September 1

 BEING PART OF THIS GROUP OF 35 ISSUERS IS PROFITABLE (EL ECONOMISTA 8-9) The 19 issuers who have maintained their position within the S&P/BMV IPC, the most important index on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV,Bolsa Mexicana de Valores), posted average yields of 291% over the past decade, or an average annual yield of 29%.Gruma and Cemex are located at both extremes. The price ofGruma certificates has risen 597% since August 31, 2007, while Cemex certificates have fallen 31%...

 THE COMPANIES WHO MADE A KILLING ON THE BMV AND THOSE WHO DID NOT. (CNNEXPANSION.COM 0) (EL NORTE (ON LINE) 0) Impact from the quarterly reports continued to disappoint investors in the 31 issuers who trade within the IPC, the main index on the Mexican Stock Market, which had accumulated an increase of only 0.40% in August, at only 51,210.48 points. Of the issuers who make up the IPC, those with the most progress this month were: OHL Mexico, whose share price rose 10%; followed byGruma, up  7%; and Peñoles, up 6%.

September 02

  NAFTA WILL NOT IMPACT JUAN GONZÁLEZ MORENO’S GRUMA. (MUNDO EJECUTIVO ON LINE 0) Specialists agree thatGruma,the Mexican company that is the leading producer of corn flour, tortillas, and wraps around the world, will be one of the few companies not affected by the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), after reports stated that the absence of NAFTA would place 50% of Mexican exports at risk. One reason is that the company has more than 20 plants in the United States that depend on local suppliers, so it would not be affected by new tariffs imposed on imports into the country. More than 90% of whatGruma’s sells in the United States (where 60% of its sales take place) is produced there.

September 03

  OCCURRENCES. (MILENIO DIARIO 2) Major figures from private enterprise and political ranks attended the Fifth Report from the Peña Nieta administration. The business owners included Carlos Slim Sr. and Jr., Alberto Baillères, Emilio Azcárraga, Miguel Alemán Sr. and Jr., Eduardo Tricio,Juan González Moreno, Armando Garza Sada, and Ricardo Salinas Pliego. The politicians included the PAN representative, Diego Fernández de Cevallos, and a PRI Senator, Emilio Gamboa, who enjoyed a seat of honor next to Angélica Rivera and her children.

 RAFAEL GARCÍA GARZA / POLITICAL MAP. (LA CRÓNICA DE HOY 11) President Peña Nieto is starting a trip to China at the same time that Mexico City is engaged in the second round of NAFTA negotiations...In this context, it is essential to strengthen Mexico’s political and business relationship with China. Experts believe that diplomatic ties have been cordial, but distant. There have been some disagreements that have not significantly affected the relationship with China. It could become a very attractive option for our producers and products, as has already been noted withMaseca and Bimbo...

September 04

 MISSION FOODS PROVIDES 26 TONS OF FOOD FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE HARVEY IN HOUSTON, TEXAS (IDENTIDAD LATINA ONLINE 0) In solidarity and support for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas,Gruma,through its US subsidiary,Mission Foods, donated 26 tons of food products, including corn tortillas and chips, through the Houston Food Bank and the Red Cross. …Following the instructions of the President and CEO ofGruma,Juan González Moreno, the company’s employees coordinated the delivery of aid to victims of Harvey, which hit Houston very hard.

September 05

 RESIDENTS OF MONTERREY (EL NORTE (ON LINE) 14) (LA JORNADA 21) (EL ECONOMISTA 24) (EL FINANCIERO 22) (EL SOL DE MÉXICO 6) (EXCÉLSIOR 2) (NOTIMEX 0) Hot tortillas are being made available to victims affected by Tropical Storm Lidia who live in Baja California Sur.Gruma, a company based in Monterrey, sent two “tortimóviles” (tortilla food trucks) to the rescue. The units distributed 96,000 hot tortillas for immediate consumption and free of charge to the government-run shelters in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The company, led byJuan González Moreno, joins the brigade because their “tortimóviles” have their own power source, gas, water, corn flour, paper packaging, and coolers.

 GRUMA SENDS TWO TORTIMÓVILES TO BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR(FOCUS 1st ISSUE) Francisco Garduño: Speaking of Baja California Sur and the damages inflicted there, Gruma sent two “tortimóviles” to prepare more than 96,000 hot tortillas for the victims of Tropical Storm Lidia. The “tortimóviles,” which have their own power source, gas, water,Maseca corn flour, paper packaging, and coolers to preserve the food, will remain there for as long as they are needed, per the instructions of thePresidentand CEO of Gruma, Juan González Moreno.

