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Introduction
This project aims to outline the findings from an economic analysis, an industry analysis and a
company analysis. This method is viewed as the top down approach. A lot of interesting details
and information have been uncovered throughout this research. This research was conducted
with the effort of having a practical approach to theoretical aspects taught within the course and
to expand the knowledge of the researchers.
Economic Analysis

As an investor, potential or actual, it is vital that one conducts a security analysis which will aid
in determining which security to invest in that will yield maximum or satisfactory returns. The
market of securities as it relates to its performance in a country is strongly influenced by many
factors within the economic environment. These variables can negatively or positively affect the
various elements of securities, both in the short and long run. These economic factors include but
are not limited to the interest rate, inflation, unemployment, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and
the exchange rate.
Interest Rate
Interest rates can be defined as the amount that is received in relation with the amount that is
loaned. It is expressed as a ratio of dollars that is received per hundred dollars lent. However,
when evaluating the movement of interest rates there are a number of factors that should be
considered. Interest rates are influenced strongly by the conditions of the economy. When the
economy is growing, consumers have jobs and savings to lend through banks, but they must also
borrow for large items, such as homes or cars to finance other purchases such as credit cards.

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Interest rates will rise as the demand for fund increase and act as a ratio for fund that is available
and when the demand for fund is low interest rate will fall.
Inflationary pressures also affect interest rates because the rates paid on most loans are
fixed in the loan contract, thus a lender may reluctant to lend money for any period of time if the
purchasing power of that money will be less when it is repaid. The lender will therefore, demand
a higher rate known as inflationary premium. Therefore inflation pushes interest rates higher and
deflation causes rate to decline. According to trading economics the benchmark interest rate was
recorded at 5.75%. Jamaicas average interest rate was 13.98% from 1996 until 2014, reaching a
high of 33% in October 1996 and records a low of 5.75% in February of 2013. Based on
historical data the interest rate projections will fall between 5.75% and 8.03%.
Inflation Rate
Inflation can be defined as a persistent, substantial rise in the general level of prices related to an
increase in the volume of money resulting in the loss of currency.( dictionary.com). According to
the Bank of Jamaica for 2013 inflation was 9.5% with respect to 8.0% in 2012 which is the third
in a year single digit constantly. Inflation increase as a result of significant administrative
adjustments in transportation and utility rates, also a continued depreciation in the exchange rates
and increased in the price of crude oil. Thus it in turns weakens the domestic demand conditions,
reduce the price of grains and reduce the cost of communication. There was evidence of price
that pass down on some durable goods such as clothing, footwear and household furnishings.
A report was done by the Bank of Jamaica for inflation for April 2014 which was -0.3%,
that was below the average inflation of 0.6% for April of the last five year. For 2014 inflation
was 7.6% relative to a 9.2% as at April 2013. For the calendar year to date inflation was 1.4%,

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relative to 3.2% for the corresponding period of 2013. The deflation in April 2014 was as a result
in a decrease in the Housing, Water, Electricity and Gas which fully offset an increase in other
subdivisions in particular foods and non-alcoholic beverage and transportation. Food and non-
alcoholic beverage rose by 0.3% due to an increase in process foods. Transportation also rose by
0.4% that was reflected in an increase in the cost of petrol and petroleum related.
According to the statistical Institute of Jamaica inflation was recorded at 8.07% in May
0f 2014. Average inflation was 10.90% from 2002 until 2014, reaching a high of 26.49% in
August 2008, and a low of 5.29% in November 2006. (See appendix). From historic data the
projection for 2014- 2019 would falls between the 8.07%- 8.03% (see table 1)
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Jamaica measures the number of people actively looking for a job as a
percentage of the labour force. The labour force comprises of the total number of persons over
the age of fourteen who are willing and able to work. The rate of unemployment gives a good
indication of the state of the economy.
Throughout several years of observation, the unemployment rate of Jamaica has been
consistently fluctuating. Consequently, this has become a great concern for the economy.
Jamaicas unemployment rate was at a record low of 9.80% in 2007. This was favourable
in contrast to an astonishing peak of 16.50% ten years prior in 1997. This high rate implies that
the economy was either underperforming or had a decreasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at
that point in time. This is not desirable for any country. The most previous rate of unemployment
reflected a percentage of 14.90 in the last quarter of 2013. According to the Statistical Institute of

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Jamaica (STATIN), there has been a decrease of 1.5% and the current unemployment rate in
Jamaica from January 2014 is 13.40%.
Gross Domestic Product
GDP is the total market value of the countrys output. Hence, it is the market value of all final
goods and service produced within a given period of time by factors of production located within
a country (Case, Fair & Oster). The components of GDP include government consumption and
gross investment, gross private domestic investment, personal consumption expenditure and net
export. According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), the Jamaican economy grew
1.6 percent in the first quarter of 2014 when compared to similar quarter of 2013. This is as a
result of increased output levels in both goods producing industries of 5.5 percent and the service
industries of 0.3 percent. The highest growth rate Jamaica has ever had is 2.2% in December of
2003 and recorded the lower of -1.9% in March 2009.
It has be noted that the increase in goods producing industries was heavily influenced by
increased activities in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing which was 17.7%, Mining and
Quarrying which was 8.5%, and Construction equating to 1.2%. However, there was some
decline in the Manufacturing Industry totaling 1.2%. This increase was due to favourable
weather conditions and government initiative in Agriculture and Fishing Industry while the
increased capacity and utilization at the Bauxite and Aluminum Plant was the main factor
contributing to increased production in Mining and Quarrying Industry. The increased in the
Construction Industry was as a result of continued expansion in hotel and increased spending on
work on the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Program.
Juan Pedro Schmid (2014) states that the debt to GDP ratio measures a country's debt in
relation to its gross domestic product. This is illustrated by making comparison to what a country

