IronRock Insurance reports vastly improved results for the second quarter and the six months period to June from rising revenues and stable administrative cost.
A loss of $4 million was incurred for the June quarter and $8.6 million for the half year compared to a loss of $19 million and $46 million in June quarter and half year in 2017 respectively.
The vastly improved bottom-line flowed from gross written premium for the half year rising 63 percent to $282 million, from $173 million in 2017 and net earned premium increasing 248 percent to $80 million, up from: $23 million in 2017. For the second quarter premium rose at a slower pace of 14 percent to $127 million and net premium income moved 213 percent from $13 million to $42 million.
Operating expenses rose to $74 million from $65 million in 2017 and moved from $33 million to $36 million in the June quarter. Insurance damages claimed $38 million for the half year, up from $21 million in 2017 and increased claims from $9 million in the June 2017 quarter to $21 million in 2018, leading to reduced underwriting loss of $30 million versus $61 million in the corresponding in 2017. Other income for the period rose to $22 million from $14 million for the 2017 period and for the June quarter, moved from $8 million to $11 million. Shareholders’ equity inched up from $512 million to $514 million helped by unrealised gains of $10 million in the equity portfolio. Total assets stood at $988 million and comprise cash and investments of $602 million, while liabilities include $360 million for claims provision.
The stock last traded at $3.10 and could enjoy some gains going forward as company extend the improvement in both the top and bottom-lines.
Iron Rock improvement continues
JSE in sharp fall on Monday
The main market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange dropped sharply on Monday falling more than 3,350 points, as the market pulled back sharply from the recent record high, but advance decline ratio was even.
Trading in the main market ended with 4,603,500 units valued $97,930,099 compared to 2,441,530 units valued $54,632,965 on Friday.
At the close, the All Jamaican Composite Index dived 3,687.52 points to close at 335,467.60 and the JSE Index declined by 3,359.74 to 305,648.85.
Market activities resulted in 29 securities trading including 1 in the US dollar market compared to 26 securities trading on Friday. At the end of trading, the prices of 12 stocks advanced, 12 declined and 5 closed unchanged and JMMB Group traded at an intraday all-time high of $31 but fell back to $30.02 at the close.
The day’s volume was led by, Carreras for the second in a row with 28.13 percent of trading in an exchange of 1,294,964 shares, followed by Scotia Group with 775,144 shares and 16.84 percent of the day’s volume and Ciboney Group with 707,000 units, accounting for 15.36 percent of the day’s volume.
Stocks with major price changes are, Carreras lost 50 cents to finish at $9, Grace Kennedy dropped 99 cents to $52.01, with 21,707 stock units trading, Kingston Wharves rose 35 cents and ended at $50.35, trading 2,100 shares, NCB Financial jumped $2 to $97 trading 63,512 units. Portland JSX fell $1 to $8, in trading 900 units, Sagicor Real Estate Fund dropped 45 cents and closed at $14.05, exchanging 20,468 shares and Sygnus Credit Investments declined 50 cents to $12.50 trading 153,800 units.
Trading in the US dollar market closed with 45,000 units valued at US$7,426 as Proven Investments was the only stock trading with the price rising 1.04 cents to 16.05 US cents. The JSE USD Equities Index rose 5.86 points up to 146.90.
Trading resulted in an average of 164,411 units valued at an average of $3,497,504 for each security traded. In contrast to 90,427 units for an average of $2,023,443 on Friday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts 148,084 units valued at $2,927,889 compared to 146,947 units valued at $2,885,584 on Friday. June closed with an average of 250,168 shares with a value of $5,895,281, for each security traded.
IC bid-offer Indicator| At the end of trading, the Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 9 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and 3 closing with lower offers.
Stocks to Watch this week
The main market pulled back on but blasted to a new intraday high on Friday confirming that the bull run is in its early stages, while the Junior Market continues to bounce around.
The main market has gained nearly 3,600 points for July, thus mirroring the start of the usual summer rally on the Jamaica Stock Exchange.
