LANKA RATING ASSIGNS


Preliminary Debt Instrument Rating to

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Commercial Credit & Finance PLC's LKR 5bn Tier 2 Listed Rated Unsecured Subordinated Redeemable High Yield Bonds Issue

01-Sep-25

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Applicable Criteria

Methodology | Debt Instrument Rating | Aug-24

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Related Research

Sector Study | Leasing & Finance Companies | Feb-25


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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

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Rating Type Debt Instrument
Current
(01-Sep-25)
Action Preliminary
Rating BBB-
Outlook Stable
Rating Watch Yes


Commercial Credit and Finance PLC (CCFP or "the Company") is a licensed finance company (LFC) in Sri Lanka, specializing in hire purchase, finance leases, and gold loans. CCFP is a large-sized company in the leasing industry, with a total asset base exceeding LKR~100bn and the Company accounted for ~4.7% of the industry’s total assets and ~4.5% of the industry’s deposits as at June-25. The rating reflects the Company's sound profitability, extensive outreach and growing asset base. The Company recently incurred very high non-performing loans (NPLs), largely stemming from moratoriums and concessions extended to customers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn. As of 3MFY26, the Gross and Net NPL ratios stood at ~22.95% and ~6.35%, compared to ~26.07% and ~13.39% in FY25 but significantly lower than ~41.75% and ~30.52% recorded in FY24. The management's effort remains primarily directed towards recoveries and related initiatives aimed at containing and reducing the NPLs. The assigned rating watch underscores the critical importance of this issue.
The net interest income (NII) of the Company increased to LKR~5.3bn in 3MFY26 from LKR~3.5bn in the same period last year due to lower interest expenses and relatively high yield on assets. The Company reported profitability of LKR~2.1bn in 3MFY26 (FY25: LKR~6.0bn), aided by impairment charge reversals amounting to LKR ~565mn during the period. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of the Company stood at ~26.37% in 3MFY26, well above the regulatory requirement after obtaining subordinated term loan of LKR~1.5bn with a tenor of 5 years to strengthen its Tier II capital. The granular deposit base bodes well for the funding side. Additionally, the Company has sufficient borrowing lines available from financial institutions. The liquidation of the Company's second-largest shareholder, Group Lease Holdings PTE Limited, as ordered by the Singapore court in March 2024, is not expected to affect CCFP materially. However, any negative repercussions from this would have negative impact on rating. The Company intends to issue Tier 2 Listed Rated Unsecured Subordinated Redeemable High Yield Bonds of LKR~5.0bn to repay maturing bonds and fortify capital position.
The rating watch has been assigned following the sharp increase in the Company’s NPLs, which could weigh on profitability and other key performance indicators. Management’s initiatives to curb NPLs and steer the Company towards sustainable growth will be pivotal. A meaningful reduction in NPLs to levels in line with industry averages, together with sound capitalization and improved profitability would be important.
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About the Entity

Commercial Credit and Finance PLC was established as a limited liability company in 1982 under the provisions of the Companies Ordinance No. 17 of 1982 and later re-registered under the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007. In 2011, CCFP was listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). The main shareholder is B. G. Investments (Pvt) Ltd (50.25%) and is governed by a Board of Directors comprising nine members. The CEO, Mr. R. S. Egodage, is supported by a capable management team.


About the Instrument

The Company intends to raise upto LKR~5.0bn Tier 2 Listed Rated Unsecured Subordinated Redeemable High Yield Bonds at a par value of LKR 100/-. The bond has two types, namely Type A and Type B. Type A bonds coupon will be paid annually, and Type B bonds coupons will be paid quarterly. The issue is primarily aimed at augmenting the Company's capital position, aligning the asset-liability maturity profile by raising 5-year funding, and meeting the repayment obligation of LKR~1.3bn debenture. Proceeds may also be utilized to repay maturing debt/bonds and for portfolio growth.

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