Stock prices plunged Thursday, on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange, with the Composite Index shedding 6.49 points to 1,523.32, the All T&T Index fell 11.35 points to close at 2,127.38 and the Cross-Listed Index lost 0.18 points to settle at 122.91, with just two stocks rising, 11 declining and five remaining unchanged after trading picked up with 168 percent more shares changing hands with 417 percent higher value than on Wednesday.
A total of 18 securities traded similar to Wednesday, resulting in an exchange of 396,731 shares for $14,048,777 up from 148,186 units at $2,718,598, previously. An average of 22,041 units traded at $780,488 compared to 8,233 shares at $151,033 on Wednesday, with trading month to date averaging 41,320 units at $371,883 versus 42,372 units at $349,596. The average trade for December amounts to 21,703 units at $306,768.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows six stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and four stocks with lower offers.
At the close, Agostini’s fell 74 cents to close at $45 in trading 30 shares, Angostura Holdings ended unchanged at $19.99, with 314 stocks crossing the market, Ansa McAl declined $2.50 in closing at $57 trading 61,190 units. Clico Investment Fund rallied $1.50 to $30, with 89 stock units changing hands, First Citizens Group gained 25 cents to end at $64.75 in exchanging 885 stock units, FirstCaribbean International Bank finished at $6.14 in an exchange of 30 shares. GraceKennedy dropped 4 cents to close at $6.16 while exchanging 4,435 units, Guardian Holdings remained at $30 after 4,691 stocks crossed the market, JMMB Group slipped 4 cents to $2.47, after 5,224 shares changed hands. L.J. Williams B share shed 8 cents in closing at $1.72, with 2,025 stock units clearing the market, Massy Holdings shed 1 cent to $105.99 with the swapping of 77,085 stocks, National Enterprises remained at $3.25 after exchanging 15 units. 
National Flour Mills lost 5 cents after ending at $1.87 in switching ownership of 1,152 stocks, NCB Financial Group dropped 3 cents in closing at $8 after exchanging 224,190 units, Scotiabank fell $2 to close at $72 with an exchange of 3,146 stock units. Trinidad & Tobago NGL declined 1 cent in closing at $19.99 trading 390 shares, Trinidad Cement finished at $3.80 after 9,314 shares changed hands and West Indian Tobacco shed 1 cent to $27.98 while exchanging 2,526 stocks.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Retreat for Trinidad & Tobago stocks
Trading falls on TTSE
Market activity resulted in more stocks rising than falling at the close of trading on Wednesday after an exchange of 81 percent fewer shares, with a 73 percent lower value than on Tuesday, at the close of the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange.
A total of 18 securities traded compared to 19 on Tuesday, with four rising, five declining and nine remaining unchanged. The Composite Index lost 2.35 points to 1,529.81, the All T&T Index lost 13.09 points to close at 2,138.73 and the Cross-Listed Index gained 1.28 points to settle at 123.09.
A total of 148,186 shares traded for $2,718,598 compared to 796,016 shares at $9,919,652 on Tuesday. An average of 8,233 units traded at $151,033 compared to 41,896 shares at $522,087 on the previous day, with trading month to date averaging 42,372 units at $349,596 versus 44,341 units at $361,051. The average trade for December amounts to 21,703 units at $306,768.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows four stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and three stocks with lower offers.
At the close, Agostini’s lost 26 cents to close at $45.74 in trading 45 shares, Angostura Holdings ended at $19.99, with 742 stock units changing hands, Calypso Macro Investment Fund rallied $2.34 to close at a 52 weeks’ high of $19 while exchanging 6 units. Clico Investment Fund dropped $1 to end at $28.50, with 63,138 stocks crossing the market, First Citizens Group declined $1 in closing at $64.50 after 481 stocks changed hands, GraceKennedy finished at $6.20 trading 4,190 stock units. 
