Stronger now with over Rs. 3 billion in capital, SMB Leasing PLC is gearing for higher growth with improved prospects for some of its core businesses as well as seeking fresh opportunities via new products.
The company benefited from a fresh capital infusion of over Rs. 2 billion recently following a Rights Issue. Incidentally, it was the second Rights Issue of SMB within the past 11 years, signaling a reinforcement of shareholder confidence. Apart from returning to profitability in 2021, SMB has also succeeded in having its capital above the Central Bank requirement (including for licensed finance companies) of Rs. 2.5 billion, propelling itself within the top 10 in terms of stated capital and top 20 as per core capital respectively in the NBFI sector, industry analysts confirmed.
The Rights Issue proceeds will be used to expand the lease, loan, and pawning portfolios of the company.
In the June 30, 2021 quarter, SMB Leasing’s net interest income rose by 133% to Rs. 28 million, while operating income rose by 108% to Rs. 33.7 million. In the first half of the current financial year, after tax profit was Rs. 49 million, a complete turnaround from a loss of Rs. 9 million in the corresponding period of last year.