First Capital Holdings PLC (The Group) the only listed investment bank in Sri Lanka, recorded its highest ever Consolidated Profit after Tax of Rs 1,960Mn for the year 2017/18, marking a milestone in the investment bank’s history. The results show a significant growth compared to Rs. 232Mn in 2016/17. First Capital, with its impressive 35 year history, has total assets of Rs.35Bn and Equity in excess of Rs. 3.5Bn.
The Group recorded a total comprehensive income of Rs 1,866Mn for the year, a healthy increase from Rs. 238Mn recorded in 2016/17. First Capital’s performance includes recognition of a deferred tax asset amounting to Rs. 897Mn (2017/18) in accordance to LKAS 12.
The Group’s primary dealer contributed Rs. 1,668Mn Profit after Tax (including recognition of a deferred tax asset of Rs. 845Mn) for the year, bolstered by opportunities derived through secondary market activities, the business displayed an impressive performance.
The corporate finance division, mobilized Rs. 24Bn through the structuring and placement of corporate debt securities. Increasing its contribution to the Group’s profitability, the business reported a total fee income of Rs. 80Mn for the year.
Nishan Fernando-Chairman First Capital
The asset management division, increased its assets under management by Rs. 2.1Bn in 2017/18, demonstrating a positive impact to the Group’s bottom line, with a total fee income of Rs. 38Mn.
The Group’s stock brokering unit, recorded an income of Rs. 78Mn for the financial year.
First Capital also made investments to enhance its regional presence through the expansion of its branch network to Negombo; in addition to fully-fledged branches operating in Matara, Kandy and Kurunegala
The credit rating of SL [A-] with a stable outlook for First Capital Holdings PLC and First Capital Treasuries PLC were re-affirmed by ICRA Lanka Limited.
In March 2018, First Capital Holdings PLC declared a dividend payment of Rs. 2/- per share totaling Rs. 202.5Mn for 2017/18.