The Main Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange fell in trading on Thursday as the Junior Market and the JSE USD market rose by a few points, with trading ended with the number of stocks changing hands falling, with the value of stocks traded jumping sharply over the previous trading day, resulting in prices of 43 shares rising and 24 declining.
At the close of trading, the JSE Combined Market Index lost 1,248.13 points to close at 345,918.56, the All Jamaican Composite Index declined 1,943.63 points to 368,612.99, the JSE Main Index dropped 1,377.96 points to 333,056.04. The Junior Market Index popped 5.05 points to 3,832.51 and the JSE USD Market Index advanced 5.04 points to close at 257.02.
At the close of trading, 16,660,602 shares were exchanged in all three markets, up from 13,838,528 units on Wednesday, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounted to $44.73 million, down from $57.37 million on the previous day and the JSE USD market closed with an exchange of 157,614 shares for US$22,646 compared to 263,941 units at US$62,436 on Wednesday.
Trading in the Main Market was dominated by JMMB 9.5% preference share trading 6.95 million shares followed by Wigton Windfarm with 1.25 million units and Transjamaican Highway with 922,977 shares.
In the Junior Market, EduFocal led trading with 2.78 million shares followed by MFS Capital Partners with 495,943 units and Stationery and Office Supplies with 442,836 stocks.
At the close of trading on the Main Market Guardian Holdings gained $10 and ended at $370, JMMB Group increased 99 cents to end at $25.99, Massy Holdings climbed 99 cents to close at $98.99 and Sygnus Credit Investments climbed 93 cents to $11.73.
The major declining Main Market stocks are Jamaica Producers that fell $2.68 and ended at $23.32, NCB Financial shedding $1.95 to $65.05 and Seprod that lost $1.50 and ended at $85.50.
At the end of Junior Market trading, Dolphin Cove rose $1.46 to $18.98 and Caribbean Assurance Brokers shed 35 cents in closing at $2.09, Limners and Bards sank 42 cents to close at $1.30, MFS Capital Partners dropped 33 cents to end $2.11 and tTech skidded 49 cents to close at $2.
There were no stocks trading with a notable price change in the preference segment of the market.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks, ended at 21… on 2022-23 earnings and 14… times those for 2023-24 at the close of trading. ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
The PE ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, grouped by industry, allowing for easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market. The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2023 and 2024 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items.
Investors need pertinent information to navigate numerous investment options successfully in the stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational decisions when investing in stocks close to the average for the sector and not going too far from it unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This approach helps to remove emotions from investment decisions and place them on fundamentals while at the same time not being too far from the majority of investors. Investors who buy when the price of a stock is close to the average will find that they are not inclined to overpay for a stock.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide for investors to assess the value of stocks based on this measure quickly. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices.
Dividends paid or payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts, along with the closing volume pertaining to the highest bid and the lowest offer for each company.
Trading drops on JSE Main Market
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Wednesday, with a 61 percent decline in the volume of stocks that changed hands, with a value 14 percent lower than on Tuesday, following activity in 58 securities compared with 57 on Tuesday, with prices of 18 stocks rising, 26 declining and 14 ending unchanged.
The market closed on Wednesday with 6,035,529 shares trading in exchange for $40,658,701 down from 15,570,107 units at $47,265,851 on Tuesday.
Trading averaged 104,061 shares at $701,012 compared to 273,160 units at $829,225 on Tuesday and for the month to date, an average of 192,005 units at $933,929, in comparison with 214,182 stock units at $992,664 on the previous day and January that closed with an average of 265,804 units at $2,438,118.
Wigton Windfarm led trading with 1.95 million shares for 32.3 percent of total volume followed by Transjamaican Highway with 1.44 million stock units for 23.8 percent of the day’s trade and Supreme Ventures with 519,186 units for 8.6 percent market share.