The main market is being steered higher by an upward sloping support line as well the 45 and 125 day moving averages, lending support just below the index and the Junior Market is being steered by an upward rising long term support line and the start of a golden cross.
The market saw many developments that confirm that a bull market is in place with all three initial public offers closing ahead of the scheduled close.
The past week saw a few strong results being posted and more are expected this week that should include NCB Financial and Proven Investments. Barita Investments got the offer to buy 75% of the shares at $9.20 each. IC Insider.com is of the view that the stock is worth much more with good prospects to build on the strong foundation that it has. Jamaican Stock Exchange released strong gains in profit and announced a dividend as well, and could benefit from both, with eyes focused on even greater improvement in 2019. Caribbean Cement stock is another to watch, with the annual general meeting on this week and results for the June quarter due. Margaritaville had a bid of 16.9 cents versus a last sale of 15 cents and is being offered at 18 cents to sell 43,795 units, Proven Investments had a bid of 16 cents 
versus a last sale of 15 cents and is being offered at 18.5 cents to sell 1,050 units.
Medical Disposables came in for strong demand in the past week with the price going as high as $5.50. Trading during the week removed supplies that was overhanging the market leaving little supply at the end of the week and could go higher in the coming week. Caribbean Cream after posting a 59 percent increase in profit for the 2019 first quarter saw no more continuation of the demand that lifted the price into the $6 region but could well make some increased interest this week.
JSE retreats from Friday’s record high
The main market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange surged to new record high during trading in the morning sessions hitting a high of 340, 893.72 points on the all Jamaica Index while the JSE index rose to a record high of 310,624.04 but the market pulled back to close just below the record closing high reached on Thursday last week.
Trading in the main market ended with 2,441,530 units valued $54,632,965 compared to 2,808,119 units valued $38,691,449 on Thursday.
At the close, the All Jamaican Composite Index advanced by 878.93 points to 339,155.12, sitting just 692.75 points below the record close on last week Thursday and the JSE Index climbed 800.80 points to 309,008.59, just 631.20 points away from the record close reached last week.
Market activities resulted in 27 securities trading in the main market, compared to 26 securities trading on Thursday in the main and US dollar markets. At the end of trading, the prices of 7 stocks advanced, 10 declined and 10 closed unchanged.
The day’s volume was led by, Carreras with 25.27 percent of trading in an exchange of 616,888 shares, followed by Ciboney Group with 548,381 units, accounting for 22.46 percent of the day’s volume and NCB Financial Group with 276,402 shares and 11.32 percent of the day’s volume.
Stocks with major price changes are, Berger Paints fell 74 cents to $18.76 with 16,154 trading, Caribbean Cement gained $2 to finish at $42, exchanging 5,050 shares, Jamaica Broilers dropped $1.08 to $25.42, with 65,410 stock units trading, Kingston Wharves fell 85 cents and ended at $50, trading 14,127 shares, NCB Financial dropped $2.99 to $95 trading 276,402 units. Pulse Investments fell 40 cents and settled at $3, in trading 29,611 units,
Sagicor Real Estate Fund rose 40 cents and closed at $14.50, exchanging 5,200 shares and Scotia Group declined 90 cents to $50.10, with 248,215 units.
Trading resulted in an average of 90,427 units valued at an average of $2,023,443 for each security traded. In contrast to 122,092 units for an average of $1,682,237 on Thursday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts 146,947 units valued at $2,885,584 compared to 151,016 units valued at $2,952,092 on Thursday. June closed with an average of 250,168 shares with a value of $5,895,281, for each security traded.
IC bid-offer Indicator| At the end of trading, the Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 6 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and 3 closing with lower offers.
JSE jumped on Thursday
The main market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange recovered the losses of the previous two days and added more to the indices in the process on Thursday as trading remains subdued with less than half the value traded on Wednesday.
Trading in the main market ended with 2,808,119 units valued $38,691,449 compared to 2,665,607 units valued $71,318,160 on Wednesday.
