(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Nations Trust Bank PLCreported a strong 3rdquarter with YTD Operating Income of LKR 27Bn,up 62% year-on-year(YoY). Despite the volatile environment,the Bank recorded Profit Before Tax of LKR 9.3Bn, a growth of 25% YoY and PAT of LKR 5.2Bn, up 6% YoY.
Commenting on Q32022 results, Hemantha D Gunetilleke, Director & Chief Executive Officer, said,“We havedelivered another strong quartercontinuing the trend demonstrated in the first half of the year.The results underpin the fundamental strengths of Bank’s Liquidity, Capital Adequacy and Risk Management framework. These fundamental strengths have ensured that we are able to consistently provide banking service excellence to our customers despite the challenging external environment.”
With higher earnings during the quarter, Earnings Per Share continued to improve throughout the year and stood at LKR 17.55 as of 30thSeptember 2022. The Return on Equity (ROE) as at Q3 2022 was 17.26% compared to 18.31% last year.
The negative economic environment resulted in impairment provisions on loans, advances guarantees, and commitments increasing 266%, weighing down returns.Uncertainties in the operating environment and negative flows from moratorium loansled to higher provisions, while Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating downgrade announced earlier this year also contributed to increased provisions despitea relatively lower ISB and SLDB holding.
As a result of therevised VAT rates on Financial Services,higher profits and tax reversals in the previous year, Nations Trust Bank’s overall tax expenses grew by 65% during the reporting period. As outlined by the Government budget for 2022, the surcharge tax of 25% over taxable income for 2021, which amounted to LKR 1.9 billion, was also considered during Q2 2022 against the retained earnings, as per the guidelines issued by CA Sri Lanka.
The Bank’s overall financial position in Q3 remained strong with comfortablecapital buffers with aTier I Capital ratio of 12.59% and Total Capital Adequacy ratio of 14.85%.The Statutory Liquid Asset Ratio (SLAR) for the Domestic Banking Unit was 32.86% at the reporting date.
Looking ahead, Gunetillekeadded, “Despite the prevailing economic environment, the Bank will pursue its growth agenda in selected market segments, delivering growth opportunities for our customers and long-term value for all stakeholders.”
Nations Trust Bank PLC serves a diverse range of customers across Consumer, Commercial and Corporate segments through an island wide network of 96 branches. The bank is focused on digital empowerment through cutting-edge digital banking technologies, and pioneered FriMi, Sri Lanka’s leading digital banking experience. Nations Trust Bank PLC is an issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka with market leadership in the premium segments.