The All Jamaican Composite Index sank 2,284.76 points to finish at 370,556.62, the JSE Main Index rose 137.97 points to end trading at 334,434.00 and the JSE Financial Index dipped 0.45 points to close trading at 71.59.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.6. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios are based on the last traded prices and earnings forecasts by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending around August 2024.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows 15 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and two with lower offers.
At the close of the market, Eppley increased $4.75 and ended at $38.50 in trading 79 stock units, First Rock Real Estate popped 48 cents to $8.98, with 25 shares crossing the market, GraceKennedy gained 50 cents to end at $76 with investors swapping 44,453 stock units. Guardian Holdings fell $9 in closing at $360 in an exchange of 250 units, Jamaica Producers sank 85 cents to close at $26 with investors dealing in 11,087 stocks, JMMB Group rose $1 to $25 after a transfer of 24,605 units. Margaritaville declined $2.61 to end at $14.86 as investors exchanged 20 shares, Massy Holdings advanced $5 in closing at $98 with an exchange of 1,631 stock units, Mayberry Group shed 55 cents to close at $7.50 in an exchange of 1,083 shares. Mayberry Jamaican Equities dropped 49 cents and ended at $8.81 with traders dealing in 50 stocks, MPC Caribbean Clean Energy dropped $13.50 to $76.50, with 107 units crossing the exchange, NCB Financial skidded 99 cents to end at $67after 60,009 stock units changed hands. Pan Jamaica dipped 50 cents in closing at $50 with investors trading 40,360 shares, Proven Investments sank 50 cents to close at $22.50 after 7,991 stocks passed through the market, 
Sagicor Group dipped $1.97 and ended at $44 with investors transferring 5,364 units. Scotia Group lost $1.58 to close at $45 with 26,902 stock units clearing the market, Seprod rallied $1 in closing at $87 while exchanging 3,863 shares, Stanley Motta dropped 90 cents to end at $6.10 with a transfer of 1,730 stocks. Supreme Ventures climbed 69 cents and ended at $25.69 after exchanging 519,186 units and Sygnus Real Estate Finance shed 89 cents to close at $10.60 in switching ownership of 7,084 stock units,
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.50% preference share increased 33 cents to $6.63 after investors ended trading 2,580 shares and Sygnus Credit Investments C10.5% fell $1 to close at $106 after an exchange of 500 stocks.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Mixed trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange
Trading ended mixed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Wednesday as the Main Market indices ended mixed with moderate movements but the Junior Market and the JSE USD market rose moderately as trading ended with the number and the value of stocks changing hands falling, compared with Tuesday and resulting in prices of 30 shares rising and 36 declining.
At the close of trading, the JSE Combined Market Index climbed 193.07 points to close at 347,166.69, the All Jamaican Composite Index shed 2,284.76 points to lock up trading at 370,556.62, the JSE Main Index added just 137.97 points to end at 334,434.00. The Junior Market Index eked out a rise of 7.27 to end at 3,827.46 and the JSE USD Market Index gained 1.53 to close trading at 251.98.
At the close of trading, 13,838,528 shares were exchanged in all three markets, down from 29,750,591 units on Tuesday, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounted to $57.37 million, from $88.9 million yesterday and the JSE USD market closed with an exchange of 263,941 shares for US$62,436 versus 301,671 units at US$25,796 on Tuesday.
Wigton Windfarm dominated trading in the Main Market, with 1.95 million shares followed by Transjamaican Highway with 1.44 million units and Supreme Ventures with 519,186 stock units.
In the Junior Market, EduFocal led trading with 1.14 million shares followed by Spur Tree Spices with 1.06 million units and Dolla Financialwith 760,918.
At the end of trading on the Main Market, Eppley increased $4.75 and ended at $38.50, JMMB Group rose $1 to $25, Massy Holdings advanced $5 in closing at $98 and Seprod rallied $1 in closing at $87.
The major declining Main Market stocks include Guardian Holdings which fell $9 in closing at $360, Margaritaville declining $2.61 to end at $14.86, MPC Caribbean Clean Energy losing $13.50 to $76.50, NCB Financial skidding by 99 cents to end at $67, Sagicor Group dipping $1.97 and ended at $44 and Scotia Group losing $1.58 to $45.