September 06

 GRUMA HELPS LIDIA VICTIMS (MILENIO TV (10:00 A 12:00)  Claudia Ovalle:In order to help the population in Baja California Sur victimized by Tropical Storm Lidia,Gruma sent two “tortimóviles” that will provide more than 96,000 hot tortillas, free of charge, for immediate consumption at state-run shelters.  The “tortimóviles” are preparing food in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, and are self-contained, with their own power source, water,Maseca corn flour, paper packaging, and coolers to preserve the tortillas.

  BETWEEN THE LINES  (ELFINANCIERO/MONTERREY) In order to help the population in Baja California Sur that fell victim to Lidia,Gruma sent two “tortimóviles” that will provide more than 96,000 hot tortillas, free of charge, for immediate consumption at state-run shelters. TheMasecaTortimóvileswill remain in the state offering hot tortillas free of charge for as long as necessary.

 VALUE OF 11 MONTERREY COMPANIES SOARS OVER 10 YEARS (EL NORTE (ONLINE) 0) Eleven of the 16 Monterrey-based issuers who traded on the Stock Exchange 10 years ago today have a peso-denominated capitalization value that is higher, in real terms, than in August 2007, prior to the global financial recession of 2009. Heading the list is Arca Continental, with a profit of 422% in terms of constant pesos and 377% in USD, followed by Cydsa with a capital gain of 391% and 348%, respectively, according to an analysis by El Norte based on data from Bloomberg share prices. The group of winners also includesGruma, Femsa, Vitro, KOF, OMA, and Alfa, since their capitalization value increase greatly surpassed the 21% hike in real terms posted by the Index of Prices and Quotations of the Mexican Stock Exchange from August 2007 to August of this year…

 MIGUEL REYES RAZO/TENSE VISITS TO CHINA FOR A DAILY RELATIONSHIP (EL SOL DE MÉXICO 3) President Carlos Salinas de Gortari came to China accompanied by Antonio Hernández -Banamex- andRoberto González Barrera -Banorte andMaseca-, both bankers. “I’m not sure, Reyes Razo, what we’re doing here. Look: With the Telecé running at full speed, we’re not going to be able to keep up. We’re even short-handed for supplying the American market. The truth is...”Don Roberto González Barrera—in contrast—already made plans to invest in thousands of tortilla shops in India...

September 11

 PROFECO DEPLOYS PERSONNEL TO PREVENT ABUSE (MILENIO DIARIO 6) (LA PRENSA 4) Profeco deployed its personnel in the areas affected by the earthquake in Oaxaca and Chiapas, in order to prevent abuse of the population during this difficult time, as part of the actions implemented by presidential order. The head of Profeco warned that acts of stockpiling or raising prices on basic items will not be tolerated, and any abuse will be penalized, especially under these circumstances in which solidarity is a priority. Likewise, the CEO of Delegaciones, Humberto Lepe, established communication withGrupo Masecato coordinate their efforts and prevent shortages of dough and tortillas in the affected areas.

 DUNCAN TAYLOR/LONDON EYE (EXCÉLSIOR 2). Today, more than ever, the United Kingdom remains open to the world. We are the fifth largest economy in the world and we are strongly committed to being one of the best countries in the world in which to conduct business. That is why large Mexican companies such as Cemex trust the British...Gruma is another example. This year it will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of its business operations in the United Kingdom. Currently, it has two production plants in Britain...

September 12

 LEADERS (EL FINANCIERO 17) How Santander defends itself. If you were asked which issuers you should invest in, given the current environment, what would you say? During periods of volatility like those affecting financial markets today, due to the renegotiation of the NAFTA, the coming elections, high levels of inflation, and tension with North Korea, strategists choose their options more frequently so that investors may make more targeted and timely decisions...Under these considerations, the intermediary broker raised its position in issuers with fewer risks and a positive exposure to a stronger dollar. This is what has occured with Bimbo,Gruma, IEnova, and Pinfra.Gruma, led byJuan González, often benefits from the weakness of the peso against the dollar, since more than 70% of its revenue is dollar-denominated. There is the added benefit of lower financial costs, reflected in its improved debt profile...a Bloomberg poll of analysts estimated thatGruma shares will reach MXN $286 within 12 months, implying a potential rise of 10.4% above its current level. Are you in? ...

