Activity on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Tuesday, with the volume of shares trading surging 820 percent and the value 597 percent higher than on Monday as 122,573,847 shares were exchanged for $1,079,970,954 versus 13,325,302 units at $155,017,723 on Monday.
At close, the All Jamaican Composite Index advanced 1,252.31 points to close at 443,919.06, the JSE Main Index rallied 1,248.85 to 392,406.78 and the JSE Financial Index inched 0.17 points higher to settle at 94.13.
Trading ended with 58 securities compared to 56 on Monday, with 20 rising, 24 declining and 14 ending unchanged. Five stocks ended at 52 weeks’ closing high and one at an intraday high.
The PE Ratio, a formula for computing appropriate stock values, averages 14.7. The PE ratio for the JSE Main and USD Market closing quotes is based on ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending to August 2023.
The leading trades for the day are Mayberry Jamaican Equities, with 100.18 million shares for 81.7 percent of total volume, after it traded at an intraday high of $10.90, followed by Transjamaican Highway with 5.75 million units for 4.7 percent of the day’s trade, after trading at a 52 weeks’ high of $1.54. Wigton Windfarm traded 3.45 million units for 2.8 percent market share, Pulse Investments followed, with 2.56 million units for 2.1 percent market share, QWI Investments with 2.52 million units for 2.1 percent market share and Sagicor Select Financial Fund with 2.01 million units for 1.6 percent market share.
Trading averages 2,113,342 units at $18,620,189, compared to 237,952 shares at $2,768,174 on Monday and month to date, an average of 866,339 units at $8,189,911, compared to 231,899 shares at $2,883,278 on the previous trading day. March closed with an average of 610,787 units at $6,967,031.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows 14 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and two with lower offers.
At the close, Berger Paints fell $1.16 to close at $11.02 with the swapping of 1,020 shares, Caribbean Cement shed $2.58 in ending at $72.50, after trading 20,827 stock units, Caribbean Producers popped 63 cents in closing at $15.63 in exchanging 986,419 stocks. Eppley declined $3.50 to $39, with 535 units clearing the market, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund lost 45 cents to end at $44.05 with an exchange of 96 stocks, and First Rock Capital dropped 45 cents to end at $11.55 in trading 20,729 stock units. GraceKennedy gained 49 cents to end at $104 after trading 303,550 shares, Jamaica Stock Exchange increased 50 cents to close at a 52 weeks’ high of $19 in an exchange of 413,984 units after it traded as high as $21, JMMB Group rose $7.50 to a 52 weeks’ closing high of $54 after 351,182 stocks traded up to an intraday high of $61.24. 
NCB Financial dropped $3 to $110 in switching ownership of 72,323 shares, Palace Amusement shed $20 to close at $980 after exchanging three units, Proven Investments advanced 54 cents to end at $36.40 after trading 181,935 stock units. Sagicor Group fell $2 to $54 while exchanging 598,596 units, Seprod rallied $3.50 to $61.50, with 18,197 shares crossing the market, Supreme Ventures climbed $2.67 in closing at a 52 weeks’ high of $22.62 after 122,878 stock units crossed the market. Sygnus Real Estate Finance declined 30 cents in closing at $16, with 1,200 stocks changing hands and Wisynco Group advanced 99 cents to $19.99 in exchanging 434,282 stock units.
In the preference segment, JMMB Group 7.25% preference share increased 40 cents to $3.40 after exchanging 2,540 stocks.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
JSE Main market rises on Monday
Market activity on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Monday, with the volume and value of shares trading just slipping lower than on Friday, but rising stocks exceeded those declining by a three to one ratio.
The All Jamaican Composite Index rose 1,999.37 points to 442,666.75, the JSE Main Index climbed 1,384.40 to 391,157.93 and the JSE Financial Index gained 0.14 points to close at 93.96.
Trading ended with 56 securities compared to 58 on Friday, with 31 rising, 11 declining and 14 ending unchanged.
The PE Ratio, a formula for computing appropriate stock values, averages 14.6. The PE ratio for the JSE Main and USD Market closing quotes is based on ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending in August 2022.
Overall, 13,325,302 shares were traded for $155,017,723 versus 13,111,195 units at $173,675,934 on Friday. Transjamaican Highway led trading with 2.79 million shares for 20.9 percent of total volume, followed by 138 Student Living with 2.28 million units for 17.1 percent of the day’s trade, Wigton Windfarm had 1.81 million units changing hands for 13.6 percent market share while JMMB Group ended trading 1.29 million units for 9.7 percent market share.
