Business
Dialog profitability improves in 1H 2023,driven by cost rescaling initiatives
Dialog Axiata PLC announced, Thursday 10th August 2023, its consolidated financial results for the six months ended 30th June 2023. Financial results included those of Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) and of the Dialog Axiata Group (the “Group”).
The Group concluded the 1H 2023 with positive revenue performance being recorded across all business segments, namely, Mobile, Fixed Line, Digital Pay Television, International and Tele-infrastructure to record a consolidated Revenue of Rs97.7Bn, demonstrating a growth of 20% Year-to-Date (“YTD”). However, Revenue declined of 5% Quarter-on-Quarter (“QoQ”) to reach Rs47.7Bn for Q2 2023 due to drop in non-core revenue1 resulting from LKR appreciation against the USD. Despite the elevated cost base due to unfavourable externalities, Group Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”) maintained flattish and marginally declined by 1% YTD to record at Rs27.2Bn. The EBITDA for Q2 2023 was recorded at Rs14.2Bn up 9% QoQ as cost rescaling initiatives gained more traction to record a saving of Rs5Bn for the quarter (Rs7.5Bn for 1H 2023). Overall, the core business remained resilient to record a core EBITDA margin of 40.2% for 1H 2023.
The Group Net Profit After Tax (“NPAT”) continued to benefit from forex gains to record at Rs11.8Bn for 1H 2023, with a growth exceeding 100% YTD, whilst on a QoQ basis NPAT recorded a decline of 64% to reach Rs3.1Bn for Q2 2023. The Sri Lanka Rupee (“LKR”) appreciated against the United States Dollar (“USD”) by 5.6% during the quarter resulting in a forex gain for the group. Normalised for the forex gain a Net Loss was recorded at Rs.0.5Bn for 1H 2023 and Rs0.3Bn for Q2 2023.
Dialog Group continued to be a significant contributor to state revenues, remitting a total of Rs21.9Bn to the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) during the first six months of 2023, an increase of 29% YTD. Total remittances included Direct Taxes and Levies amounting to Rs6.4Bn and Rs15.5Bn in Consumption Taxes collected on behalf of the GoSL.
The Group continued to support infrastructure investments in 1H 2023 to ensure seamless customer experience and leadership in Sri Lankas’ Broadband and ICT sectors. Accordingly, the Capital expenditure reached Rs14.0Bn for 1H 2023 representing a decline of 38% YTD. In line with the above Capex, the Group recorded positive Operating Free Cash Flow (“OFCF”) of Rs6.2Bn for 1H 2023, up over 100% YTD. In its 20th annual review, Brand Finance, the world’s foremost independent brand valuation consultancy, bestowed the prestigious title of ‘Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brand’ upon Dialog Axiata PLC, for the fifth consecutive year, with a brand value of Rs52Bn. Dialog emerged as the strongest brand in Sri Lanka, earning the esteemed AAA+ brand rating. The Company was also accorded the title of ‘Most Valuable Telecommunications Brand’ for the 16th consecutive year. At an entity level, Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) continued to contribute a major share of Group Revenue (52%) and Group EBITDA (63%). Company revenue was recorded at Rs50.4Bn for 1H 2023 up 3% YTD resulting from the growth in data segment. On a QoQ basis revenue declined 3% QoQ to reach Rs24.8Bn due to the impact from consumer affordability challenges. Profitability continued to be impacted YTD due to higher network spend and rise in operating expenses resulting from LKR depreciation against the USD as alluded to earlier. Accordingly, Company EBITDA was recorded at Rs17.2Bn for 1H 2023 down 10% albeit improving on a QoQ basis by 7% to reach Rs8.8Bn due to traction gained on cost rescaling initiatives. Company NPAT was recorded at Rs9.6Bn for 1H 2023 and Rs2Bn for Q2 2023.
More details are available at the following links:
Dialog Axiata PLC direct weblink for results: https://www.dialog.lk/quarterly-reports
CSE direct weblink for results: https://www.cse.lk/home/company-info/DIAL.N0000/financial
Dialog sustainability: https://www.dialog.lk/sustainability.
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.”
