Business
Weak demand for consumer electronics expected to continue for another 12-18 months
‘Consumer income has yet to adjust to the higher cost of living’
‘Increase in taxes in early 2023 has weakened purchasing power’
by Sanath Nanayakkare
The electronic products sales market in Sri Lanka is expected to show sustained weakness in the next 12-18 months due to prolonged weak demand, according to a report from Fitch Ratings.
Fitch expects Sri Lanka’s GDP to contract by 1.4% in 2023 (2022: 7.8% decline), before growing modestly by 3.3% in 2024, indicating only a gradual recovery in economic activity.
“Consumer income has yet to adjust to the higher cost of living while the increase in taxes in early 2023 weakened purchasing power”, Fitch states.
The ratings agency expects sales volumes of Singer Sri Lanka, the foremost consumer durables retailer in the country, to rise in the low single digits in the financial year 2024.
The report titled, ‘Fitch Downgrades Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC to ‘A(lka)’; Outlook Stable’, the agency points out that the downgrade reflects the sustained deterioration in Singer’s financial profile such that Fitch-forecasted EBITDAR fixed-charge cover will fall to 0.7x in the financial year ending 31 March 2024 (FY24), compared with 1.1x in FY23.
“The Stable Outlook reflects Singer’s adequate liquidity supported by its access to domestic banks. We expect that the company’s EBITDA will recover gradually in the next two years supported by a slow improvement in demand amid falling interest rates and the removal of the ban on consumer durable imports since October 2023,” Fitch says.
However, Fitch doesn’t expect Singer Sri Lanka’s fixed charge cover to improve to above 1.2x – the level commensurate with a higher rating – until after FY25.
“We forecast Singer’s sales volumes to grow by double digits in FY25, due to a gradual recovery in income supported by a revival in the agriculture sector, which accounts for 30% of the population, salary increments across the public and private sectors, and a full year’s impact of pent-up demand after the removal of a ban on consumer-durables imports in October 2023. Hire-purchase (HP) and credit sales should also rise with interest rates almost halving from the highs in FY23, and we expect Singer will selectively grow its HP book, which shrank in the last few years, to cater to this demand. We expect Singer’s EBITDAR margin to improve to around 9% in FY25, from 3.3% in 1HFY24, benefitting from revenue growth, prudent inventory management, and a shift towards high-margin product categories.
“We estimate Singer’s cash interest to reduce by 35% in FY24 as interest rates fall. Market interest rates have fallen to 13% by November 2023, from 30% a year ago. Given most of Singer’s debt is short-term, the company should be able reprice faster at favourable rates. However, we do not believe Singer’s EBITDAR generation in FY24 will be sufficient to cover the reduced interest cost,” Fitch says.
According to the report, Singer’s rating is not notched for support from its stronger parent, Hayleys PLC, as they believe Hayleys has limited incentive to provide support according to their Parent and Subsidiary Linkage Rating Criteria.
“The ‘Low’ legal incentive stems from the absence of corporate guarantees from Hayleys on Singer’s debt, and the lack of cross-default clauses between the two entities. Hayleys is a highly diversified group, resulting in limited operational synergies with Singer. Furthermore, Singer has an independent management team and its brand is separate from that of Hayleys. Therefore, the operational incentive to support is also regarded as ‘Low’, Fitch says.
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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