Aitken Spence Q1 PBT rises 74% to Rs. 1.74 Bn.

Aitken Spence PLC began the financial year 2026/27 with strong earnings momentum, recording a 74% increase in Group Profit Before Tax (PBT) to Rs. 1.74 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.

Profit After Tax (PAT) increased by 158% to Rs. 1.0 billion, while Group EBITDA rose 23% to Rs. 5.3 billion compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, reflecting stronger underlying operating performance across the Group’s businesses.

The Group’s improved profitability during the quarter was driven by other operating income and stronger contributions from equity-accounted investees. Profit attributable to equity holders for the first quarter of FY2026/27 amounted to Rs. 1.5 billion, reflecting a 172.0% increase compared to the corresponding period last year.

Notably, the Port City BPO venture, bunkering operations and overseas port management business delivered improved performances, making significant contributions to the Group’s earnings during the period.

The Group’s Maritime & Freight Logistics sector was a key contributor to the quarter’s performance, with PBT increasing by 58.2% to Rs. 1.7 billion.

The Group’s Tourism sector recorded a loss before tax of Rs. 1.0 billion for the quarter, primarily reflecting softer demand from the UK and European source markets amid geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East.

The Group’s Strategic Investments sector delivered a strong turnaround during the quarter, reporting PBT of Rs. 650 million compared to a loss in the corresponding period last year, led by improved operational results and favourable foreign exchange gains.

The Group’s Services sector recorded a marked improvement, with PBT increasing by 64.8% to Rs. 452 million. The stronger performance was driven substantially by improved results from the Group’s equity-accounted Port City BPO venture, which made a significant contribution to the sector during the quarter.

The first quarter performance reflects positive earnings momentum across the Group, with stronger contributions from key businesses supporting overall profitability amid varied operating conditions across sectors and markets. The Group remains focused on building on this performance as the financial year progresses.

Creating value beyond its operations, the Group repurposed 44,490 MT of municipal solid waste and harvested more than 5.5 million cubic metres of rainwater during the first quarter.

Picture: Stasshani Jayawardena, Executive Chairperson and Interim Managing Director