Trading averages 237,952 units at $2,768,174, compared to 226,055 shares at $2,994,413 on Friday and month to date, an average of 231,899 units at $2,883,278. March closed with an average of 610,787 units at $6,967,031.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows eight stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and two with lower offers.
At the close, Barita Investments declined 50 cents after ending at $90.50, with an exchange of 2,566 shares, Eppley gained $1.50 to close at $42.50, with 1,559 units crossing the exchange, First Rock Capital lost 50 cents in closing at $12 in exchanging 16,213 stock units. GraceKennedy climbed $1.50 to $103.51, with 79,531 stocks crossing the market, Guardian Holdings jumped $22.98 to end at $548.98 while exchanging 286 shares, Jamaica Broilers advanced $1.74 to end at $28.99 in trading 9,412 stock units. Jamaica Producers popped $1.74 to $23.75 after exchanging 16,889 units, Jamaica Stock Exchange dipped 30 cents to $18.50 after trading 7,172 stocks, JMMB Group rose 55 cents to finish at a 52 weeks’ closing high of $46.50 after exchanging 1,288,027 stocks. Kingston Properties rallied 78 cents in closing at $9.35 in an exchange of 60 stock units, Mayberry Investments climbed 38 cents to $7.50, trading 11,343 shares, Mayberry Jamaican Equities increased $1.20 to $9.30 with an exchange of 159,926 units. NCB Financial advanced $2.80 to end at $113 in switching ownership of 38,806 stocks, Portland JSX rallied $1 in closing at $11 with the swapping of 61 stock units, Pulse Investments popped 32 cents to close at $4.30, with 839,383 units crossing the market.
Sagicor Group rose 80 cents in closing at $56, with 3,363 shares clearing the market, Seprod gained 50 cents in ending at $58, with 379,532 stocks changing hands, Supreme Ventures rallied 45 cents to close at $19.95 after 96,876 stock units crossed the market and Wisynco Group shed 85 cents to $19 in an exchange of 372,796 units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Main Market pulls back after month end rally
Market activity ended on Friday, with the volume of shares trading declining by 70 percent less compared to Thursday with a 55 percent lower value at the close of the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market and ended with rising stocks exceeding those declining.
The All Jamaican Composite Index lost 1,990.84 points to settle at 440,667.38, the JSE Main Index lost 2,207.57 points to end at 389,773.53 and the JSE Financial Index lost 0.63 points to settle at 93.82. Trading ended with 58 securities compared to 53 on Thursday, with 22 rising, 20 declining and 16 ending unchanged.
JMMB Group, 138 and Transjamaican Highway ordinary shares while Student Living preference share all ended at 52 weeks’ closing highs.
The PE Ratio, a formula for computing appropriate stock values, averages 14.4 based on ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending in 2022 and up to August 2023.
Overall, 13,111,195 shares traded for $173,675,934 versus 44,141,890 units at $386,345,334 on Thursday. Transjamaican Highway led trading with 3.49 million shares for 26.6 percent of total volume followed by Sagicor Select Financial Fund with 2.01 million units for 15.3 percent of the day’s trade, Wigton Windfarm traded 1.25 million units for 9.5 percent market share and Seprod ended with 1.01 million units changing hands for 7.7 percent market share.
Trading averages 226,055 units at $2,994,413, compared to 832,866 shares at $7,289,535 on Thursday. March closed with an average of 610,787 units at $6,967,031.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows ten stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and two with lower offers.
At the close, Barita Investments declined $2.50 in closing at $91 in exchanging 196,248 shares, Eppley dropped 80 cents to close at $41 with the swapping of 2,259 stock units, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund lost $2.07 to end at $44.50 in an exchange of 1,270 units. First Rock Capital rallied 30 cents to $12.50, with 8,135 stocks clearing the market, GraceKennedy fell $1.99 after ending at $102.01 in switching ownership of 109,011 stocks, Guardian Holdings shed $24 to $526 after 1,547 units crossed the exchange. Jamaica Broilers lost $1.75 to end at $27.25 in exchanging 96,988 shares, Jamaica Producers increased 51 cents to $22.01 while exchanging 7,753 stock units, JMMB Group advanced 95 cents to close at 52 weeks’ high of $45.95 after exchanging 141,857 shares. Kingston Properties fell 93 cents in closing at $8.57, with 8,100 stocks crossing the market, Kingston Wharves popped $1 to close at $41, with 5,095 stock units changing hands, Margaritaville gained $3.64 to end at $25.64 in trading 11 units. Massy Holdings dropped $1 ending at $101, with 38,448 stocks crossing the market, Mayberry Investments climbed 62 cents in closing at $7.12 with an exchange of 10,059 units, MPC Caribbean Clean Energy rose $1.50 to $101.50 after trading 105 shares. NCB Financial shed $8.80 to end at $110.20 with 35,065 stock units changing hands, Palace Amusement popped $20 to close at $1000 in trading 4 units, PanJam Investment climbed $1.01 in ending at $66.01 after exchanging 9 shares. 
