Aitken Spence PLC came up with yet another sustained financial performance for the twelve months ending March 31, 2019 with a 13.8% year-on-year growth in profit-before-tax from Rs. 6.4 billion to Rs. 7.3 billion, its highest ever.
The leading conglomerate recorded a steady growth in several key sectors. The conglomerate capitalised on its broad-based business portfolio spread across several countries and sectors by recording an increase in its annual revenue by 5.6% from Rs. 52.7 billion to Rs. 55.7 billion whilst recording the highest ever profit-after-tax of Rs. 5.8 billion. This was an increase of 12.1% from the previous year.
The resilience of the Group is demonstrated by the continuous growth in EPS which reflects the strength of the Group to face turbulence in the domestic market and yet achieving sustained economic growth during this period, due to its overseas investments.
Currently, Aitken Spence being an exceptionally diversified Group has generated 44% of its profits from businesses overseas; thus, spreading its wings across countries specially in the tourism, maritime and logistics sectors. As a result, the total assets of the Group comprise of 33% accounted by assets overseas. This is an indication of the valuable relationships that have been built with global industry players in these key sectors.
The company also witnessed a growth in revenue from the overseas operations by 9.9% to Rs.17.6 billion supported by good performances from the tourism, and maritime & logistics operations, surpassing revenue growth in the domestic market. The revenue increase in the Maldives is noteworthy as growth in room supply exceeded increase in tourist arrivals, leading to stiff competition in this attractive market. Further higher domestic volumes in the cargo business resulted in increased growth in overseas maritime and logistics operations.
Total revenue of the Sri Lankan operations also grew by 3.7% to Rs.38.1 billion. This was created by significant improvement in tourism, maritime & logistics and services sectors despite a contraction in the strategic investments sector. As a result of the outstanding growth in the key sectors, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 20% to Rs.6.2 billion during the year.
The Sri Lankan hotels performed extremely well recording a profit before tax of 40.3% over the previous year, although there was an increase in room inventory in the country which created intensive competition. Moreover, the destination management business underlined their leadership position in the country by exceeding all expectations resulting in a profit before tax of over Rs. 1 billion. They also brought in over 200,000 tourists into Sri Lanka which is an exceptional achievement.
The maritime and logistics sector recorded a growth in profit of 20.9% to reach Rs. 2.1 billion. The performance of these two sectors improved due to an increase in imports, exports and transhipment volumes. In addition, the hub concept which is gaining greater appreciation and attention in Sri Lanka also contributed to improved performances in freight forwarding, courier and GSA.
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