Some investors have time and inclination to monitor their investments regularly, but the vast majority do not. In the latter case, investors want to invest for the long haul, expecting that their investment will grow appreciably over time.
There are many factors to consider; these include continued growth of companies, inflation, possible shifts in government policies, and social and economic policy changes that can affect investment returns in the short and long term.
Junior Market stocks have some features that investors should pay observe. Most Main Market stocks have controlling interest that is likely to ensure continuity of ownership for years to come. The same is not so for Junior Market companies where there are few companies where controlling ownership is assured long-term.

Barita public stock offer pulled money away from other JSE stocks.

Barita Investments – Bankers are not supposed to be bright; they must be careful; this is an adage within the financial community worldwide. Tell that to the new management at Barita. Maybe if they were told, they might have avoided the negative comments they had to face in 2021. The directors can take comfort that JMMB Group suffered years of rumours about imminent failure, but they persevered and have prospered regardless and are now highly regarded. Barita stands an excellent chance of doing just that.
The recent focus on Barita is partially due to the current management taking a sleepy company and aggressively expanding into new and profitable areas and seems to be disrupting the status quo. They are aggressive and disruptive and are willing to go into areas with good growth potential when others take a more conservative posture. This approach is not risk free, to date, they seem to have prospered and their shareholders love it, having a rich stock price and healthy dividend payments. Additionally, Jamaica’s financial landscape is changing and providing increasing opportunities for growth of newer financial products. Barita has grown based on an increased capital base that stands them in good stead to prosper if management handles the resources at its disposal well. The company could be a significant player in financial services in the next ten years. They have taken a posture of paying out most profits and then going back to the market for added capital. That formula has worked well so far and has rewarded shareholders positively.

GraceKennedy has diversity in products, services, and geographic locations, making them one for the future, with a relatively significant presence in the USA and UK markets. They can enjoy good annual growth for years to come. The diversified product line put them in good stead to benefit from what seems set to be a reasonable period of economic growth for Jamaica. The Group has been acquiring new entities to expand the operations and geometric growth; this will give them increased bargaining power that can lower costs and drive revenues. Investors should not ignore the value of the Grace Brand will continue to be more valuable as the Group continues to make inroads into the international market. Currently, the stock is undervalued. Investors who can wait for the payoff could benefit from unlocking value down the road.

Jamaica Broilers’ product demand and global diversity will see them making money and providing good investment returns. Expected growth in the local tourism sector and the company’s efforts to expand its reach in the US market should augur well for investors from a company that is well managed and produces products that are in high demand in the local market. The negative is the politically sensitive nature of the main product. Management has been able to navigate such challenges and prospered over the years and should be able to do that in the future with their strong links to the farming community.

JMMG Group stock is severely undervalued currently. In addition, regional diversification, the variety of products and services it offers the public, and technology will drive revenues for the next ten years. The company has operations in the Dominican Republic, which is an excellent base for them to continue strong growth in that market with a population of 11 million, nearly four times the size of Jamaica. There is room for remarkable growth in that market that is not a financially developed market like Jamaica. Their banking arm in Jamaica and Trinidad is relatively small and they could enjoy above average growth that would be good for increased profit in the future.

Kingston Wharves has been around for decades and is highly profitable. It controls a significant portion of the logistics and distribution chain for imports and transhipment business, making them one to watch with growth expected in the Jamaican economy and growth in the transhipment. They should grow even faster as they cater to the local market and the expanding transhipment of goods within the region.

NCB Group stumbled in 2020, with the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic that saw major dislocations in businesses in Jamaica and worldwide, including the closure of the tourism industry. The Group suffered from a high degree of nonperforming loans, which is provided against and losses in the investment portfolio. The fourth quarter results for the just concluded year to September show that the worse is behind them and they should see growth in earnings for 2022. The Group is spread throughout the Caribbean and is involved in commercial and investment banking and insurance. Strong growth going forward will be dependent on a buoyant Jamaican economy and, to a lesser degree, that of Trinidad, where Guardian Holding is headquartered. Along the way, investors can expect a good level of dividends as compensation for waiting. The stock is currently in demand, but now could be the best time to start accumulating it.

Stephen Facey Chairman & Paul Hanworth Chief Operating Officer

PanJam Investment spans an array of activities from property development and ownership, many of them in prime areas in Jamaica, Investments, a significant owner in Sagicor Group and hotels. They are currently pushing into property investments in downtown Kingston and Montego Bay, the latter to be a hotel in the Montego Freeport area geared to business visitors. Buying into PanJam gives investors a strong involvement in Sagior Group, with the company owning around 30 percent of the shares. The Group has a long history of good performance and the suite of assets and quality management place them in an excellent position to grow at an attractive pace over the next ten years. While at it, don’t forget the heightened level of inflation that is currently afoot worldwide. PanJam, with its real estate and stock market portfolio, is well positioned to generate positive returns form as a result and protect investors against losing value in their investment in the company.

Radio Jamaica has lots of scope to grow revenues that will increase as the economy grows and swell profits as most of the revenues will fall to the bottom-line as operating costs are partly fixed. Most investors continue to focus on the old RJR but fail to recognize the Group’s invaluable assets, including the highly watched and profitable television station. The digital footprint is not to be ignored, with the Gleaner’s website being a big winner in the future, with the RJR site following. There are many developments taking place within the Group that will add to revenues and profit in the future. The digitization of television will create more flexibility in targeting markets with the signals and allow for expansion and increased income from the offerings it currently owns. Investors can look forward to reasonable dividend payments as profits grow in the future.

Sagicor Group & PanJam hit new closing highs.

Sagicor Jamaica is historically a strong performer that will benefit from continued growth in the Jamaican economy and buoyancy in the financial products that provide high returns. Apart from life insurance, they are involved in Health insurance and general insurance, investments, investment brokerage and banking. They control a sizeable portion of the local market and have a presence outside of Jamaica.

Scotia Group has had a long history of growing profits and dividends, with the stock price delivering attractive gains to investors over the years. In more recent years, things have not all gone well for the Group, with significant shifts in the financial market as new players and products came into the market and increased aggressiveness from the market leader NCB. The Group is now focusing on restructuring its branch network that will lead to lower costs while loans will be growing and driving interest income to help add to profits. The recent increase in interest rates will be highly beneficial to the Group. They will be generating more revenue from the government bonds as interest rates get some elevation from the Bank of Jamaica’s recent moves.

Wisynco Group is one of Jamaica’s larger manufacturing and distribution companies. The company has accumulated a wad of cash and will continue to do so with a very profitable operation that generates positive free cash flows. The growing buildup of cash places them in a healthy position to expand the group. The Group is involved in the manufacturing and distribution of products mainly for the local consumer market. It is a significant supplier to the tourism industry, with around 15 percent of the company’s goods. The sector continues to see growth with new hotel rooms being built and plans for more to come on stream in the future. It does not hurt with the company having a good management team, one of the most important elements in ensuring continued success in the business into the future.