Price movements at the close of trading on Monday on the junior market contrasted sharply with Fridays close as just 4 gained versus 10 on Friday while 8 fell on Monday to only 2 on Friday. The market closed with 14 securities trading with the junior market index ending with a loss of 26.35 points to 2,207.63 and with 432,202 units valued at $2,568,857 trading.
Trading ended with 6 securities closing with bids higher than their last selling prices and 2 ending with lower offers.
At the close, AMG Packaging gained 5 cents in trading 4,000 shares, to end at $13.56, Caribbean Cream closed with 200,203 shares changing hands at $6.50 after falling by 50 cents, Caribbean Producers fell 5 cents in trading 12,646 units to close at $3.50, Consolidated Bakeries lost 5 cents in trading 1,927 shares to close at $2.35. Dolphin Cove fell 41 cents and ended at $15.61 with 2,512 shares trading, General Accident lost 1 cent in trading 10,000 units at $2.29, Honey Bun had 14,971 shares changing hands, to close at $5.55, 
Jamaican Teas rose 20 cents with 3,697 units changing hands, to end at $3.60. Jetcon Corporation ended at $3.16 with 5,000 shares changing hands after rising 1 cent. Knutsford Express traded 211 shares at $25, Lasco Distributors dropped 47 cents and ended with 48,220 shares changing hands at $6.53, Lasco Financial ended with 430 shares changing hands at $3.35, after falling 15 cents, Lasco Manufacturing closed at $4.70 with 103,304 shares trading, after gaining 15 cents and tTech dropped $1.20 with 26,079 shares changing hands at $3.80.
Archives for August 2016
Juniors lost ground on Monday
Monday’s inflows push surplus to US$254M
Foreign exchange inflows continue to exceed sales by wide margins for the past two months,as net inflows grew yet again, with authorized dealers buying another $15.8 million more than they sold on Monday, bringing the net inflows since the end of June, to US$254 million. In Monday’s trading, dealers bought US$63,176,140 and sold US$47,394,596 compared to US$40,765,078 purchased and US$32,968,997 sold on Friday, of all currencies.
In US dollar trading, dealers bought US$59,700,993 compared to US$38,520,593 on Friday. The buying rate for the US dollar climbed 15 cents to close at $126.91.
A total of US$44,268,643 was sold versus US$30,809,968 on Friday, with the selling rate rising 8 cents to end at $127.44. The Canadian dollar buying rate rose 55 cents to $96.17, with dealers buying C$2,398,362 and selling C$2,521,603 at an average rate that rose 14 cents to $98.68. The average rate for buying the British Pound fell $2.29 to $162.98 for the purchase of £1,111,668 while only £293,780 was sold with the rate dropped $1.99 to end at $165.68.
At the end of trading, the selling rate for the Euro, fell 37 cents to close at J$143.75 from Friday’s rate, according to data from Bank of Jamaica, dealers purchased the European common currency at J$137.96 for a fall of $3.15 from the rate on Friday. The US dollar equivalent of other currencies traded amounts to US$230,040 being bought, while US$791,447, was sold.
Highs & Lows| Notable changes to the highest and lowest traded rates, for the Jamaican dollar in the foreign exchange market on Monday, include a drop of $1.40 in the highest buying rate for the Canadian Dollar to close at $98.60 and a fall of $1.30 in the lowest selling rate to $93.30. Trading in the British Pound resulted in a fall of $1.20 in the highest buying rate to $168 and a fall of $2.50 in the lowest selling rate to close of $160.
Trading up a bit on TTSE – Monday
Trading activity on the Trinidad and Tobago stock market picked up on Monday, from the lows levels of just over 16,000 units trading on Friday, to end with 14 securities changing hands, resulting in 233,031 shares valued at just $2,995,429 traded. 3 stocks rose, 3 declined and 8 remained unchanged, leading to declines in the market’s indices.
The Composite Index fell 0.34 points to close at 1,158.90, the All T&T Index declined 0.20 points to close at 1,821.92 and the Cross Listed Index eased 0.07 points to end at 66.02.
IC bid-offer Indicator| The Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator ended with 7 stocks with bids higher than their last selling prices and 6 with offers that were lower.
Gains| JMMB Group gained 1 cent with 56,000 shares changing hands at 64 cents, National Flour ended with 19,156 shares changing hands at $2.35 after rising 2 cents and Scotia Investments closed with 10,000 shares changing hands and gained 2 cents to end at $1.72.
