Jamaica corporate earnings mixed as JSE turnover and forex activity stay strong

Several Jamaica Stock Exchange-listed companies have released financial results showing uneven performance across tourism, finance, pharmaceuticals, media, and banking for periods ending between March 31 and April 30.

Dolphin Cove reported for the three months ended March 31, with revenue of US$2.5 million, down 39% from the same quarter last year. Net profit fell 83% to US$142,000. The company said visitor arrivals remained below prior-year levels because of reduced airlift capacity, delays in the reopening of some hotels, and lower room inventory across key resort areas, affecting attendance at both Dolphin Cove and Yaaman Adventure Park.

Lasco Financial Services posted net profit of $82.1 million, up 40% year on year, while profit from operations rose nearly 33% to $209.4 million.

Indies Pharma Jamaica recorded a 38.5% decline in net profit for the six months ended April 30, despite signs of recovery from the effects of Hurricane Belissa. Net profit stood at $84 million and revenue fell 5% to $565 million. The company said the hurricane disrupted operations and suppressed revenue growth in the first quarter, though second-quarter results improved.

Limners and Bard reported a net loss of $13.4 million for the six months ended April 30, reversing a profit in the corresponding period last year. Revenue declined to $337.7 million from $460.2 million a year earlier, largely due to lingering effects of Hurricane Melissa, which disrupted commercial activity during what is usually one of its strongest business periods.

Scotia Group Jamaica reported net income of $10.1 billion for the six months ended April 30. Total revenue excluding credit losses rose 11% to $37.1 billion, while customer deposits climbed 12%. Lending also expanded, with the Scotia Plan loan portfolio up 15% and mortgages up 19% year over year. Commercial deposits and loans each grew 14% and 15% respectively. President and Chief Executive Officer of Scotiabank Audrey Tugwell Henry said the group delivered a solid performance reflecting the strength of its strategy.

For the trading session of June 18, 2026, the most actively traded securities on the Jamaica Stock Exchange were NCB Financial Group Limited with 21,886,684 units, representing 39.31% of market sales activity; Kentire Holdings Jamaica Limited with 19,316,862 units, representing 34.69%; and TransJamaican Highway Limited with 2,689,888 units, representing 4.83%. Activity remained concentrated in transportation, distribution, and finance plays, signalling continued interest in dividend-producing and strategic assets.

Based on Bank of Jamaica data for June 18, 2026, forex traders recorded significant activity across major currencies. The US dollar sold at $158.53 and was bought at $157.03. The Canadian dollar sold for $112.28 and was bought for $112.64. The British pound sold for $209.71 and was bought for $208.23, with continued volatility offering short-term trading opportunities. Those movements underscore the importance of cash flow timing and currency awareness for businesses managing import costs, debt servicing, or overseas exposure.

A separate segment on personal and business credit highlighted how a strong track record in operations can still fail to secure financing when a weak credit history raises concerns for lenders, potentially costing entrepreneurs major contracts that require staff, equipment, and working capital.