John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) reported a strong financial performance for FY2025/26, with Group EBITDA increasing 75% to Rs.80.01 billion, reflecting the contribution of investments made over the past several years and the continued performance of the Group’s established businesses.

Group recurring EBITDA increased 71% to Rs.78.05 billion, compared to Rs.45.69 billion in the previous year, driven primarily by Retail, Transportation and Leisure. Recurring profit before tax rose 143% to Rs.35.72 billion, while recurring profit attributable to equity holders of the parent increased 155% to Rs.13.24 billion.

The year also marked the culmination of the largest investment phase in the Group’s history, with the operationalisation of key investments signalling a shift in the capital cycle from development to contribution. Overall funding requirements reduced materially in line with expectations, while net debt to EBITDA stood at approximately 2 times and net debt to equity at approximately 31%.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka recorded positive EBITDA for the full year, following the completion and launch of the remaining components of the integrated resort. Cinnamon Life’s conference and event spaces attracted interest from local and international organisers, while casino operations showed an encouraging pick-up from the fourth quarter onwards.

Colombo West International Terminal, the project company of WCT-1, recorded strong throughput growth during the year, supported by an improving volume mix. The business delivered a positive profit after tax ahead of expectations, despite recognising depreciation relating to phase 1, and has reached full utilisation of phase 1 capacity based on its latest monthly run-rate.

John Keells CG Auto recorded an exceptional year, supported in part by pent-up demand and the brand positioning and vehicle range of BYD.

The Supermarket business recorded approximately 14% growth in same store sales, driven primarily by a 14.3% increase in footfall. The Beverages and Confectionery businesses recorded strong volume growth, with Beverages benefiting from higher margins, while Confectionery margins were impacted by higher raw material costs and expenses linked to new product introductions.

The Leisure industry group recorded significant EBITDA growth, with all sectors contributing to the improvement in profitability, driven by improved occupancies.

John Keells Properties launched Vauxhall DSTRCT in March 2026, a 749-unit residential development in Colombo 02.

Nations Trust Bank (NTB) recorded improved profitability, aided by strong loan growth and a continued reduction in impairments. NTB completed the acquisition of HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking franchise with effect from 1 May 2026, with live operations commencing thereafter. Union Assurance recorded encouraging double-digit growth in gross written premiums.

Group ROCE improved to 9.0% in FY2025/26 from 5.1% in the previous year. Excluding the integrated resort, which recently commenced operations, the remainder of the portfolio delivered a ROCE of 17%, reflecting the underlying return profile of the Group’s established businesses.

The year’s performance reinforced the strength of the Group’s established businesses and the growing contribution of investments made over the past several years, positioning JKH for its next phase of growth.

John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), is the largest conglomerate company listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in terms of market capitalisation, operating with over 80+ companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. With a history of over 155 years, The John Keells Group provides employment to over 18,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka's 'Most Respected Entity' for 20 Years by LMD magazine. John Keells Holdings PLC was ranked first for four years in the 'Transparency in Corporate Reporting Assessment' by Transparency International Sri Lanka. Whilst being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a participant of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its CSR vision of “Empowering the Nation for Tomorrow” through John Keells Foundation and through the social entrepreneurship initiative, ‘Plasticcycle’, which is a catalyst in significantly reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka.