Businessuite Markets
Sygnus Real Estate Finance To Consider First Dividend Payment In 2023, As J$3.70B 9-Storey One Belmont Commercial Tower Corporate Office Development Over 74% Completed.
Results of Operations
The Group continued to unlock value from its major real estate investment assets by achieving another set of key milestones, namely:
• advancing the J$3.70 billion Belmont Road 9-storey commercial tower to 74.0% completion and remaining on track for completion in mid-2023, with four of the five floors effectively leased with 10-year renewable agreements;
• advanced the construction of the built-to-suit industrial warehouse facility on Spanish Town Road to 87.0% completion;
• made submissions to various agencies to secure approvals for the beachfront hospitality investment property in Mammee Bay, St. Ann;
• continued to engage in partnership discussions and financing options with international investors and financiers with regards to Sepheus Holdings Limited, the SRF subsidiary which holds the Mammee Bay asset.
Subsequent to the end of the quarter, Sygnus Real Estate Finance Limited (SRF) began exiting its J$1.00 billion investment in a REIN as the third-party project achieved practical completion in October 2022, thus leading to the start of inflows from the sale of units.
SRF completed the purchase of 58 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 10, post Q1 Nov 2022, and thus now owns both 56 Lady Musgrave Road and 58 Lady Musgrave Road, which are adjacent to each other.
The Group may be able to consider its first dividend payment during the 2023 calendar year, subsequent to completing its first investment life cycle, after exiting and or completing a number of investments and developments during the course of the year.
The Group remains fully focused on executing its strategy of unlocking value in real estate assets, as it seeks to continue increasing shareholder value.
Total investment income or core revenues was J$21.3 million for 3 Month 2022, compared with a loss of J$4.4 million for the three months ended November 2021 (“3 Month 2021”). This result was primarily driven by higher net interest income from a larger portfolio of REINs, which offset larger interest expense driven by an increase in loans and borrowings and notes payable.
The weighted average fair value yield on REINs was 11.2% compared with 10.l% last year, while the weighted average cost of debt was 5.1% compared with 5.0% last year. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, SRF began exiting its J$1.0 billion investment in a REIN which achieved practical completion in October 2022, as the Group began to receive the sale proceeds for purchased units as buyers completed the financing for their purchases.
In addition to the interest charged by the REIN, SRF also receives a profit-sharing component.
There was no gain on investment property during the quarter as these assets are only valued once at the end of each financial year, with the last valuations occurring in August 2022.
Share of gain on joint ventures, which also captures SRF’s 70% ownership of the One Belmont development was immaterial during the quarter, as this development is only valued at the end of each financial year, with the last valuation occurring in August 2022.
Note, however, that One Belmont is scheduled to reach practical completion prior to the end of the current financial year, and as such, the revaluation of share of profit is likely to occur prior to the August 2023 year-end financial results. This revaluation may materially impact total investment income during the quarter in which it occurs. Note also, given One Belmont has already negotiated long term leases with tenants, to the extent where lease payments begin while SRF still maintains its share of the joint venture or a portion thereof, these lease flows may affect total investment income starting in the quarter during which this occurs.
SRF’s total investment income is typically comprised of all the activities that were involved in the unlocking of value from its portfolio of real estate investment assets, namely: interest income on its REINs and the commitment fees related to this activity; gain or loss on its property investments, namely, on its investment properties, or on any real estate assets that were exited; and share of gain or loss on its joint venture investments.
Based on the nature of its business model, SRF’s earnings during interim reporting quarters may experience “lumpiness” in total investment income and net profits, which is typically “smoothed out” at the end of each financial year, similar to what occurred in FYE Aug 2022 relative to the interim quarterly results.
The Group uses independent appraisers to value its investment assets annually. All investment properties are USD investment assets which are converted to JMD for financial reporting purposes. SRF’s key strategic assets are held via wholly owned subsidiaries or joint ventures.
Net investment income or core earnings was a loss of J$82.4 million vs a loss of J$87.4 million for 3 Month 2021, driven by the J$21.3 million outturn for total investment income which was offset by higher operating expenses of J$103.7 million versus J$83.0 million last year. For FYE August 2022 SRF generated J$983.6 million in net investment income.