Portland JSX declined $1.50 to $10, with 1,000 stock units crossing the exchange, Proven Investments dropped 55 cents in closing at $35.75 with an exchange of 23,019 stocks, Pulse Investments fell 36 cents in ending at $3.98 with 700,893 shares clearing the market. Sagicor Group shed $2.30 to $55.20, with 251,459 stocks changing hands, Seprod declined $1.60 in closing at $57.50 while exchanging 1,012,623 stock units and Supreme Ventures advanced 35 cents to close at $19.50 with the swapping of 628,975 units.
In the preference segment, 138 Student Living Preference shares surged $3.02 to end at a 52 weeks’ high of $16.50 after 880 units crossed the market.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Stocks rally into month end
Market activity ended on Thursday, with the volume of shares trading rising after trading 140 percent more and the value 123 percent higher than on Wednesday on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market as rising stocks exceeded were less than those declining.
The All Jamaican Composite Index gained 3,189.37 points to settle at 442,658.22, the JSE Main Index climbed 2,207.57 points to end at 391,231.96 and the JSE Financial Index increased 0.39 points to settle at 94.45.
Trading ended with 53 securities compared to 52 on Wednesday, with 26 rising, 13 declining and 14 ending unchanged.
The PE Ratio, a formula for computing appropriate stock values, averages 17. The PE ratio for the JSE Main and USD Market closing quotes is based on ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending to the end of August 2022.
Overall, 44,141,890 shares were exchanged for $386,345,334 up from 18,362,000 units at $173,000,474 on Wednesday. Transjamaican Highway led trading with 14.58 million shares for 33 percent of total volume, followed by Radio Jamaica with 10.79 million units for 24.5 percent of the day’s trade, Pulse Investments with 5.81 million units for 13.2 percent market share, Wigton Windfarm ended with 4.97 million units for 11.3 percent market share and NCB Financial 1.05 million units for 2.4 percent market share.
Trading averages 832,866 units at $7,289,535, compared to 353,115 shares at $3,326,932 on Wednesday and month to date, an average of 610,787 units at $6,967,031, compared to 600,727 units at $6,952,422 on the previous trading day. February closed with an average of 392,520 units at $3,199,976.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows 18 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and two with lower offers.
At the close, Barita Investments advanced 50 cents to end at $93.50, with 256,239 shares changing hands, Caribbean Cement rose 85 cents to $74.85 with 225,823 stock units clearing the market, Caribbean Producers climbed 40 cents in ending at $14.90 with the swapping of 65,196 units. Eppley Caribbean Property Fund rose $1.59 to close at $46.57 in exchanging 35,207 stocks, Guardian Holdings gained $5 in closing at $550 with 241 units crossing the market, Jamaica Broilers fell 43 cents to close at $29 crossing the exchange 130,463 stock units. Jamaica Producers shed $2.50 to $21.50 in an exchange of 41,816 stocks, Jamaica Stock Exchange popped 30 cents to $18.80, with an exchange of 49,241 shares, JMMB Group rallied $1 to end at $45 in switching ownership of 344,483 stocks. Massy Holdings climbed $1 in closing at $102 with 40,312 units changing hands, Mayberry Jamaican Equities increased 50 cents in closing at $8 after exchanging 49,600 shares, NCB Financial rose $4.50 to close at $119 with 1,048,784 stock units changing hands. 
PanJam Investment dropped $1.04 in ending at $65 after 205,860 stock units crossed the market, Proven Investments popped 68 cents to $36.30 trading 12,399 stocks, Salada Foods gained 35 cents to end at $6.45 in trading 17,255 shares. Scotia Group advanced $1.10 to $36.20 after trading 200,801 units and Seprod rallied 60 cents to end at $59.10 while exchanging 1,153 stocks units.
In the preference segment, Eppley 5% preference share declined 50 cents to $18.50 after an exchange of 200 units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
JSE Main Market recovery
Market activity ended on Wednesday, with the volume and value of shares falling below that on Tuesday on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market as rising stocks exceeded those declining nearly two to one.