In the Junior Market, Blue Power advanced 35 cents in closing at $3.30, ISP Finance climbed $6.34 to $31.3, with the major losing stock being Dolphin Cove down $1.48 and ended at $17.52.
In the preference segment, Sygnus Credit Investments C10.5% share fell $1 to close at $106.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks, ended at 21.2 on 2022-23 earnings and 14.2 times those for 2023-24 at the close of trading. ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
The PE ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, grouped by industry, allowing for easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market. The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2023 and 2024 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items.
Investors need pertinent information to navigate numerous investment options successfully in the stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational decisions when investing in stocks close to the average for the sector and not going too far from it unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This approach helps to remove emotions from investment decisions and place them on fundamentals while at the same time not being too far from the majority of investors. Investors who buy when the price of a stock is close to the average will find that they are not inclined to overpay for a stock.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide to quickly assess the value of stocks based on this measure. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices.
Dividends paid or payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts, along with the closing volume pertaining to the highest bid and the lowest offer for each company.
Bullish trend continue for JSE Main Market
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Tuesday, with the market rising 2.6 percent based on the JSE Main Index continuing a 7.4 percent rally since mid-September last year as investors pumped 27 percent fewer dollars in buying 37 percent more stocks traded than they did on Monday, with trading taking place in 57 securities compared with 60 on Monday, with prices of 25 stocks rising, 22 declining and 10 ending unchanged as Scotia Group closed at a 52 weeks’ high.
The market closed with an exchange of 15,570,107 shares for $47,265,851 compared with 11,358,844 units at $65,164,581 on Monday.
Trading averaged 273,160 shares at $829,225 compared to 189,314 units at $1,086,076 on Monday and month to date, an average of 214,182 units at $992,664, compared with 194,750 units at $1,046,514 previously traded and January with an average of 265,804 units at $2,438,118.
Wigton Windfarm led trading with 5.62 million shares for 36.1 percent of the overall volume followed by Transjamaican Highway with 2.93 million units for 18.8 percent of the day’s trade, Sagicor Select Manufacturing & Distribution Fund filled in with 2.45 million units for 15.7 percent market share, Sagicor Select Financial Fund followed with 1.08 million units for 6.9 percent of the day’s trade and QWI Investments ended with 1.02 million units for 6.5 percent of total volume.
The All Jamaican Composite Index rose 3,627.70 points to close at 372,841.38, the JSE Main Index increased 918.50 points to 334,296.03 and the JSE Financial Index rose 1.14 points to 72.04.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.7. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios are based on the last traded prices and earnings forecasts by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending around August 2024.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows 11 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and six with lower offers.
At the close, Caribbean Cement shed 80 cents and ended at $53, with 12,160 shares changing hands, Eppley rallied 75 cents to $33.75 after a transfer of 293 units, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund popped $1 to end at $40 with traders dealing in 900 shares. First Rock Real Estate fell 50 cents in closing at $8.50 after an exchange of 30,243 stock units, GraceKennedy dipped $1.52 to close at $75.50 and closed with an exchange of 35,985 shares, Guardian Holdings climbed $9 to $369 with investors dealing in just one stock unit. Jamaica Broilers sank 38 cents to close at $34.12 in switching ownership of 32,966 units, Jamaica Producers increased 60 cents to end at $26.85 with investors trading 36,823 stock units, 
Massy Holdings declined $5.49 to close at $93, with 488 shares clearing the market. Mayberry Jamaican Equities rose 49 cents and ended at $9.30 in trading 1,790 stock units, NCB Financial advanced 99 cents to $67.99 while exchanging 60,232 stocks, Pan Jamaica gained 50 cents in closing at $50.50 with investors transferring 14,052 stock units. Sagicor Group rose $2.07 to end at $45.97 in an exchange of 32,348 shares, Salada Foods lost 30 cents and ended at $3.45 with investors swapping 23,691 stock units, Scotia Group climbed 68 cents to close at a 52 weeks’ high of $46.58 with a transfer of 32,385 stocks. Seprod rallied 87 cents to $86 as investors exchanged 44,814 units and Wisynco Group popped 35 cents and ended at $22.35, with 24,551 stocks crossing the market.