Losses| Guardian Holdings had 11,500 shares changing hands to end with a loss of 4 cents at $13.53, Massy Holdings closed with 51,976 shares, valued at $2,853,482 changing hands with the loss of 4 cents to 
close at $54.90 and Sagicor Financial Corporation closed with 1,622 shares changing hands as the price fell 15 cents to $6.75.
Firm Trades| Angostura Holdings ended with 80,692 shares with a value of $1,129,673 changing hands to close at $14, Ansa Merchant Bank traded 956 units to end at $40.01, Clico Investment Fund ended at $22.66 with 868 shares changing hands, Firstcaribbean International Bank ended trading 4,000 shares at $6.90, First Citizens traded 288 units at $35. Guardian Media traded 956 shares with the price remaining at $19.75, National Commercial Bank ended with 1,985 shares changing hands to close at $2.65 and Prestige Holdings had just 9 units changing hands, to close at $10.90.
Whither local stocks – NCB Capital
The Jamaica Stock market enjoyed a great 2015 with stocks doubling in value, but the performance of the market in 2016, so far, has not been a spectacular as investors take a more cautious approach to the market that was revalued sharply last year, from a very low valuation.
At the end of August the local market had only record about a third of the gains made in 2015. Starting in October last year the market made a meteoritic rise.
Although, the market overall has not grown very much to date, several stocks have done well with the junior market having 15 stocks rising more than 30 percent, including 3 gaining more than 100 percent and one with more than 300 percent. Twelve main market stocks are up more than 30 percent to date.
One brokerage house just released a report on the market and a selection of stocks. Below is an extract of the report on the market. IC Insider is of the view that most of the comments below are on target, a few are off, but does not change the general thrust of what is said to be happening in the market. Comments by the brokerage house on individual stocks have glaring errors in some cases and forecast in others may be way off the mark, as such investors using the report would be well be advised to be cautious about buy or sell decisions based solely on the recommendations.
Honey Bun is one of the stocks recomended by NCBCM
Stocks continued to trend upwards albeit at a much slower pace than last year since the start of the year, the report states. “The Combined, Main Market and All Jamaica Composite Indices have returned 7.9 percent, 5.7 percent and 5.8 percent respectively to August 26, 2016. This, however, represents a slowdown relative to the 28.8 percent, 28.5 percent and 29.1 percent increase recorded last year,” NCB Capital Market advised their clients in their latest investors’ newsletter.
The report went on to say, “Improvement in the outlook for corporate earnings and an increase in investor confidence continue to drive market activity despite the run up in prices. The Junior Market however continues to see robust growth registering a 24.7 percent increase to August 26th relative to 33.1 percent last year.”
“Positive earnings performances in key sectors such as the manufacturing and financial services assisted in renewing investor interest in the equities market. The Food, Beverages & Tobacco segment of the manufacturing sector experienced some expansion, thanks to a rebound in local and international demand for consumer products resulting in growth in both local and export revenues.
Local companies have been focusing extensively on expanding into international markets which provides income diversification and better prospects for growth. Meanwhile, financial companies have been weathering the low interest rate environment well, and have seen some benefit from larger loan portfolios as well as an increase in fees and commission income in light of active revenue diversification strategies. Lower inflation has also assisted in increasing efficiency and improved margins.”
“The stock market should continue to see modest activity helped by improving macroeconomic conditions, low interest rates and the restoration of Junior Market incentives. Of note, with the earnings growth recorded thus far, valuations have remained reasonable, with the average Main Market P/E declining to 9.3X in August from 10.6X in January. The Junior Market P/E also decreased to 13.7X from 18.7X earlier this year. Shares of financial and manufacturing companies are expected to be the star performers.
Caribbean Cream is one of NCBCM’s recommendations
The main risk to market activity however is an unfavourable turn in the business environment at the end of the IMF agreement next year. In addition, recent tax measures implemented could put upward pressure on inflation and impede the margin improvement being witnessed by companies.”
Strategy “In terms of identifying opportunities, we recommend that investors focus on stocks of companies with diversified revenue streams by type, geography and currency. Investors with the appropriate risk appetite should also take a closer look at some Junior Market stocks given that the potential for growth is greater than their main market counterparts. Companies such as Honey Bun and KREMI are expected to continue to do well. Another recommended strategy is for investors to take a more active approach to stock market investing by taking gains on stocks that are trading above their fair value estimates, with a view to re-enter at more favourable prices in the near term.”
ISP Finance revving to expand
ISP Finance plans to issue $150m in bonds in September.
