KPMG 2018 Caribbean Tourism survey findings showed a strong appetite by financing new and existing tourism related projects within the Caribbean region.
The findings stated that, “one of the most positive set of results the was in response to a question as to what appetite financiers had for issuing senior debt for different types of tourism related projects in the Caribbean.”
Nearly 90 percent of banks and all nonbank respondents said they had a positive appetite for issuing senior debt to existing hotels for refinancing, expansion and renovation. Approximately 86 percent of non-banks had a positive attitude towards financing acquisitions as did 67 percent of non-banks. Not surprisingly, new builds were a more difficult category to register a positive attitude but 33 percent of banks and 43 percent of non-banks had a positive appetite for new builds. “These are really high percentages, particularly for financing existing hotels and acquisitions. Whereas previously financing applications for new builds were almost dismissed entirely, a sufficient critical mass of financiers are now willing to consider such applications,” KPMG team stated.
Strong appetite for funding hotels
Financiers bullish on Carib tourism
Entities eyeing the Caribbean region and in need of financing should be encouraged by findings by top accounting firm KPMG included in their annual survey on financing for the sector amongst banks and non-banks.
“Confidence levels of banks increased yet again for an amazing ninth year in a row,” the survey stated and went on to indicate that “confidence levels of non-banks also increased.” “Overall non-banks remain more confident than banks registering 7.43 out of 10 in terms of their level of confidence versus 7.11 out of 10 for banks. For both banks and non-banks to exhibit these high levels of confidence would be very positive at any time but for them to do so following what can only be described as a catastrophic 2017 hurricane season for the region, represents very welcome, positive news,” the KPMG report stated.
“Canadian headquartered banks have for many years been the primary financiers of developments in the region’s tourism industry. However, it is now firmly established that the landscape has changed, although the Canadian banks remain very much part of that new landscape. The consensus view appears to be that they are “back in the market but more selective than before”. Other “players” are predominantly local banks who are increasingly participating in syndicated deals, U.S. funds, pension funds and insurance companies and development banks who are also active in the marketplace,” the survey finding went ion to say.
Caribbean Cream profit upgrade
Caribbean Creams profit upgraded to show a 62 percent increase to $56.8 million or 15 cents per share above the 2014 earnings, according the audited financial statements compiled by KPMG, the company’s new auditors.
The comparative 2014 results were $35 million after a small tax expense. The interim report had profit for the year at $49 million on slightly higher sales than the audit report showed. The major area of change was lower administrative cost of $12 million in the audited accounts versus the preliminary figures. Caribbean Cream enjoyed an increase of 305 percent in profit in the final quarter to reach $25.7 million up from $6.4 million in 2014 quarter, according to the data in the audited accounts and third quarter interim results.
IC Insider is forecasting profit of 244 million for the 2016 fiscal year or 65 cents per share from increased sales revenues that will flow mainly from a 15 percent price increase effected just before the Christmas season.
The stock which was listed on the junior market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange in 2013 at an IPO price of $1, traded at $1.10 on Thursday and has moved up from 65 cents just before the release of the interim results.
