The rate for to buy the US dollar by the public in Jamaica’s foreign currency market, dropped by 22 Jamaican cents on Monday, as inflows into the market exceeding outflows by US$8 million.
On Monday at midday dealers purchased US$19.60 million at an average rate of J$125.20 while they only sold US$15.74 million at an average of J$125.73.
At mid-day on Friday dealers purchased US$7.7 million at an average rate of J$125.24 while they sold US$6.96 million at an average of J$125.98.
On Monday, the rate of exchange to buy the US dollar by the public, declined for the fifth consecutive day to end at $125.76, as dealers sold US$48.69 million in US dollars, compared to US$30.35 million at an average rate of $125.98 on Friday. US currency purchases amounted to US$56.75 million on Monday, at an average rate of $124.94, compared to Friday, with US$30.77 million at $124.73.
Dealers’ purchased US$61.32 million, versus US$34.27 million on Friday in all currencies in Jamaica’s Forex market and sold just US$50.73 million compared with US$32.6 million sold, previously.
The selling rate for the Canadian dollar dropped to J$96.77 from J$98.60 at the close on Friday. The selling rate for the British Pound slipped to J$168.62 versus J$169.10 previously and the euro gained value against the Jamaican dollar, moving to J$149.90 to buy the European common currency, versus prior selling rate of J$150.96.
It cost J$125.76 for one US dollar
Over 1,000 applicants push FosRich IPO over
Mark Croskery Managing director of Stocks & Securities brokers fro teh IPO speaking to Cecil Foster, Managing director of FosRich.
Stocks and Securities advised the Jamaica Stock Exchange that the “Invitation for Subscription” in the Initial Public Offering for FosRich Company Limited is “Now Oversubscribed and Closed”. The Offer closed at 9:01 am today after its official opening this morning.
Reports reaching IC Insider.com is that applications for the issue exceeds 1,000, with more than $350 million accounted for so far, with the full amount still be counted up to late Monday evening.
The company went to market to raise $200 million from sale of just over 100 million shares at $2 each. The general public were allocated just 10,070,111 units, Stocks and Securities, brokers for the IPO was allocated 50 million units and key partners and staff shares has 40,385,000 allocated to them. At this stage it is unknown if any shares from the reserves allocations were not taken up and therefore became available to boost the minuscule amount allocated for the general public.
If the general pool is not boosted by much than the general public will end up only a very small sum.
FosRich is one of five IPO issues coming to market in December as VM Investments announced their issue and released the prospectus to sell 300 million shares up to $2.45 each and Elite Diagnostics is expected to issue their prospectus this week, while Wisynco and GWest both officially opens for subscription this week.
300M IPO VM Investments shares next week
VM Investments Limited, the immediate parent company of VM Wealth Management (VMWM), will offer just over 300 million shares for sale, on Monday December 11 at $2.45 per share, to raise $689 million.
A total of 225,003,750 Ordinary Shares in the Offer are initially reserved for staff and customers of the VMBS Group, discounted at $2.08 to $2.33 each, and 75 million for the general public, at $2.45 each.
The offer which opens on December 11 is scheduled to close on December 18. It is the intention to list the company on the main market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, after the issue closes.
The company intents to use the proceeds to build its capital base, to enable it to provide financing solutions and to capitalize on new business opportunities. In this regard the CEO Devon Barrett stated that they intend to allocate $1 billion per year to meet the needs of the small business sector, where data shows that there is an annual demand for $20 billion in financing.
The Directors expect to distribute up to 75 percent of the after-tax earnings as cash dividends, up from 55 percent on average to date.
VM Investments press conference for launch its IPO. from left is Michael McMorris – Chairman of VMBS, Courtney Campbell Group CEO, Devon Barrett CEO of VMIL and Janice McKenley – Group Chief Financial Offer.
Over the last five years, the revenue stream has evolved from predominantly, fixed income and securities trading, with approximately 70 percent of its total revenues coming from net interest income. Since 2011, VM Wealth has diversified its revenue streams, becoming active in the asset management and capital market space, with a comprehensive range of products and services. This has resulted in VM Wealth earning approximately 70 percent of its revenue from non-interest income sources.
The company reported after taxes profit of $326 million, surpassing $310 million in 2015. Up to September this year, profit of $273 million was achieved, putting in on track for $360 for the year or 30 cents per share. VMWM’s total operating revenue for 2016 was $1.28 billion, down from $1.37 billion in 2015. To September this year, $1.1 billion in revenue was generated. Revenues in 2016, comprised mainly of Net Interest Income of $251 million, gain from investment activities of $279 million and net fees and commissions of $280 million. Up to September, Net Interest Income came in at $191 million, gain from investment activities of $171 million and net fees and commissions of $370 million.