Guardian Holdings fell 20 cents in closing at $30 with an exchange of 562 units, Guardian Media remained at $3.10, with 2,000 shares crossing the exchange, JMMB Group popped 27 cents to $2.51 after exchanging 12,441 stock units. L.J. Williams B share finished at $1.80 in an exchange of 2,123 stocks, Massy Holdings ended unchanged at $106 in swapping 4,163 units, National Enterprises remained at $3.25 trading 3,000 shares. NCB Financial Group increased 2 cents to end at $8.03, with 3,607 shares clearing the market, One Caribbean Media ended unchanged at $4.20 in switching ownership of 50,000 stock units, Prestige Holdings held at $7.05 with the swapping of 688 stocks. Republic Financial Holdings shed $1.70 in ending at $141.30 after exchanging 130 units, Scotiabank climbed $1.99 to $74, with 820 stocks crossing the market and West Indian Tobacco finished at $27.99 with an exchange of 50 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Trading climbs but T&T market falters
Market activity picked on Tuesday and resulted in 54 percent more shares trading, with 148 percent higher value than on Monday, on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange, but trading ended with the market indices slipping at the close.
The number of securities traded remained at 19 similar to trading on Monday and ended with four rising, five slipping and 10 unchanged.
The Composite Index fell 7.93 points to 1,532.16, the All T&T Index shed 4.14 points to close at 2,151.82 and the Cross-Listed Index shed 1.68 points to settle at 121.81.
Overall, 796,016 shares traded for $9,919,652 versus 516,896 units at $4,004,944 on Monday. An average of 41,896 units traded at $522,087 compared to 27,205 shares at $210,787 on the previous day, with trading month to date averaging 44,341 units at $361,051 versus 44,500 units at $350,629. The average trade for December amounts to 21,703 units at $306,768.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows three stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and two stocks with lower offers.
At the close, Angostura Holdings remained at $19.99 with 270 shares changing hands, Clico Investment Fund increased 99 cents to close at $29.50 with an exchange of 29,992 stock units, First Citizens Group lost 50 cents in ending at $65.50 after trading 652 units. FirstCaribbean International Bank finished at $6.14 in an exchange of 1,971 stocks, GraceKennedy ended unchanged at $6.20 after 11,125 shares changed hands, Guardian Holdings rose 18 cents to $30.20 with 1,711 stocks passing through the market.
JMMB Group declined 31 cents to end at $2.24 in trading 202,436 stock units, L.J Williams B share fell 4 cents to close at $1.80 while exchanging 823 units, Massy Holdings ended at $106, with 43,163 units crossing the exchange. National Enterprises remained at $3.25 with the swapping of 120,000 shares, National Flour Mills finished at $1.92 in exchanging 1,372 stock units, NCB Financial Group remained at $8.01 after trading 321,694 stocks. One Caribbean Media advanced 10 cents to end at $4.20 in an exchange of 50,000 units, Republic Financial Holdings ended at $143, with 3,081 shares crossing the market, Scotiabank shed $2.97 to close at $72.01 trading 563 stock units. Trinidad & Tobago NGL finished at $20 as investors exchanged 1,083 stocks, Trinidad Cement rallied 4 cents to $3.80, with 316 stock units clearing the market, Unilever Caribbean dropped 25 cents to $15.75 while exchanging 1,306 stocks and West Indian Tobacco ended unchanged at $27.99, with 4,458 shares changing hands.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Another record close for Trinidad stocks
More records tumbled at the end of market activity on Monday and resulted in more stocks rising than falling at the close of trading of the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange, after trading 65 percent more shares, valued 76 percent less than on Friday.
As was the case on Friday, 19 securities traded, with three rising, four declining and 12 remaining unchanged.
The Composite Index advanced 9.72 points to a record high of 1,540.09, the All T&T Index rose 10.87 points to close at another record of 2,155.96 and the Cross-Listed Index increased 1.19 points to settle at 123.49.