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owes to what it really produces. This ratio indicates the countrys ability to pay back its debt.
According to Schmid (2014) the debt to GDP ratio of a country at any given time depends on the
country's previous year debt stock, the fiscal balance, any possible effect of exchange rate
movement on debt denominated in foreign currency in inflation and changes in GDP.
Exchange Rate
An exchange rate is the value/price of a country currency for the purpose of conversion to
another. There are two components of an exchange rate, these are: domestic currency and a
foreign currency. A high exchange rate can be expected to lower a country balance of change,
while a low exchange rate will increase it. There are a number of factors which influence
exchange rate within a country, however for the purpose of this project the focus will be on
interest rate, inflation rate, unemployment and gross domestic product (GDP).
A high inflation rate in Jamaica compared to other countries will tend to reduce the value
of the Jamaican dollar, because a high inflation means that goods will increase in prices faster
than the USA therefore in the long run, changes in the relative inflation rate will affect the
exchange rate. On the other hand, if there is depreciation in the exchange rate, the inflation rate
should be higher. Depreciation means that the currency will buy less foreign exchange which
will cause imports to be more expensive and exports cheaper. Depreciation in the foreign
exchange will cause both cost-push inflation and demand pull inflation.
Inflation rate, interest rate and exchange rate are highly correlated. A high interest rate in
an economy offer lenders a higher return relative to other countries. Hence higher interest rates
will attract foreign capital and cause the exchange rate to rise. Because a high inflation rate

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within a country economy will cause prices to rise and the value of the currency to decrease,
decreasing the interest rate will tend to decrease the exchange rates as well.
Like inflation rate and interest rate, unemployment rate also affect the exchange rate of a
country. High unemployment rates tend to weaken the value of a country currency, causing
interest rate to decrease, which will result in a reduction of investments by investors. The
opposite is true though. A lower unemployment rate in the long run will strengthen the exchange
rate of a country.
The gross domestic product (GDP) is one of the primary indicators of a country
economical health. It is the monetary value of all the finish goods and services produced within a
country over a specific time period. A high GDP growth rate will increase/appreciate the
exchange rate with the expectation that interest rate will also increase. A lower GDP growth rate
will decrease/depreciate the exchange rate with the expectation that interest rate will also
decrease.
The Jamaican dollar went from a record low of $59.80 in 2004 to a record high of
$112.27 to 1 USD in July 2014. The depreciation in the value of the Jamaican dollar affects the
other variables (inflation rate, interest rate, unemployment and GDP) which are important
indicators to know whether or not an economy is experiencing growth. They are also positively
correlated.
The forecast for the period 2010 - 2019 shows that the Jamaican dollar will experience a
further depreciate/devaluation, if the economy does not experience any growth. The Jamaican
dollar is expected to trade at $ 143.91 to USD 1.


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The table below highlights the projections for the various economic factors that change over
time.
Year
Interest
Rate (%)
Inflation
Rate (%)
Unemployment
Rate (%)
Gross Domestic
Product ($)
Exchange
Rate (%)
2010 9.6 11.7 11.3 724359.4 85.86
2011 13.1 6 12.4 734534.6 86.8
2012 11.9 8 13 731002.4 92.98
2013 8.9 9.5 14.9 732440.9 106.38
2014 10.05 8.07 13.4 735762.4 109.94
2015 9.72 7.53 15.01 737833.63 116.73
2016 9.39 8.76 15.68 739904.86 123.53
2017 9.06 8.23 16.35 741976.09 130.32
2018 8.73 7.86 17.02 744047.32 137.12
2019 8.4 8.18 17.69 746118.55 143.91

Effect of the International Economy on the National Economy
The United States of America dollar is used in most international transactions, so it stands to
reason that anything that happens with the US economy will affect the international finances in a
substantial way. With the recession that started with the failure of the subprime mortgage market
in the United States. The however has had a great impact on the Jamaica economy in that
economy is small and heavily dependent on a handful of foreign exchange.
Mundi report Jamaica is heavily dependent on services that accounted for more than 60%
of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at the end of 2011. Most of the foreign exchange is from
tourism, remittances and bauxite/alumina. Remittances account for 15% of GDP and exports of
bauxite and alumina make up roughly 5%. The bauxite/alumina sector affected mostly by the

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global downturn but tourism was supple. Tourism revenues account for 5% of GDP in 2011.
However there were many challenges to growth, high crime corruption, unemployment and
underemployment and a debt to GDP ratio nearly 130%. Jamaicas debt burden was as a result of
the government bailout of the financial sector.
A debt exchange was created in 2010 in order to retire high price domestic bonds and
significantly reduce debt servicing which hinder the government ability to spend on
infrastructure and social programs particularly as job a loss was on the rise in a shrinking
economy. Jamaica was hard hit by the effects of the global economic crises, experiencing
economic contractions from 2008-10 and growth remains low. Administration faces challenges
in maintaining debt payments, while at the same time attaching serious problem that is
hampering economic growth. With all these economic pressures the government had no choice
but to turn to International Monetary Fund.
Industry Analysis
Manufacturing Industry in Jamaica
According to the business dictionary, manufacturing can be defined as the process of converting
raw materials, components or parts in to finished goods that meet a customers expectations or
specifications.
In Jamaica manufacturing plays an important role in the development of the economy. It
is often times consider as the focus of the economy as the driving force for growth. In the 1980s
and the 1990s manufacturing industry in Jamaica was on the high. However with high taxes,
high fuel cost and also with the increase of raw material have held back the industry. With the
decline in the industry in the 1990s the industry has remain the largest goods in the production

