Lanka Rating Upgrades Entity Rating of

LRA Logo

Alliance Finance Company PLC

03-May-25

01

Applicable Criteria

Methodology | Non-Banking Financial Institution Rating | Jul-24

02

Related Research

Sector Study | Leasing & Finance Companies | Feb-25


03

Analyst

Gayani Randima Ariyawansa | gayani@lra.com.lk
+94 114 500099 | www.lra.com.lk

PRESS
RELEASE


DISCLAIMER

This press release is being transmitted for the sole purpose of dissemination through print/electronic media. The press release may be used in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof with due credit to LRA

LRA Logo
Rating Type Entity
Current
(03-May-25)
Previous
(02-Apr-24)
Action Upgrade Maintain
Rating BBB BBB-
Outlook Stable Stable
Rating Watch - -


Sri Lanka's economy experienced a significant rebound in 2024 following a phase of economic and political instability. In CY24, GDP grew by ~5.4% driven by strong performance in the industrial and services sectors. Economic indicators showed significant improvement, with currency stabilization, single-digit policy rate, and a sharp drop in inflation (-4.2% YoY in February 2025). This positive shift has lowered both country and systemic risk, benefiting Sri Lankan Licensed Finance Companies (LFCs). The LFC sector experienced asset growth of ~13.9% and a substantial improvement in asset quality with the gross NPL ratio falling to about ~11.3% in 9MFY25 (FY24: ~14.7%). This was due to increased size of lending portfolio and better repayment capacity of the borrowers. CBSL's master plan for consolidation of NBFIs Phase-II has been revised and is now underway.
Alliance Finance Company PLC ("AFC" or "the Company") is a Licensed Finance Company (LFC) listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1959. The rating reflects AFC’s established presence, improved profitability, better asset quality and focus on sustainable financing solutions. AFC is the oldest finance company in Sri Lanka and adopted the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) philosophy in 2012. The Company plans to develop its products in line with these values driven by a sustainable business mandate. The Company is classified as a mid-sized LFC, representing approximately ~3.9% of the sector’s assets, ~3.1% of its deposits and ~4.0% of the sector’s total loans and advances as of 9MFY25. The portfolio's diversification with higher-value loan products, leading to lower costs associated with small-ticket lending, has strengthened profitability and improved asset quality. AFC's Net Interest Income (NIM) increased to LKR~5.9bn in 9MFY25 compared to LKR~4.0bn in 9MFY24, a growth of ~48.3% y-o-y. Likewise, AFC's net profit stood at LKR~993.5mn in 9MFY25 (9MFY24: LKR~492.6mn). AFC has invested in people, systems, processes, and sustainability certifications resulting in modest short-term profits but expected to boost long-term sustainability and profitability. The Gross NPL ratio was ~6.8% during 9MFY25, lower than the industry average of ~11.3%. The Company’s Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at ~14.5% in 9MFY25, above the Central Bank of Sri Lanka's (CBSL) statutory requirement of ~12.5% but remains below the industry average. Going forward, AFC is committed to sustainability, reflected in climate-focused products like Cinnamon Cultivators Development and Rooftop Solar Loans.
The rating is dependent on sustaining strong asset quality while aligning profitability and CAR with industry peers. Improved profitability and stronger capitalization would have a positive impact on the rating. Meanwhile, a significant decline in profitability or asset quality could lead to a rating downgrade.
LRA Logo

About the Entity

Alliance Finance Company PLC ("AFC" or "the Company") is a public limited company incorporated in 1956 under the provisions of the Companies Ordinance No. 51 of 1938 and re-registered under the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007. The largest shareholder of the Company remains Mr. R K E P De Silva with ownership of ~36.87%. The Company has a nine-member Board, out of which three are Independent Directors and three are Executive directors. The Management team is headed by Mr. De Silva who leads the Company as the Managing Director and the Deputy Chairman as well.

Lanka Rating Agency Limited

No. 145,
Kynsey Road, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka

Tel: +94 11 450 0099