In the preference segment, Jamaica Public Service 7% gained $3.21 to end at $49.30 with an exchange of 562 shares.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Main & Junior Market rises, USD market dips
The Main Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange had another day of positive movements in trading on Tuesday as the Junior Market inched marginally higher and the JSE USD market slipped moderately as trading ended with the number of stocks changing hands climbing, with the value of stocks traded rising over the previous trading day, resulting in prices of 34 shares rising 42 declining.
Trading activity ended with the JSE Combined Market Index climbing 948.84 points to 346,973.62, the All Jamaican Composite Index rallied 3,627.70 points to end at 372,841.38, the JSE Main Index popped 918.50 points to 334,296.03. The Junior Market Index rose 9.98 points to 3,820.19 and the JSE USD Market Index dipped 1.58 points to close at 250.44.
At the close of trading, 29,750,591 shares were exchanged in all three markets, up from 16,865,715 units on Tuesday, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounted to $88.9 million, up from $79.13 million yesterday and the JSE USD market ended trading with 301,671 shares for US$25,796, up from 186,772 units at US$6,867 on Monday.
Trading in the Main Market was led by Wigton Windfarm led trading with 5.62 million shares followed by Transjamaican Highway with 2.93 million units, Sagicor Select Manufacturing & Distribution Fund with 2.45 million units, Sagicor Select Financial Fund with 1.08 million units and QWI Investments with 1.02 million units.
In the Junior Market, Dolla Financial led trading with 7.19 million shares followed by Future Energy with 3.25 million units and Tropical Battery with 817,037 units.
At the close of the market, in the Main Market Eppley Caribbean Property Fund popped $1 to trading at $40, Guardian Holdings climbed $9 to end at $369, NCB Financial advanced 99 cents to $67.99 and Sagicor Group rose $2.07 to end at $45.97.
The major declining Main Market stock is GraceKennedy that dipped $1.52 to close at $75.50.
At the close of the Junior Market Caribbean Assurance Brokers advanced 35 cents to $2.44 and Dolla Financial rose 38 cents and ended at $2.98, while ISP Finance shed $6.49 to $25.01, Caribbean Cream lost 40 cents in closing at $3.50 and Lasco Financial dipped 32 cents to close at $1.77.
In the preference segment, Jamaica Public Service 7% gained $3.21 to end at $49.30.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks, ended at 20.9 on 2022-23 earnings and 14.2 times those for 2023-24 at the close of trading. ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
The PE ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, grouped by industry, allowing for easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market. The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2023 and 2024 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items.
Investors need pertinent information to navigate numerous investment options successfully in the stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational decisions when investing in stocks close to the average for the sector and not going too far from it unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This approach helps to remove emotions from investment decisions and place them on fundamentals while at the same time not being too far from the majority of investors. Investors who buy when the price of a stock is close to the average will find that they are not inclined to overpay for a stock.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide to quickly assess the value of stocks based on this measure. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices.
Dividends paid or payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts, along with the closing volume pertaining to the highest bid and the lowest offer for each company.
JSE Main market gains 2.4% in 2024
The Main Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange closed higher on Monday, with the JSE Main Index racking up a rise of 2.4 percent for the year to date while the All Jamaican Composite Index clocked gains of 0.9 percent as the volume of stocks traded declined moderately and the value rising 21 percent above trading on Friday, with the market closing with an exchange of 60 securities compared with 57 on Friday, with prices of 23 stocks rising and just being edged out by 24 declining and 13 ending unchanged.
The market ended with an exchange of 11,358,844 shares for $65,164,581 versus 11,517,107 units at $53,884,020 on Friday.