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sector in the Jamaica economy. In competing in both the domestic and export market the basic
requirement for the sector is to achieve a high level of productivity. For manufacturing sector the
plan for vision 2030 Jamaica will make the move to higher level of productivity in adding value
using technology and environmentally sustainable process with motivated, productive employees
and regulate business environment.
Manufacturing in which raw material are altered in to finished products on a large scale is
a basic economic activity that has been characterized as the secondary sector, between the
primary sector of agriculture and mineral extraction, and the tertiary service sector.
Manufacturing sector represents a vital component of the economy. The manufacturing sector
plan also will have implications for other areas of national development including agro-
processing, non-metallic minerals, communication technology, energy, tourism and the
distributive trade. For the period of 2004- 2008 manufacturing represented 8.4% of Gross
Domestic Product.
Links between the economic outlook and the Manufacturing and Agricultural industry
performance
Economic trends can take two forms cyclical changes in the economy that arise from the ups and
downs from business cycle and structural changes that lack a cyclical pattern. Structural changes
occur when the economy is undergoing a major change in organization or how it functions.
Industry performance is related to the stage of the business cycle. What makes industry
analysis challenging is that every business cycle is different and those who look only at history
are in danger of missing the current and evolving trends that will determine future market
performance. After the economy has hit bottom and begins its recovery, consumer durable stocks

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typically make attractive investments. Such stocks include industries that produce expensive
consumer items, such as cars, personal computers, and refrigerator. Pent-up demand for
expensive consumer purchases, delayed during recession, may be fulfilled during the coming
recovery.
Once business finally recognize the economy is recovering and current levels of
consumer spending are sustainable, they begin to think about modernizing, renovating, or
purchasing new equipment to satisfy rising demand, lower costs, expand markets, or provide
better service to customers. Thus, capital goods industries become attractive investments.
Traditionally, toward the business cycle peak, the rate of inflation increases as demand starts to
outstrip supply. Basic materials industries, which transform raw materials in to finished products,
become investor favorites. Because inflation has little influence on the costs of extracting or
finishing these products, the higher prices allow these industries to experience higher profit
margins.
During a recession, some industry sectors typically do better than others. Consumer
staples, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and beverages, tend to perform better than other sectors
because people still spend money on these necessities. As a result, these defensive industries
generally maintain their values during market declines.
If a weak domestic economy means a weak currency, industries with large export
components may benefit because their goods become more cost competitive in foreign markets.
The most attractive industries will be those with large markets in growing economies.



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The relationship between the analyst economic projections and the forecasted industry
performance.
In creating economic success the manufacturing industry provides wealth and sustains jobs for
citizens in the country. However there are many challenges face by the industry in instance such
as the global economic slowdown which causes and increase in the price of fuel and cost of raw
materials which was then pass down to final consumer. The manufacturing industry is one of the
dominancy that contributes the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2011 the industry provide
employment for 75,100 persons and 2012 75,000 persons for 2013 71,900 and is expected to still
contribute to some extent in the future as being illustrated in the graph below.

The way forward for the Jamaican manufacturing industry is to make sure that interest rate
is trending downwards. Banks will be more willing to offer loan and maintain and maintain.
stability in the exchange rate. In the manufacturing sector it is representing an increase growth
for the last two quarters. Despite the trough economic condition, the manufacturing is predicted o
contribute positively as this segment will be the main aim for the government. The government is
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
75.1
75
71.9
70.8
69.2
67.6
66 64.4
62.8
Projected number of persons that will
be Employed by the manufacturing
industry

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expected to boost this sector to create employment through the money it receives from the
International Monetary Fund (IMF). Based on the research that was done it is expected that this
will continue, as this is a very important sector representing a large chunk of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP).There are investment opportunities in manufacturing industry years for years to
come.
Structural Influences on the Economy and Industry
Social Influence
There are other factors other than the economy which forms which forms part of the basic
environment. The social influence is one such major factor which is defined as the actions,
reactions and thoughts and individuals of a society or country which can manipulate the
performances of the economy and industry. However, changes in lifestyle choices, population
and social values can influence changes in industry, products and corporate strategies regardless
of economic growth a country experiences.
The population and its size have important influences on the economy as a whole.
According , to the Economy and Social Survey of Jamaica recorded at year end 2013, 2,718,000
people in total with female being 1,372,500 and male 1,345,500. As stated by Index Mundi in the
year 2013, the Jamaican population consists of mostly person between the age of 25-54 years,
which account for 36% of the population while 5.5% where between the ages of 55-64 years.
Having a country comprising of mainly of younger persons creates an availability of human
resource who are more likely resistant to change. The various age mix has implications for the
manufacturing and agricultural sectors for example younger persons tend to have preferential
tastes to current fads than the older generation. This could influence sales positively for the
manufacturing industry that is concern with innovation in designing.

