TransJamaican Highway lifts Q1 profit 46% and pays US$13 million interim dividend

KINGSTON, Jamaica — TransJamaican Highway Limited (TJH) opened 2026 with higher sales and stronger bottom-line results, while pushing more drivers onto electronic tolling across its road network.

In a statement on Tuesday, the operator said revenue reached US$29 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2026, up 29 per cent from the same three months a year earlier.

Net profit rose 46 per cent to US$13.2 million. Earnings per share moved up by the same rate, to US$0.00106 per unit. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) grew 31 per cent to US$23.7 million, which TJH linked to the durability of its concession-led business model.

The company said its finances stayed sound through the period. Its debt service coverage ratio strengthened to 3.43 times, a level it said shows it can meet debt payments while still funding infrastructure work, technology, day-to-day operations, and returns to shareholders.

Directors approved an interim dividend of US$13 million, disbursed in April 2026. That payout was about 30 per cent above the dividend paid in the matching quarter of 2025.

TJH also reported wider uptake of its T-Tag electronic toll system. It said roughly 54 per cent of motorists on the network now pay with T-Tags, and on the Portmore toll road that share nears 80 per cent in peak hours. The company said the move away from cash lanes has eased movement and made paying tolls simpler.

Over the past three years, about 2.2 million fewer vehicles used manually staffed lanes even as total traffic increased. TJH said that pattern has cut delays and trimmed journey times.

“The continued migration to electronic tolling has really enhanced operational efficiency while supporting a safer and faster journey for motorists on the highway network,” noted Ivan Anderson, TransJam Group chief executive officer (CEO).

“We are seeing faster throughput at all toll plazas, shorter wait times, improved efficiency, and an overall greater travel experience for our customers.”

TJH said spending continues on information technology, digital payments, lane layout, and customer-facing services to refresh toll collection and meet Jamaica’s transport needs.

It also cited the smooth handover of the May Pen to Williamsfield (Phase 1C) stretch, saying that link has added to income and widened the network’s reach on the island.

Anderson said the group is set up for further growth, backed by stable cash generation, growing traffic, more electronic toll payments, careful use of capital, and work to lower debt.

“As we continue to grow, our focus remains on delivering long-term value to shareholders while improving efficiency, convenience and the overall travel experience for the several thousands of Jamaicans who use our highways every day,” he said.