The All Jamaican Composite Index popped 4,746.65 points to 439,468.85, the JSE Main Index climbed 3,384.50 points to end at 389,024.39 and the JSE Financial Index rallied 1.23 points to 94.06.
Trading ended with 52 securities compared to 60 on Tuesday, with 24 rising, 14 declining and 14 ending unchanged.
The PE Ratio, a formula for computing appropriate stock values, averages 16.9, The PE ratio for the JSE Main and USD Market closing quotes are based on ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending at the end of August 2022.
Overall, 18,362,000 shares were exchanged for $173,000,474 versus20,758,716 units at $260,240,162 on Tuesday. Wigton Windfarm led trading with 8.39 million shares for 45.7 percent of total volume, followed by Transjamaican Highway with 3.43 million units for 18.7 percent of the day’s trade after trading at a 52 weeks’ high. 
Pulse Investments with 2.21 million units for 12 percent market share and Sagicor Select Financial Fund ended with 1.41 million units changing hands for 7.7 percent market share.
Trading on Wednesday averaged 353,115 units at $3,326,932 compared to 345,979 shares at $4,337,336 on Tuesday and month to date, an average of 600,727 units at $6,952,422 compared to 612,243 units at $7,121,049 on the previous trading day. February closed with an average of 392,520 units at $3,199,976.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows twelve stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and three with lower offers.
At the close, Caribbean Cement gained $4 in closing at $74 after exchanging 173,433 shares, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund rose $3.48 in ending at $44.98 and closed with an exchange of 18,864 stocks, Guardian Holdings rallied $5 to end at $545, with 1,063 stock units changing hands. Jamaica Producers increased $1.45 to close at $24 after trading 121,971 units, Jamaica Stock Exchange climbed $1 to $18.50 in exchanging 23,882 units, JMMB Group advanced 70 cents to $44, with 183,286 stock units crossing the market. Key Insurance shed 32 cents to end at $4.32, trading 10,384 shares, Kingston Properties popped 50 cents in closing at $9.50 with an exchange of 6,913 stocks, Massy Holdings lost $1 to close at $101 in switching ownership of 22,285 stock units. 
NCB Financial advanced $2 to $114.50 with the swapping of 150,925 shares, Palace Amusement declined $65 to $980 in an exchange of 10 units, PanJam Investment gained $1.54 in closing at $66.04 after trading 88,443 stocks. Proven Investments popped $2.62 to end at $35.62, with 197,532 stock units crossing the market, Pulse Investments rose 32 cents to end at $4.42, with 2,205,543 shares clearing the market, Scotia Group increased $1.07 to close at $35.10 in exchanging 81,314 stocks. Seprod rallied 50 cents to close at $58.50 while exchanging 3,345 units and Victoria Mutual Investments dropped 39 cents to $6.20, with 26,654 stock units crossing the exchange.
In the preference segment, 138 Student Living Preference share climbed $3.34, ending at a 52 weeks’ high of $13.50, trading 234 stocks.
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 Tuesday, with the volume of shares trading climbing 48 percent and the value of stocks traded marginally higher than on Monday on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market as rising stocks just edged out those declining.
The All Jamaican Composite Index shed 3,613.87 points to settle at 434,722.20, the JSE Main Index declined 1,925.82 points to end at 385,639.89 and the JSE Financial Index slipped 0.83 points to 92.83.
Trading ended with 60 securities compared to 55 on Monday, with 22 rising, 21 declining and 17 ending unchanged.
The PE Ratio, a formula for computing appropriate stock values, averages 16.8. The PE ratio for the JSE Main and USD Market closing quotes is based on ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending in August 2022.
Overall, 20,758,716 shares were exchanged for $260,240,162, up from 14,043,689 units at $254,824,567 on Monday. Transjamaican Highway led trading with 6.65 million shares for 32 percent of total volume, followed by JMMB Group 7.35% – 2028, with 2.83 million units for 13.6 percent of the day’s trade. Wigton Windfarm traded 2.04 million units for 9.8 percent market share, Pulse Investments ended with 1.85 million units for 8.9 percent market share and JMMB Group closed with 1.31 million units for 6.3 percent market share.
Trading on Tuesday averages 345,979 units at $4,337,336, versus 255,340 shares at $4,633,174 on Monday and month to date an average of 612,243 units at $7,121,049, compared to 627,343 units at $7,278,916 on the previous trading day. February closed with an average of 392,520 units at $3,199,976.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows 14 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and three with lower offers.