The issue opens at 9 am on September 1 and will close at 4:30 pm on September 22, 2016. The Company will have the option to prepay the bonds at par before the due date. ISP reported revenues of J$52 million, a 7.2 percent increase over the J$49 million record in the second quarter of 2015, according to its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June, this year. Gross profit amounted to J$49 million compared to J$44 million in the comparative quarter in 2015. Net profit for the June quarter came out at J$11.7 million representing a 240 percent the $3.4 million generated in 2015, however, the company reversed $7.9 million in the June quarter, cost relating to the IPO, which it expensed in the first quarter, thus inflating the second quarter profit. For the six months to June revenues grew to $106 million from $99 million in 2015. Net profit for the six months ended at $8.6 versus $3 million in 2015.
The increase in the company’s revenue in the 2nd quarter of 2016 resulted from increased business activities, while the decrease in interest expenses in the 2nd quarter of 2016 was due to repayment of a loan to commercial bank.
At the end of December 2015, the company’s loan portfolio, before loan loss provision stood at J$304 million and grew marginally to J$305 million at the end of June. After loan loss provision of $70 million, it stood at $234 million as of June this year versus $241 million at December and is up from the $225 million at the end of March 2016. Cash on hand stood at $67 million while the amount borrowed fell to $127 million including overdraft balance of $38 million from $328 million at the end of 2015.
The funds being raised could propel loan growth significantly and with it profits particularly in 2017 as the funds would be available for a full year compared to a few months for 2016. Importantly, more funds will be available for the busy Christmas period. IC Insider forecast earnings for 2016 at of $59 million or 57 cents per share with earnings jumping sharply higher in 2017, if most of the bond funds are received and are on lent.
The company is not without risk and success will be highly dependent on management’s ability to make proper credit assessment and police tightly loan repayments by its clients.
More net fx flows on Friday
As authorized dealers bought another $10 million more than they sold on Friday bringing the net inflows since the end of June, to US$238 million as dealers bought US$40,765,078 and sold US$32,968,997 compared to US$42,116,500 purchased and US$34,757,990 sold on Thursday, of all currencies.
In US dollar trading, dealers bought US$38,520,593 compared to US$38,450,163 on Thursday. The buying rate for the US dollar slipped 6 cents to close at $126.76. A total of US$30,809,968 was sold versus US$32,644,249 on Thursday, with the selling rate rising 5 cents to end at $127.36. 
The Canadian dollar buying rate rose 1 cent to $95.62, with dealers buying C$816,078 and selling C$789,840 at an average rate that rose 58 cents to $98.54. The average rate for buying the British Pound climbed 63 cents to $164.97 for the purchase of £1,167,267 while £1,014,519 was sold with the rate falling 30 cents to end at $167.97.
At the end of trading, the selling rate for the Euro, rose 54 cents to close at J$144.11 from Thursday’s rate, according to data from Bank of Jamaica, dealers purchased the European common currency at J$141.11 for a rise of $1.39 from the rate on Thursday.
The US dollar equivalent of other currencies traded amounts to US$109,799 being bought, while US$209,951, was sold.
Highs & Lows| Notable changes to the highest and lowest traded rates, for the Jamaican dollar in the foreign exchange market on Friday, include a drop of $3.24 in the highest selling rate for the US dollar to $134.30, a rise of $1.60 in the lowest selling rate of the Canadian Dollar to close at $94.60. Trading in the British Pound resulted in a rise of $1.50 in the lowest selling rate to close of $162.50.
Volume sinks on TTSE – Friday
Scotiabank jumped 50 cents to end at TT$57.50 on Friday.
The Composite Index rose 0.75 points to close at 1,159.24, the All T&T Index advanced 1.81 points to close at 1,822.12 and the Cross Listed Index fell 0.04 points to end at 66.09.
IC bid-offer Indicator| The Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator ended with 8 stocks with bids higher than their last selling prices and 5 with offers that were lower.
Gains| Ansa McAl traded 100 units at $40.01 after rising 1 cent, National Flour ended with 7,789 shares changing hands at $2.33 after rising 1 cent and Scotiabank closed with 3,489 shares changing hands and gained 50 cents to end at $57.50.
Losses| JMMB Group lost 1 cent with just 400 shares changing hands at 63 cents.Firm Trades| Clico Investment Fund ended at $22.66 with 273 shares valued at $384,667 trading, First Citizens traded 2,250 units at $35, Guardian Holdings with 753 shares changing hands ended at $13.57. Republic Financial Holdings ended with 62 shares changing hands at $109.98 and Tobago Trinidad and NGL had 1,300 shares changing hands, to close at $23.76.