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Another major social influence on the economy is the lifestyle of its people. As defined by
the Oxford dictionary , lifestyle is the mode of living by an individual or group. Lifestyle choices
varies among individual and group and dictates the direction of the economy. The Statistical
Institute of Jamaica stated that 8.65% per 100 marriages ends in divorce in 2009 which slows
economic growth increasing the demand and housing and resources due to the separation. This
consequently creates a rise in consumer spending which adversely reduces disposable income. In
addition, the changes and increase in dual-career families, population shift, and also
entertainment will influence the manufacturing and agricultural industry. The agricultural
industry could face a decline in human resource as more persons are migrating to urban areas
from rural areas in search of work, education and new lifestyle. On the other hand, the
manufacturing industry could face an increase in workers from rural area which in turn could
influence productivity.
Technology
Technology has created a reservoir of knowledge that made available by science and technology
for socioeconomic development in a country. There have be advances in quite a number of
factors such as medicine, advance in communication, education, health care and a lot more
which have aid in the growth of the country's economy in many ways. As it relates to the
manufacturing industry improved techniques have created a haven for innovation and changed
where man power have been replaced by robots which perform continuous, strenuous, receive
and difficult task daily such as lifting heavy object and constructing and automobile from start to
finish. As for the agricultural industry, improved technology has been put in place to minimize
the amount of work done by an individual. For example, machines have been constructed to
grow chicken to full term in about 2 weeks or less as against the normal growth period of 6 to 8

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weeks. Innovative technology can create immense return for an industry , gain competitive
advantage other industries and in turn facilitate growth of a nation.
Politics and Regulations
Today's social trend may very well become tomorrow's law, regulation or tax (
(Reilly,Norton,2006). There have been numerous laws enacted or have been written in the
constitution of Jamaica that encourages fair trading, protecting the consumer as well as
protection the employee. These laws have the ability to influence economic growth if they are
applied and adhere to. The Bureau of Standard of Jamaica and the Consumer Affairs
Commission are two such government agencies established to reform, educate, empower
consumer to protect themselves and also to protect consumer in the market place. The
Manufacturing industry is Govern by the Bureau of Standard of Jamaica. The standards ensure
that consumers are provided with quality goods, service processes and practices. The increase in
minimums wages as per January 6', 2014 of $600.00 can influence manufacturing and
agricultural industry performances, consequently increasing the cost of labour which would
ultimately affect the firms profitability. This could influence cash flows to the industry because
of the increased motivation of the employees due to the wage increase. In contrast, laws enacted
can also stifle a country's performance. For example, many persons may view the recent
decriminalization of marijuana as being a profitable move for the country but this
decriminalization can have adverse effect such as the increase in smoking and also an increase in
trading activity of the herb.
Market Analysis
In Jamaica, the manufacturing process in which raw materials are transformed into finished
products on a large scale is considered an important economic activity. This has been described

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as the secondary sector within the economy. The industry of agriculture on the other hand, is
characterized within the primary sector of the economy.
Even though the manufacturing industry in Jamaica has been experiencing relative
declines since 1990, it still in fact continues to be the largest contributor to the nations Gross
Domestic Product among the sectors that produce goods. Manufacturing and agro-processing
represent the application of technical know-how and process equipment. The manufacturing
industry comprises of several key factors that must be dealt with individually. They are
economies of scale, transport costs, closeness to customers, brand Jamaica and global
competitiveness.
Over the years, the agricultural sector has become quite vulnerable due to an increase in
competition from imports. This resulted from low productivity evident in that sector. This sector
is a critical component that has an extreme impact on the national development of an economy.
This industry has been plagued by many problems like increasing debt burdens and poor cane
quality. Its contributions to the nations GDP have fluctuated yearly because of natural disasters.
It, however, has positively impacted the rate of employment in the country.
In general both the market sizes of the agriculture and manufacturing industries are great
and there is potential for market growth in each industry. By effectively controlling or mitigating
the cost structure of each industry market profitability within the industries can increase.
Competitive Structure of the Industry
Over the past 20 years, the manufacturing industry has been plagued with the full extent of
competitive pressures that has posed challenges for the Jamaican economy. Most of the factors
that affect competitiveness in this sector stems from the constraints in the business environment

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and the macro-economic environment. These factors would include limited access to capital
markets, overvalued exchange rates, high real interest rates, relative cost of labour among other
variables. These factors have influenced the degree of competition within the industry.
As it relates to the agricultural sector, the competitiveness of this industry has become
vital. The competitors are affected by the liberalization of trade regimes and this change has
affected the domestic markets as well as the export market. The scope of challenges that the
competitors face in this industry are inclusive of but not limited to high levels of praedial
larceny, limited economies of scale, low levels of investments in technology and the high cost of
some of the productive inputs. All of the challenges aforementioned have resulted in the
declining performance in this industry.
Forces Driving Industry Competition
The threat of new entrants into the industry can affect the degree of competitiveness in that
industry. The threat of new individuals entering into the manufacturing industry is relatively low
given the high startup capital needed for machinery and other fixed assets. However, the threat of
new entrants into the agricultural industry is really high. It takes very little to become a
competitor in that industry.
Rivalry that exists among existing firms within the industry is also a key factor to note.
The risk involved from the rivalry among competitors for both the manufacturing and
agricultural industries are high. There are many competitors already existent within these sectors,
many of which are not dependent on the other, hence, a high level of rivalry results.
Another force that drives competition is the threat of substitute products. This threat is
relatively medium in the manufacturing industry but extremely high in the agricultural industry.