At the close, the All Jamaican Composite Index jumped 1,768.07 points to 338,276.19. and the JSE Index climbed 1,610.91 points to 308,207.79.
Activities in the main market and US dollar market resulted in 24 securities trading including 2 from the US dollar market, compared to 26 securities trading on Wednesday. At the end of trading, the prices of 8 stocks advanced, 9 declined and 7 closed unchanged.
The day’s volume was led by, JMMB Group with 25.3 percent of trading in an exchange of 711,490 shares, followed by Ciboney Group with 687,852 units accounting for 24.5 percent of the day’s volume and JMMB Group 7.5% preference share with 500,000 shares or just under 18 percent.
Stocks with major price changes are, Caribbean Cement gained 99 cents to finish at $40, exchanging 66,139 shares, Jamaica Broilers jumped $2.54 to $26.50, with 50,891 stock units trading, JMMB Group gained 44 cents and ended at $30, trading 711,490 shares, Jamaica Producers shed 50 cents to $17 trading 30,582 units. Mayberry Investments fell 49 cents and settled at $6.50, with 53,128 units, Proven Investments lost 50 cents trading 750 shares in the Jamaican market to close at $26.50, Sagicor Real Estate Fund lost 90 cents and closed at $14.10, exchanging 10,100 shares, Pulse Investments rose 45 cents trading 98,245 shares to close at $3.40, Scotia Group rose 50 cents to $51, with 1,830 units.
Trading resulted in an average of 122,092 units valued at over $1,682,237, in contrast to 111,067 shares valued at $2,971,590 on Wednesday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts 151,016 units valued at $2,952,092 compared to 152,906 units valued at $3,041,409 on Wednesday. June closed with an average of 250,168 shares with a value of $5,895,281, for each security traded.
Trading in the US dollar market closed with 10,150 units valued at $1,252. Sygnus Credit was the only stock trading in the US market, the price rose 1.47 cents to 12.48 US cents. The JSE USD Equities Index rose 1.39 points up to 141.04.
IC bid-offer Indicator| At the end of trading, the Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 5 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and 3 closing with lower offers.
JSE falls again on Wednesday
The main market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange suffered more declines on Wednesday, following losses on Tuesday and the All Jamaican Composite Index lost 724.91 points to close at 336,508.12 and the JSE Index declined 660.48 points to 306,596.88.
Trading in the main market ended with 2,665,607 units valued $71,318,160 compared to 2,832,561 units valued at over $81,949,830 on Tuesday.
Activities in the main market and US dollar market resulted in 26 securities trading including 2 from the US dollar market, compared to 30 securities trading on Tuesday. At the end of trading, the prices of 10 stocks advanced, 12 declined and 4 closed unchanged.
The day’s volume was led by, Caribbean Cement led with 37.64 percent of trading in an exchange of 1,003,349 shares, followed by Barita Investments with 500,653 units and Sagicor Group with 461,652 shares.
Stocks with major price changes are, Berger Paints lost $1.50 to close at $19.50 trading just 1,637 shares, Caribbean Cement lost $2.14 and finished at $39.01, exchanging 1,003,349 shares, Grace Kennedy rose $1.48 to $53, trading 1,000 shares, Jamaica Producers added 50 cents to $17.50 trading 116,704 units. Kingston Wharves dropped $3.12 and closed at $50.85 with 350 stock units, NCB Financial Grouprose $1.75 to $98, trading 14,980 shares, Pulse Investments rose 65 cents trading 25,000 shares to close at $2.95, Sterling Investments fell 51 cents to $10.50 with the trading of 2,700 units.
Trading resulted in an average of 111,067 units valued at an average of $2,971,590 for each security traded. 
In contrast to 108,945 units for an average of $3,151,917 on Tuesday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts 152,906 units valued at $3,041,409 compared to 155,968 units valued at $3,046,939 on Tuesday. June closed with an average of 250,168 shares with a value of $5,895,281, for each security traded.