Net loss attributable to shareholders was J$172.5 million compared with a net loss of J$99.9 million last year, driven by the negative net investment income of J$82.4 million, a fair value loss on financial instruments of J$23.4 million (3 Month 2021: gain of J$10.9 million) and a net foreign exchange loss of J$66.7 million (3 Month 2021: loss of J$23.5 million). Note that SRF’s net profit may be materially impacted by the completion of the One Belmont development and by the final net proceeds from exiting investments in REINs, which are scheduled to occur prior to the end of the current financial year.
At the end of the current financial year, SRF’s net profit may also be materially impacted by changes in the valuation of its underlying real estate investment assets, as valuation for existing assets only occur once at the end of each financial year. Book value per share for Q1 Nov 2022 increased to J$22.71 compared with J$20.81 last year.
Note: the Group’s return on average equity (ROE) was 11.3% at FYE Aug 2022 with an average ROE of 30.6% over the past three audited financial years. For FYE August 2022, SRF generated J$693.0 million in net profit.
Basic earnings per share (EPS) was negative J$0.53 compared with negative J$0.36 last year, while diluted EPS was negative J$0.49 compared with negative J$0.30 last year. Similarly, basic core earnings or net investment income per share (NIIPS) negative J$0.25 compared with negative J$0.31 last year, while diluted NIIPS was negative J$0.24 compared with negative J$0.27 last year. For FYE August 2022, SRF generated basic and diluted earnings per share of J$2.20 and J$2.06 respectively.
One Belmont | Commercial Tower: The J$3.70 billion 9-storey corporate office development is currently 74% completed, with construction remaining on track for the target April/May 2023 completion date. The substructure is 100% completed with pouring of concrete for all floors completed and the roof remaining to be poured. A fourth long-term agreement-to-lease which should have been executed in December 2022 was rescheduled for execution in January 2023. This means that four of the five floors are effectively leased once this fourth agreement is completed. The intended tenants have begun the process to select and execute their respective interior designs to meet their respective needs.
For more information on Sygnus Real Estate Finance Limited
Unaudited Results for the 3 Months Ended November 30, 2022 CLICK HERE
Businessuite Markets
CAC 2000 Reporting A 41% Improvement In Net Income For Period Ending July 31, 2024.
Businessuite Markets
PBS Expects 2024 Revenue, EBITDA And Profitability To Closely Align With Full Year Budgetary Expectations.
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 longterm 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
Kimala Bennett Chief Executive Officer for Limners and Bards Limited (The LAB) has released the following report to Shareholders of its unaudited financial statements for the nine months ended July 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 compared to the corresponding period last year, with net profit reaching $83.5 million, a 46.7% increase over the comparable period. This growth was driven by our strong emphasis on the Agency Segment of the business for this quarter, as we continued to build brands. While revenues were down compared to the prior period, the company implemented cost containment measures, resulting in an 18% reduction in administrative expenses.
Shareholders’ equity grew to $681.4 million, up from $597.5 million or 14.0% over the corresponding period last year. We maintained a strong balance sheet, with an improved cash position over the period. Additionally, our asset base increased as we reinvested in the business, upgrading film studio facilities.
Revenue for the nine months ended July 31, 2024, was $752.7 million, down 17.6% relative to the prior period. This decline was primarily attributable to a reduction in Media during the period. Notwithstanding this, the Agency segment outperformed the comparable period. The revenue achieved was derived from the company’s core business lines: Media totalling $407.6 million, followed by Production with $190.5 million and Agency with $154.6 million.
Gross Profit for the nine months was $284.5 million, down 9.6% when compared to the corresponding period. Administrative expenses were also lower when compared to the comparable period. Administrative, selling and distribution expenses decreased by $47.5 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 $161.2 million or 17.1% to $1.1 Billion compared to $941.2 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 $846.7 million, increasing by $59.9 million over the prior year.
Cash and cash equivalent increased by $25.5 million over the corresponding period last year. Management continues to maintain tight monitoring and control over receivables
Outlook
As the LAB continues to grow and diversify, our strategic initiatives are positioning us to capitalize on the booming global film industry and the increasing demand for fresh, international content.
We have successfully completed filming our first feature film, “Love Offside,” a sports romantic comedy that showcases the vibrant culture and dynamic talent of Jamaica. The film, features an impressive cast and has now entered the editing phase is slated for a February 2025 release, perfectly timed to meet the growing appetite for diverse and engaging content.
