Trading closed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Junior Market on Monday, with the volume of stocks traded declining 70 percent, after 56 percent less funds entered the market compared to Friday, as trading ended, with declining stocks leading rising ones by more than two to one ratio.
Market activity led to 38 securities trading versus 42 on Friday and ended with nine rising, 20 declining and nine closing unchanged.
At the close, the Junior Market Index shed 40.93 points to end at 4,222.21.
The PE Ratio, a measure of computing appropriate stock values, averages 13.2. The Junior Market PE ratios incorporate ICInsider.com projected earnings for companies with financial year end that falls between September this year and August 2023.
A total of 5,671,131 shares were traded for $26,380,670, down sharply from 18,614,187 units at $60,183,004 on the Friday. Trading averaged 149,240 shares at $694,228 versus 443,195 shares at $1,432,929 on Friday, with month to date, averaging 253,643 units at $935,963 compared to 285,898 units at $1,010,645 on the previous trading day. May closed with an average of 376,907 units at $1,638,631.
Elite Diagnostic led trading with 1.71 million shares for 30.1 percent of total volume traded, followed by Lumber Depot with 742,466 units for 13.1 percent of the day’s trade and Derrimon Trading with 606,031 units for 10.7 percent market share.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows four stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and two with lower offers.
At the close, AMG Packaging advanced 8 cents in closing at $3.59 while exchanging 14,805 shares, Caribbean Cream increased 6 cents to end at $4.75 in trading 20,448 stock units, Caribbean Flavours popped 10 cents to close at $1.98 after exchanging 41 units. Derrimon Trading dropped 15 cents to $2.65 with an exchange of 606,031 stocks, Dolphin Cove lost 34 cents in ending at $16.16 exchanging 48,474 units, EduFocal declined 8 cents in closing at $3, with 79,008 stock units clearing the market. Elite Diagnostic shed 10 cents to end at $3.30 after 1,707,057 shares changed hands, Express Catering fell 14 cents to $5.85 in switching ownership of 2,403 stocks, Fosrich dropped $3.80 to close at $26.20 trading 259,682 shares. Indies Pharma rallied 15 cents in ending at $3.15 after a mere 212 stock units crossed the market, Jamaican Teas shed 5 cents to end at $3.14 with an exchange of 21,751 stocks, JFP Limited declined 7 cents to close at $1.53 after trading 486,631 units. KLE Group dropped 7 cents to $1.99 with 172 stock units changing hands, Knutsford Express lost $1 in ending at $7.50 after exchanging 50,023 units, Lasco Manufacturing shed 5 cents in closing at $5.40 with the swapping of 26,902 stock units. 
Lumber Depot declined 5 cents in closing at $3.10, with 742,466 shares changing hands, Main Event dropped 40 cents in ending at $8.20 after exchanging 108,567 units and Medical Disposables lost 85 cents to end at $7, with 200,171 stocks changing hands.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
JSE USD market eases back
On Monday, the volume and value of shares traded on the Jamaica Stock Exchange US dollar market declined by 94 percent and 87 percent, respectively, resulting in an even number of stocks rising and falling.
A total of nine securities traded, compared to eight on Friday, with two rising, two declining and five ending unchanged.
The JSE US Denominated Equities Index slipped 0.16 points to end at 214.94.
The PE Ratio, a measure used in computing appropriate stock values, averages 8.9. The PE ratio uses ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending up to August 2023.
A total of 212,103 shares traded for US$11,513 down from 3,358,668 units at US$92,093 on Friday.
Trading averaged 23,567 units at US$1,279, compared to 419,834 shares at US$11,512 on Friday, with a month to date average of 124,804 shares at US$4,424 versus 161,249 units at US$5,556 on the previous day. May ended with an average of 47,916 units for US$3,528.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows three ended with bids higher than the last selling prices and none with a lower offer.
At the close, First Rock Capital USD share remained at 7.5 US cents with 15,710 shares crossing the exchange, Margaritaville ended at 15 US cents with the swapping of 33 stocks, 
Proven Investments ended unchanged at 26.5 US cents after the trading of 9,423 units. Sterling Investments shed 0.14 of a cent to end at 2 US cents in exchanging 606 stock units, Sygnus Credit Investments USD share rose 0.02 of a cent in closing at 11.1 US cents with 42,260 units changing hands, Sygnus Real Estate Finance USD share finished at 12 US cents in an exchange of 1,248 stock units and Transjamaican Highway ended at 0.9 of a US cent in trading 141,092 stocks.