Trading averaged 189,314 shares at $1,086,076 compared to 202,055 units at $945,334 on Friday and month to date, an average of 194,750 units at $1,046,514, in comparison with 197,636 units at $1,025,508 on the previous trading day and January that closed with an average of 265,804 units at $2,438,118.
Wigton Windfarm led trading with 4.33 million shares for 38.1 percent of total volume followed by Transjamaican Highway with 2.62 million units for 23 percent of the day’s trade, QWI Investments was next with 1.40 million units for 12.3 percent market share and Carreras with 1.33 million units for 11.7 percent of total volume.
The All Jamaican Composite Index advanced 2,499.80 points to settle at 369,213.68, the JSE Main Index increased 4,036.96 points to 333,377.53 and the JSE Financial Index popped 0.48 points to end at 70.90.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.7. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios are based on the last traded prices and earnings forecasts by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending around August 2024.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows 13 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and four with lower offers.
At the close, Berger Paints popped 31 cents and ended at $5.75, with 2,223 stocks crossing the market, Caribbean Cement fell $1.15 to $53.80 with investors swapping 5,675 units, Eppley sank $1 in closing at $33 after an exchange of 4,943 shares. Eppley Caribbean Property Fund shed $1 to end at $39 in trading 1,007 stock units, First Rock Real Estate increased 30 cents to close at $9, with 276 shares crossing the market, General Accident climbed 42 cents to $5.20 with traders dealing in 2,050 stock units. Guardian Holdings lost $9 to end at $360 while exchanging 56 units, Jamaica Broilers rose 50 cents in closing at $34.50 with investors trading 41,960 stocks, Jamaica Producers rallied $2.35 to close at $26.25 with a transfer of 94,412 units. Kingston Properties gained 47 cents and ended at $7.53 with investors dealing in 685 stocks, Kingston Wharves advanced 48 cents to $27.98 in an exchange of 19,340 shares, Massy Holdings rose $3.64 to close at $98.49, with 314 stock units changing hands. 
Mayberry Group gained 59 cents in closing at $8.09 with an exchange of 6,017 shares, 138 Student Living popped 55 cents and ended at $4.16 with 219 stocks clearing the market, Pan Jamaica dipped $1.50 to end at $50 in an exchange of 3,734 units. Proven Investments increased 99 cents to $23 with investors trading 5,693 stock units, Seprod declined $1.87 to end at $85.13 after a transfer of 4,172 shares, Sygnus Credit Investments dropped 89 cents in closing at $10.85 after investors exchanged 38,278 units. Sygnus Real Estate Finance climbed $1.49 and ended at $11.49 in switching ownership of just two stock units and Wisynco Group skidded 97 cents to close at $22 after an exchange of 33,258 stock units.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.75% preference share sank 48 cents to $19.02 and closed after an exchange of 79 shares. Jamaica Public Service 7% rallied $4.19 and ended at $46.09, with 10 stock units crossing the exchange and 138 Student Living preference share shed 50 cents in closing at $214 with investors transferring 56 stocks.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
All Markets rise on Monday
All three markets of the Jamaica Stock Exchange recorded gains in indices at the close of trading on Monday with the number of stocks changing hands and the value of stocks traded rising over the previous trading day resulting in prices of 35 shares rising and 3 declining.
At the close of trading, the JSE Combined Market Index climbed 3,886.27 points to close at 346,024.78, the All Jamaican Composite Index rose 2,499.80 points to lock up trading at 369,213.68, the JSE Main Index rallied 4,036.96 points to conclude trading at 333,377.53. The Junior Market Index rose 11.44 points to end at 3,810.21 and the JSE USD Market Index popped 1.01 points to conclude trading at 252.02.
At the close of trading, 16,865,715 shares were exchanged in all three markets, up from 17,913,688 units on Friday, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounted to $79.13 million, up from $65.21 million Friday and the JSE USD market closed with an exchange of 186,772 shares for US$6,867 down from 1,000,615 units at US$122,251 on Friday.
