JKH records EBITDA growth of 26% to Rs.16.35 billion in Q1.

Summarised below are the key operational and financial highlights of our performance during the quarter under review:

Group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) at Rs.16.35 billion in the first quarter of the financial year 2026/27 increased by 26% over the EBITDA of Rs.12.97 billion recorded in 2025/26.

The profit attributable to equity holders in the first quarter of the financial year 2026/27 was Rs.62 million, compared to a loss of Rs.804 million in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. The profit attributable to equity holders for the first quarter of 2026/27 excluding net exchange losses was Rs.1.95 billion [2025/26 Q1: loss of Rs.418 million].

Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), the project company of West Container Terminal (WCT-1) continued its strong rampup, with throughput exceeding plan. The terminal has effectively reached full utilisation of its phase 1 capacity based on the recent run rate of volumes and demonstrates further growth potential. The development and operationalisation of the full terminal remains on track for December 2026.

The profitability of the Transportation industry group was mainly driven by the Group's Bunkering business, Lanka Marine Services (LMS) and CWIT.

Profitability of the Leisure industry group was impacted by the challenging operating environment as the conflict in the Middle East disrupted travel and weakened travel sentiment across several key source markets.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka continued its positive momentum during the quarter. Growth in hotel EBITDA was driven by an increase in occupancy and ARRs. The casino continues to record a steadily improving performance, where the Group recognises rental income.

The Beverages and Confectionery businesses recorded strong volume growth of 27% and 13%, respectively which supported the growth in profitability.

JKH will diversify its Consumer Foods portfolio into Sri Lanka's Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) segment through the rollout of the internationally recognised ‘Wendy’s’ brand. The relevant franchise agreements and other preliminary work have already been concluded with the first outlet expected to open by December 2026.

The Supermarket business recorded strong growth during the quarter, with same-store sales increasing by 13%, driven by average basket value (ABV) growth of 7% and customer footfall growth of 6%.

John Keells CG Auto (JKCG) continues to witness strong vehicle demand and volume growth, with over 2,400 vehicles handed over during the quarter, although profitability moderated due to a shift in sales mix, with a higher proportion of vehicle handovers stemming from the lower-priced segments.

The Property industry group recorded an increase in EBITDA driven by profit recognition from sales of units at the VIMAN, TRI-ZEN and Cinnamon Life residential development projects.

NTB delivered a robust performance during the quarter, supported by healthy loan growth and the successful integration of the retail banking franchise of HSBC Sri Lanka, effective 1 May 2026. Union Assurance (UA) recorded encouraging double-digit growth in gross written premiums, primarily attributable to renewal business.

The Group's carbon footprint per million Rupees of revenue decreased by 12.2% to 0.33 MT, while water withdrawal per million Rupees of revenue decreased by 8.4% to 4.62 cubic meters.