In the preference segment, JMMB Group 5.75% lost 2 cents after ending at US$2.30 in exchanging one share and JMMB Group 6% gained 9 cents in closing at US$1.10 after trading 1,730 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
All Jamaica Stock Markets decline
Stocks fell in opening the new week in all three Jamaica Stock Exchange markets on Monday, leading to a fall of 1,609.16 points in the JSE Combined Index in closing at 400,957.74.
The All Jamaican Composite Index shed 1,166.89 points to 442,437.97, the JSE Main Index dipped 1,330.54 points to close at 388,227.31, the Junior Market dropped 40.93 points to 4,222.21 and the JSE USD market index sipped 0.15 points to 214.94.
Investors exchanged 20,567,883 shares in all markets, with the value of stocks traded in the Main and Junior Markets amounting to just $113.2 million and in the JSE USD market, US$11,513.
The market’s PE ratio ended at 24.1 based on 2021-22 earnings and 13 times those for 2022-23 at the close of trading.
Investors need a series of measures and pertinent information to successfully navigate the many investment choices in the local stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help with decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational investment decisions by investing in stocks that are 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 take emotions out of the investment decision and put in 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 ICInsider.com PE Ratio chart includes all ordinary shares listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. It shows companies grouped on an industry basis, allowing easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide 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 payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts that show the closing volume for the bids and offers.
The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2021 and 2022 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items. The PE Ratio is the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks.
Dolla shares could list on Friday
Trading in the shares of Dolla Financial that offered shares to the public in an initial stock offering that closed on the same day it was opened could be listed on Friday on the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, a source informed ICInsider.com.
Details of the allocation are expected to be released by the close of the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Monday, the source advised.
Some $10 billion is said to have chased after the 500 million shares at $1 each, as such investors will end up, on average, with approximately 5 percent of the amount applied for.
The issue that was very popular closed at 4.30 on Friday, May 27, having been heavily oversubscribed. The shares are expected to more than double, based on the earnings for the first quarter to March this year, with a profit before tax of $66 million, up from $17 million in 2021.
The company reported an audited profit of $129 million after taxation of $38 million for 2021, from revenues of $379 million and ended with shareholders’ equity of $315 billion.
$250 million of the funds raised in the offer, net of the cost of the IPO, will be used in the business to fund loan growth.
Main market stocks slipped on Friday
Market activity ended on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market on Friday, with the volume of stocks traded declining 58 percent with an 87 percent higher value than on Thursday as rising stocks just exceeded those falling.
The All Jamaican Composite Index shed 2,760.54 points to 443,604.86, the JSE Main Index lost 1,705.22 points to close at 389,557.86 and the JSE Financial Index dipped 0.55 points to settle at 91.98.
On Friday, 54 securities were traded, down from 57 on Thursday, with 22 rising, 21 declining and 11 unchanged.
The PE Ratio, a formula to compute appropriate stock values, averages 15.1. for the Main Market. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios are computed based on ICInsider.com’s forecasted earnings for companies with financial years ending up to the close of August 2023.
Overall, 7,435,594 shares traded for $128,125,542 versus 17,737,465 units at $68,560,146 on Thursday. Trading averages 137,696 units at $2,372,695, compared to 311,184 shares at $1,202,810 on Thursday and month to date, an average of 267,179 units at $1,856,762, compared to 332,525 units at $1,596,385 on the previous trading day. May closed with an average of 238,645 units at $3,561,016.
Transjamaican Highway led trading with 1.63 million shares for 21.9 percent of total volume, followed by Supreme Ventures with 1.41 million units for 18.9 percent of the day’s trade and JMMB Group with 1.12 million units for 15 percent market share.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows eight stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and five with lower offers.