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Also to note, is the bargaining power that the buyers possess. This refers to the extent to
which consumers have the choice to buy from manufacturer or agricultural produce provider or
another. The bargaining power is high in both industries. If the consumers are not satisfied with
what is being produced and reared locally then they can opt to buy from other producers or
foreign goods.
The threat of suppliers is also another force to be mindful of. This threat is extremely
high in the manufacturing sector. Most manufacturers have to supply raw materials from abroad
and have little or no say in the costs that they have to absorb. For the agricultural industry on the
other hand, this threat is minimal.
Industry Life-Cycle Analysis
The manufacturing industry is currently in the mature growth stage of the life cycle. This is
evident because this industry reflects high levels of growth. At this stage, the customers place
extreme focus on the quality of the products and seek them at low prices. The agricultural
industry displays the characteristics of the stabilization and market maturity where the rate at
which it grows is similar to that of the economy.
Regulatory Environment
There are several legislations and regulatory institutions that help to support the fair and proper
functioning of the manufacturing and agricultural industry.
The main policy framework for the manufacturing industry comes from the National
Industrial Policy of 1996. There are a range of laws and institutions that guide the development
of the manufacturing industry. They include the Factory Construction Law, Jamaica Export Free

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Zones Act, Bureau of Standards, Consumer Affairs Commission, Fair Trading Commission, and
Jamaica Intellectual Property Office among a host of many others.
For the agricultural industry, there are laws that relates to specific product items,
agricultural practices and also to individuals who operate within the agricultural sector. Some
examples of these regulations are the Irrigation Act, Coconut Insurance Act, Cocoa Industry
Board Act, Farm Loans Act, Fishing Industry Act, Pesticides Act, Praedial Larceny Prevention
Act, Sugar Reserve Funds Act, along with many more. In order to tackle some of the challenges
that are faced by the country in this industry the government drafted the Agricultural Trade
Policy which would address issues related to liberalization, exports and food safety.
These laws help to maintain environmental sustainability and aids in increasing
productivity within the Jamaican economy.
Company Analysis
After analyzing and assessing the various aspects of the manufacturing and the agricultural
industry, it is predicted that in the next five years the manufacturing industry will most likely
outperform the agricultural industry. Given this prediction, the company within this industry that
was selected for analysis is the Berger Paints Limited. This company is also expected to do well
in its operations. This is because construction will always be a continuous process over the years
regardless of economic changes and industry changes. Therefore, paint is an important product.




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Qualitative Analysis
Firms Competitive Strategies
With the effort of trying to sustain a strong competitive advantage, Berger Paints Limited has
made good use of its core competencies that other competitors would find extremely difficult to
replicate. The high quality of the paint is considered to be the companys main strongpoint.
The competitive strategy that Berger employs is the differentiation strategy. Porter (1985)
declares that by using this strategy the firm seeks to be unique in its industry along some
dimensions that are widely valued by buyers. It is evident that Berger uses this technique because
they have selected an attribute that is deemed as important to architects, homeowners, and
construction workers alike and have positioned itself to effectively meet these needs. Consumers
want to know that their assets will be protected during and after the decorative process. As a
result, Berger has created products that protects and enhances the durability of these assets. They
differ from other competitors such as Sherwin Williams, Diamond Paint and B-H Paints in that
they offer paints for every possible type of finishing and furnishings. To aid with dcor concerns
they have also launched a state-of-the-art tinting platform in the retail stores.
Swot Analysis
A SWOT analysis is a tool used to assess the strategic position of an organization. It is a
framework used for identify the internal and external factors that have an impact on the firms
product
Strengths
These are the characteristics of a company that makes it stands out and also gives it competitive
advantage over other firms. One of the company's strengths is that it has excellent brand

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awareness among its potential customers, and also it is centrally located in an easy to find area
whenever a customer needs to make a purchase. It remains the largest paint manufacturing
company in the English speaking Caribbean and produces 95% of its 200 paints locally. It has
high market product both in visibility and sale for product such as Berger 303 flat emulsion and
ever glow low sheen
Weaknesses
The weaknesses of a firm are those attributes which are unfavorable to the company. One of its
weaknesses is its heavy dependence on decorative segments where competition is intense.
Another downfall is the high cost associated with importing raw materials.
Opportunities
The opportunities of a firm include those possible endeavors in which the company can engage
to further increase its overall profitability. Berger Paint Company has potential growth prospect
in other countries.
Threats
The threats faced by a firm include those conditions that intimidate the current and future
profitability of the company. There could be new entrants in the the industry as well as the
market. Fluctuation in the price of raw material, labour and other resource can also be a treat to
Berger paints. The company can also experience stiff completion from other companies.

Favorable Attributes of the Firm
A companys favorable attributes are its unique characteristics and qualities that allow it to stand
out and is the preferred choice for its customers. It is this same uniqueness that attracts potential

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customers. The major qualities or characteristics of a company can be its competitive advantage,
market leadership and exceeding management style and heavy duty industrial finishes.
All customers inclusive of architects, contractor, interior designers, etc are offered technical
advice and color advice on the Berger brands available and also information on other special line
of products such as enamel, varnished wood preservation etc. the company has several outlet
and distributors of the product for easy access for those who wish to make an order or purchase.
They provide a large variety of products to its customers and is able match any color to satisfy
the customer's preference.