September 15

 WHAT HAPPENED IN THE BMV PRIOR TO THE 3 PREVIOUS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS (EL FINANCIERO 24) The main risk factor over the next few months is the political uncertainty associated with the 2018 presidential election, affirmed Arturo Espinosa, Director of Santander’s Variable Profit Strategy. He added that while he does not have a crystal ball, Mexico is not cheap and he notes a good opportunity to take profits and shift toward more defensive issuers such as Bimbo, Gruma, IEnova, and Pinfa...

September 18

 ROBERTO AGUILAR / CORPORATE MOMENT (EL SOL DE MÉXICO 3) Mexican companies are the favorites. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage for companies in the Latin American food and beverage sectors, where Mexico takes the lead with six of the eight issuers that comprise the group. It argues that the expected deceleration of the domestic market within Mexico has still not materialized; the low valuations vis-a-vis its competitors, high market share, and sustained growth of the purchasing power of domestic consumers. This select group is comprised of Arca Continental, led by Francisco Garza Egloff; Bimbo, led by Daniel Servitje; Coca Cola Femsa, led by John Santa Maria; Femsa, led by José Antonio Fernández;Gruma,led byJuanGonzález Moreno; and Grupo Lala, led by Scot Rank.

September 20

 INVESTMENTS (MILENIO DIARIO 28) (MILENIO MTY) Tortimóviles -Gruma, the Mexican companyled and directed by Juan González Moreno, has made its “tortimóviles” available to the authorities. The vehicles will be used to prepare more than 200,000 hot tortillas during the state of emergency in Oaxaca after the September 7 earthquake. In coordination with local and federal authorities, these efforts will address food supplies in the shelters. EachGruma “tortimóvil” has the capacity to prepare 36,000 tortillas each day, for free and immediate distribution.

 MONTERREY RISES (MILENIO DIARIO MONTERREY) After the terrible earthquake that shook central Mexico, rescue organizations in Nuevo León were among the first to step up and head south to help our brothers in Mexico City, Morelos, and Puebla, where the impact was greatest. By midday on Wednesday, at least 80 members of different Civil Protection brigades will be sent from municipal and state organizations. They will establish collection centers for foodstuffs and medical supplies, to be sent as soon as possible. Private companies are also lending a hand in the reconstruction of Oaxaca and Chiapas.Gruma sent in-kind aid, with 22 tons ofMaseca to feed the population. The only positive aspect of trying times is that they tend to bring out the best in people.

September 21

 30% OF OXXO STORES REMAIN CLOSED DUE TO POWER FAILURE (EXPANSIÓN.COM) Companies are also preparing to aid victims, while they deal with the impacts of the earthquake. FEMSA has closed 30% of its OXXO stores due to power issues and is working on solving the problem. Other companies, such as Coca Cola,Gruma, Grupo Modelo, Heineken Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, and Nestlé and offer their services to the victims after the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck central Mexico on Tuesday… For its part,Gruma, owner ofMaseca, the tortilla producer, will make its “tortimóviles” available. The food trucks are able to produce up to 36,000 hot tortillas per day…

 ACTIONS AND REACTIONS (EL ECONOMISTA 2) Tortimóviles - In solidarity and to help the population affected in Oaxaca,Gruma sent its “tortimóviles” to immediately prepare hot tortillas in the state-run shelters and to whomever needs it. They are expected to produce more than 200,000 tortillas. Each of the “tortimóviles” is capable of producing 36,000 tortillas per day for free and immediate distribution. In addition, the company donated 22 tons of corn flour to be included in the aid provided to people affected by the disaster.