At the close, Barita Investments popped 49 cents in closing at $88.50 in trading 9,074 shares, Berger Paints advanced 30 cents to end at $11.30, with 423 stocks crossing the exchange, Caribbean Cement dropped $1.50 to close at $65.50 as 7,350 stock units changed hands. GraceKennedy rallied 50 cents to $109.50 in switching ownership of 93,121 units, Guardian Holdings shed $1 in ending at $534 with an exchange of 2,608 shares, Jamaica Producers gained 30 cents to $22.80 after 7,565 units crossed the market. JMMB Group declined 99 cents to close at $44 with 1,116,258 stock units clearing the market, Kingston Wharves lost 62 cents in ending at $38.98 after trading 301 stocks, NCB Financial fell $3.88 in closing at $101.02 in exchanging 51,678 stocks. PanJam Investment climbed $1.50 to end at $67.50 while exchanging 801 stock units, Proven Investments increased 51 cents to end at $38.50 after exchanging 44,633 shares, Sagicor Group dropped 75 cents to $54.25, with 47,796 units changing hands. Scotia Group rose $1.40 to close at $37, with 91,201 units crossing the market, Seprod declined 87 cents to $71 in an exchange of 2,846 shares and Supreme Ventures rallied 50 cents in closing at $30.50 with the swapping of 1,406,282 stocks.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.25% preference share gained $1.99 in ending at $22 after exchanging 200 stock units, Eppley 7.50% preference share climbed 72 cents in closing at $7.23 in trading just two shares, JMMB Group 7.25% preference share lost 42 cents to close at $2.79 in trading 1,078 units and 138 Student Living s preference share advanced $1.66 to end at $18.16, with 53 stock units crossing the market.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Sharp jump in JSE USD trading
Trading jumped sharply on the Jamaica Stock Exchange US dollar market on Friday, with the volume of stocks traded jumping 675 percent and the value 175 percent more than on Thursday which resulted in more stocks falling than rising.
A total of eight securities traded, down from 10 on Thursday with one rising, three declining and four ending unchanged. The JSE US Denominated Equities Index slipped 0.04 points to end at 215.10.
The PE Ratio, a measure used to compute appropriate stock values, averages 8.9. The PE ratio uses ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending, up to August 2023.
Overall, 3,358,668 shares traded for US$92,093, up from 433,478 units at US$33,431 on Thursday.
Trading averaged 419,834 units at US$11,512, up from 43,348 shares at US$3,343 on Thursday, with month to date average of 161,249 shares at US$5,556 versus 39,563 units at US$2,754 on the previous day. May ended with an average of 47,916 units for US$3,528.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows three ended with a bid higher than the last selling prices and one with a lower offer.
At the close, First Rock Capital USD share dropped 0.35 of a cent to close at 7.5 US cents after exchanging 2,011 shares, Margaritaville ended at 15 US cents, with 5 stocks crossing the market, Productive Business Solutions finished at US$1.15 after exchanging one stock unit. Proven Investments advanced 0.5 of a cent to 26.5 US cents in trading 221,280 units, Sygnus Credit Investments USD share fell 0.02 of a cent in closing at 11.08 US cents while exchanging 52,041 shares and Transjamaican Highway ended unchanged at 0.90 of one US cents after 3,082,665 stock units changed hands.
In the preference segment, JMMB Group 5.75% remained at US$2.32 trading one and JMMB Group 6% declined 9 cents in closing at US$1.01 with the swapping of 664 stocks.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Twice as many Junior stocks fell but index rise
Trading activity rose sharply on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Junior Market on Friday, with the volume of stocks traded increasing 168 percent and the value climbing 93 percent higher than Thursday, but declining stocks beat out rising stocks by more than two to one.
A total of 42 securities traded similar to Thursday and ended with ten rising, 23 declining and nine closing unchanged.
At the close, the Junior Market Index rose 36.48 points to settle at 4,263.14.
The PE Ratio, a measure of computing appropriate stock values, averages 13.4. The PE ratios of Junior Market stocks incorporate ICInsider.com projected earnings for companies with financial year end that falls between September this year and August 2023.
Overall, 18,614,187 shares traded for $60,183,004 versus 6,943,963 units at $31,114,240 on Thursday. Trading averaged 443,195 shares at $1,432,929 in contrast to 165,332 shares at $740,815 on Thursday with month to date, averaging 285,898 units at $1,010,645 compared to 204,336 units at $791,683 on the previous trading day. May closed with an average of 376,907 units at $1,638,631.
Jamaican Teas led trading with 15.47 million shares for 83.1 percent of total volume, followed by JFP Limited with 368,755 units for 2 percent of the day’s trade and Elite Diagnostic, 342,875 units for 1.8 percent market share.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows one stock ended with a bid higher than the last selling price and three with lower offers.
