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US Economy Grew Much Lower Than Expected While The Caribbean Was Very Mixed For 2016 – Stephen McNamara Chairman Sagicor Financial Corporation

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The economic circumstances of the markets
in which the Sagicor Group operated during
2016, showed little improvement over that of
2015. The US economy grew at a pace much
lower than expected, while the situation in the
Caribbean was very mixed.

The performance of the Jamaican economy continued to show
signs of improvement, while the economy
of Trinidad & Tobago slipped deeper into
recession. The economies of Barbados, and
those of the Eastern Caribbean, enjoyed the
early signs of a return to growth. However, the
high debt to GDP ratios continue to constrain
the growth, and expose these economies to the
negative impact of external shocks.

As a result, the environment, for the most part, reflected
these economic realities, with businesses
experiencing slow revenue growth, and having
to rely heavily on strategies which emphasised
conservation and operating efficiencies.

Within this context, it is my pleasure to report
to you on the 2016 financial performance of
the Sagicor Group, which experienced a solid
performance, with net income for the year
closing at US $109.3 million, compared to
US $76.8 million in the prior year.

Net income attributable to shareholders
was US$61.7 million, compared to
US $34.7 million in the prior year, an increase
of US $27.0 million. Earnings per common
share was US 20.0¢, and represented an
annualised return on common shareholders’
equity of 12.6%, compared to 7.0% for the
prior year.

Total revenue increased by 2.7% to US
$1,134.1 million, compared to the prior year
amount of US $1,104.2 million, an increase
of US $29.9 million. Net premium revenue
closed at US $664.0 million, marginally
under 2015’s net premium revenue of
US $673.9 million, and was impacted by
lower annuity business written in our USA
segment, together with the impact of the
depreciation of the Jamaica Dollar to the US
dollar on translated premiums.

Net investment income closed the period at US $353.4 million,
up from US $322.2 million in the prior year,
driven mainly by increased realised gains
on our international investment portfolios,
and exceeded the prior year amount by
US $31.2 million, or 9.7%.

Fees and other revenue amounted to US $116.8 million,
compared to US $109.1 million in 2015, an
improvement of US $7.7 million, or 7.1%.

Total benefits closed at US $560.4 million, and
marginally exceeded the prior year amount of
US $552.9 million.

Expenses (including agents’ and
brokers’ commissions) closed the year at
US $424.2 million, and were below the prior
year amount of US $427.7 million. Expenses
reflected the lower commissions and related
expenses, consistent with the lower premium
revenue.

Premium and asset taxes were also
lower when compared to the prior year, and
resulted from a reduction in premium and
asset taxes in the Jamaica segment.
Total comprehensive income closed the year
at US $96.7 million, compared to a loss
of US $0.6 million for the prior year. The
main contributor to the improvement in
comprehensive income was an underlying
improvement in net gains on financial
assets of US $142.3 million. Included
in comprehensive income were net
gains for the year on financial assets of
US $39.2 million, resulting from mark-to market
gains on financial assets associated
with our international portfolios.

The Group experienced net declines of US $103.2 million
for the 2015 financial year. Retranslation losses
amounted to US $28.5 million, compared
to US $15.7 million reported in 2015, and
resulted from declines in the Jamaica dollar
of US $21.0 million and the Trinidad dollar,
US $7.5 million, when compared to the United
States dollar.

In the statement of financial position as
at December 31, 2016, assets amounted
to US $6.5 billion, compared to
US $6.4 billion in the prior year. Liabilities
closed at US $5.7 billion, the same
level as in 2015. Sagicor’s Group equity
totalled US $795.4 million, an increase of
US $56.2 million, or 7.6% over the 2015
financial year.

The Group’s debt was US $395.2 million. The
debt to capital ratio was 33.2%, down from
39.2% for the prior year, and was impacted
by the fact that the Company redeemed all its
outstanding convertible redeemable preference
shares amounting to US $120.0 million
during the year.

The Board declared dividends of US 2.5
cents per common share, payable on May 15,
2017, which is consistent with the dividends
paid on November 15, 2016, and represents
a 25% improvement on the dividend paid on
May 17, 2016.

On June 8, 2016, Shareholders approved
the redomiciliation of Sagicor Financial
Corporation to Bermuda. This was achieved
on July 20, 2016, when the Company was
continued under Bermuda Law as Sagicor
Financial Corporation Limited. This is
the first phase of a three-part process to
immunise the Sagicor Group from noninvestment
grade domiciles, and to protect
the credit rating of the Group.

The second phase is the incorporation of a reinsurance
company in Bermuda, while the third is the
re-organisation of the corporate structure
to re-organise the main operating entities
as direct subsidiaries of Sagicor Financial
Corporation Limited.

On December 23, 2016, S&P Global Ratings
re-affirmed the credit rating of Sagicor
Finance (2015) Limited at “BB-“ with stable
outlook. Sagicor Finance (2015) Limited is the
Sagicor subsidiary through which the Sagicor
international corporate bond was issued.

During 2017, the company will continue
its focus on its corporate re-organisation,
business conservation, and process
improvement to positively impact our financial
performance and overall financial condition.

We recognise the challenges still facing our
Caribbean Region, and we will continue to
work with other private sector institutions
and governments to play our part in the
revitalisation of the economies, for the longterm
benefit of our customers, shareholders
and the communities in which we operate.

On behalf of the Board of Sagicor, I wish to
thank our Shareholders and Customers for
their continued support.

Extracted from Stephen McNamara Chairman Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited Annual Report 2016

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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