Devon Barrett CEO of VMIL addressing invitees at the formal announcement of the IPO, Beside him is Janice McKenley.
Shareholders’ equity stands at $2.12 billion as of September this year, with 1.2 billion shares issued and assets that include mostly investment securities. Third party assets under management increased by $4.4 billion or 55 percent, from $8 billion in 2015 to $15 billion in 2016 and assets under custodian arrangements amounts to $23 billion up from $20 billion in 2015. This was due mainly to increased promotion and the introduction of new unit trust product with 6 new portfolios – three US$ bond portfolios, one J$ bond portfolio, one local equities portfolio and a real estate portfolio.
The strong growth in net fees and commissions is very appealing as it will provide the base for good consistent growth in revenues and profits going forward.
DEVON BARRETT, MBA, is the Group Chief Investment Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Mutual Wealth Management.
With the 1.2 billion shares now in issue earnings per share is 30 cents for 2017 giving it a PE of 8. At a price of $2.45 and a PE of just 8 times 2017 earnings, the stock is price to enjoy a decent bounce ahead of 2018 earnings that should be higher than that of the current year’s, making it even more attractive.
The nature of the earnings can result in higher or lower profit from year to year but the longer term trend ought to be up, all things being equal especially as the more predictable fee income is growing at a faster pace that the others.
Jam Teas, Blue Power & Wisynco in TOP 10
In a week of big price movements in the market three new stocks moved into the TOP 10 at the close of the last week. Wisynco that IPO debut this week just makes it into the main market TOP 10, suggesting there should be some gains ahead.
The bulk of Wisynco’s gain should come in the latter part of 2018 based on current operations that should deliver earnings of 70 cents for the current year and $1 for the next fiscal. Blue Power slipped in price to re-enter the top Junior Market list while Jamaican Teas rose based on fall in price and estimated earnings for 2018 fiscal year. Out of the TOP 10 Junior Market, are Derrimon Trading and Main Event that rose to $6. Wisynco pushed Pulse Investments out of the main market TOP 10.
At the close of Friday, the average PE ratio for Junior Market Top stocks dropped sharply from 9.2 last week to at 8.1 and a PE at 8.5 for the main market TOP 10. The average PE for the overall main market is 14.3 and 12.9 for Junior Market, based on 2017 estimated earnings.
At the close of the week, discount for both the main and Junior markets have virtually merged, with the IC Insider.com’s TOP 10 stocks now trading at an average discount of 42 percent to the average of the market for Junior Market Top stocks and 43 percent for the main market.
Market Watch| The two markets retreated sharply and broken through support levels with some individual stocks pulling back and pushing the market index down markedly. 
This week the focus could be on the three IPOs that opening in days.
Investors should still keep a keen eye on Caribbean Cement for which supply seems to be declining fast, Cable & Wireless that appears scarce under $1, NCB Financial, Berger Paints, JMMB Group, Main Event, Lasco Financial, Paramount Trading and Stationery and Office.
VM Investments IPO December 11
VM Investment parent of VM Wealth Management planning to list.
The Initial Public Offer of shares in VM Investments Limited the immediate parent company of VM Wealth Management (VMWM) will open on Monday December 11 and is priced at $2.45 per share.
The annual report of Victoria Building Society stated that 2016 turned out to be another record breaking year for VM Wealth Management, as net profits after taxes of $326 million surpassed the previous record of $310 million in 2015. VMWM’s total operating revenue was $808 million, virtually the same as in the previous year. Revenues comprised mainly of Net Interest Income of $248 million, gain from investment activities of $279 million and net fees and commissions of $280 million. Third party assets under management increased by $4.4 billion or 55 percent, from $8 billion in 2015 to $12.4 billion in 2016. 
This was due mainly to increased promotion and the introduction of our new unit trust product with 6 new portfolios – three US$ bond portfolios, one J$ bond portfolio, one local equities portfolio and a real estate portfolio.
DEVON BARRETT, MBA, is the Group Chief Investment Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Mutual Wealth Management.
The VM Investments issue is adding to a very busy December, for IPOs and this is likely to be followed January with another busy slate of Initial Public Offerings. Planned issues by Mayberry Investments that were expected in December, may be put off until January, IC Insider.com has been informed. Sygnus Capital Investments is the other that could be listed in January.
NCB climbs $1.96 to help JSE rise
NCB Financial Group jumped $1.96 to help push the JSE up on Friday.
The JSE All Jamaican Composite Index advanced by 309.14 points to close at 302,359.51 and the JSE Index advanced by 281.66 points to close at 275,483.71. The market closed with 2,765,894 units trading valued at $114,523,797 as 19 securities changing hands, 4 advanced, 8 declined and 7 traded firm.