At the close, Access Financial shed 5 cents in closing at $21.80 after 21 shares were exchanged, AMG Packaging dropped 16 cents in ending at $3.51, with 6,643 units crossing the market, Blue Power gained 10 cents to close at $3.80 with the swapping of 667 stocks. CAC 2000 declined 39 cents to $7, with 5,000 stock units crossing the market, Caribbean Assurance Brokers fell 5 cents to end at $2.39 in an exchange of 61,885 shares, Caribbean Flavours lost 7 cents to close at $1.88, with an exchange of 109,959 stock units. Dolphin Cove shed 50 cents in closing at $16.50 after exchanging 121,049 stocks, Express Catering advanced 38 cents in ending at $5.99 with 1,500 units changing hands, Fontana fell 5 cents to end at $9.80 after exchanging 144,487 stocks. Fosrich lost 95 cents to close at $30, with 47,684 stock units clearing the market, Future Energy Source declined 18 cents to $6.05 in exchanging 241,603 shares, Honey Bun increased 70 cents in closing at $8.96 after trading 6,129 units. Indies Pharma dropped 15 cents to $3, with 36,801 stocks changing hands, Jamaican Teas shed 6 cents to close at $3.19, trading 15,472,600 units, Jetcon Corporation dropped 13 cents to end at $1.32, trading 24,007 stock units. 
Lasco Distributors popped 5 cents to $3.49 while exchanging 55,788 shares, Lasco Financial declined 8 cents in closing at $3.50 in switching ownership of 6,443 shares, Medical Disposables rallied 40 cents in ending at $7.85 after 24,822 stock units crossed the exchange. Paramount Trading lost 14 cents to end at $1.76, with 2,750 stocks clearing the market, Spur Tree Spices fell 5 cents to close at $3.90 after an exchange of 52,606 units, Stationery and Office Supplies climbed 22 cents to close at $12.30 in trading 3,047 shares and tTech fell 20 cents to $3.60 after exchanging 2,206 units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Junior stocks up blue chips down
Junior Market stocks extended the recovery from the selloff that started on the 12th of May and ended early last week as investors raised funds to invest in the Dolla IPO. The market put on 36.48 points on Friday to close at 4,263.14. The Jamaica Stock Exchange Main indices declined and that of the USD market just slipped marginally. At the close, the JSE Combined Index dipped 1,272.50 points to close at 402,566.90.
The All Jamaican Composite Index shed 2,760.54 points to 443,604.86, the JSE Main Index dropped 1,705.22 points to close at 389,557.86 and the JSE USD market index sipped 0.03 points to 215.10. Investors exchanged 29,408,449 shares in all markets, with the value of stocks traded in the Main and Junior Markets amounting to $188.3 million and the JSE USD market, US$92,093.
The market’s PE ratio ended at 24.5 based on 2021-22 earnings and 13.1 times those for 2022-23 at the close of trading.
Investors need a series of measures and pertinent information to successfully navigate the many investment choices in the local stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help with decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational investment decisions by investing in stocks that are 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 take emotions out of the investment decision and put in 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 ICInsider.com PE Ratio chart covers all ordinary shares listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. It shows companies grouped on an industry basis, allowing easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide 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 payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts that show the closing volume for the bids and offers.
The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2021 and 2022 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items. The PE Ratio is the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks.
Gains for JSE USD market
Trading closed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange US dollar market on Thursday, with the volume of stocks traded climbing 81 percent and the value 150 percent more than on Wednesday, resulting in more stocks rising than falling.
A total of 10 securities traded, compared to seven on Wednesday, with three rising, one declining and six ending unchanged. The JSE US Denominated Equities Index rose 1.88 points to end at 215.14.
Overall, 433,478 shares were traded for US$33,431, up from 239,089 units at US$13,384 on Wednesday. Trading averaged 43,348 units at US$3,343, compared to 34,156 shares at US$1,912 on Wednesday, with a month to date average of 39,563 shares at US$2,754. May ended with an average of 47,916 units for US$3,528.
The PE Ratio, a measure used in computing appropriate stock values, averages 9. The PE ratio uses ICInsider.com earnings forecast for companies with financial year ending up to August 2023.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows three ended with bids higher than the last selling prices and none with a lower offer.
