Kingston, Jamaica — Fontana Limited has entered its new financial year with record-breaking revenues, showcasing the strength of its retail and brand strategy, even amid major weather-related setbacks and increased integration costs.
For the quarter ending September 30, 2025, the pharmacy and beauty retailer delivered $2.5 billion in revenue — its highest first-quarter performance ever. This marks a nearly 21% year-on-year surge, primarily attributed to the full incorporation of Monarch Pharmacy and the expansion of its upscale Orá Beauty chain.
However, the growth push came with a cost. Net earnings for the period fell to $44.6 million, a 26% dip from the prior year, largely due to acquisition-related expenses and increased operational activity at new locations. Total operating costs rose 22.3% to $821.6 million, though management classified these as transitional.
Acquisition-Fueled Growth
Fontana’s acquisition of Monarch Pharmacy earlier this year — a J$850 million deal — added four locations to its national footprint, bringing the store count to 11. The expansion boosted inventory, assets, and brand presence, particularly in high-traffic urban corridors. The company’s foray into the premium beauty segment through Orá Beauty continues to position it at the intersection of retail pharmacy and lifestyle wellness — targeting Jamaica’s rising middle- and upper-income consumers.
Total assets now stand at $6.9 billion, up 23% from the previous year. Cash reserves reached $1.3 billion, and shareholders’ equity rose nearly 10% to $2.9 billion, reinforcing the group’s robust financial standing.
Hurricane Disruption and Response
Fontana’s progress was abruptly tested in late October when Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with Category 5 force, damaging the Montego Bay head office and flooding its flagship Fairview location. Despite the devastation, the company reopened Fairview within 14 days of the storm — a recovery the board credited to operational readiness and team commitment.
Currently, all locations are operational, though outlets in the west are observing shortened hours as a precaution. In response to the personal impact on employees, Fontana rolled out a recovery support programme, offering supplies and housing repair assistance to affected staff.
Outlook
While short-term contraction is expected in hurricane-hit areas, performance across central and eastern branches remains steady. The company remains confident in maintaining upward momentum, pointing to consumer demand and the strategic advantage gained from the Monarch acquisition and Orá’s positioning.
Fontana closed its previous fiscal year with J$9.5 billion in revenue and J$591.5 million in profit — and despite profit compression this quarter, the company appears well-positioned for continued national dominance in the pharmacy and wellness retail sector.
