Business
JAT records highest ever PAT amidst export revenue growth of 317%
Group PAT up by 232% to LKR 717 million
TTM PAT LKR 1,102 million
Total revenue up by 72%
Multinational conglomerate and Sri Lanka’s and Bangladesh’s market leader in wood coatings, JAT Holdings PLC, has delivered impressive results during the 3rd Quarter of FY 2021/22, despite subdued market conditions. Group Profit After Tax (PAT) rose 232%, against the same period in the year prior, to LKR 717 million for the quarter, while PAT for the trailing 12-months (TTM) stood at LKR 1,102 million.
The 9 months under review also witnessed revenues rise 72%, while gross profit margins of the Company remained steady at over 30%. Export revenue share also rose to 22% of total revenue, against 9% achieved during the year prior. Investors will also be pleased to note that EPS (of trailing 12 months) stood at LKR 2.16. This resilient financial performance comes as the Company begins Q4, which has demonstrated to be the best quarter for JAT Holdings and the total Coatings Industry and accounts for as much as 45% of PAT historically due to seasonal factors.
Discussing the financial performance of the Company, Nishal Ferdinando – Director / CEO said, “It is with great pleasure that we present investors with the solid results we’ve achieved over the last quarter, just six months since our IPO. These metrics were achieved amidst a subdued market environment and other challenges, volatile exchange rates and a scarcity of materials in the global market. However, we adapted to the market conditions and remained agile, maintaining our gross profit margins. We also leveraged on our strong supplier relations and continuous improvements to our production processes through the implementation of lean and six sigma principles to maintain our gross profit targets.”
Resilient performance was also recorded across all of JAT Holdings business sectors. The WHITE by JAT product range recorded sales 62% above budget for the 1st nine months of FY 2021/22, while sales in the brush and wood coatings segments increased by 57% and 33%, respectively, against the same period in the year prior. JAT Holdings’ Bangladesh operations also witnessed a 379% increase in revenue, which will be further boosted as a result of manufacturing commencing in Q4 of FY22 which is ahead of schedule. The Company has also secured a pipeline of projects worth in excess of LKR 1 billion, through luxury kitchen and wardrobe projects for premier developments such as Prime Grand Residencies and 606 The Address.
Commenting on the Company’s immediate future plans, Aelian Gunawardene – Founder and Managing Director added, “At this rate, we’re on track to meet our 1.2-billion-rupee PAT target for the current financial year. As a result of our strong financial performance, we have also been able to secure stocks of raw materials and other items for at least the next 5 months, which gives us flexibility amidst the current challenges facing imports. Furthermore, we are very enthusiastic about Q4 as we know it to historically be the most profitable quarter for us due to seasonality. Thus, backed by the resilient performance we have delivered over a challenging Q3, investors can look forward to an even more robust and rewarding performance during Q4. The Company expects to end FY 2021/22 having met all targets and exceeding expectations in every way. Furthermore, our R&D plant, which is scheduled to be fully functional by Q2 of FY23, will help to further boost our gross profit margins, enabling us to deliver exceptional value to our investors well into the future.”
AIA Sri Lanka’s ‘Pawfect Match’ campaign, in partnership with animal welfare groups, inspired 500+ adoptions of stray pets. The initiative highlighted adoption, responsible ownership, and compassion, tackling Sri Lanka’s stray animal crisis. AIA thanks all supporters for their life-changing impact.
The campaign served as a reminder that even small acts of kindness like adopting a stray can make a big impact. It also provided an opportunity for the public to learn more about responsible pet ownership, animal rights, and the importance of compassion toward all creatures.
Calton Sweet House Pvt. Ltd., a key part of Calton Group, was honored as the Best National Industry Brand in the Medium-Scale Food and Beverage Sector at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards 2024, organized by the Industrial Development Board. Deshamanya Mahesh De Silva, Director of Finance and IT at Calton Group, accepted the award.
Established in 1991, Calton Sweet House has over 30 years of excellence, specializing in cakes, snacks, and frozen bakery items, with 20+ outlets across Negombo, Katunayake, and Colombo, including at Bandaranaike International Airport. The company holds ISO, HACCP, and GMP certifications, ensuring top-quality standards.
Starting as a small store in 1983, Calton Group now employs 300+ staff and operates multiple businesses, including Calton Hyper Market and Calton Catering, while partnering with global brands like Unilever and Upfield. The group remains committed to serving customers with high-quality, safely packaged food products.
Total investments now exceed $3.37B, maintaining lead as top foreign investor
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider and a member of the Dialog Axiata Group – the country’s largest Foreign Direct Investor (FDI) operating under the guidance of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) – announced a USD 100 million investment to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure. With cumulative investments now exceeding USD 3.37 billion, Dialog reaffirms its commitment to inclusive connectivity, superior service delivery, and advancing the nation’s digital future.
The investment comprises USD 81 million by Dialog Axiata PLC (DAP) and USD 19 million by Dialog Broadband Networks (Private) Limited (DBN), formalised through two Supplementary Agreements with the BOI. These funds will be channelled into enhancing Dialog’s mobile and fixed telecommunications networks, accelerating the adoption of next-generation technologies, and expanding digital platforms that underpin the country’s connectivity and service ecosystem.
The Supplementary Agreement for DAP was signed by David Lau, Chairman, Dialog Axiata PLC, and Supun Weerasinghe, Director/Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata PLC, while the Agreement for DBN was signed by Supun Weerasinghe and Viranthi Attygalle, Group Company Secretary, Dialog Axiata PLC. Arjuna Herath, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, signed both agreements on behalf of the BOI. Also present at the signing were Renuka Weerakone, Director General, Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, and Vivek Sood, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Axiata Group Berhad.
“This investment is a reaffirmation of Axiata’s deep-rooted confidence in Sri Lanka’s future,” said Mr. Vivek Sood, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Axiata Group Berhad. “We are proud to continue enabling our operating companies to deliver world-class connectivity and look forward to allocation of commercial 5G spectrum to accelerate Sri Lanka’s digital economy.”
“Dialog’s long-standing presence in Sri Lanka reflects our unwavering commitment to building infrastructure that not only supports economic growth but also enhances the lives of millions,” said David Lau, Chairman, Dialog Axiata PLC. “This investment will ensure Dialog continues to play a leading role in shaping the country’s digital future.”
“We will continue investing in Sri Lanka’s digital journey, empowering individuals, enterprises, and communities through next-generation connectivity,” said Supun Weerasinghe, Director/Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata PLC. “This latest commitment strengthens our resolve to deliver inclusive, future-ready infrastructure that supports national progress and positions Sri Lanka for a connected tomorrow.”
AIA Sri Lanka ‘Pawfect Match’ campaign
Calton wins National Industry Brand Excellence award
Dialog pumps another $100M into Sri Lanka’s digital growth
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