Hemas records PBT of Rs. 2.4 bn - growth of 58 %

For the period under review, the Company has witnessed strong growth with most businesses delivering strong results. Group Revenue registered Rs. 26,098mn, representing an increase of 21.2 % over the previous period. In terms of consolidated profits, it was an exceptional year, with the Group registering a Profit After Tax of Rs1,934mn, representing a growth of 53.3%.

The Group posted a remarkable growth of 42.3% in Group Earnings to close at Rs. 1,658mn. The Groups' operating profits recorded a growth of 36.4% to post Rs. 2,434mn from Rs. 1,784mn, while operating cash flows increased to Rs. 2,143mn from Rs. 1,508mn.

The increased profit margins help drive the return on equity to improve to 14.5% from 12.0%. "Our FMCG business enjoyed a successful year with its revenues growing by 14.5% and profits growing by 24.6%, to close at Rs 7.7bn and Rs 745mn respectively.

Despite challenges, the business was able to improve its market standing in overall terms. In Personal care, growth was driven by strong performances in Baby, Oral, Hair and Feminine hygiene categories," an offcial from the company said.

"Our Healthcare sector performed exceptionally well during the year with a revenue growth of 20.0% and profit growth of 23.2% to close at Rs 9.0bn and Rs 493mn respectively. Our Pharmaceuticals business was the largest contributor to Group revenue during the year. Hemas Pharmaceuticals continued to strengthen its market leadership position in pharmaceuticals distribution with a share of 17.9% (source: IMS). Our recent addition to the hospital portfolio, a 55-bed state-of-the-art facility at Thalawathugoda was completed in May 2013."

"Our Leisure sector enjoyed one of its best years, as it posted a revenue growth of 38.6% and a profit growth of 275.4% for the year under review. The sector closed the year with revenues of Rs 1.6Bn and a profit of Rs 464Mn. Average occupancy across our hotel portfolio was above 75%, and Club Hotel Dolphin and AvaniBentota in particular performed exceptionally well."

Driven by strong growth in the Aviation and Maritime business segments, our Transportation sector completed an excellent year. Sector revenues grew by 52.5% to reach Rs 1.1Bn, whilst profits increased to Rs 328Mn reflecting a 4.7% growth The lack of rainfall in the catchment areas and depreciation of the Rupee has negatively impacted the performance of our Power sector.

Despite this, sector revenues have increased 23.2% to Rs 5.5Bn, whilst sector profits have grown 12.8% to Rs 286Mn.