Lanka Rating Agency
27-Jun-23
Analyst
Rabiya tul Athaviya Naushard
rabiya@lra.com.lk
+94 114 500099
https://lra.com.lk
Applicable Criteria
- Methodology | Debt Instrument Rating | Jun-22
- Methodology | Rating Modifiers | Jun-22
- Methodology | Non-Banking Finance Companies Rating | Jun-22
Related Research
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LRA Assigns 'Rating Watch' to First Capital Treasuries PLC, Maintains Entity Rating
| Rating Type | Entity | |
|
Current (27-Jun-23 ) |
Previous (24-Jan-23 ) |
|
| Action | Maintain | Initial |
| Long Term | A | A |
| Outlook | Stable | Stable |
| Rating Watch | YES | - |
LRA has assigned ‘Rating Watch’ to the entity rating of First Capital Treasuries PLC (FCT). This is in the wake of the announcement by CSE, on Peoples Leasing & Finance PLC's potential shares acquisition in First Capital Holdings PLC (FCH), the holding company of FCT. The execution of the sales purchase agreement has been affirmed with a target price of LKR 4,958mn. The transaction remains subject to approval by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. People’s Leasing & Finance PLC will acquire 33% shareholding from Janashakti Holding and will also have a presence on the board. LRA is closely following the transaction and will consider all aspects once the transaction is finalized. FCT is a prominent Primary Dealer within the financial service industry. The Company draws stability from its Holding Company, which falls under Janashakthi Group. The credit risk is minimum for the Company as a result of investing 98% of its assets in government securities. However, FCT is exposed to unfavorable market conditions, particularly with respect to significant interest rate risk. The beginning of declining interest rates during 2023 is expected to release the pressure on Company’s profitability.
Rating is dependent upon eventual outcome of the potential acquisition by People's Leasing & Finance PLC and impact it will have on FCT business. Certain synergies are expected from this acquisition and their impact will be reviewed accordingly.
About
the Entity
First Capital Treasuries PLC (FCT) was incorporated on 19 August 1982 as a public limited liability company under the Companies Act, No. 07 of 2007. The Company is a subsidiary of First Capital Limited, which is a subsidiary under First Capital Holdings PLC, the Janashakthi Umbrella. FCT has a well-balanced board of seven members reflecting four Non-Executive Independent Directors and three Non-Executive Non-Independent Directors. The management team is headed by Mr. Sachith Perera, who is the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Company.