How Diversification is Powering Vallibel One's Resilience

In a year marked by uneven demand, cost pressures, and shifting consumer behavior, Vallibel One demonstrated the strength of disciplined diversification and execution-led growth. For the financial year 2024/25, the Group delivered resilient performance across its multi-sector portfolio, with standout contributions from aluminium and consumer businesses, while continuing to invest in innovation, regional expansion, and sustainability.Speaking with Business Today, Managing Director Dinusha Bhaskaran discusses how Vallibel One leveraged operational excellence, system-led innovation, and strong governance to navigate a complex operating environment. She shares insights into the Group's performance drivers, evolving consumer trends, regional growth strategy across South Asia and East Africa, ESG priorities, and how a performance culture anchored in discipline and accountability continues to guide Vallibel One's transformation into a future-ready conglomerate.

- Words Jennifer Paldano Goonewardane. Photography Sujith Heenatigala and Dinesh Fernando.

Vallibel One's diversified portfolio cushioned the impact of subdued demand in certain sectors. How do you evaluate the effectiveness of this diversification strategy during the 2024/25 cycle, and were there sectors that surprised you with their performance?

Vallibel One's diversified portfolio was a critical factor in ensuring resilience during the 2024/25 cycle, allowing us to navigate economic challenges with strong performance across various sectors. The aluminium sector delivered exceptional results, posting a 66.3 percent increase in revenue, driven by increased demand in urban development and the expanding solar energy sector. The consumer sector also experienced robust growth, with a 22.3 percent rise in revenue, demonstrating the effectiveness of continuous product innovation and an expanded distribution network. This diversification strategy, coupled with strategic investments in high-growth areas, enabled us to achieve overall revenue of over 120 billion rupees, reflecting an increase from the previous year.

The Group reported a profit after tax (PAT) of 16.02 billion rupees and EBITDA of 34.5 billion rupees, with net profit attributable to equity holders rising 19 percent to 11.76 billion rupees, compared to 9.89 billion rupees in the previous year. By balancing risk across sectors, we have positioned ourselves for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.

While the aluminium and consumer segments outperformed, lifestyle and finance faced headwinds. What specific operational or strategic shifts helped those outperforming sectors lead overall resilience?