Overall, 516,896 shares traded for $4,004,944 compared to 312,597 units at $16,361,645 on Friday. An average of 27,205 units traded at $210,787 compared to 16,452 shares at $861,139 on the prior trading day, with the month to date averaging 44,500 units at $350,609 versus 45,699 units at $360,304. The average trade for December amounts to 21,703 units at $306,768.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows five stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and two stocks with lower offers.
At the close, Agostini’s finished at $46 after trading 518 shares, Angostura Holdings ended unchanged at $19.99, with 246 units clearing the market, Clico Investment Fund fell $1.49 to close at $28.51 in exchanging 24,630 stock units. Endeavour Holdings advanced 1 cent to $8 after exchanging 1,000 stocks, First Citizens Group remained at $66 in switching ownership of 355 shares, GraceKennedy lost 2 cents to close at $6.20 with the swapping of 51,513 stock units. 
Guardian Holdings dropped 23 cents in closing at $30.02 after exchanging 12,289 stocks, JMMB Group climbed 20 cents to $2.55 while 13,700 units changed hands, L.J. Williams B share ended unchanged at $1.84 with an exchange of 2,542 stocks. Massy Holdings finished at $106, with 5,897 units crossing the exchange, National Enterprises closed at $3.25 after 336,000 shares changed hands, National Flour Mills remained at $1.92 trading 2,428 stock units. NCB Financial Group ended unchanged at $8.01 in an exchange of 47,826 stock units, One Caribbean Media shed 10 cents to close at $4.10, with 100 stocks crossing the market, Prestige Holdings had an exchange of 12 shares at $7.05. Republic Financial Holdings ended unchanged at $143 in trading 312 units, Trinidad & Tobago NGL finished at $20, with 11,413 stocks changing hands, Unilever Caribbean rose 20 cents to end at $16, with 4,000 stock units crossing the exchange and West Indian Tobacco remained at $27.99, with 2,115 units changing hands.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Profit surged 533% in Q2 at Paramount
Profit surged 533 percent in the 2021 November quarter, at Paramount Trading, to $29 million from just $4.5 million in 2020 after tax, but profit for the six months to November, popped by a much slower 141 percent to $48 million from $20 million in 2020. Notwithstanding the growth in the second quarter, the company is far from the profit made in the 2016 fiscal year of $173 million, with an average quarterly profit of $43 million.
Paramount Trading
Sales revenue jumped 30.8 percent for the quarter, to $401 million from $307 billion and climbed 15 percent for the half year, to $770 million from $669 million in 2020.
With profits hitting $101 million in 2017, the company has suffered since, with profit dropping to $53 million in 2020, rising in 2021 to $64 million. The current year seems on track to better the 2017 performance based on results to date.
Gross profit rose 30 percent in the November quarter to $130 million from $100 million in 2020, but just 11 percent for the half year, with $241 million realized versus $216 million in 2020. Gross profit margin slipped in the first half of the year, to 31 percent from 32 percent in 2020 and declined in the November quarter to 32 percent from 33 percent in 2020.
Administrative expenses rose 5 percent to $91 million in the quarter and increased just 3 percent in the six months to $181 million. Marketing and sales expenses fell 19 percent to $3 million in the quarter but rose 8 percent for the half year to $5.6 million while Finance cost rose 6 percent in the quarter to $13.4 million from $12.7 million in 2020 but fell 6 percent in the half year from $25.8 million to $24.3 million.
According to the company’s Chairman, Radcliff Knibbs in his report to shareholders on the half year results, “Paramount’s improved performance was achieved by employment of a robust growth strategy.” He went on to state, “we will continue to pivot our operations to take advantage of any possible opportunities that may arise.” He concluded that “we expect that our strategic objectives will be realized through strong income growth and cost containment.
