National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) has advised that an agreement has been reached to purchase a 29.99% stake in Guardian Holdings Limited, which will be achieved through a private sale of shares owned by the Lok Jack and Ahamad families and the International Finance Corporation (the private sector arm of the World Bank).

Jamaican Economy Expands by 1.5% in Q3

According to the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) the Jamaican economy expanded by 1.5% in the July to September quarter relative to the corresponding period of 2014. The Goods Producing Industry and Services Industry recorded growth of 4.4% and 0.6%, respectively. Within the Goods Producing Industry, increases in real value added for Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing (3.3%), Manufacture (9.7%) and Construction (0.8%) outweighed a decline of 1.0% recorded by the Mining & Quarrying industry. The strong performance from the Manufacturing sector was influenced by higher output from both the Food, Beverages & Tobacco and Other Manufacturing categories as well as higher production of petroleum and cement products.

All subcategories of the Services Industry recorded growth except for Producers of Government Services (down 0.2%). The industries registering the largest growth rates were Electricity & Water Supply (3.5%); Transport, Storage & Communication (1.5%); and Hotels & Restaurants (1.2%).

For January to September 2015, real GDP was estimated to have increased by 0.8%. The Goods Producing and Services Industries grew by 1.5% and 0.6%, respectively. The industries recording the largest increases in real value added during the first nine months of 2015 were Manufacture, Hotels & Restaurants, Mining & Quarrying, and Transport, Storage & Communication.

The positive economic performance, albeit weak, along with more favourable variables such as lower interest rates and a narrowing fiscal deficit are all conditions that affirm investors’ positive sentiments to the sovereign and could set the country on a path for an improvement in credit ratings overtime.

Dolphin Discovery Acquires Controlling Interest in Dolphin Cove

The Dolphin Discovery Group of Mexico announced that it has acquired approximately 58.5% of the ordinary share capital of Dolphin Cove Limited. The consideration paid by World of Dolphin Inc., a subsidiary within the Dolphin Discovery Group ranged from a low of J$13.70 (or US$0.1143) to a high of J$16.03 (or US$0.1338) per share. The majority of the shares were purchased from the holdings of Stafford Burrowes, the founder and principal shareholder of Dolphin Cove. Burrowes and persons connected with him will continue to own in excess of 10% of the Company. Stafford Burrowes will remain as chairman of the Company and it is anticipated that a number of the current directors will resign to make way for additional directors to be appointed by the Dolphin Discovery Group.

Under the rules of the Jamaica Stock Exchange and the Securities Take-Over and Mergers Regulations, DCOVE will have to make a “follow up” mandatory bid to the other shareholders within 30 days at the price at which control was acquired. However, the CEO of Dolphin Discovery indicated that there is no intention to delist the company from the Stock Exchange.

National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) – Dividend Declaration

National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) has advised that the Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of $0.85 per share payable on December 11, 2015 for shareholders on record as at November 27, 2015. The ex-dividend date is November 25, 2015.

PULS – Appointments & Retirement

Pulse Investments Limited (PULS) has advised that at a meeting of the board of directors, Romae Gordon be appointed as Director, Safia Cooper be appointed Chief Executive Officer and Kingsley Cooper retires as Executive Chairman and continues as Chairman, all becomes effective January 1, 2016.

Salada Foods Jamaica Limited (SALF) – Dividend Declaration

Salada Foods Jamaica Limited (SALF) has advised that the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.40 per share payable on December 18, 2015 for shareholders on record as at December 3, 2015. The ex-dividend date is December 1, 2015.

Kingston Wharves Limited (KW) – Dividend Declaration

Kingston Wharves Limited (KW) has advised that the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.15 per share payable on January 20, 2016 for shareholders on record as at December 3, 2015. The ex-dividend date is December 1, 2015.

Gleaner Company (GLNR) – Extraordinary General Meetings Notice to Shareholders

Company (GLNR) has issued a notice to shareholders of the Extraordinary General Meetings for both Gleaner Company and RJR Communication Group to be held on December 8, 2015 re the Scheme of Arrangement of the Media Businesses of Radio Jamaica Limited and The Gleaner Company Limited.