A rise of $1.96 in the price of NCB Financial is the main reason behind the rise on Friday.
In main market activity, Barita Investments concluded trading at $8, with 500 units, Berger Paints finished 80 cents higher at $17, with 85,586 shares, Cable & Wireless settled with a loss of 2 cents at 96 cents, with 222,509 shares, Caribbean Cement ended trading with a loss of 25 cents at $31.75, with 65,067 stock units, Carreras lost 9 cents to end at $10.90, with 8,200 units. Ciboney Group finished trading with a loss of 15 cents at 35 cents, with 54,318 shares trading, Grace Kennedy closed at $43, with 4,500 shares, Jamaica Broilers ended at $17.50, with 5,614 stock units, Jamaica Producers concluded trading with a loss of $1.12 to $15.10, with 5,050 units. Jamaica Stock Exchange finished at $6.80, with 100 shares, JMMB Group settled with a loss of 50 cents at $26.50, with 46,461 shares, 
Kingston Wharves traded at $32.50, with 200 units, NCB Financial Group closed $1.96 higher at $92.01, with 445,090 shares. PanJam Investment concluded trading with a loss of 25 cents at $41.50, with 44,988 units, Radio Jamaica ended trading at $1.08, with 18,000 stock units, Sagicor Group traded 50 cents higher at $36.50, with 1,530,650 units, Sagicor Real Estate Fund finished trading at $14.50, with 7,129 shares. Scotia Group ended with a loss of 2 cents at $51, with 209,940 stock units and Supreme Ventures settled 70 cents higher at $11, with 11,992 shares.
Prices of securities trading for the day are those at which the last trade took place.
Modest recovery for JSE main market
The Main Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange broke the losing streak on Friday, with the market indices rising, but with a negative advance decline ratio. At the close 19 securities changing hands, 4 advanced, 8 declined and 7 traded firm.
The JSE All Jamaican Composite Index advanced by 309.14 points to close at 302,359.51 and the JSE Index advanced by 281.66 points to close at 275,483.71. The market closed with 2,765,894 units trading valued at $114,523,797 compared to 5,195,513 units valued at $74,800,685 on Thursday.
Trading ended with an average of 145,573 units for an average of $6,027,568 in contrast to 207,821 units for an average of $2,992,027 on Thursday. In contrast, November closed with average of 349,084 units at an average of $5,801,440 for each security traded.
IC bid-offer Indicator| At the end of trading in the main and the US dollar markets, the Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 4 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and 3 with lower offers.
Proven Investments US ordinary share traded 2,000 units and lost 1 cent in closing at 23 US cents. In the US market preference segment, JMMB Group ended trading with a rise of 3 cents to end at US$1.15, with 790 stock units.
The major movers at the close are Jamaica Producers with a fall of $1.12, flowed by a jump of $1.96 in NCB Financial share price, while Supreme Ventures rose 70 cents and Sagicor Group traded 1,530,650 shares, well ahead of the rest of the market.
Junior Market down 20% since May
This Junior market chart is not looking all that good recently but should find support sooner than later.
Trading activities continue to pressure the Junior Market Index leading to a decline of 34.02 points to close at 2,688.73 and a 20 percent fall in the overall market since peaking in May. On Friday the prices of 6 securities advanced, 10 declined and 8 remained unchanged.
The market gained 30.1 percent for 2017 on May 24, this year, but is now just ahead of the December close by a mere 3.7 percent with Friday’s fall. A major contributor to the decline from the peak is the fall in the prices of Lasco Distributors that is heavily weighted in the index along with Lasco Manufacturing. Lasco Distributors traded at $7.20 in late May and is now at $4.40 with the award for their case against Pfizer coming in far below what the market expected and Manufacturing at $5.20 and is now at $3.50, with sales and profit stagnated. The fall has been mollified by gains in newly listed Express Catering and Stationery and Office Supplies.
The number of Junior Market securities trading on Friday, jumped to 24, from just 13 changing hands on Thursday, resulting in an exchange of 1,300,855 units valued at $5,472,573 compared to 1,784,331 units valued at $8,037,129 on Thursday.
Trading ended with an average of 54,202 units for an average of $228,024 in contrast to 137,256 units for an average of $618,241 on Thursday. In contrast, November closed with average of 107,477 units valued at $545,989 for each security traded.
IC bid-offer Indicator| At the end of trading, the Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 3 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and 5 with lower offers.
Fall in Lasco Distributors & Lasco Manufacturing main contributors to market fall.
