AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Karachi: Air Link Communication (AIRLINK) held a corporate briefing following the announcement of its first-quarter fiscal year 2026 results, revealing significant growth in earnings and strategic plans aimed at further expansion. The company reported consolidated earnings of Rs1,583 million, marking an 88 percent year-on-year increase, though down 16 percent quarter-on-quarter.
Net sales reached Rs24 billion, an 11 percent rise from the previous year and a 30 percent increase from the prior quarter, attributed largely to improved sales volumes after supply chain disruptions in the last quarter of fiscal year 2025.
The company maintained a gross margin of 14 percent in the first quarter, supported by renegotiated pricing with principals and a higher retail sales mix. Management projects stable margins moving forward.
AIRLINK aims for a revenue target of Rs140 billion for fiscal year 2026. The company expects earnings to improve due to tax exemptions after relocating to the Sundar Green SEZ facility, which is expected to be operational by December 2025.
In a move to expand its retail presence, AIRLINK plans to open Pakistan’s first Apple store and a Xiaomi outlet in Dolmen Mall Lahore by the end of 2025. The company is also set to receive 10,000 Acer laptops by November as part of a pilot project, with local manufacturing contingent on its success.
AIRLINK is exploring a partnership with an international brand to expand its product range into home appliances, though no formal agreement has been reached. The company is also in talks to onboard another mobile brand for manufacturing and distribution.
While the launch of Xiaomi cars in Pakistan is delayed due to high demand in China, AIRLINK continues discussions with the government for export approvals, anticipating over 200 percent revenue growth upon approval.
The company announced its first-ever interim dividend of Rs2 per share, a 50 percent payout ratio, with plans to continue interim payouts subject to board approval. The company’s stock is currently trading at an estimated price-to-earnings ratio of 12.1 for FY26 and 8.1 for FY27.