Business
ComBank to preserve positive growth momentum in its loan book
Impairment provisioning also noticed a significant drop of 41.9% YoY
ComBank is expected to keep up the positive momentum in its loan book while maintaining growth within a range of 11% – 12% in the coming years, according to the Bank’s earnings update released by First Capital Research.
“Commercial Bank of Ceylon plc., has posted exceptional results for 3Q2021 with earnings improved by 78.4%YoY to LKR 6.6 billion compared to LKR 3.7 billion recorded in 3Q2020. Improvement in NII, Fee and Commission Income and Other Operating Income have largely contributed towards the outstanding results of the quarter. Moreover, impairment provisioning also noticed a significant drop of 41.9% YoY despite recording a rise of 7.6%YoY for 9M2021,” First Capital said.
The update further said,” ComBank recorded a gross loan growth of 10.9% to LKR 1.1 trillion for 9M2021 with a net loan growth of 9.9% year-to-date. Increased appetite for credit by corporate as well as individuals is expected to stimulate the gradual economic recovery and thereby enable ComBank to persevere the positive growth momentum in the loan book.”
“Thus, we are upgrading our earnings forecast for 2021E and 2022E to LKR 25.1Bn and LKR 27.3Bn, respectively. However, considering the higher risk-free rate stemming from the increased interest rates, we are almost rolling over our previous target price for 2021E of ComBank for 2022E at LKR 115.0 together with a total upside potential of 55.0%.”
“Improvement in NII, Fee and Commission Income and Other Operating Income have largely contributed towards the outstanding results of the quarter. Interest expense displayed a notable reduction owing to the low interest rate regime and the considerable lag in terms of repricing of deposits, thereby improving the NII by 16.7%YoY to LKR 16.4Bn. Fee and Commission Income also posted a sizable expansion by 24.6%YoY promoted by the extensive use of card transactions and online payment platforms during the lockdown period. Net Other Operating Income posted an enormous growth of 644.7%YoY to LKR 2.6Bn on account of the higher foreign exchange gains. Moreover, impairment provisioning also noticed a significant drop of 41.9%YoY despite recording a rise of 7.6%YoY for 9M2021. Considering more than expected earnings delivered during 9M2021, we have enhanced our NII target for 2021E to LKR 60.3Bn (+23% from the previous target) and for 2022E to LKR 64.0Bn (+16% from the previous target). We have also restated our earnings targets for 2021 and 2022 to LKR 25.1Bn and LKR 27.3Bn, respectively.”
“Revival in private sector credit advanced the Gross Loan Book by 10.9%.”
“COMB has achieved a gross loan growth of 10.9% to LKR 1.1Tn during the 9M2021 while recording a net loan growth of 9.9% year-to-date. A notable improvement witnessed in private sector credit growth during Oct – Nov 2021 which exhibited an increased appetite for credit by corporate as well as individuals propels the gradual economic recovery, thereby it is expected ComBank to keep up the positive momentum in the loan book while maintaining the growth within a range of 11% – 12% in the coming years.”
“We have accounted for proposed surcharge tax of 25% (LKR 4.3Bn) through the retained earnings while no adjustment made in terms of the turnover levy of 2.5% (Social Security Contribution), assuming it can be passed on to the customers. Considering the gradual rise in risk free rate and thereby the increase in expected return, we have ascertained the fair value of COMB.N to reach LKR 115.0 (previous TP – LKR 125.0) in 2022E for a total return of 55.0% at the current market price, and the share is trading well below its current book value of LKR 139.0 with a PBV of 0.6x. COMB.X is valued at LKR 95.0 by 2022E assigning a 15% discount to the voting share.” First Capital said.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