The global film market is experiencing a significant surge, with demand for international content at an all-time high. Industry reports indicate that streaming services and traditional distributors alike are increasingly seeking diverse narratives that resonate with a global audience. This trend presents a significant opportunity for the LAB, as “Love Offside” is poised to attract viewers with its unique storyline and cultural richness. Over the next 12 months, the Company plans to produce three films and three web series.
We are pleased to announce that our Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Head of Production, Tashara Lee Johnson, recently represented us at the MIP Africa Content Market in South Africa as a part of the Jamaican delegation organized by JAMPRO, a premier event in the global film industry. This market is a critical platform for forging connections, understanding market trends, and securing partnerships that will enhance our film’s reach and profitability.
In parallel, our agency arm is gearing up for our regional expansion strategy, where we will engage with various businesses and explore strategic partnerships across the Caribbean. Our goal is to solidify our presence in these markets, leveraging the region’s growing influence in the global media landscape.
Our commitment remains steadfast in delivering value to our shareholders by expanding our content portfolio, exploring new markets, and forging strategic alliances that will drive growth and profitability. The steps we are currently taking are designed to position the LAB at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry, ensuring we capitalize on the opportunities presented by the global demand for fresh, compelling content.
For More Information CLICK HERE
Businessuite Markets
Trinidad and Tobago NGL’s Investment In Phoenix Park Gas Processors Delivers Robust Revenue and Profit Performance For Six Months Of 2024
Dr. Joseph Ishmael Khan, Chairman Trinidad and Tobago NGL Limited has released the following Condensed Interim Financial Statements For The Six Months Ended 30 June 2024.
Trinidad and Tobago NGL Limited delivered a robust performance for the first half of 2024, posting a profit after tax of TT$46.7 million. This represents an outstanding turnaround from the corresponding 2023 period, where a loss of TT$2.8 million was recorded and signifies an impressive year-on-year improvement of TT$49.5 million.
Earnings per share reached TT$0.30, a substantial recovery from the loss per share of TT$0.02 for the same period in 2023.
The driving force behind TTNGL’s strong performance was the enhanced profitability of its investment in Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited (PPGPL). This achievement was principally due to increased production of natural gas liquids (NGL), higher sales volumes, and improved NGL prices at Mont Belvieu.
Enhanced NGL production was facilitated by a 4.4% increase in natural gas volumes processed at Point Lisas in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023. Moreover, the gas stream’s NGL content saw a significant rise of 15.5% over the previous year, a result of deliberate efforts by The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited to enrich gas supplies. As a result, NGL production from gas processing increased notably, even when accounting for the extended plant downtime experienced in the first half of 2023.
Additionally, NGL volumes delivered from Atlantic LNG also increased by 3.2%, over the comparative period in 2023.
NGL prices rose by 11.5% compared to the same period in 2023, driven mainly by increased global demand and strategic positioning by market participants for future arbitrage opportunities.
The combination of higher NGL production and increased sales revenues, supported by improved NGL product prices, underscores PPGPL’s strong operational safety and its market leadership as the preferred NGL marketer locally and regionally.
Moreover, PPGPL has maintained high levels of operational efficiency within its processing plants, complemented by a strong commitment to safe operations and effective cost management.
During the first half of the year, Phoenix Park Trinidad and Tobago Energy Holdings Limited (PPTTEHL), PPGPL’s North American subsidiary, also delivered strong performance. PPTTEHL experienced significant trading volumes and benefited from improved margins on its sales contracts.
We anticipate continued earnings growth from this business segment moving forward.
TTNGL’s cash position at the end of June 2024 remained strong at TT$139.1 million, up from TT$113.0 million in 2023, reflecting the Company’s solid liquidity. TTNGL continues to explore all options to address its accumulated deficit and move towards a position where it can resume dividend distributions to shareholders.
Outlook
As we look ahead, we remain ever – optimistic about the positive price forecasts, while PPGPL continues to monitor market uncertainties and implement value-added strategies. PPGPL is unwavering in its commitment to strategic growth, prioritising the following: safe operations; high plant reliability and availability; meeting customer needs and sustaining market presence across all territories. These efforts are critical to delivering long-term shareholder value.
For More Information CLICK HERE
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