Overview of the Product
Berger paints Jamaica Limited manufactures and distributes industrial and decorative paints and
paint related material. It is a subsidiary of Berger International Limited, itself a subsidiary of the
Asian Paints Group, a conglomerate which ranks among the top ten decorative coatings
companies in the world. Bergers success has been the company ongoing commitment to the
development and manufactured of paint which are technologically correct, environmentally
friendly and formulated to withstand harsh tropical conditions. Home owners, Hoteliers and
business across the Caribbean have long shown a definite for colourful, welcoming Caribbean
homes. They as well as architects and interior designers are assured that the quality of Berger
product is maintained on a consistent basis.
Their laboratories have consistently introduced products that have set market standards-
products such as Berger 203, the premier flat emulsion, berger404, oil paint, Berger 2020, a
quick drying, gloss emulsion which is suitable for wood and concrete. They also include Berger
ever glow, an east to clean, low sheen emulsion which provide a perfect finish and is especially

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suited for hard use areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and childrens rooms. It is also widely
accepted in the Berger natures whites lines of pastel shades which reflect the beauty of natures
fruits and flowers.
Porters Five Forces Model
Michael Porter based his theory on the fact that determines the competitive intensity and
attractiveness of a market. His fives forces model is use in helping to identify where power lies
in a business settings. This is important has it is used to understand strength of the organizations
of current competitive position and the strength of a position that an organization may look to
move in. Porter model is also used by strategic analysts to understand whether new products or
service are potentially profitable. In understanding the theory it can be used to identify areas of
strength, improve weakness and to avoid mistakes.
Porters five forces of competitive position analysis:

The five forces are:


23
Rivalry Among Existing Competitors- Berger Paints main focus is on building their
brand. Product differentiation and high prices are also followed as competitive strategy.
Rivalry among competitors in this industry has being low because firms have being able
to differentiate their product.
Threat of New Entrants- The driver to be successful is different in both market
segments that are decorative and industrial. With decorative segment the distribution
channel becomes most important for a player to be successful. For a new player to
succeed barriers to entries are huge. If an international player wishes to enter in to this
segment it would take a long time to establish a channel. In regards to industrial segment,
technology plays a crucial role as huge networking is not required. Therefore it is more
prone to new entrant. Getting a place in the market is very difficult as switching cost is
high for the customers.
Bargaining Power of Buyers- Customers in the decorative paint segment do not have
sufficient knowledge about the quality, properties and perceived benefits of a particular
paint. Therefore, there is a strong dependency for instance a painter, contractors or even
paint dealers in making decisions as to the type and brand of paint to buy and use thereby
becoming strong influence. With the industrial segment buyer do not have some buying
power. There are few buyers with few demands. Loss of one customer would hit the
company. However this can overcome by raising switching cost, by giving customers
specialize service.
Bargaining Power of Suppliers- For Berger paint it is not easy for the supplier to drive
up prices because raw materials are bought oversees.

24
Threat of Substitute Products- substitute is greater in rural market, in which awareness
about paint is still quite low, and it is considered as luxury good. The wall is either left
without any paint or substitutes like white wash are use. White cement is one of the most
preferred substitutes for paints in exterior walls. In the industrial segment products are
more customized and guided by technology. In case of decorative products the
technology has been preferred as the production can be divided on the basis of interior
and exterior like water base and solvent base.
BCG Matrix
The Boston Growth Matrix is a collection planning model that was developed based on
the observation that a companys business units can be classified into four categories on market
growth and market share in regards to the largest competitor. The four categories are: dogs,
question marks, stars and cash cows as shown in the diagram above which give thoughts of the
companys competitive act within its industry.
Dogs have low growth rate and market share and does not create or use large amounts of
cash.
Question marks are rapidly growing and creating a large amount of cash; however they
have a low market share and do not generate a lot of cash.
Stars generate a lot of cash in that their market share is strong and consume a lot of cash
due to a high growth rate as a result in each direction in the order to nets out.
Cash cows are describe as market leaders and has a return on assets more than the
growth rate of the market, and thus generating more cash than they will be able to
consume.

25
Berger Paints Jamaica Ltd. may be classified as question mark in the industry. It has a low
market share that is expected to change as to compare to the other player within the industry.
Both its Earning per Share (EPS) and P/E ratio is low. , Sherwin Williams, Berger had a lower
EPS and also P/E ratio. Sherwin Williams had values of $0.40 and 20.23 times respectively
while Berger Paints had $0.35 and 14.43 times.
Quantitative Analysis
Interpretation of Ratios
Liquidity


The Current Ratio is a liquidity ratio that measures a firms ability to honour its short term
contractual obligations. A current ratio below 1 means that the firm is in serious liquidity
problems that is their current liabilities exceeds current assets. Base on the ratios for 2011, 2012
and 2013 which reflects 5.47:1, 2.56:1 and 2.29:1 respectively means that Berger Paints is able
to meet its short term obligations once they become due.
0.00%
1.00%
2.00%
3.00%
4.00%
5.00%
6.00%
Current
Ratios
Quick
Ratios Cash flow
Liquidity Ratios
2012
2013
2011

