Jamaican Teas made profit of $27.5 million in the December quarter, representing a 28 percent increase from similar period in the prior year and flow from a 16 percent increase in sales to $319 million.
Sales were helped by 91 percent jump in exports, moving from $55 million to $103 million. The increase in exports, relate mainly to supplies to the US market and is partially due to the appointment of a new Distributor for the North East USA and expect that this will result in further improvement in sales. Revenues for the group, in the prior year, included $21.75 million in Real Estate sales. Excluding these sales, revenues would be up 26 percent for the quarter. Group sales also benefited from the launch of four new products during the period. Sales for Supermarkets are up 9 percent compared to the comparative quarter, in 2013, however, profits are flat. The jointly owned Supermarket in Montego Bay showed a reduction in losses which was helped by certain actions taken to reduce cost in 2014.
Gross profit margin increased to 24.3 percent from 24 percent in 2013, while gross profit increased 16 percent to $62 million but cost rose in other areas, with marketing climbing 24 percent to $7.3 million, administration by only 4 percent to $25.5 million and finance used to generate revenues in the period, is up 14 percent to $6.2 Million.
Property Development| The group has completed construction of more than 50 percent of units in phase 1 of the development in Yallahs, St Thomas. Approximately a half of the units in the first phase have been sold, delivery to the purchasers should start in April. The group should enjoy increased profits from this development which should start reflecting in the June quarter.
Borrowed funds stand at $320 million including long term debt of $228 million and equity capital at $660 million.
Barring any unforeseen developments, 2015 could produce the best financial performance far. The stock which is now at $2.55 seems to have much room for growth.

Jamaican Teas reported sharply lower profit, last year to September, of $52.7 million versus $93 million in 2013, with earnings per share of 31 cents. The figures were reported in the group’s audited financial statements release last week.
The results emanated from sale revenues of $1.14 billion down from $1.23 billion in 2013. There was approximately $50 million coffee sales included in the 2013 results with none in 2014. In 2013 the real estate segment contributed $185 million in revenues compared to only $26 million in 2014 with most coming in the September 2013 quarter.
Gross profit margin shrank slightly from 21.89 percent to 21 percent for the year, helping to cut gross profit by $17 million. Other operating income climbed to $24.7 million from $12.9 million in 2013, partially due to losses on sale of, and impairment of investments incurred in 2013, amounting to $13.5 million, but did not occur in 2014.

The company increased marketing spend by 50 percent for the year, in the local and overseas markets, to maintain or increase market share, while administrative expenses climbed 25 percent for the year and finance cost rose by 108 percent. The acquisition of the factory at Bell Road, is partially funded by loans, contributing to the increase. There was also duplication of some cost while the factory was being refurbished for occupation. In the final quarter, adjustments to cost and some asset values helped to depress the profit for the year and is not an indication that the group has moved into a longer-term lossmaking period.
Changes in our distributorship in the Florida at the start of the fiscal year resulted in some short-term fall out in sales and increased marketing cost. A new distributor was appointed in the US market that will provide wider distribution in some key cities within that country. Revenues are expected to benefit from this development starting with the December quarter. The 2015 revenues, should also benefit from the completion of sales of 16 units in the first phase of the real estate development in St Thomas. The supermarket in Savanna-la-Mar was close to a break even by year-end and while the one in Kingston remained profitable. The Montego Bay supermarket reported losses in line with what was incurred in the prior year.
There was approximately $50 million increased borrowed funds at the end of the year, putting borrowings at $304 million. The profile of the debt changed markedly, with long-term loans accounting for two thirds of the debt at the end of the fiscal year compared with just 2 percent in 2013. The portfolio of investments including equities, stood at $123 million at the year-end and shareholders’ equity of $635 million.
The company imports of black and green tea in bulk for packaging and the distribution local and overseas. it also packages and distributes herbal teas and distributes other bottled water, coconut milk and other pre-packaged food items. the group operates supermarkets and is involved in the rental of residential properties and the development of real estate for resale.The stock is listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange and last traded at $2.50.