At the close, Barita Investments rose 50 cents in closing at $93 while exchanging 213,440 shares, Berger Paints advanced 40 cents to close at $12 after 5,948 units crossed the exchange, Eppley climbed 70 cents to end at $42 in switching ownership of 326 stock units. First Rock Capital rallied 75 cents in ending at $12.25 after exchanging 11,005 stocks, Jamaica Producers fell $1.45 to $22.55 trading 16,428 stock units, Jamaica Stock Exchange shed $1.45 to close at $17.50 after trading 142,389 units. JMMB Group gained 30 cents to close at $43.30 with 1,307,470 stocks crossing the market, Kingston Properties dropped 50 cents in ending at $9, with 969 shares changing hands, Kingston Wharves popped $1 in closing at $40 in trading 2,121 units. MPC Caribbean Clean Energy increased $1.73 to end at $100 after exchanging six stocks, Palace Amusement climbed $45 to $1045 with just one share clearing the market, PanJam Investment lost $1.55 to end at $64.50 with the swapping of 969,825 stock units. 
Portland JSX rallied $2.40 to close at $11.50, trading 5,000 shares, Proven Investments declined $2.50 and ended at $33 in an exchange of 16,907 stocks and Sagicor Group shed 70 cents to $57.30 in exchanging 203,858 stock units.
In the preference segment, Eppley 5% preference share lost $3 in closing at $19 with an exchange of 500 units, Eppley 7.75% preference share dropped 30 cents to $20.10, with 2,762 stocks crossing the market and Productive Business Solutions 9.75% Preference share declined $7 to close at $100 after exchanging 10,000 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
JSE Main Market rises
Market activity ended on Monday, with the volume of shares traded declining by 36 percent, but with the value jumping 26 percent higher than on Friday on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market as rising stocks exceeded those declining.
The All Jamaican Composite Index increased 2,588.02 points to end at 438,336.07, the JSE Main Index climbed 1,301.75 points to 387,565.71 and the JSE Financial Index popped 0.15 points to settle at 93.66.
Trading ended with 55 securities compared to 58 on Friday, with 21 rising, 17 declining and 17 ending unchanged.
The PE Ratio, a formula for computing appropriate stock values, averages 16.5. The PE ratio for the JSE Main and USD Market closing quotes are based on ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending up to August 2022.
Overall, 14,043,689 shares were exchanged for $254,824,567 versus 21,999,538 units at $202,058,389 on Friday. Transjamaican Highway led trading with 4.01 million shares for 28.5 percent of total volume followed by Wigton Windfarm with 3.35 million units for 23.8 percent of the day’s trade, Barita Investments with 1.81 million units for 12.9 percent market share, 
Sagicor Select Financial Fund ended with 1.11 million units changing hands for 7.9 percent market share.
Trading averages 255,340 units at $4,633,174 compared to 379,302 shares at $3,483,765 on Friday and month to date, an average of 627,343 units at $7,278,916, compared to 647,742 units at $7,423,996 on the previous trading day. February closed with an average of 392,520 units at $3,199,976.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows 11 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and four with lower offers.
At the close, Barita Investments rose $1.54 to $92.50 with 1,811,036 shares clearing the market, Berger Paints shed 40 cents to $11.60 in trading 110 units, Caribbean Cement rallied $2.19 to $70.19 after exchanging 91,367 stocks. Caribbean Producers fell 34 cents in closing at $14.16 a market 16fter trading 8,612 stock units, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund increased 49 cents to $41.49 in switching ownership of 1,966 shares, First Rock Capital fell 50 cents to $11.50, with 15,759 stocks crossing the exchange. GraceKennedy gained 49 cents to close at $104 in exchanging 151,194 units, Jamaica Stock Exchange advanced $1 in closing at $18.95, with 113,023 stock units changing hands, Kingston Wharves declined 95 cents to end at $39 while exchanging 15,325 shares. 
Massy Holdings popped 98 cents in ending at $101.97 after exchanging 44,682 stock units, MPC Caribbean Clean Energy dropped $1.73 to $98.27 with 630 stocks changing hands, NCB Financial fell $1.48 to end at $112.52 with the swapping of 10,122 units. Sagicor Group climbed $2 in closing at $58 trading 158,254 units, Scotia Group declined 63 cents to close at $34.02 after trading 34,797 stock units and Seprod climbed 35 cents in ending at $57.95 in an exchange of 117,996 shares.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Weekend rally for JSE Main Market
The Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market closed out the week with gains on Friday. The volume of shares trading fell 89 percent below Thursday’s trades, with the value declining 89 percent, leading to declining outnumbering those rising.