26
Asset Management

Total Asset Turnover is a type of asset management ratio, which measures a firms earnings
before interest and tax base on its total net assets. If a firm can generate more sales with fewer
assets it will generate a higher turnover which is good for the firm because its using its assets
efficiently. Base on this fact Berger Paints return from 2011-2013 were 1.71, 1.87 and 1.80
respectively.
Profitability


0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Asset Management Ratios
2011
2012
2013
Profitability Ratios
Gross Profit Margin
Net Profit Margin
ROE
ROA

27
The return on equity measures a firm overall profitability that is how much profit is made from
shareholders invested funds. The return on equity ratio for Berger Paints showed a Hugh
fluctuation from 14.06% in 2011 to 7.05% in 2012 and 7.09% in 2013. This is a decrease in
shareholders returns in 2012 and 2013.
Market Value


The P/E ratio is a valuation ratio of a companys current share price (market price) compared to
its earnings per share. This ratio shows how much an investor is willing to pay per dollar of
reported profit. A higher P/E ratio indicate thats investor or the market expects an increase in
earnings for the future. This tends to associate with firms that have a high growth rate. Investors
will therefore have high confidence in a company that has a high P/E ratio. Berger Paints ratio
has made steady progress over the period 2011-2013 it was 5.06 in 2011 and made a huge jump
to 10.13 in 2012.


$0.00
$0.50
$1.00
$1.50
$2.00
$2.50
EPS P/E Ratio Book Value/ShareMarket to Book
Market Value Ratios
2011
2012
2013

28
Debt Management Ratio


Discounted cash flow, inclusive of all applicable methods of determining Berger Paints
Ltd.intrinsic value.

Valuation of stock
1). The dividend model is used to calculate the valuation of Berger Paints Ltd Stock.
Po = DPS/Ks g
Where, DPS = the expected dividend for the next period
Ks = the required rate of return for equity investors
G = growth rate in dividends
Required rate of return
The first step in calculating the required rate of return to find the cost of equity; which is
calculated by the following formula:

Debt Management Ratios
Total Debt Ratio
Debt -to-Equity
TIE

29
Cost of equity = Krf + (km)b.
Assumptions:
Dividend per share for 2013 was $0.13
Earnings per share for 2013 was $0.16
Average dividend payout ratio (2011-2013) = $0.13
The average ROE for the three year period is 9.58%
Risk free rate of 7.88% based on the 182 days Treasury bill rate as at November 2013.
Due to the low correlation between the movements of the JSE index and Berger Paints the beta
will be estimated at 1.00
The market risk premium was calculated by JSE using the relative volatility of the JSE versus the
NYSE and multiplying it by the market risk premium of the NYSE. The JSE MRP was
calculated to be 3.61%
This mean that Berger Paints cost of equity is 7.88% + (3.61)1.00 = 11.49%
Expected growth rate = (1 payout ratio) * return on equity
Therefore, the expected growth rate is = (1 - .13)* .0958 = 8.33%
Average ROE = 9.58%
Po = DPS/Ks-g
= .13/ (.1149 - .0833) = $4.11

30
P/E Valuation Approach
The P/E valuation approach was used to calculate Berger Paints Ltd price using the average over
the three year period (2011-2013)
Stock price = EPS X P/E ratio
P/E Ratio = 8.44
EPS = $0.21
Therefore, stock price = 8.44 times X 0.21 = $1.77



The diagram shows that there will be a steady increase in sales for Berger Paints Ltd over the
next five (5) years.

0
500000
1000000
1500000
2000000
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Year
Sales Projections

31
Recommendations and Conclusion
From the research that was done the researchers saw it fit to make the following
recommendations:
The Government of Jamaica should invest in a solar energy plant as to reduce the
cost of electricity; as a result the cost of producing will be cheaper. As such the
country will now be able to produce more locally and thus reduce the amount of
imports.
The economic analysis of Jamaica shows that government is spending far much
than they earn, the recommendation is that they capitalize on the resources that
are available to the country as we speak in order to earn more revenue for the
country. With an attempt to reduce the imports into the country which is currently
depleting our national reserve, a short term restriction can be made on luxury
items despite our internal demand for them.
The company analysis revealed we recommend that investors invest in this
company on the merit that the intrinsic value is greater than the price of the stock.
The intrinsic value is $1.77 and the current stock price is $1.62 investor should
buy this stock.






32
Appendices
Formula Sheet
FORECASTING IN EXCEL
=FORECAST(X,knownY,knownX)
RATIO CALCULATIONS
Particulars Formula 2011 2012 2013
EPS Net income / Total #
of outstanding shares
$0.32 $0.16 $0.16
ROE NIAT/Avg. Total
Equity
14.60% 7.05% 7.09%
Average ROE (NIAT/Total
equity)/3
9.58%
Payout ratio
from 2011-2013
DPS/EPS 0.41 0.81 0.81
Average payout
ratio
(DPS/EPS)/3 $0.125
Expected Growth
Rate
(1-payout ratio)*ROE 8.33%
DPS1 D0(1+G) $0.13
Value of stock DPS1/Ks-g $1.77

Asset
Management
Ratios
Formula 2011 2012 2013
Total Asset
Turnover
Sales/Total
Assets
1498241/874786 =
1.71 times
1540689/816724
=1.87 times
1608216/895654
=1.80 times
Fixed Asset
Turnover
Sales/Fixed
Assets

