876M to $889.6M, due to an increase in inventory that rose by 30%, moving from $207M to $268M, and was planned around the anticipated Chinese New Year when factories close down.

Due to Covid-19, a significant effort was made to reduce Receivables resulting in reducing Trade and Receivables by 42%, down from $154M to $90M. Also due to the lack of economic activity, prepayments were also reduced by more than 50% as there was little need for additional inventory.

Earnings per share at the end of the 2nd quarter of 2020 was -$.09, a decrease of $.23 compared to $0.14 at the end of the 2nd quarter of 2019. For the 6 months ended June 30, 2020 earnings per share were recorded at $.09, down $.28 from $.37 seen at this time in 2019.

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Higher Operating Costs And Margin Pressures Impacted Main Event’s Overall Q1 Profitability.

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Entering 2025 with a strategic focus on expanding revenue streams, strengthening client relationships, and maintaining financial discipline, the Company achieved revenue growth.
However, higher operating costs and margin pressures impacted overall profitability.

The Company reported revenues of $585.03M, representing a 3% or $17.28M increase over the $567.75M recorded in Q1 2024. This growth was primarily driven by a significant increase in revenue contribution from a previously underperforming segment, reflecting the success of targeted expansion efforts. While revenue remains below prior peak levels, the Company continues to recalibrate and drive demand through expanded service offerings and strengthened client engagements.

Gross profit for the quarter stood at $301.67M, reflecting a 4% decline from $315.82M in Q1 2024. This decline resulted from higher direct costs associated with event execution, infrastructure upgrades, additional non-recurring costs incurred during the period, and increased labour costs related to service delivery. Consequently, the gross margin contracted to 51.56% from 55.63% in the prior year. The Company remains focused on managing costs effectively to support long-term profitability.

Operating expenses increased to $218.72M, up 7.5% from $206.35M in Q1 2024. This rise was attributed to planned administrative enhancements, a significant one-off expenditure for the Company’s 20th Anniversary celebration, higher personnel costs, increased security and fuel expenses, and a 51% increase in amortisation expenses to $11.36M due to renegotiated lease agreements and the addition of a new lease.

Operating profit stood at $87.48M, a 24% decline from $115.28M in Q1 2024. Increased finance costs, stemming from renegotiated lease agreements and new lease additions, also impacted results.
Net profit for the quarter amounted to $73.67M, a 27% decrease from $100.25M in Q1 2024, influenced by lower gross margins, increased operational costs, and higher impairment charges. As a result, earnings per share (EPS) fell from $0.33 in Q1 2024 to $0.25 in Q1 2025.

Total assets grew by 6.4%, reaching $1,306.01M, up from $1,227.37M in Q1 2024. This increase was primarily driven by a 53% rise in receivables, reflecting expanded customer engagements, with several balances stemming from events executed near the period’s end. Short-term deposits increased to $250.24M from $236.50M, while cash and bank balances declined by 30% to $131.74M from $188.91M due to timing differences in collections and reinvestments.

Shareholders’ equity strengthened to $956.17M, reflecting a 5% increase over $912.66M in Q1 2024. This growth was primarily supported by retained earnings, demonstrating the Company’s ability to generate and reinvest profits efficiently.

Payables increased by 47%, rising to $229.58M from $156.38M in Q1 2024, mainly due to the timing of event executions towards the end of the quarter, resulting in higher accrued expenses related to supplier payments.

While the macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, the Company remains optimistic about the upcoming quarters. The focus will be on enhancing operational efficiencies to manage cost structures effectively and strengthening revenue streams through deeper market penetration and strategic partnerships. Additionally, the Company intends to use owned-events as a driver of revenue growth.
Our continued success is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and resilience of our exceptional team. Their ability to adapt and innovate in a dynamic industry ensures that we consistently exceed expectations and deliver outstanding experiences. Their dedication was especially evident during the holiday period, where they worked tirelessly to execute high-quality events, ensuring continued excellence in service delivery. We also recognise and appreciate the unwavering guidance of our Board; whose strategic leadership continues to drive our company’s growth and long-term vision.

Solomon Sharpe Chief Executive Officer

For More Information on Main Event Entertainment Group Limited (MEEG) Unaudited Results, Q1 – Three Months Ended January 31, 2025 (Revised) Click Here

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