JSE majors in big recovery on Friday
The volumes and value of stocks trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange picked up a bit on Friday with 1,918,263 units valued at $33,610,338, up from $15,554,439, changing hands on Thursday. Of the stocks trading in all market segments, the junior market accounted for 509,115 units, valued at $9,086,931.
At the close of trading, the JSE Market Index had a sizable gain of 2,004.55 points to end at 159,309.36. The all Jamaica Composite Index jumped 2,241.78 points to close at 176,997.90 and the JSE combined index climbed 1,666.47 points, to end at 170,692.00 as the junior market gained strongly, thus negating some of the main market fall.
At the close of the market prices of 26 securities gained out of a total of 41 that traded, with 10 declining in the overall market, including 10 stocks rising and 2 falling, in the junior market. Three junior market stocks and main market, Kingston Wharves to close trading at 52 weeks’ highs with Kingston Wharves closed with 2,707 shares and gained 81 cents to end at $17.
IC bid-offer Indicator| At the end of trading, in the main and junior markets, the Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading showed 13 stocks with bids higher than their last selling prices and 4 with lower offers.
In market activity, Berger Paint closed with a gain of 25 cents to trade at $5.25 with 6,400 units changing hands, Cable & Wireless traded 160,508 shares and closed unchanged at $1.01, Caribbean Cement traded 10,500 shares and gained 1 cent to close at $26.21, Carreras gained 45 cents, while trading 8,730 shares to end at $66.45. Trading in 1834 Investments resulted in 82,623 shares changing hands, with a gain of 3 cents to end at $1.29, Grace Kennedy added 10 cents to end at $43.50 with 143,736 shares changing hands, Jamaica Broilers had 352,955 shares changing hands, to end with a loss of 5 cents at $14.60. Jamaica Producers fell 15 cents to end at $8.35 with 25,000 units trading, Jamaica Stock Exchange lost 25 cents with 1,000 units changing hands to close at $21.25,
National Commercial Bank had 4,505 units changing hands to close at $40. Pan Jamaican Investments gained 39 cents to close at $24.99, after trading only 3,505 shares, Radio Jamaica lost 14 cents in trading 4,218 shares, to end at $1.56, Sagicor Group jumped $1 while 377,750 shares changed hands, at $22, Sagicor Real Estate Fund traded 500 shares and gained 20 cents, to close at $10. Scotia Group gained 42 cents to close at $29.50 with 4,972 shares changing hands, Scotia Investments had 36,320 units changing hands at $25.50 for a rise of 50 cents, Seprod traded 13,078 shares and gained 50 cents to close at $20, Proven Investments traded 48,695 ordinary shares at 20 US cents and Jamaica Money Market Brokers 7.50% preference share traded 97,000 units to close at $2.10.
Eppley jumps by $85 on Friday
Eppley jumped $85 to close at $735
The stocks trading at new highs are, Cargo Handlers climbing 98 cents to $76.01 with 3,470 shares changing hands, Eppley closing at $735 with 9,000 units traded and Knutsford Express Services jumping $1.75 to close at $25 as just 190 units of the company’s shares traded.
The standoff between buyers and sellers as the market continues to consolidate with volumes being offered slowly
falling remains in place at the market’s close leaving a number of stocks short on supply to meet any meaningful demand. Trading ended with 5 securities closing with bids higher than their last selling prices and 4 ending with lower offers.At the close, CAC 2000 gained 40 cents in trading 81,096 shares, to end at $6.40, Caribbean Cream closed with 55,718 shares changing hands at $7, Caribbean Flavours traded 2,791 units to end at $7, Caribbean Producers rose 15 cents in trading 91,336 units at $3.55, Dolphin Cove ended at $15.61 with 2,000 shares trading, to gain 11 cents.
Honey Bun rose 45 cents with 9,140 shares changing hands, to close at $5.55, Iron Rock with 3,697 units changing hands, ended at $3.30, KLE Group ended at $1.40 with 86,818 shares changing hands after falling by 3 cents. Lasco Distributors ended with 15,875 shares changing hands at $7, Lasco Manufacturing closed at $4.55 with 111,727 shares trading, after falling 35 cents. Medical Disposables ended with a rise of 3 cents as 28,207 shares changed hands at $3.09, Sweet River Abattoir with 6,000 units trading rose 1 cent to end at $3.85 and Derrimon Trading preference share gained 12 cents ended with 2,050 units changing hands to close at $2.20.