Trading in the US dollar market closed with 62,614 units valued at $7,800 as Proven Investments rose marginally to close at 15.01 US cents trading 22,614 shares and Sygnus Credit traded 40,000 units and inched up to 11.01 US cents. The JSE USD Equities Index rose 0.09 points up to 139.65.
IC bid-offer Indicator| At the end of trading, the Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 4 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and 4 closing with lower offers.
Volume up prices down on JSE on Tuesday
Trading picked up on the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Tuesday, compared to the very modest level on Monday. Trading ended with an exchange of 2,832,561 units valued at over $81,949,830 compared to a mere 1,455,806 units valued just $24,016,207 on Monday.
The pickup in trading did not result in the continuation of a rise in the indices that occurred on Monday and the All Jamaican Composite Index lost 865.50 points to close at 337,233.03 and the JSE Index declined 788.57 points to 307,257.36.
Activities in the main market and US dollar market resulted in 30 securities trading including 4 from the US dollar market, compared to 28 securities trading on Monday. At the end of trading, the prices of 7 stocks advanced, 14 declined and 9 closed unchanged.
The day’s volume was led by, Sagicor Group with 758,030 shares, settling at $38.75 followed by Wisynco Group trading 584,757 units and finished at $9.35.
Stocks with major price changes are, Caribbean Cement lost $1.35 and finished at $41.15, exchanging 933 shares, Grace Kennedy dropped $1.48 and ended at $51.52, trading 40,825 shares, Jamaica Broilers lost 55 cents to $23.95 trading 101,933 units. Kingston Wharves jumped $1.97 finished at a 52 weeks’ high of $53.97 with 9,631 stock units, NCB Financial Grouprose 25 cents to $96.25, trading 251,351 shares, PanJam Investment dropped $1.50 and closed at $53, as 14,820 stock units traded. Pulse Investments lost 70 cents as 27,498 shares traded down to $2.30, Sagicor Group fell $1.25 to $38.75 with the trading of 758,030 units, Sagicor Real Estate Fund jumped $1.05 and settled at $15.10, exchanging 8,443 shares, Seprod lost 49 cents to $34.01 in trading 3,092 units and Supreme Ventures lost 95 cents and ended at $15.05, as 134,214 shares traded and Sygnus Credit traded 6,998 units and rose 45 cents to close at $13.20.
Trading resulted in an average of 108,945 units valued at over $3,151,917, in contrast to 60,659 shares valued at $1,000,675 on Monday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts 155,968 units valued at $3,046,939 compared to 160,016 units valued at $3,037,085 on Monday. 
June closed with an average of 250,168 shares with a value of $5,895,281, for each security traded.
Trading in the US dollar market closed with 207,453 units valued at $17,742 as JMMB Group 5.75% preference share completed trading at $1.03 with 20,000 stock units, Sterling Investments lost 0.5 cents and finished at a 52 weeks’ low of 8.5 US cents with 190,000 shares changing hands, Proven Investments closed at 15 US cents trading 346 shares, an attempted trade at 9 cents was cancelled as it would have exceeded 30 percent move in a day and Sygnus Credit traded 14,000 units at 11 US cents. The JSE USD Equities Index dropped 9.82 points up to 139.56.
IC bid-offer Indicator| At the end of trading, the Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 5 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and 5 closing with lower offers.
Good gains for JSE indices on Monday
After falling sharply on Friday the Jamaica Stock Exchange climbed on Monday, when the All Jamaican Composite Index rose 1,436.28 points to close at 338,098.53 and the JSE Index rising 1,308.61 points to 308,045.93 as trading levels was miniscule.
Activities in the main market and US dollar market resulted in 28 securities trading including 4 from the US dollar market, compared to 30 securities trading on Friday. At the end of trading, the prices of 9 stocks advanced, 11 declined and 8 closed unchanged from an exchange of 1,455,806 units valued just $24,016,207, compared to 6,932,808 units valued $147,102,076 on Friday.
