Aitken Spence records 18% increase in PBT

Blue chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC reported its interim results to the Colombo Stock Exchange recently showing Rs 3.1 bn as profit before tax, which is an increase of 18 per cent for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, amidst challenging macroeconomic conditions. Profit attributable to shareholders rose by 24 per cent to Rs 2.1 bn over the previous year.

The diversified group's nine-month revenue rose by 30 per cent to Rs. 27.8 bn while earnings per share increased by 24 per cent to Rs. 5.11.

Aitken Spence is among Sri Lanka's leading and most respected corporate entities with operations in South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1983, it is an industry leader in hotels, travel, maritime services, logistics, power generation and printing. The diversified group has a significant presence in plantations, financial services, insurance, information technology and apparel.

"Our satisfactory results for the 9-month period has been mainly driven by our tourism and strategic investments sectors. Our resorts in the Maldives performed exceptionally well with better occupancies. We are keen to strengthen our leisure portfolio in Sri Lanka and overseas," said Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Aitken Spence PLC, J M S Brito.