The All Jamaican Composite Index popped 3,161.89 points to 435,748.05, the JSE Main Index rose 2,067.22 points to close at 386,263.96 and the JSE Financial Index rallied 0.55 points to end at 93.51. Trading ended with 58 securities compared to 59 on Thursday, with 16 rising, 21 declining and 21 ending unchanged.
The PE Ratio, a formula for computing stock values, averages 16.5. The PE ratio for the JSE Main and USD Market closing quotes is based on ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending to August 2022.
Overall, 21,999,538 shares were exchanged for $202,058,389 versus 206,926,996 units at $1,764,565,530 on Thursday. Wigton Windfarm led trading with 10.51 million shares for 47.8 percent of total volume, followed by Transjamaican Highway with 4.31 million units for 19.6 percent of the day’s trade, Sagicor Select Financial Fund with 1.77 million units for 8.1 percent market share and Supreme Ventures ended with 1.04 million units changing hands for 4.7 percent market share.
Trading averages 379,302 units at $3,483,765, compared to 3,507,237 shares at $29,907,890 on Thursday and month to date, an average of 647,742 units at $7,423,996, compared to 664,218 units at $7,665,831 on the previous trading day. February closed with an average of 392,520 units at 3,199,976.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows nine stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and two with lower offers.
At the close, Barita Investments rose $3.01 to $90.96 with the swapping of 290,207 shares, Caribbean Cement fell $1.50 in closing at $68 while exchanging 18,230 units, Eppley lost 71 cents after ending at $41.29 in trading 23 stocks. Eppley Caribbean Property Fund advanced 30 cents to close at $41, with 2,519 stock units clearing the market, GraceKennedy declined 39 cents to end at $103.51 after 387,827 shares crossed the exchange, Guardian Holdings shed $15 to end at $540 after 218 units changed hands. Jamaica Broilers increased $2.43 to close at $29.43 with an exchange of 110,916 stocks, Jamaica Producers rallied 98 cents in closing at $23.93, with 39,606 stock units crossing the market, Jamaica Stock Exchange gained 65 cents ending at $17.95 in an exchange of 31,015 stocks. Key Insurance dropped 30 cents to $4.30, trading 19,936 units, Massy Holdings popped 99 cents in closing at $100.99 with 233,495 shares changing hands, Mayberry Jamaican Equities fell 30 cents to $7.50 in exchanging 11,385 stock units. MPC Caribbean Clean Energy shed $1.05 to $100 after swapping 6,366 shares, NCB Financial lost $1.81 to close at $114 after trading 19,485 units, Palace Amusement declined $20 to $1000 in switching ownership of 50 stocks. 
PanJam Investment dropped 98 cents in closing at $66.01 after exchanging 665,022 stock units, Sagicor Group lost $1.98 to close at $56, finishing trading of 104,859 units, Seprod climbed $1.10 to $57.60 after exchanging 11,979 stock units. Supreme Ventures rose $1 in, ending at $19 with the swapping of 1,035,009 shares and Sygnus Real Estate Finance advanced 49 cents to end at $16.50 in switching ownership of 3,411 stocks.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Big leap in Main Market trading
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market surged on Thursday, with the volume of shares traded leaping 509 percent over Wednesday’s level, with the value jumping 187 percent to $1.76 billion as market activity led to rising stocks exceeding those declining by a wide margin.
The All Jamaican Composite Index lost 2,001.01 points to 432,586.16, the JSE Main Index fell 1,679.51 to end at 384,196.7 and the JSE Financial Index slipped 1.01 points to 92.96.
Trading ended with 59 securities up from 57 on Wednesday, with 35 rising, nine declining and 15 ending unchanged.
The PE Ratio, a formula for computing appropriate stock values, averages 16.4. The PE ratio for the JSE Main and USD Market closing quotes is based on ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending to August 2022.
Overall, 206,926,996 shares were exchanged for $1,764,565,530 versus 33,966,132 units at $614,323,672 on Wednesday. Sagicor Real Estate Fund led trading with 191.92 million shares for 92.7 percent of total volume, followed by Wigton Windfarm with 6.29 million units for 3 percent of the day’s trade, Sterling Investments had 1.99 million units trading accounting for 1 percent market share and JMMB Group 7.35% – 2028 ended with 1.25 million units changing hands for 0.6 percent market share.