The day’s volume was led by, Victoria Mutual Investments with 435,070 shares amounting to 29.9 percent of the volume traded followed by Supreme Ventures with 195,697 units or 13.44 percent of the day’s volume.
Stocks with major price changes 
are, Caribbean Cement rose $1.50 and finished at $42.50, with 80,467 shares, Grace Kennedy climbed $1.25 and ended at $53, trading 11,209 shares. Kingston Wharves jumped $2 finished at $52 with 15,755 stock units, NCB Financial Grouprose $1.50 to $96, with 30,760 shares, PanJam Investment dropped 50 cents and closed at $54.50, as 5,784 stock units traded. Portland JSX lost 90 cents as 8,000 shares traded at $9, Sagicor Group rose 86 cents to $40 with the trading of 119,751 units, Seprod lost $1 to $34.50 in trading 2,851 units and Supreme Ventures ended at $16, with 195,697 shares and rose $1.
Trading resulted in an average of 60,659 units valued $1,000,675, in contrast to 266,646 shares valued at $5,657,772on Friday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts 160,016 units valued at $3,037,085 compared to 168,594 units valued at $3,230,262 on Friday. June closed with an average of 250,168 shares with a value of $5,895,281, for each security traded.
Trading in the US dollar market continue to be modest and closed with 40,390 units valued at US$23,566. JMMB Group 6% preference share completed trading at $1.03 with 20,000 stock units, Margaritaville gained 1.5 cents and finished at 16.8 US cents with 20,000 shares changing hands, Proven Investments lost 3 cents and closed at a 52 weeks’ low of 15 US cents trading 11,940 shares and Sygnus Credit traded 7,500 units and lost 1 cent to end at 11 US cents. The JSE USD Equities Index dropped 2.67 points up to 149.38.
IC bid-offer Indicator| At the end of trading, the Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 4 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and 2 closing with lower offers.
Stocks to Watch this week
Caribbean Cream’s Kremi product
There are clear signs that the usual summer rally has started on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, with the main market hitting new highs on all five trading days during the past week, and ending at record closing highs on all, except on Friday.
The main market entered record territory, minutes after opening on Friday with the All Jamaican Composite Index climbing 1,082.40 points to an intraday record of 340,315.50 and the JSE Index rising 986.19 points to a record 310,065.85. The market is being steered higher by an upward sloping support line as well the 45 and 125 day moving averages, lending support just below the index for the main market and the Junior Market is being steered by an upward rising long term support line.
The market saw many developments that confirm that a bull market is in place. Mayberry Jamaican Equities initial public offer, opened and closed on Monday, having been oversubscribed and Indies Pharma public offer opened on Thursday and closed on Friday but Stanley Motta remains opened after more than a week since the offer opened.
Elsewhere in the secondary market, Jamaica Broilers traded briefly at a record high of $33, others trading at 52 weeks’ high in the main market are Kingston Wharves trading at $52.03, PanJam Investment at $58.99 and Pulse Investments trading up to $3.50, but 138 Student Living, having fallen to a 52 weeks’ low of $4.40 the previous week fell even lower in this past week to $3.85,
Former TOP 10 Junior Market listing, Derrimon Trading ordinary share, hit at an all-time high of $23 during the week. Current TOP 10 listing, CAC2000 hit a new record high of $10 as well as C2W Music climbed to $1.60, while recently listed Everything Fresh traded at an all-time low of $1.95 since listing in June. US dollar market listings, Margaritaville and Proven Investments both traded at a 52 weeks’ lows during the week as investors seem to lose interest in the US dollar listed shares.
The main market is exhibiting strong bullish signals while the Junior Market seems more subdued apparently waiting on the release of results.
Stationery & Office Supplies new book making operation.