1498241/251782
=5.95 times
15440689/252432
=6.10 times
1608216/249479
=6.45 times
Acc. Rec.
Turnover
Sales/(ave) Acc.
Rec
1498241/277692
=5.96 days
1540689/219132
=7.03 days
1608216/216507
=7.43 days
Inventory
Turnover
Sales/Inventory 1498241/217979
=6.87 days
1540689/249235
=6.18 days
1608216/265319
=6.06 days

33
Average
Collection
Period
Acc.
Rec./Average
Sale per day
277692/1498241*36
5
=67.65 days
219132/1540689*36
5
=51.91 days
216507/1608216*36
5
=49.14 days
Day Sales in
Inventory
Inventory/Cost
of Sales
365/6.87=53.03 days 365/6.18=59.06 days 365/6.06=60.23 days

Liquidity Ratios Formula 2011 2012 2013
Quick Ratio Current Asset -
Inventory/CL
623004/113911
=5.47
564292/220110
=2.56
646175/282082
=2.29

Current Ratio Current Asset /Current
Liabilities
405025/113911
=3.56
315057/220110
=1.43
380856/282082
=1.35
Cash Flow Ratio Operating Cash flow/CL 122422/113911
=1.07
93509/220110
=0.42
130521/282082
=0.43

Debt
Management
Ratio
Formula 2011 2012 2013
Total Debt Ratio TA- TE/TA 410254/874786
=46.90
344007/816724
=42.12
413854/895654
=46.21
Debt to Equity Long Term
Liabilities/TE
4102542/141793
=2.89
344007/141793
=2.43
413854/141793
=2.92
TIE EBIT/Interest 101131/41
=2466.63
50976/1574
=32.39
47118/27
=1745.11

Profitability
Ratio
Formula 2011 2012 2013
Gross Profit
Margin
Gross
Profit/Net Sale
101091/1498241
=6.75
50976/1540689
=3.31
47118/1608216
=2.93
Net Profit
Margin
NIAT/Net Sale 67806/1498241
=4.53
33317/1540689
=2.16
34083/1608216
=2.12
ROA NIAT/TA 67806/874786
=7.75
33317/816724
=4.08
34083/895654
=3.81
ROE NIAT/(ave.)
Total Equity
67806/464532
=14.60
33317/472330
=7.05
34083/480430
=7.09




34


Market Value Formula 2011 2012 2013
EPS Net Income for
ord.
shareholders/Tot
al # of ord. share
outstanding
67806000/214322393
=$ 0.32
33317000/214322393
=$0.16
34083000/214322393
=$0.16
Book Value per
share
Total Common
Equity/Total # of
common shares
464532/214322393
=2.17
472330/214322393
=2.20
480430/214322393
=2.24
Market to Book
Value
Market price per
share/Book
Value per share
1.62/2.17
=0.75
1.62/2.20
=0.74
1.62/2.24
=0.72
P/E Ratio Market price per
share/EPS
1.62/0.32
=5.06
1.62/0.16
=10.13
1.62/0.16
=10.13

ECONOMIC FACTORS PROJECTIONS
Year
Unemplo
yment
Rate
2010 11.3
2011 12.4
2012 13
2013 14.9
2014 13.4
2015 15.01
2016 15.68
2017 16.35
2018 17.02
2019 17.69
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Unemployment
Rate (%)
Year
Unemployment Rate Projections
Unemployment Rate
Linear (Unemployment
Rate)


35





2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
9.6
13.1 11.9
8.9 10.05 9.72
9.39 9.06
8.73
8.4
Interest Rate Projections in Jamaica for
2010-2019

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
11.70
6.00
8.00
9.50
8.07
7.53
8.76
8.23
7.86
8.18
Inflation Rate Projection in Jamaica for
2010-2019

36





0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Exchange Rate Forecast for period 2010-2019
Exchange Rate
Forecast for
710000
715000
720000
725000
730000
735000
740000
745000
750000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
GDP Projections in Jamaica for 2010-2019
Gross Domestic Product

37

An illustration of the BCG Matrix












38
References
Bank of Jamaica, Retrieved on June 19, 2014 from
http://boj.org.jm/publications/publications_show.php?publication_id=5
Berger Paint Jamaica, Retrieved on July 20, 2014 from
http://www.bergeronline.com/caribbean/corporate/future.aspx
Case, K., Fair R., & Oster S., (2009), Principles of Microeconomics Prentice Hall
Collinder,A. (2013). Split emerges on rollback of tourism tax subsidies. The Gleaner Jamaica.
International Monetary Fund (1997) Manual on Monetary and Financial Statistics.
Ministry of Finance. Retrieved from
http://www.mof.gov.jm/budgets
Porter, M. (1985) Competitive Advantage Ch. 1, pp 11-15. The Free Press. New York.
Riley, F. & Norton, E. Investment Thompson South- Western 7
th
Edition
Statistical Institute of Jamaica, Retrieved June 16, 2014 from
http://statinja.gov.jm/
Trading economies Retrieved on June 19, 2014 from
www.tradingeconomies.com
The Jamaica Stock Exchange. Retrieved from
www.jse.com
nd.)U.S Trade policy and Jamaica U.S Trade Relations. Retrieved from
http://www.psoj.org/?q=news/us-trade-poilcy-and-jamaica-us-trade-relations
Vision 2030 Jamaica- Manufacturing Plan (2009-2030). Retrieved from
http://www.ukessays.com/essays/economics/driving-forces-of-the-jamaican-economy-e
conomics-essay.php