John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) reported a strong operational performance for the third quarter of FY2025/26, with Group EBITDA rising 68% year-on-year to Rs.23.76 billion, driven by improved profitability across all business sectors.

Cumulative EBITDA for the nine months ended December 31, 2025, rose 84% to Rs.55.10 billion compared to Rs.29.94 billion a year earlier, reflecting broad-based growth across the Group’s diversified portfolio.

JKH said the operationalisation of two of its largest projects — City of Dreams Sri Lanka and the West Container Terminal (WCT-1) at the Port of Colombo — continued to progress positively, with quarter-on-quarter momentum indicating strong ramp-up potential.

Despite disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah in November, the Group reported no significant operational or financial impact from the adverse weather conditions. JKH and its affiliates also contributed Rs.500 million towards the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ initiative to support relief efforts.

Profit attributable to equity holders for the quarter stood at Rs.6.48 billion, compared to Rs.2.85 billion in the corresponding period last year. The latest figure includes fair value gains on investment property and net exchange losses amounting to Rs.1.45 billion.

During the quarter, the Group recorded fair value gains of Rs.2.30 billion on investment property and net exchange losses of Rs.759 million, largely due to rupee depreciation on foreign currency-denominated loans related to City of Dreams Sri Lanka.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka posted a positive EBITDA of Rs.1.43 billion for the first time since commencing operations, supported by improving performance at Cinnamon Life, Nuwa hotels, and a gradual recovery in casino operations. The corresponding period last year recorded a negative EBITDA of Rs.1.57 billion.

The Sri Lankan leisure sector also recorded stronger results, driven by higher tourist arrivals and improved occupancy levels. Meanwhile, the Colombo West International Terminal reported steady month-on-month growth in throughput and achieved a positive profit-after-tax ahead of expectations.

JKH’s Consumer Group (JKCG) delivered a robust performance despite the ongoing Sri Lanka Customs dispute, supported by a strong order pipeline of over 3,900 vehicles scheduled for delivery in the coming months.

Reflecting confidence in future performance, JKH declared a second interim dividend of Rs.0.10 per share for FY2026, in line with the first interim dividend paid in November 2025. The total dividend outlay for the second interim stands at Rs.1.77 billion, double the Rs.881 million paid in the previous year.