JKHL transport - contributor to group profits

The group profits attributable by John Keells Holdings PLC to equity holders for the quarter and six months ended September 30, 2007 were Rs. 1.03 billion and Rs. 1.85 billion, being growths of 32 percent and 45 percent over the corresponding periods in the previous year.

The group recorded revenues of Rs. 9.67 billion and Rs. 18.14 billion in the second quarter and the first half of 2007-08 showing increases of 19 percent and 16 percent over the corresponding periods in the previous year.

At a company level, the net profits for the quarter and six months ended September 30, 2007 were Rs. 589 million and Rs. 891 million, increases of 5 percent and 6 percent, over the corresponding periods in the previous year.

The Transportation industry group continued to be the single largest contributor to group profits and improved its PBT by 9 percent over the second quarter, and by 21 percent over the six-month period ended September 30, as compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.