Main Market trading was dominated by Wigton Windfarm trading with 4.33 million shares followed by Transjamaican Highway with 2.62 million units, QWI Investments ended with 1.40 million stock units and Carreras, 1.33 million stocks.
In the Junior Market, Spur Tree Spices led trading with 1.21 million shares followed by EduFocal with 566,845 stock units and Future Energy with 387,681 units.
At the close of the market, some Main Market stocks that rose were Jamaica Producers rallying $2.35 to close at $26.25, Massy Holdings rising $3.64 to $98.49, Proven Investments increasing 99 cents to $23 and Sygnus Real Estate Finance climbing $1.49 and ended at $11.49.
The major declining Main Market stocks include Caribbean Cement down $1.15 to $53.80, Eppley sinking $1 in closing at $33, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund shedding $1 to end at $39, Pan Jamaica dipping $1.50 to $50, Seprod declining $1.87 to end at $85.13, Sygnus Credit Investments dropping 89 cents in closing at $10.85 and Wisynco Group which skidded 97 cents to close at $22.
Stocks ending with major gains in the Junior Market are Cargo Handlers up $1.46 to $14.63, ISP Finance increasing 50 cents to $31.50, Knutsford Express advancing $1.30 to $12.40, with the major losing stock being Caribbean Assurance Brokers that sank 38 cents in closing at $2.09.
In the preference segment, Jamaica Public Service 7% rallied $4.19 and ended at $46.09.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks, ended at 21.1 on 2022-23 earnings and 14.3 times those for 2023-24 at the close of trading. ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
The PE ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, grouped by industry, allowing for easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market. The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2023 and 2024 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items.
Investors need pertinent information to navigate numerous investment options successfully in the stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational decisions when investing in stocks close to the average for the sector and not going too far from it unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This approach helps to remove emotions from investment decisions and place them on fundamentals while at the same time not being too far from the majority of investors. Investors who buy when the price of a stock is close to the average will find that they are not inclined to overpay for a stock.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide to quickly assess the value of stocks based on this measure. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices.
Dividends paid or payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts, along with the closing volume pertaining to the highest bid and the lowest offer for each company.
ICTOP10 Scotia Group jumps 20% in 2024
Scotia Group with the supply of the stock increasingly falling, with only 14 offers posted at the close on Friday the stock price jumped 14 percent this past week to a multi-year high of $46, for a gain of 20 percent since the start of the year and 25 percent since the publication on December 17 of “Why
Scotia Group Broke through the channel top on Friday following limited selling in the stock.
Scotia Group should be on your buy list”.
Despite the move, the stock remains in the ICTOP10 with much upside potential, but the price broke through the top of a channel, formed in late November. This coming week may determine whether the price will move decidedly higher to confirm if the break is sustainable.
Elsewhere, TransJamaican, a former 2024 TOP10 stock has gone on to record several record highs during the past week and traded at a record $3.30 and is up 86 percent plus a dividend that represented an 11 percent return since ICInsider.com placed it on the Watch list in April last year, when the price was S1.77.
During the past week, the Main and the Junior markets gained over one percent, led by Scotia Group as the leading market mover, with AMG Packaging following with a 13 percent rise. General Accident was the leading declining stock, down by 11 percent in a week when only four stocks declined in both markets.
The markets closed with no addition to the ICInsider.com TOP 10 stocks.
For the full list of weekly percentage changes for the ICTOP10 stocks, check the attached charts that now carry a column of the weekly percentage price movements.
The average PE for the JSE Main Market ICTOP 10 stands at 5.3, well below the market average of 13.7 and the Junior Market TOP10 sits at 7.4, just over half of the market, with an average of 13.5
The Main Market ICTOP10 is projected to gain an average of 288 percent by May 2024, based on 2023 forecasted earnings, providing better values than the Junior Market with the potential to gain 175 percent over the same time frame.
In the Main Market ICTOP 10, a total of 15 of the most highly valued stocks representing 31 percent of the Main Market are priced at a PE of 15 to 110, with an average of 31 and 21 excluding the highest PE ratios, and a PE of 25 for the top half and 18 excluding the stocks with overweight values.