Gross cash flow brought in $75 million but after addition to fixed assets and repayment of loan, the net cash position ended at $41 million, pushing cash resource to $302 million at the end of November. Shareholders’ equity stood at $844 million with long term loans at $454 million and short term at $47 million. Current assets ended the period at $948 million inclusive of inventories of $468 million, receivables of $346 million, cash and bank balances of $124 million. Current liabilities ended the period at $437 million. Net current assets ended the period at $511 million
Earnings per share came out at 2 cents for the quarter and 3 cents for the year to date. IC Insider.com is forecasting 12 cents per share for the fiscal year ending May 2022 and 20 cents for 2023. The stock that is now added to IC Insider.com TOP15 list at 11th position, traded at $1.37 on Friday, up 44 percent from a low of 95 cents in 2021 on the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange with a PE ratio of 11 times 2022 earnings and 7 times 2023 projected earnings. Net asset value is 55 cents with the stock selling at 2.5 times book value. The stock price has clearly broken the long term declining trend but faces some short term resistance now around $1.40, but the recent results could well allow it to break free of that level.
The company paid a dividend of 4 cents in January 2021 and again in January 2022 amounting to $62 million.
Record high for Trinidad stocks
Investors pushed the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange to record a high close of market activity on Friday as they moved the prices of 10 stocks up allowed four to slip and left five unchanged as the volume of shares trading, dipped while the value rose 33 percent compared to Thursday as stocks of 19 companies traded.
The Composite Index rose 17.67 points to close at a record high of 1,530.37, the All T&T Index rallied 36.19 points to an all-time high of 2,145.09 and the Cross-Listed Index shed 0.30 points to settle at 122.30.
A total of 312,597 shares traded for $16,361,645 compared to 360,139 units at $12,296,385 on Thursday. An average of 16,452 units traded at $861,139 compared to 18,955 shares at $647,178 on the prior day, with trading month to date averaging 45,699 units at $360,304 versus 47,878 units at $322,987. The average trade for December ended at 21,703 units at $306,768.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows three stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and none with a lower offer.
At the close, Agostini’s climbed $6 after ending at a 52 weeks’ high of $46 with an exchange of 19 shares, Angostura Holdings finished at $19.99 while exchanging 35 stocks, Clico Investment Fund rose 50 cents to $30, with 32,210 stock units changing hands. First Citizens Group popped $5.75 to end at $66, with 10,683 units clearing the market, FirstCaribbean International Bank remained at $6.14 trading 7,344 units, GraceKennedy increased by 2 cents in closing at $6.22 while exchanging 23,545 stocks. Guardian Holdings rallied 25 cents to close at $30.25 in exchanging 13,334 shares, Guardian Media lost 5 cents ending at $3.10 after 1,304 stock units crossed the exchange, L.J. Williams B share gained 4 cents to end at $1.84 trading 5,000 shares. 
Massy Holdings fell 25 cents to $106 as 122,818 stocks crossed the market, National Enterprises dropped 35 cents to close at $3.25 trading 61,793 stock units, National Flour Mills ended unchanged at $1.92 after 1,078 units changed hands. NCB Financial Group shed 4 cents in closing at $8.01 in switching ownership of 11,380 stocks, Prestige Holdings advanced 5 cents in ending at $7.05 in an exchange of 1,301 shares, Republic Financial Holdings popped $1.70 to $143 with the swapping of 25 units. Scotiabank gained $4.48 to close at a 52 weeks’ high of $74.98 after exchanging 7,524 stock units, Trinidad & Tobago NGL climbed $1.35 to end at $20 in trading 10,654 stocks, Trinidad Cement ended unchanged at $3.76, with 2,000 stock units passing through the market and West Indian Tobacco remained at $27.99 after 550 units changed hands.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Stocks pulled back on T&T Stock Exchange
Trading picked up Thursday with 41 percent more shares, passing through the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange valued 77 percent higher than in trading on Wednesday and resulted in more stocks falling than rising and the market indices dropping at the close of trading.
A total of 19 securities traded compared to 18 on Wednesday, with six stocks rising, eight declining and five remaining unchanged. The Composite Index shed 13.95 points to 1,512.70, the All T&T Index fell 27.67 points to 2,108.90 and the Cross-Listed Index inched 0.10 points higher to 122.60.