Against this back drop there could be some interesting developments in in the market in the coming days. Based on demand and supply of stocks and trading activities last week the stocks worth watching this week include, Caribbean Cream that jumped sharply on Friday after the company reported improve first quarter results, NCB Financial pulled back in the past week but may be constrained by the $100 mark until the group reports third quarter results by month end. PanJam Investment could move higher again, as there continues to be buying but there is very limited supply of the stock on offer. Radio Jamaica that came for increased buying recently seems to be seeing supplies coming to market at $1.20 or higher and could get more attention as the weeks roll on. Others worth watching include Caribbean Cement, Berger Paints with little selling, Grace Kennedy for which there is also limited supply. In the Junior market, some demand exists for Derrimon Trading, with a resolution to be voted on at the upcoming AGM to split each share into 10 units, but the price may be stuck around the $20-23 range with the PE more than 20 times 2018 earnings compared to the market average of 11.4. Stationery and Office Supplies continues to trade around the $8 mark, with limited supply on offer, the stock is worth watching but may require second quarter results to kick the price to another level. With the directors stating that they have discussed the possibility of a stock split in the past, the stock can be expected to be one to see a split probably by the next AGM, investors should be stock piling this one with the price being undervalued. Jamaican Teas pulled back in the past week from $5.50 to $5 this week, but with limited stocks being offered for sale, is worth watching. Wisynco seems to have found support just above $9 and is one to watch over the next few weeks as the release of full year result nears, the Jamaican Stock Exchange is another to be watched along with JMMB Group and Seprod.
JSE Majors retreat from Friday’s record
The Jamaica Stock Exchange climbed to the fifth straight record high, reached seconds after opening on Friday, when the All Jamaican Composite Index rose 1,082.40 points to 340,315.50 with the JSE Index rising 986.19 points to 310,065.85 but lost the gains by the close.
At the end of trading, the All Jamaican Composite Index dropped 2,570.85 points to 336,662.25 and the JSE Index dived 2,342.34 points to 306,737.32.
Activities in the main market and US dollar market resulted in 30 securities trading including 4 from the US dollar market, compared to 28 securities trading on Thursday. At the end of trading, the prices of 10 stocks advanced, 14 declined and 6 closed unchanged from an exchange of 6,932,808 units valued $147,102,076 compared to 889,746 units valued at $37,006,553 on Thursday.
The day’s volume was led by, Jamaica Broilers with 2,084,581 units amounting to 30 percent of the volume traded, followed by Sagicor Group with 1,331,080 units accounting for 19 percent of the day’s volume of and Jamaica Stock Exchange with 1,083,267 units for 15.6 percent of the day’s volume.
Stocks with major price changes are, Caribbean Cement lost $2 and finished at $41, with 20,107 shares, JMMB Group declined 49 cents and ended at $29.50, with 56,845 shares. Kingston Wharves dropped $2 finished at $50 with 124,720 stock units, NCB Financial Groupshed $1.50 to $94.50, with 65,326 shares, PanJam Investment dropped $3.99 and closed at $55, with 24,570 stock units trading. Scotia Group traded at $50.90, and lost 40 cents with 153,731 units, Sterling Investments rose $1.01 and closed at $11.01, with 66,652 shares and Supreme Ventures ended at $15, with 31,100 shares but fell 50 cents.
Trading resulted in an average of 266,646 units valued at an average of $5,657,772 for each security traded. In contrast to 34,221 units for an average of $1,423,329 on Thursday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts 168,594 units valued at $3,230,262 compared to 158,477 units valued at $2,952,222 on Thursday. June closed with an average of 250,168 shares with a value of $5,895,281, for each security traded.
Trading in the US dollar market continue to be modest and closed with just 21,634 units valued at US$2,833, as Margaritaville lost 2.7 cents and finished at a 52 weeks’ low of 15.3 US cents with 10,000 shares, changing hands, Proven Investments closed at 18 US cents with 2,241 units changing hands, Sygnus Credit trading 7,500 units and rose 1 cents at 12 US cents and JMMB Group 5.75 % preference share fell 19 cents to US$2.06 after trading 1,893 units. The JSE USD Equities Index slipped 0.10 points up to 152.05.
IC bid-offer Indicator| At the end of trading, the Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 3 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and 3 closing with lower offers.