Trading averaged 3,507,237 units at $29,907,890, compared to 595,897 shares at $10,777,608 on Wednesday and month to date, an average of 664,218 units at $7,665,831,compared to 474,898 units at $6,184,700 on the previous trading day. February closed with an average of 392,520 units at $3,199,976.
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 lost $3.05 to $87.95 in exchanging 159,587 shares, Caribbean Cement popped $2 to close trading at $69.50, with 23,377 stocks crossing the market, Carreras climbed 31 cents to $8.94 with the swapping of 169,951 units. Eppley Caribbean Property Fund increased $2.60 to end at $40.70 after exchanging 1,000 stock units, GraceKennedy gained 40 cents in closing at $103.90 while 663,633 stocks changed hands, Guardian Holdings rallied $5 in ending at $555 after exchanging 383 stock units. Jamaica Producers rose $1.42 to $22.95 in trading 7,208 units, JMMB Group advanced 49 cents to end at $42.99 with 165,509 shares passing through the market, Key Insurance gained 45 cents in ending at $4.60 with 9,515 units changing hands. Kingston Wharves rallied 92 cents to close at $39.95 in switching ownership of 6,468 stock units, Massy Holdings dropped $1.96 to $100 after 34,806 stocks crossed the exchange, NCB Financial rose $2.31 to end at $115.81 in an exchange of 42,712 shares. Palace Amusement advanced $30 to close at $1020, with ten shares clearing the market, PanJam Investment climbed 90 cents to $66.99 with an exchange of 5,669 stocks, Portland JSX gained 51 cents in closing at $9 and trading 206 units. 
Proven Investments shed 40 cents to close at $35.60, with 74,242 stock units changing hands, Salada Foods popped 36 cents in closing at $6.58, with 5,579 stocks crossing the market, Seprod declined $1.45 to $56.50 in switching ownership of 9,564 units and Victoria Mutual Investments climbed 49 cents in ending at $6.60 in an exchange of 55,871 shares.
In the preference segment, 138 Student Living Preference share advanced 92 cents to end at $10.16 with the swapping of 112 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
10 JSE Main Market stocks + 1 for 10 years
Some investors have time and inclination to monitor their investments regularly, but the vast majority do not. In the latter case, investors want to invest for the long haul, expecting that their investment will grow appreciably over time.
There are many factors to consider; these include continued growth of companies, inflation, possible shifts in government policies, and social and economic policy changes that can affect investment returns in the short and long term.
Junior Market stocks have some features that investors should pay observe. Most Main Market stocks have controlling interest that is likely to ensure continuity of ownership for years to come. The same is not so for Junior Market companies where there are few companies where controlling ownership is assured long-term.
Barita public stock offer pulled money away from other JSE stocks.
Barita Investments – Bankers are not supposed to be bright; they must be careful; this is an adage within the financial community worldwide. Tell that to the new management at Barita. Maybe if they were told, they might have avoided the negative comments they had to face in 2021. The directors can take comfort that JMMB Group suffered years of rumours about imminent failure, but they persevered and have prospered regardless and are now highly regarded. Barita stands an excellent chance of doing just that.
The recent focus on Barita is partially due to the current management taking a sleepy company and aggressively expanding into new and profitable areas and seems to be disrupting the status quo. They are aggressive and disruptive and are willing to go into areas with good growth potential when others take a more conservative posture. This approach is not risk free, to date, they seem to have prospered and their shareholders love it, having a rich stock price and healthy dividend payments. Additionally, Jamaica’s financial landscape is changing and providing increasing opportunities for growth of newer financial products. Barita has grown based on an increased capital base that stands them in good stead to prosper if management handles the resources at its disposal well. The company could be a significant player in financial services in the next ten years. They have taken a posture of paying out most profits and then going back to the market for added capital. That formula has worked well so far and has rewarded shareholders positively.
GraceKennedy has diversity in products, services, and geographic locations, making them one for the future, with a relatively significant presence in the USA and UK markets. They can enjoy good annual growth for years to come. The diversified product line put them in good stead to benefit from what seems set to be a reasonable period of economic growth for Jamaica. The Group has been acquiring new entities to expand the operations and geometric growth; this will give them increased bargaining power that can lower costs and drive revenues. Investors should not ignore the value of the Grace Brand will continue to be more valuable as the Group continues to make inroads into the international market. Currently, the stock is undervalued. Investors who can wait for the payoff could benefit from unlocking value down the road.
Jamaica Broilers’ product demand and global diversity will see them making money and providing good investment returns. Expected growth in the local tourism sector and the company’s efforts to expand its reach in the US market should augur well for investors from a company that is well managed and produces products that are in high demand in the local market. The negative is the politically sensitive nature of the main product. Management has been able to navigate such challenges and prospered over the years and should be able to do that in the future with their strong links to the farming community.