A total of 360,139 shares traded for $12,296,385 compared to 255,751 units at $6,952,251 on Wednesday. An average of 18,955 units traded at $647,178 compared to 14,208 shares at $386,236 previously, with trading month to date averaging 47,878 units at $322,987 versus 50,207 units at $296,887 on the previous trading day. The average trade for December amounts to 21,703 units at $306,768.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows two stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and none with a lower offer.
At the close, Agostini’s popped 50 cents to close at a 52 weeks’ high of $40 while exchanging 100 shares, Angostura Holdings ended unchanged at $19.99 after exchanging 5,320 stocks, Ansa McAl advanced 20 cents to close at $59.50 trading 3,400 units. Ansa Merchant Bank dropped 48 cents in ending at $43.01, with 664 stock units clearing the market, Clico Investment Fund rallied 1 cent in closing at $29.50, with 47,771 units crossing the market, First Citizens Group dropped $5.66 to end at $60.25 in exchanging 1,634 stock units. FirstCaribbean International Bank shed 1 cent to $6.14, with 15 stocks changing hands, GraceKennedy fell 5 cents in closing at $6.20 with an exchange of 125,272 shares, Guardian Holdings finished at $30, with 21,435 units crossing the market. 
JMMB Group remained at $2.35 in trading 3,000 stocks, Massy Holdings climbed 13 cents in closing at $106.25 with the swapping of 19,517 shares, National Enterprises gained 9 cents to close at $3.60 in switching ownership of 28,510 stock units. NCB Financial Group rose 4 cents to $8.05 after trading 3,248 shares, Prestige Holdings lost 5 cents to end at $7 in an exchange of 500 stocks, Republic Financial Holdings shed $1.20 to $141.30 after an exchange of 40,344 units. Scotiabank ended unchanged at $70.50 with 280 stock units changing hands, Trinidad & Tobago NGL lost 95 cents in closing at $18.65 after exchanging 51,100 stocks, Unilever Caribbean fell 20 cents to close at a 52 weeks’ low $15.80 after trading 7,418 shares and West Indian Tobacco finished at $27.99 with the swapping of 611 units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Junior Market index jumps 114 points
The Jamaica Stock Exchange Junior Market sprang into action in early trading on Thursday, with the market index surging 114.24 points within 15 minutes of the opening to reach 3,616.99 points just 46 points from the all-time high of 3,662.94 at the close on August 14, 2019.
With 40 minutes of trading, the Junior Market index slipped back to 3,574.73 with newly listed Spur Tree trading at $2.57 and the JSE Main Market was marking time with the All Jamaican Composite Index at 436,547.28, up marginally from the 435,448.73 at the close on Wednesday.
The sharp move today is in conformity with ICInsider.com’s forecast that the Junior Market was in a highly bullish technical stance to break higher sooner than later on the way to more than 4,000 points.
TTSE composite index closes at record high
Market activity ended on Wednesday and resulted in slightly fewer stocks rising than falling at the close of trading, after 56 percent more shares were traded, with 41 percent higher value than on Tuesday at the close of the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange.
New record high for the TTSE Composite Index.
A total of 18 securities traded compared to 20 on Tuesday, with three rising, five declining and 10 remaining unchanged. The Composite Index popped 17.43 points to close at a record high of 1,526.65, the All T&T Index surged 33.72 points to 2,136.57 and the Cross-Listed Index ended unchanged at 122.50.
A total of 255,751 shares traded for $6,952,251 compared to 163,749 units at $4,916,412 on Tuesday. An average of 14,208 units traded at $386,236 compared to 8,187 at $245,821 on Tuesday, with trading month to date averaging 50,207 units at $296,887 versus 53,179 units at $289,510 on the prior trading day. The average trade for December amounts to 21,703 units at $306,768.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows two stocks ended with the bid higher than their last selling prices and one stock with a lower offer.
