Strong 3Q results at Amaya Leisure

Amaya Leisure PLC, the Hayleys Group hospitality sector company that owns and manages several hotels, has reported strong revenue and profit growth for the nine months ending December 31, 2012.

Profit before tax for the period grew by 36 percent to Rs 266.2 million on revenue of Rs 717.3 million, which was up 26 percent, the company said in a filing with the Colombo Stock Exchange. Net profit for the nine months reviewed was Rs 246.7 million, an improvement of 35 percent.

Basic Earnings per Share at the end of the 3rd quarter was Rs 5.14, as against Rs 3.80 for the corresponding period of 2010-11.

On the strength of these results, the Board of Directors of Amaya Leisure PLC declared an interim dividend of Rs 4 per share for the period reviewed.

Amaya PLC, Managing Director Lalin Samarawickrama attributed the results to the efforts made to build and position the Amaya Brand and its properties as a 'Reflection of Sri Lanka.' "The Brand is now well recognised by a wide spectrum of clientele in diverse markets in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East," he said.

Samarawickrama said that the company's intention is to double its room inventory within the next two to three years. "Our thrust is to acquire and manage more properties, building on the expertise that we have gained over the years," he said. "We endeavour to serve a wide range of customers at Amaya with personalised service, whilst also focusing on the niche 'luxury' segment."