In the Junior Market IC TOP10 are 13 stocks, or 27 percent of the market, with PEs ranging from 15 to 47, averaging 22, well above the market’s average. The top half of the market has an average PE of 19, possibly the lowest fair value for stocks, currently.
Of great import is that the averages of both markets are now converging around a PE of 20 for close to a third of the market, as the year is coming to a close and with more information available on the full year’s earnings.
ICTOP10 focuses on likely yearly winners, accordingly, the list includes some of the best companies in the market, but this is not always so. ICInsider.com ranks stocks based on projected earnings, allowing investors to focus on the most undervalued stocks and helping to remove emotions in selecting stocks for investments that often result in costly mistakes.
IC TOP10 stocks will likely deliver the best returns on or around May 2024 and are ranked in order of potential gains, computed using projected earnings for the current fiscal year. Expected values will change as stock prices fluctuate and result in weekly movements in and out of the lists. Revisions to earnings are ongoing, based on receipt of new information.
Persons who compiled this report may have an interest in securities commented on in this report.
Scotia, JPG & Guardian push JSE Main Market
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Friday, with the volume of stocks traded rising 6 percent and the value 13 percent lower than on Thursday, with trading in 57 securities compared with 56 on Thursday, with prices of 29 stocks rising, 16 declining and 12 ending unchanged.
The market closed with an exchange of 11,517,107 shares valued $53,884,020 versus 10,815,734 units at $61,998,356 on Thursday.
Trading averaged 202,055 shares at $945,334 compared to 193,138 units at $1,107,114 on Thursday and month to date, an average of 197,636 units at $1,025,508 compared with January that closed with an average of 265,804 units at $2,438,118.
JMMB 9.5% preference share led trading with 4.66 million shares for 40.5 percent of the day’s volume followed by Transjamaican Highway, with 2.93 million units for 25.5 percent of the day’s trade and Wigton Windfarm with 952,293 stock units for 8.3 percent market share.
The All Jamaican Composite Index advanced 1,152.06 points to close trading at 366,713.88, the JSE Main Index rose 256.53 points to end at 329,340.57 and the JSE Financial Index sank 0.12 points to end trading at 70.42.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.7. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios are based on the last traded prices and earnings forecasts by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending around August 2024.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows nine stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and five with lower offers.
At the close, Barita Investments dropped $1.10 in closing at $70.05, with 52,237 stock units crossing the exchange, Caribbean Cement popped 95 cents to $54.95 with investors transferring 404 shares, Caribbean Producers advanced 33 cents and ended at $8.78 in an exchange of 8,316 stocks. Eppley fell $4.10 to end at $34 after closing with an exchange of 249 units, First Rock Real Estate sank 30 cents to close at $8.70 after an exchange of 942 stocks, General Accident lost 42 cents to $4.78, with 4,376 units crossing the market. Guardian Holdings rose $2 to close at $369 after an exchange of 13 shares, Jamaica Producers rallied $2.29 in closing at $23.90 in trading 1,292 stock units, Kingston Properties declined 49 cents to end at $7.06, after 2,670 shares passed through the market. Kingston Wharves increased 34 cents and ended at $27.50 as investors exchanged 8,747 stock units, Massy Holdings climbed $1.80 to $94.85 in trading 2,228 stocks, Mayberry Group shed 45 cents to close at $7.50 in switching ownership of 29,556 units. 138 Student Living skidded 55 cents in closing at $3.61 with 1,253 shares clearing the market, Proven Investments dipped 99 cents to end at $22.01 with an exchange of 6,844 stock units, Salada Foods gained 32 cents and ended at $3.82, with 20,184 units changing hands. 