September 22

 “TORTIMÓVILES” SENT TO AFFECTED STATES (REFORMA 6) (EL NORTE 1ª NEGOCIOS) (REFORMA 1) (EL UNIVERSAL 5) (EL FINANCIERO 32) (LA RAZÓN 17) (EL SOL DE MÉXICO 13) (LA JORNADA 8) (MILENIO DIARIO 21) (EXCÉLSIOR 1-2) (EL ECONOMISTA 52-53) (LA CRÓNICA DE HOY 27) (EL HERALDO DE MÉXICO 24)Gruma sent its tortilla food trucks to Mexico City, Puebla, Morelos and the State of Mexico, damaged by the earthquake that struck on Tuesday. Its efforts are in solidarity with the population affected by the earthquake on Tuesday. The “tortimóviles” are already stationed at the shelters in the Navarte neighborhood of Mexico City, Jojutla, Morelos, in the distribution centers in Puebla, in Atlacomulco, State of Mexico, and one more will be stationed in the State of Mexico. Each of theGruma “tortimóviles” has the self-contained capacity to prepare 36,000 hot tortillas, since each food truck has its own power source, gas, water,Maseca corn flour, paper packaging, and coolers to preserve the tortillas. In response to the emergency,Juan González Moreno, President and CEO of Gruma, confirmed that like other emergency situations in the country in which Gruma has provided support, the “tortimóviles” will continue to operate until the emergency is declared over.

 INEQUALITY (EL UNIVERSAL 2) The IP steps up. Until now, we have heard about the exemplary attitudes of the biggest companies in response to the earthquake, including those from Coca-Cola, led by Manuel Arroyo; Farmacias Similares, led by Víctor González Torres;Gruma, led byJuan González Moreno; Grupo Modelo, led by Mauricio Leyva; Heineken, led by Dolf van den Brink; ; PepsiCo, led by Pedro Padierna; and Oxxo, led by José Antonio Fernández Carbajal; considering the magnitude of this catastrophic event. Rather than announcing their contributions to the world, we are told that they have shown a genuine interest in helping, although there is a need to reinforce the channels and spaces through which citizens may communicate their need for aid...

 ROBERTO AGUILAR/CORPORATE MOMENT (EL SOL DE MÉXICO 3) What do ATMs, movies, and shopping malls have in common? Generally, they share a common space, but now they have something else in common: initiatives to help the populations affected by the recent earthquakes. Fortunately, the list of supplies from various companies and associations is very extensive, and the most notable examples include ABM, led by Marcos Martínez, who eliminated the commission charged at automatic teller machines in Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Puebla, Morelos, Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas, and offers support programs to defer payments and even a grace period for debt.Gruma, led byJuan González Moreno, is providing tortilla food trucks to supply various shelters. The trucks are able to produce up to 36,000 tortillas per day...

 VÍCTOR SÁNCHEZ BAÑOS / POWER AND MONEY (DIARIO IMAGEN 20) Business Owners in Solidarity: Solidarity between groups of business owners is fundamental to the support of victims of the September 19 earthquake. Since there are so many, I will only provide a brief mention, not to make light of their very, very important support...The following are also contributors: the Air Canada Foundation will transport search and rescue dogs to disaster areas; BBVA-Bancomer, led by Luis Robles Miaja, 10 million pesos; the Carlos Slim Foundation will match 5 pesos to each peso donated to its victim support account; GIN, led by Raúl Beyruli Sánchez, served 50 000 hot meals and foodstufs in Atlixco;Gruma, led by Juan González Moreno, stationed 6 “tortimóviles,” vehicles to produce free tortillas, in Morelos, Mexico City, Puebla, and the State of Mexico; the Mary Street Jenkins Foundation will donate 50 million pesos; …

 BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS (DE UNA A TRES)Juan Francisco Castañeda: Gruma reported that it has sent its tortilla food trucks to prepare hot tortillas to state-run shelters for immediate and free distribution to whomever may need them. The “tortimóviles” are already stationed at the shelters in the Colonia Navarte in Mexico City, Jojutla, Morelos, in the distribution center in Puebla, in Atlacomulco, State of Mexico, and one more will be stationed in the State of Mexico. Each of theGruma “tortimóviles” has the capacity to prepare 36,000 hot tortillas.

 AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL RULES OUT PRICE HIKE (EL FINANCIERO 17) After the earthquake that shook Mexico City, Morelos, and Puebla last Tuesday, Bosco de la Vega, the President of the National Agricultural Council (CNA, by its Spanish acronym), confirmed that the supply of food to the affected cities is guaranteed, and ruled out price increases...He explained that companies includingMaseca and Minsa are even helping in Oaxaca and Chiapas by providing tortilla food trucks, while other companies are providing cash or in-kind donations. “All of the companies affiliated with the CNA are helping; there aren’t any that are not providing support,” he stated.