At the close of the market, Access Financial closed at $34, with 2,203 shares, CAC 2000 finished with a loss of 30 cents at $6.20, with 1,200 shares, Caribbean Flavours settled with a loss of $1.30 at $11, with 3,000 shares, Caribbean Producers traded at $4.20, with 1,000 units, Consolidated Bakeries finished with a loss of 25 cents at $1.80, with 252,500 shares, C2W Music ended 1 cent higher at $0.50, with 100,000 stock units, Dolphin Cove finished trading at $17.50, with 26,550 shares. Express Catering ended with a loss of 20 cents at $4, with 136,755 stock units, Eppley concluded trading with a loss of 50 cents at $10, with 400 units, General Accident finished with a loss of 20 cents at $2.50, with 10,000 shares, Honey Bun settled 40 cents higher at $3.90, with 17,996 shares. Iron Rock settled at $2.80, with 3,886 shares, Jamaican Teas traded at $3.80, with 18,875 units, Jetcon Corporation finished trading with a loss of 15 cents at $4.35, with 4,600 shares, 
Knutsford Express closed 98 cents higher at $14.80, with 600 shares, Key Insurance ended 31 cents higher at $3.99, with 1,000 stock units. KLE Group concluded trading at $2.53, with 10,400 units, Lasco Distributors settled with a loss of 10 cents at $4.40, with 23,152 shares, Lasco Financial ended trading 10 cents higher at $5.15, with 349,824 stock units, Lasco Manufacturing traded with a loss of 40 cents at $3.50, with 45,500 units. Medical Disposables finished trading 10 cents higher at $5.05, with 1,200 shares, Main Event closed at $6, with 176,732 shares, Paramount Trading concluded trading with a loss of 1 cent at $3.09, with 32,705 units and Stationery and Office ended trading at $5.05, with 80,777 stock units.
Prices of securities trading for the day are those at which the last trade took place.
More gains for Jamaican$
Jamaica’s foreign currency market activity returned to normal on Friday with trading at midday showing buying and selling almost even, unlike the previous two days when selling was well below buying. On Friday at midday, dealers purchased US$7.7 million at an average rate of J$125.24 and sold US$6.96 million at an average of J$125.98.
At mid-day on Thursday dealers purchased US$15.39 million at an average rate of J$125.49 while selling US$7.72 million at an average of J$126.05.
On Friday, the rate of exchange to buy the US dollar by the public, declined for the fourth time for the week to $125.98 as dealers sold US$30.35 million in US dollars, compared to US$38.51 million at an average rate of $126.08 on Thursday.
US currency purchases amounted to US$30.77 million on Friday, at an average rate of $124.73, compared to Thursday, with US$32.67 million at $125.
Dealers’ purchased US$34.27 million, versus US$42.48 million on Thursday in all currencies in Jamaica’s Forex market and sold just US$32.6 million compared with US$46.15 million sold, previously.
The selling rate for the Canadian dollar jumped to J$98.60 from J$95.16 at the close on Thursday. The selling rate for the British Pound slipped to J$169.10 versus J$169.72 previously and the euro gained value against the Jamaican dollar, moving to J$150.96 to buy the European common currency, versus prior selling rate of J$148.55.
NCB Buying 50.1% of Bermudan bank
NCB Financial Group today announced the acquisition of majority shares in the Clarien Group, a Bermudan based financial group in which Portland Private Equity holds 17.92 percent interest.
Edmund Gibbons Ltd with retain 31.98 percent of the shares. The transaction has received approval from Bank of Jamaica and the Bermuda Monetary Authority provided a no objection letter, the release from NCB states but final approval is subject to the Ministry of Finance. James Gibbons a director of the group expresses the view that the linkage will enable expansion of their offering locally and globally.
In 2016, Portland Private Equity pumped in B$$12.6 million into Clarien to meet capital needs based on tighter regulatory capital requirements as well as a swelling bad debt position amounting to 14 percent of their loan portfolio. The bank is said to have made B$$500,000 profit in 2015.
According The Royal Gazette, Clarien said its loan portfolio had shrunk by $66.8 million in 2015 to $809.7 million by the end of the year. This was attributed to a trend of borrowers paying down mortgage debt.
Clarien has more than eight decades of banking history in Bermuda and is said to be the largest bank in the country.
NCB recently raised US$250 million on the local market for regional expansion, this acquisition seems to be one that was on their radar when the funds were being raised, but based on the amount Portland injected the acquisition by NCB could cost around US$40-50 million, a mere dent in the amount they raised in the summer of 2017, but with earnings of $500,000 in 2015, unless profits picked up considerably since, which seems unlikely with the acquisition by NCB, the amount paid is most likely considerably far less.
For the fiscal year to September NCB made profit of J$19.1 billion or US$146 million up from J$14.45 billion in 2016. Gross revenues for 2017 fiscal year amounted to J$75.7 billion.