JMMG Group stock is severely undervalued currently. In addition, regional diversification, the variety of products and services it offers the public, and technology will drive revenues for the next ten years. The company has operations in the Dominican Republic, which is an excellent base for them to continue strong growth in that market with a population of 11 million, nearly four times the size of Jamaica. There is room for remarkable growth in that market that is not a financially developed market like Jamaica. Their banking arm in Jamaica and Trinidad is relatively small and they could enjoy above average growth that would be good for increased profit in the future.
Kingston Wharves has been around for decades and is highly profitable. It controls a significant portion of the logistics and distribution chain for imports and transhipment business, making them one to watch with growth expected in the Jamaican economy and growth in the transhipment. They should grow even faster as they cater to the local market and the expanding transhipment of goods within the region.
NCB Group stumbled in 2020, with the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic that saw major dislocations in businesses in Jamaica and worldwide, including the closure of the tourism industry. The Group suffered from a high degree of nonperforming loans, which is provided against and losses in the investment portfolio. The fourth quarter results for the just concluded year to September show that the worse is behind them and they should see growth in earnings for 2022. The Group is spread throughout the Caribbean and is involved in commercial and investment banking and insurance. Strong growth going forward will be dependent on a buoyant Jamaican economy and, to a lesser degree, that of Trinidad, where Guardian Holding is headquartered. Along the way, investors can expect a good level of dividends as compensation for waiting. The stock is currently in demand, but now could be the best time to start accumulating it.
Stephen Facey Chairman & Paul Hanworth Chief Operating Officer
PanJam Investment spans an array of activities from property development and ownership, many of them in prime areas in Jamaica, Investments, a significant owner in Sagicor Group and hotels. They are currently pushing into property investments in downtown Kingston and Montego Bay, the latter to be a hotel in the Montego Freeport area geared to business visitors. Buying into PanJam gives investors a strong involvement in Sagior Group, with the company owning around 30 percent of the shares. The Group has a long history of good performance and the suite of assets and quality management place them in an excellent position to grow at an attractive pace over the next ten years. While at it, don’t forget the heightened level of inflation that is currently afoot worldwide. PanJam, with its real estate and stock market portfolio, is well positioned to generate positive returns form as a result and protect investors against losing value in their investment in the company.
Radio Jamaica has lots of scope to grow revenues that will increase as the economy grows and swell profits as most of the revenues will fall to the bottom-line as operating costs are partly fixed. Most investors continue to focus on the old RJR but fail to recognize the Group’s invaluable assets, including the highly watched and profitable television station. The digital footprint is not to be ignored, with the Gleaner’s website being a big winner in the future, with the RJR site following. There are many developments taking place within the Group that will add to revenues and profit in the future. The digitization of television will create more flexibility in targeting markets with the signals and allow for expansion and increased income from the offerings it currently owns. Investors can look forward to reasonable dividend payments as profits grow in the future.
Sagicor Group & PanJam hit new closing highs.
Sagicor Jamaica is historically a strong performer that will benefit from continued growth in the Jamaican economy and buoyancy in the financial products that provide high returns. Apart from life insurance, they are involved in Health insurance and general insurance, investments, investment brokerage and banking. They control a sizeable portion of the local market and have a presence outside of Jamaica.
Scotia Group has had a long history of growing profits and dividends, with the stock price delivering attractive gains to investors over the years. In more recent years, things have not all gone well for the Group, with significant shifts in the financial market as new players and products came into the market and increased aggressiveness from the market leader NCB. The Group is now focusing on restructuring its branch network that will lead to lower costs while loans will be growing and driving interest income to help add to profits. The recent increase in interest rates will be highly beneficial to the Group. They will be generating more revenue from the government bonds as interest rates get some elevation from the Bank of Jamaica’s recent moves.
Wisynco Group is one of Jamaica’s larger manufacturing and distribution companies. The company has accumulated a wad of cash and will continue to do so with a very profitable operation that generates positive free cash flows. The growing buildup of cash places them in a healthy position to expand the group. The Group is involved in the manufacturing and distribution of products mainly for the local consumer market. It is a significant supplier to the tourism industry, with around 15 percent of the company’s goods. The sector continues to see growth with new hotel rooms being built and plans for more to come on stream in the future. It does not hurt with the company having a good management team, one of the most important elements in ensuring continued success in the business into the future.