September 23

 GRUMA DEPLOYED SIX TORTILLA FOOD TRUCKS TO MEXICO CITY, PUEBLA, MORELOS, AND THE STATE OF MEXICO.(MORNING FOCUS) (RADIO TIMES) Francisco Garduño, reporter:Gruma, the corn flour and tortilla giant, sent six tortilla food trucks to Mexico City, Puebla, Morelos, and to the State of Mexico, to help feed victims of the earthquake and anyone who may need it; it provides 36,000 hot tortillas per day, through its self-contained “tortimóviles.”

September 24

 BUSINESSES LEND A HAND. (REFORMA 20) Representatives from all financial sectors took action to help the population after the earthquake on the 19th. Telmex opened its more than 5,500 Infinitum hotspots across the country for free Internet access. It will also provide free phone calls, text messages, and data until midnight on September 24. The Slim Foundation and Telcel Foundation offered to match 5 pesos for every 1 peso donated to the citizens through telephony plans, Telmex lines, and Inbursa. At&T and Unefon provided free SMS messages, calls, and 4G data from September 19-21.Gruma sent tortilla food trucks to shelters in the Navarte neighborhood in Mexico City; Jojutla, Morelos; Atlacomulco, State of Mexico, and distribution centers, in Puebla. All of the banks eliminated the fees charged at ATMs when a card from another bank is used. Santander, Scotiabank, and HSBC activated accounts to receive donations that will be channeled toward civic associations. BBVABancomer donated MXN $10 million to the Red Cross. Scotiabank donated MXN $10 million to the United Way Fund in Mexico and to the Natural Disaster Response Fund in Mexico City. Banamex, Banorte and Santander will match one peso for each peso donated by their customers.

September 27

 TRIP TO GROUND ZERO (NEWSWEEK IN SPANISH 44) Among the thin mattresses provided for the 450 victims at the temporary shelter erected in Jojutla, Morelos, the epicenter of the disaster, are sealed boxes of condoms that the Morelos Ministry of Health distributed to the people who were left homeless after the 7.1 magnitude earthquake. “We got out of the house and we couldn’t return for our things; I’ve been wearing the same underwear for three days,” said Maria Luisa Astilleros without shame. She lived in downtown Jojutla before her home was left in ruins. Now she sleeps in the shelter with 30 family members, who were also left homeless. In addition to large camping tents, the shelter has two water purification plants and aGruma tortilla machine, which produces up to 120 kg each day for the 950 soldiers and the 550 victims who eat there every day...

September 28

 LOURDES MENDOZA/WITH STYLE (REFORMA 2) The “Fuerza Mexico” Trust was announced yesterday at Los Pinos. The Trust is being developed with Nacional Financiera by the Business Coordination Council (CCE,Consejo Coordinador Empresarial) led by Juan Pablo Castañón, to coordinate the efforts made by business owners toward reconstruction. The basic idea is to gather all of the resources that companies wish to provide and to offer a secure, totally transparent, audited means to avoid duplication, or support initiatives that are very positive, but that could be more effective with strategic planning. It will receive support from Federico Reyes Heroles, of Transparencia Mexicana, and Edna Jaime, CEO of México Evalúa-Cidac. It is worth noting that this Trust is in addition to the donations already made by certain companies, including: Bailleres, Bimbo,Maseca, Slim, Vázquez Raña, etc…

September 29

 COMPANIES CONTINUE TO HELP VICTIMS (MUNDO EJECUTIVO EN LINEA 0) The catastrophic earthquakes on September 7 and 19 of this year that affected different parts of the country mobilized nearly the entire business and financial sector to help the victims and to rebuild the damaged cities. These efforts by companies such asGruma, led byJuan González Moreno, should be medium-term and ongoing, given the magnitude of the disaster, and should not be limited to a single donation. That is how different companies view the issue, especially the food and financial sectors, ten days after the earthquake that caused the collapse of homes and buildings mainly in Mexico City, Morelos, Puebla, the State of Mexico, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.Gruma, a global leader in the production of corn flour, tortillas, and wraps, sent its tortilla food trucks for immediate assistance to prepare hot tortillas in state-run shelters for any person who needed them.

 DOING THEIR PART (EXCÉLSIOR 32) The 7.1 magnitude earthquake that affected central Mexico not only awoke solidarity among Mexicans; it also prompted companies to provide support networks.Gruma made six of its “tortimóviles” available. They are able to produce up to 36,000 hot tortillas per day in the Navarte neighborhood of Mexico City, Jojutla, Morelos, Puebla, and the State of Mexico...