Here are the Top 10 companies in Sri Lanka, ranked using key valuation matrices reviewed by LankaBIZ Artificially Intelligent (AI) Assistant. The analysis includes available valuation details for each company:
1) Softlogic Life Insurance PLC
Softlogic Life Insurance PLC (AAIC.N0000) is a top performer with a P/E ratio of 3.93 and a strong EPS of LKR 14.98, supported by a dividend yield of 6.4%. Over the last 18 months, its earnings have shown significant growth, particularly in June 2024, where earnings doubled to LKR 2,056 million. The company's market price is LKR 58.90, and it maintains a NAV of LKR 38.45. With a Price to Book Value (PBV) of 1.53, Softlogic Life has maintained a strong presence in the insurance sector. Its PEG ratio, reflecting growth and price efficiency, aligns with positive long-term trends.
Softlogic Life's market price reflects investor confidence, and the company’s strategic focus on innovation in the insurance domain has allowed it to achieve consistent earnings growth. Its June 2024 earnings surge demonstrates resilience in an otherwise volatile market. The company's dividend yield of 6.4% underscores its commitment to shareholder returns, making it a favorite in the stock market.
2) Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC
Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB.N0000) voting share is another standout with a P/E ratio of 5.43 and a PBV of 0.64. It boasts a robust NAV per share of LKR 167.66, coupled with a high dividend yield of 6.1%. Its EPS is LKR 19.69, and it maintains a stable market price of LKR 107.00. Over the past 18 months, Commercial Bank’s earnings have been consistent, with quarterly earnings exceeding LKR 7,900 million in June 2024. The company has a well-balanced growth trajectory, reflected in its PEG ratio, supported by strong fundamentals in the banking sector.
Commercial Bank has long been a pillar in Sri Lanka’s banking industry, offering comprehensive financial services. The strong earnings growth across consecutive quarters demonstrates its capacity to generate consistent returns. Its dividend yield and strategic focus on digital transformation have been key drivers of its ongoing success.
3) John Keells Holdings PLC
John Keells Holdings (JKH.N0000) stands out with a P/E ratio of 32.66 and a NAV of LKR 238.05, which reflects its strong asset base. Despite lower earnings in some quarters, JKH has shown potential with a market price of LKR 193.75 and EPS of LKR 5.93. The company's focus on long-term growth has allowed it to sustain its earnings trajectory despite market challenges. Its dividend yield of 0.8% indicates a focus on reinvesting in growth strategies, although its PEG ratio shows room for efficiency.
John Keells is a market leader in diversified industries such as transportation, hospitality, and food and beverage. The company’s strategic ventures into real estate and tourism have contributed to its diversified income streams, helping to buffer against sector-specific downturns.
4) Access Engineering PLC
Access Engineering (AEL.N0000) has a P/E ratio of 3.25 and a PBV of 0.64, signaling a highly attractive valuation. With a dividend yield of 6.4% and NAV of LKR 36.64, the company has a market price of LKR 23.50. Its earnings per share (EPS) stand at LKR 7.23, and the company has demonstrated consistent growth with quarterly earnings exceeding LKR 1,121 million in June 2024. The company’s PEG ratio supports its growth in the construction and engineering sector, and the dividend yield further enhances its attractiveness to investors.
Access Engineering is one of Sri Lanka’s leading infrastructure development firms. Its focus on large-scale government and private sector projects has enabled the company to maintain steady earnings growth. Its strong financial fundamentals and capital reinvestment strategies make it a solid investment opportunity.
5) Ceylinco Insurance PLC (Voting)
Ceylinco Insurance (CINS.N0000) boasts a strong P/E ratio of 5.63 and a dividend yield of 2.0%, with a NAV of LKR 3,464.34. The company’s EPS stands at LKR 435.10, reflecting strong earnings performance. With a market price of LKR 2,450.25 and steady earnings growth over the past 18 months, Ceylinco has been a top performer in the insurance sector, supported by its broad product offerings. The PEG ratio shows an efficient balance between price and earnings growth.
Ceylinco Insurance’s dominance in the insurance market is backed by innovative products and a wide customer base. The company’s consistent dividend policy and strong earnings are attractive to long-term investors seeking stability in the insurance industry.
6) Hatton National Bank PLC (Voting)
Hatton National Bank (HNB.N0000) features a P/E ratio of 4.21, with a solid NAV of LKR 397.92. Its EPS is LKR 50.88, while its market price stands at LKR 214.25. The bank’s earnings have grown steadily, particularly in June 2024, with earnings of LKR 8,570 million. With a dividend yield of 3.7%, the company’s long-term growth outlook is solid, supported by consistent earnings over the last 18 months.
Hatton National Bank has a well-established footprint in Sri Lanka’s banking sector. Its focus on customer-centric innovations and digital banking solutions has propelled its growth, reflected in its robust earnings and dividend payout.
7) Melstacorp PLC
Melstacorp (MELS.N0000) features a P/E ratio of 9.42 and a dividend yield of 9.5%. The company’s NAV per share is LKR 101.55, and its market price is LKR 87.20. With an EPS of LKR 9.26, Melstacorp has maintained solid earnings growth, with quarterly earnings reaching LKR 3,730 million in June 2024. The company’s diversified portfolio across industries supports its consistent earnings performance.
Melstacorp is a prominent player in the beverage, plantations, and financial services sectors. Its diversification strategy has allowed it to remain resilient amid market fluctuations, with steady earnings growth and strong dividend payouts.
Cargills (Ceylon) PLC
Cargills (CARG.N0000) operates with a P/E ratio of 15.02 and a NAV of LKR 121.67. The company’s EPS is LKR 24.96, while its market price is LKR 375.00. Cargills offers a dividend yield of 6.8% and has demonstrated consistent quarterly earnings growth, with earnings of LKR 1,559 million in June 2024. Its PEG ratio reflects its balanced growth trajectory in the retail and food sectors.
Cargills is a leading player in Sri Lanka’s consumer goods sector. Its extensive retail network and strategic focus on food production have enabled the company to achieve stable earnings growth while maintaining strong shareholder returns.
9) Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC
Lion Brewery (LION.N0000) stands strong with a P/E ratio of 9.12, a NAV of LKR 359.75, and a dividend yield of 4.9%. The company’s EPS is LKR 109.53, and it maintains a market price of LKR 999.00. Over the past 18 months, Lion Brewery has seen consistent growth, with quarterly earnings peaking at LKR 2,179 million in June 2024. Its PEG ratio supports its valuation efficiency in the beverage industry.
Lion Brewery has been a market leader in Sri Lanka’s alcoholic beverage industry. Its strong brand presence, coupled with its ability to adapt to market trends, has ensured consistent profitability and growth, making it a favorite among investors.
10) Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC
Distilleries (DIST.N0000) showcases a P/E ratio of 9.05, with a dividend yield of 10.4% and a NAV of LKR 3.22. The company’s EPS is LKR 2.99, and it has a market price of LKR 27.10. Distilleries’ earnings have been stable, with LKR 3,742 million reported in June 2024, contributing to its strong market position. The company’s high dividend yield makes it an attractive investment for income-seeking investors.
Distilleries has maintained its leadership in the alcoholic beverages market, supported by a robust distribution network and a diverse product portfolio. Its focus on premium products and consistent earnings growth have solidified its position as a key player in the industry.
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