Strong trade via Manila, Batangas ports lifts ATI Q1 results

May 12, 2017

The strong trade volumes handled by Manila South Harbor and Batangas Port, reflective of growing imports and exports by metro- and Calabarzon-based (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) companies, have lifted Asian Terminals Inc.’s (ATI) first quarter results.

After handling a record one million teus (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2016, Manila South Harbor sustained its momentum into the first three months of 2017, delivering over 200,000 teus of foreign container boxes into Metro Manila, the country’s main consumer market.This equals its first quarter volume in 2016.

Batangas Container Terminal (BCT), meanwhile, continued to expand its role as trade facilitator in Calabarzon, handling over 40,000 teus during the quarter, over 30% higher compared to the same period in 2016.

Higher cargo volumes flowing through Batangas takes traffic off the roads in Metro Manila, in support of government’s goal of decongesting major cities and spurring countryside growth.

In 2016, BCT handled nearly 160,000 teus, its highest container throughput since 2010. More importantly, this helped reduce over 80,000 trucks trips along Metro Manila’s roads with more shippers opting to route commodities via Batangas instead of Manila.

Driven by strong volumes, the listed company ended first quarter with a net income of Php490.5 million, 28.4% higher from Php382.1 million during the same period last year. Revenues for the three month period reached Php2.31 billion, representing a 17.5% growth on 2016’s Php1.97 billion.

ATI earlier said that is investing a minimum of Php4.6 billion this year to further increase operational capacity, efficiency and safety at Manila and Batangas ports in support of the country’s growing economy.