Business
Dialog’s Net Profit After Tax turned positive in FY 2023
Positive YTD growth in all key financial lines:
YTD Revenue 187.8Bn, EBITDA 61.5Bn and NPAT Rs20.1Bn
YTD Revenue Growth at +5%, EBITDA Growth at +19% and NPAT at >+100%
Recommended Dividend: 55% of Earnings, 1.34 Cents per Share
Total Taxes Paid to GoSL Rs40.8Bn for FY 2023 which included Rs9.5Bn in Direct and Rs31.3Bn in Indirect Taxes
FY 2023 Investments in High-Speed Broadband and other Infrastructure Tops Rs25.5Bn
Dialog Axiata PLC announced its consolidated financial results for the year ended 31st December 2023. Financial results included those of Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) and of the Dialog Axiata Group (the “Group”).
The Group concluded the Financial Year (“FY”) with positive topline performance across all business segments, namely, Mobile, Fixed, Digital Pay Television, International, Digital Platforms and Tele-infrastructure businesses. Group consolidated revenue was recorded at Rs187.8Bn for FY 2023 demonstrating a growth of 5% Year-to-Date (“YTD”). Group Revenue for Q4 2023 was recorded at Rs43.4Bn down 7% Quarter-on-Quarter (“QoQ”). Downstream of topline performance Group Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”) recorded strong double-digit growth of 19% YTD to reach Rs61.5Bn for FY 2023 whilst Group EBITDA decline moderated to 2% QoQ to reach Rs17.0Bn for Q4 2023. The positive outcome from Cost Rescaling and resilience actions taken by the Group helped achieve an EBITDA growth that exceeded Revenue growth on both YTD and QoQ basis. Accordingly, EBITDA margin improved 3.8pp to reach 32.8% for FY2023.
The Group Net Profit After Tax (“NPAT”) turned positive for the year to cross Rs20Bn mark for FY 2023 up >+100% underpinned by strong EBITDA performance, lower depreciation, forex gains and lower finance cost. Group NPAT for Q4 2023 was recorded at Rs5.3Bn up 72% QoQ. The YTD NPAT performance was strongly supported by a forex gain of LKR10.2Bn for FY 2023 as the Sri Lankan Rupee (“LKR”) appreciated 11.5% against the United States Dollar (“USD”). Normalized for the forex gain, the Group NPAT was recorded at Rs9.9Bn for FY 2023, up >+100% YTD.
In line with the dividend policy and financial performance of the Group and taking into account the forward investment requirements to serve the nation’s demand for Broadband and Digital services, the
Board of Directors of Dialog Axiata PLC at its meeting held on 16th February 2024, resolved to propose for consideration by the Shareholders of the Company, a dividend to ordinary shareholders amounting to Rs1.34 per share. The said dividend, if approved by shareholders, would translate to a Dividend Yield of 14.9% based on share closing price for FY 2023. The dividend so proposed will be considered for approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company, the date pertaining to which would be notified in due course.
Dialog Group continued to be a significant contributor to state revenues, remitting a total of Rs40.8Bn to the GoSL during the financial year ended 31st December 2023 and Rs10.0Bn for Q4 2023, which represent a 14% increase YTD. Total remittances included Direct Taxes and Levies amounting to Rs9.5Bn and Rs31.3Bn in Consumption Taxes collected on behalf of the GoSL.
The Group capital expenditure for the year ended 31st December 2023 reached Rs25.5Bn, resulting in a Capex to Revenue ratio of 14%. Capital expenditure was directed towards investments in High-Speed Broadband infrastructure to further expand the Group’s leadership in Sri Lanka’s Broadband sector. Accordingly, the Group recorded Operating Free Cash Flow (“OFCF”) of Rs25.1Bn for FY 2023 up over 100% YTD.
Dialog Group being the first telecommunications service provider in the South Asian region to demonstrate 5G capabilities in 2018, reached a milestone of enabling over 200,000 Sri Lankans to experience the power of 5G on Dialog’s 5G Trial network. Dialog’s 5G trial network, recognised as Sri Lanka’s largest 5G trial network, spans over 70 locations across the country, including Colombo and several key cities.
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.”
