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Entity Rating of

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Vallibel Finance PLC - LKR 3Bn Subordinated - Unsecured - Redeemable Debenture

02-Sep-26

01

Applicable Criteria

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

Methodology | Debt Instrument Rating | Aug-24

02

Related Research

Sector Study | Leasing & Finance Companies | Apr-26


03

Analyst

Imran Iqbal | imran@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
(02-Sep-26)
Previous
(26-Sep-25)
Action Maintain Upgrade
Rating BBB+ BBB+
Outlook Stable Stable
Rating Watch - -


Vallibel Finance PLC (VFIN or "the Company") is a licensed finance company (LFC) in Sri Lanka, affiliated with the Vallibel Group, and engaged primarily in vehicle financing, auto drafts, gold-backed lending and leasing. VFIN held a ~6% share of Sector assets in FY26, with total assets rising ~61% to LKR ~180.29Bn (FY25: LKR ~111.68Bn), one of the highest growth rates in the Sector. The branch network expanded to 87 outlets in FY26 (FY25: 75) as the Company continues to increase its footprint.

The rating affirmation reflects VFIN's strong asset quality, consistent financial performance, and continued sponsor support as reaffirmed through an equity infusion via the recent rights issue. The Company has undertaken very high growth, which has moderated capitalization buffers despite the equity injection.

VFIN's profitability improved during FY26, with PAT rising to LKR ~3.6Bn (FY25: LKR ~2.6Bn), supported by lower funding costs, strong portfolio growth, and stable spreads. Despite this improvement, ROA moderated to ~2.46% (FY25: ~2.57%), remaining below the industry average, as earnings have yet to match the rapid asset growth. In contrast, ROE improved to ~21.65% (FY25: ~18.72%). Asset quality metrics remained strong during FY26, with gross and net NPL ratios reducing to ~2.53% and ~1.07% respectively, both well below industry averages. This is a key distinction of the Company, primarily driven by strong recoveries. Meanwhile, strong expansion of the loan portfolio also lowered these ratios.

The Company's capital profile weakened during FY26, as portfolio expansion outpaced internal capital generation, driving the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) down to ~14.79% (FY25: ~21.51%). To support its capital base, the Company completed a rights issue of LKR ~2Bn in May 2026, which increased the CAR to ~15.7%. However, the ratio remains below the industry average of ~18.4%. The Company's envisaged growth plans and sustained portfolio expansion could put pressure on capitalization in FY27.

The Company's deposit base grew by ~23.7% to LKR ~83.5Bn during FY26, though its share in the overall funding mix declined to ~53% (FY25: ~73%), as the proportion of borrowings increased, consistent with the broader trend observed across the LFC Sector. Liquidity remained adequate during FY26, supported by a sizeable allocation to G-Secs, which accounted for ~76.4% of total investments (FY25: ~86.5%). However, the top 20 depositor concentration remained elevated at ~22.6%, exceeding peer levels and indicating a degree of funding concentration risk.

The rating continues to depend on the Company's ability to sustain asset quality and profitability while rebuilding and maintaining adequate capital buffers commensurate with its growth trajectory. Adverse trends, particularly a further weakening of capital ratios, deteriorating asset quality, or increased funding concentration would have negative rating implications.
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About the Entity

Vallibel Finance PLC is a public limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. Subsequent to the acquisition by Vallibel Investment (Pvt.) Limited in 2005, it became Vallibel Finance. The principal activities of VFIN are accepting deposits, granting finance leases, vehicle loans, auto drafts, gold loans, and other credit facilities. The Board of Vallibel Finance PLC consists of seven members: four of whom are Independent Non-Executive Directors, one Non-Executive Director who also serves as the Chairman, and two Executive Directors. The Board has appointed Mr. K D A Perera in 2023 as the Chairman. Mr. J. Kumarasinghe has been a Senior Independent Director since the Chairman is Non-Independent.


About the Instrument

Vallibel Finance PLC has issued a listed, rated, subordinated, unsecured, redeemable debenture of LKR~3Bn. The initial issue was of LKR~2Bn with an option to issue up to a further LKR~1Bn (Total LKR~3Bn) in the event of an over subscription. The debenture has a tenor of 5 years. The issue has two types of debentures, namely Type 'A' and Type 'B'. The Coupon interest is paid Bi-annually (Type A) and Annually (Type B).

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