At the close, First Rock Capital USD share finished at 7.85 US cents, with 36 shares clearing the market, Margaritaville ended unchanged at 15 US cents after trading 90 stocks, Productive Business Solutions climbed 15 cents to end at US$1.15 after exchanging one unit. 
Proven Investments remained at 26 US cents with 32,878 stock units changing hands, Sygnus Credit Investments USD share shed 0.9 of a cent to close at 11.1 US cents after exchanging 163,354 units, Sygnus Real Estate Finance USD share finished at 12 US cents, with 880 stock units crossing the market and Transjamaican Highway ended unchanged at 0.9 of one US cent in trading 232,023 shares.
In the preference segment, Equityline Mortgage Investment preference share remained at US$1.70 trading one stock unit, JMMB Group 5.75% advanced 29 cents to end at US$2.32 with an exchange of 213 shares and JMMB Group 6% gained 8.77 cents after ending at US$1.10, with 4,002 stock units crossing the market.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Decline for JSE Main Market
Market activity ended on Thursday, with the volume of stocks traded declining modestly, but with 33 percent lower value than on Wednesday on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market as rising stocks just edged out those falling.
The All Jamaican Composite Index declined 2,414.76 points to settle at 446,365.40, the JSE Main Index dipped 1,933.62 points to close at 391,263.08 and the JSE Financial Index shed 0.78 points to settle at 92.53.
Trading ended with 57 securities compared to 50 on Wednesday, with 23 rising, 22 declining and 12 ending unchanged.
The PE Ratio, a formula for computing stock values, averages 15.1. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios are calculated based on ICInsider.com’s forecasted earnings for companies with financial years, ending up to the close of August 2023.
Overall, 17,737,465 shares were exchanged for $68,560,146 versus 17,842,696 units at $102,253,017 on Wednesday. Trading averages 311,184 units at $1,202,810, compared to 356,854 shares at $2,045,060 on Wednesday and month to date, an average of 332,525 units at $1,596,385. May closed with an average of 238,645 units at $3,561,016.
Transjamaican Highway led trading with 3.24 million shares for 18.3 percent of total volume, followed by Wigton Windfarm with 2.73 million units for 15.4 percent of the day’s trade, Ciboney Group ended with 2.37 million units for 13.4 percent market share, Sagicor Select Financial Fund closed with 2.36 million units trading for 13.3 percent market share. Sagicor Select Manufacturing & Distribution Fund ended with 1.79 million units for 10.1 percent market share and JMMB Group 7.25% preference share due 2024, 1.21 million units for 6.8 percent market share.
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, Barita Investments rallied 91 cents to $88.01 in switching ownership of 12,725 shares, Berger Paints lost $1 to close at $11 in exchanging at 12,985 units, Caribbean Cement fell $2.70 to $67 after 32,147 stocks crossed the exchange. Carreras climbed 30 cents to end at $9.95 after exchanging 273,510 stock units, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund increased $2 in closing at $47 in exchanging 7,404 units, First Rock Capital shed 43 cents in closing at $12, with 11,738 stock units changing hands. GraceKennedy advanced $1.40 to $109 in trading 39,512 shares, Jamaica Producers declined 30 cents to close at $22.50 after 369 stocks crossed the market, Jamaica Stock Exchange gained $1.60 to end at $19.30 trading 5,211 stock units. Mayberry Jamaican Equities rose 52 cents to $15, with 160,500 stocks crossing the market, MPC Caribbean Clean Energy popped $9.95 to $105 while exchanging 411 shares, Palace Amusement rallied $90 in closing at $990 and exchanging ten units. PanJam Investment dropped $1.50 in ending at $66, with 5,666 shares clearing the market, Portland JSX fell 45 cents to end at $10.25 with the swapping of 5,000 stock units, Scotia Group lost $1.20 to close at $35.60 with an exchange of 16,198 stocks. 
Seprod climbed $1.37 to end at $71.87, trading 11,616 units, Sygnus Credit Investments advanced 99 cents to close at $14.99 in an exchange of 97,609 stock units and Victoria Mutual Investments gained 37 cents in closing at $5.89 as 28,299 stocks changed hands.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.50% preference share declined $1.93 to $6.51 while exchanging 421,550 units, JMMB Group 7.25% preference share popped 42 cents to $3.21, with 10 shares changing hands and Productive Business Solutions 9.75% preference share increased $2.75 to end at $109.75 in exchanging 404 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
