Sri Lanka’s Aitken Spence creates history with highest ever profit of Rs. 14.2 billion in FY22
Daily FT: The diversified blue-chip Aitken Spence PLC has reported a profit before tax of Rs. 14.2 billion for the 12 months ended 31 March 2022 compared to the loss reported before tax of Rs. 2.8 billion last year.
This phenomenal performance was driven by the Group’s diverse presence in eight countries spanning 16 segments of operation. The diversity of the Group’s operations and the transformational leadership and rigorous management of processes and costs showcased by all segments in achieving these results are testimony to the Group’s ability to perform even under trying socioeconomic conditions.
The asset rich Aitken Spence Group grew its total asset base by 34.3% during the year to Rs. 197.3 billion at year end, with Rs. 127.9 billion of these assets being non-current assets, predominantly property, plant, and equipment. The diversity of the Group is further augmented by the fact that 46.7% of those total assets are from overseas operations. Aitken Spence net assets per share stood at Rs. 162.44 as of 31 March 2022, which is a 33.3% growth over the previous year.
The Group’s EBITDA (earnings inclusive of equity accounted investees, before interest expenses, tax, depreciation, and amortisation) for the year was an impressive of Rs. 23.1 billion compared to Rs. 4.9 billion recorded the previous year.
The maritime and freight logistics sector contributed to the Group’s performance by recording its highest profit of Rs. 4.9 billion, a growth of 92.1% for the 12 months ended 31 March 2022. The Group’s freight management and liner shipping segments together with enhanced overseas port management operations were the main reasons for an exceptional performance from this sector.
The Group’s tourism sector showed an outstanding turnaround in performance to record a profit before tax of Rs. 2.5 billion for the 12 months ended 31 March 2022 compared to a loss before tax of Rs. 7.9 billion the previous year.
This was supported by a noteworthy contribution from the Group’s overseas hotels and an improved performance from the Sri Lankan hotels, while the new charter operations from the Eastern European and Central Asian markets facilitated by the Group’s destination management segment also boosted earnings.
The Group’s strategic investments sector recorded a profit before tax of Rs. 6.1 billion for the 12 months ended 31 March 2022 compared to Rs. 2 billion last year. The improved performance was driven by the plantations segment that recorded the highest ever profit in its history.
A full year’s operation of the waste-to-energy power plant, the three recently acquired hydro power plants were among the major driving forces of the profits of this sector, while the foreign currency translation gain recorded in the holding company also enhanced profitability.
The Group’s services sector recorded a profit before tax of Rs. 708 million for the 12 months ended 31 March 2022 compared to Rs. 392 million last year. Improved performance was seen in the elevators segment that made noteworthy contributions to the sector.
“Despite facing several global and domestic challenges during another tumultuous year, Aitken Spence recorded the highest ever profit before tax in its entire history which is a significant milestone for the Group. The geographic diversity of the Group was key to delivering phenomenal results underlined by our approach ‘if we do not risk anything, we risk even more’. This has been our ethos and guide in making bold decisions to move early to seize opportunities.
“Our strategies were well executed by our Spensonians who continued to demonstrate their agility, adaptability, and professionalism as they delivered an applaud-worthy performance. I wish to thank our Chairman Deshamanya Harry Jayawardena for his astute leadership, policy direction and strategic guidance and also extend my appreciation to our principals and business partners for their immense support.
“We will create new and better sustainable opportunities and continue to move forward amidst our struggle together as one nation,” commented Aitken Spence Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake.
During the financial year, Aitken Spence was recognised in the global ranking of Top 100 Companies in Sustainability 2022, in an independent assessment carried out by the ‘Sustainability’ magazine, an established international publication. Aitken Spence is the only Sri Lankan company to have been included in this ranking of global industry leaders.
OSL take:
The significant profit recorded by Sri Lanka’s Aitken Spence group is indicative of the strength and growth of the country’s private sector. It is also indicative of the overall growth in Sri Lanka’s economy. A large number of private sector companies and groups have recorded a growth and profits despite facing the challenges posed by the global pandemic. Sri Lanka’s economy has shown great resilience to external and internal challenges through the years and is once again on the path to recovery after facing the pandemic. This has resulted in an increase in economic activities thereby opening up a host of new business/investment opportunities in key economic sectors in the country. The profits recorded by the country’s private sector is an indication of the business potential in Sri Lanka and foreign businesses/investors could confidently explore the opportunities in the country.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/09062022/Z_5 |