At the close, Agostini’s rose 50 cents to a 52 weeks’ high of $39.50 after exchanging 535 shares, Angostura Holdings ended at $19.99, with 2,855 stock units crossing the market, Ansa McAl shed 20 cents in closing at $59.30 after exchanging 1,313 stocks. Ansa Merchant Bank ended unchanged at $43.49 with the swapping of 1,115 units, Clico Investment Fund slipped 1 cent to end at $29.49 trading 12,279 stocks, First Citizens Group rallied $5.90 to $65.91 in an exchange of 492 units. 
GraceKennedy finished unchanged at $6.25, with 250 stock units clearing the market, Guardian Holdings dropped 33 cents to close at $30 while swapping 101,786 shares, JMMB Group finished unchanged at $2.35 after 3,200 stocks changed hands. Massy Holdings lost 12 cents to end at $106.12 in trading 16,179 shares, National Enterprises ended at $3.51 after an exchange of 6,750 stock units, NCB Financial Group remained at $8.01 after 65,394 units crossed the exchange. One Caribbean Media ended at $4.20 in switching ownership of 1,200 stock units, Republic Financial Holdings gained $1.25 in closing at $142.50 with an exchange of 217 units, Scotiabank finished trading of 1,500 shares at $70.50. Trinidad & Tobago NGL declined 40 cents to $19.60 in an exchange of 7,449 stocks, Unilever Caribbean remained at $16, with 16,237 stocks changing hands and West Indian Tobacco ended at $27.after trading 17,000 units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
TTSE market indices plunge
Rising stocks outpaced those declining on Tuesday but a big fall in the price of First Citizens Group push the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange into a big decline at the close of trading, after trading resulted in 29 percent more shares, changing hands with 66 percent higher value than Monday.
The market closed with 20 securities trading versus 21 on Monday, with nine rising, five declining and six ending unchanged. The Composite Index shed 12.12 points to 1,509.22, the All T&T Index lost 25.35 points to close at 2,102.85 and the Cross-Listed Index popped 0.29 points to settle at 122.50.
A total of 163,749 shares traded for $4,916,412 compared to 126,559 units at $2,961,338 on Monday. An average of 8,187 units traded at $245,821 compared to 6,027 at $142,771 on Monday. Trading month to date averaged 53,179 units at $289,510 against 57,724 units at $293,923 on the previous trading day. December ended with an average of 21,703 units at $306,768.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows five stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and none with a lower offer.
At the close, Agostini’s traded 151 shares at $39, Angostura Holdings gained $1.98 to end at $19.99 while exchanging 14 stocks, Ansa Merchant Bank fell 1 cent to close at $43.49 with an exchange of 200 stock units. Calypso Macro Investment Fund rallied 1 cent in closing at $16.66 after exchanging 1,451 units, Clico Investment Fund shed 50 cents in ending at $29.50 after an exchange of 74,705 shares, First Citizens Group dropped $4.99 to close at $60.01 after 1,500 stocks changed hands. FirstCaribbean International Bank remained at $6.15, with 1,654 units crossing the exchange, GraceKennedy advanced 5 cents to $6.25, after trading 655 stock units, Guardian Holdings increased 33 cents to end at $30.33 with 200 stocks crossing the market. 
JMMB Group climbed 5 cents to $2.35 trading 5,341 shares, Massy Holdings popped 24 cents to close at $106.24, with 17,320 units changing hands, National Enterprises declined 24 cents to $3.51 after an exchange of 1,300 stock units. National Flour Mills lost 3 cents in closing at $1.92 after 2,200 units switched owners, NCB Financial Group rose 1 cent to end at $8.01 in switching ownership of 3,400 stock units, Prestige Holdings finished the trading of 100 shares at $7.05. Scotiabank finished at $70.50 in trading 6,641 stocks, Trinidad & Tobago NGL ended unchanged at $20, with 50 shares clearing the market, Trinidad Cement popped 1 cent to $3.76 with an exchange of 45,312 stocks. Unilever Caribbean remained at $16, with 485 stock units crossing the exchange and West Indian Tobacco advanced 49 cents to $27.99 with the swapping of 1,070 units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