Scotia Group popped $5 to a 52 weeks’ high of $46, up 20 percent for the year to date after investors swapped 135,109 stocks, Seprod sank $1.99 to end at $87 after a transfer of 5,068 units, Stanley Motta gained 50 cents in closing at $7 with an exchange of 12,021 stock units. Sygnus Credit Investments rose 73 cents and ended at $11.74, with 175,069 shares crossing the market, Sygnus Real Estate Finance fell $1 to close at $10 in an exchange of 5,101 stock units and Wisynco Group climbed $1.87 to $22.97 with investors trading 10,992 shares.
In the preference segment, Jamaica Public Service 7% skidded $7.40 and ended at $41.90 with traders dealing in 51 units, 138 Student Living increased $3.50 to close at $214.50 with investors dealing in 22 stocks and Productive Business Solutions 9.75% preference share rallied $15.60 to end at $119.60 with a transfer of 5 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Big price changes for several JSE stocks
The Main Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange slipped in trading on Friday and the Junior Market gained as the JSE USD market closed unchanged following a sharp reduction in the volume and value of stocks changing hands falling from the previous day andresulting in prices of 39 shares rose and 35, declined, with Scotia Group hitting new 52 weeks’ high in closing at $46 the largest Main Market rising stock.
At the close of trading on Friday, the JSE Combined Market Index climbed 418.12 points to close at 342,138.51, the All Jamaican Composite Index rallied 1,152.06 points to finish trading at 366,713.88, the JSE Main Index advanced 256.53 points to 329,340.57. The Junior Market Index rose 20.28 points to 3,798.77 and the JSE USD Market Index ended unchanged at 251.01.
At the close of trading, 17,913,688 shares were exchanged in all three markets, down from 24,848,411 units on Thursday, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounts to $65.21 million, down from $94.99 million yesterday and the JSE USD market closed with an exchange of 1,000,615 shares for US$122,251 up from 393,307 units at US$18,728 on Thursday.
Main Market trading was led by JMMB 9.5% preference share with 4.66 million shares followed by Transjamaican Highway with 2.93 million units and Wigton Windfarm with 952,293 stock units.
In the Junior Market, One Great Studio led trading with 1.36 million shares followed by Lasco Distributors with 930,104 units and ONE on ONE Educational with 639,673 stock units.
At the close of the market, the major Main Market stocks that rose are Caribbean Cement popped 95 cents to $54.95, Guardian Holdings rose $2 to close at $369, Jamaica Producers rallied $2.29 in closing at $23.90, Massy Holdings climbed $1.80 to $94.85, Scotia Group popped $5 to $46 and Wisynco Group climbed $1.87 to $22.97.
The major declining Main Market stocks are Barita Investments dropped $1.10 in closing at $70.05, Eppley fell $4.10 to end at $34, Proven Investments dipped 99 cents to end at $22.01, Seprod sank $1.99 to end at $87 and Sygnus Real Estate Finance fell $1 to close at $10.
Stocks ending with major gains in the Junior Market are Dolphin Cove climbing 80 cents to $19 and ISP Finance gained $10.70 to close at $31, with the major losing stocks being Knutsford Express dropping $1.30 in closing at $11.10 and Main Event sinking 88 cents to close at $15.12.
In the preference segment, Jamaica Public Service 7% skidded $7.40 and ended at $41.90, 138 Student Living preference share increased $3.50 to close at $214.50 and Productive Business Solutions 9.75% preference share rallied $15.60 to end at $119.60.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks, ended at 21 on 2022-23 earnings and 14.3 times those for 2023-24 at the close of trading. ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
The PE ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, grouped by industry, allowing for easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market. The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2023 and 2024 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items.
Investors need pertinent information to navigate numerous investment options successfully in the stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational decisions when investing in stocks close to the average for the sector and not going too far from it unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This approach helps to remove emotions from investment decisions and place them on fundamentals while at the same time not being too far from the majority of investors. Investors who buy when the price of a stock is close to the average will find that they are not inclined to overpay for a stock.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide to quickly assess the value of stocks based on this measure. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices.
Dividends paid or payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts, along with the closing volume pertaining to the highest bid and the lowest offer for each company.
