Try GOLD - Free
NTB upgraded to 'Buy' on strong earnings and strategic acquisition
The Island
|January 12, 2026
Nations Trust Bank (NTB) has received a significant upgrade to a 'Buy' rating from First Capital Research, following a robust financial performance and a strategic move to acquire HSBC Sri Lanka's retail banking arm.
-
The bank's third-quarter earnings for 2025 surged to LKR 6.1 billion, substantially outperforming forecasts. This was driven by a remarkable 42.4% year-on-year expansion in its loan book and a 14% growth in net interest income, even amidst a softer interest rate environment.
The report notes a "decisive earnings inflection," leading to upward revisions in net profit forecasts to LKR 21.2 billion for 2025, LKR 25.2 billion for 2026, and LKR 30.7 billion for 2027.
This story is from the January 12, 2026 edition of The Island.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Island
The Island
Woman finds romance in AI chatbot companions amid 'dating fatigue'
A 35-year-old woman has entered into a romantic relationship with an artificial intelligence chatbot, describing her interactions with the system as a “safe space” and a stress-free alternative to conventional dating, said a report published by the Mirror of UK.
1 mins
May 18, 2026
The Island
The Netherlands returns 1,000-year-old Chola-era artefacts to India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday welcomed the decision of the Netherlands to return the historic Leiden or Aanaimangalam Chola copper plates to India, describing it as an important step in preserving India’s civilisational heritage.
2 mins
May 18, 2026
The Island
Preventing teenage pregnancies: Police ask parents to pay more attention to children's emotional needs
Police have raised concerns over a growing number of teenage pregnancies in Sri Lanka, urging parents and communities to strengthen family bonds and remain vigilant to protect children from exploitation and abuse.
1 min
May 18, 2026
The Island
Cyberattack on America's fuel monitoring systems under probe
SNS: US investigators are examining Iran-linked cyber activity as a key line of inquiry due to Tehran’s previous record of targeting fuel and utility infrastructure.
2 mins
May 18, 2026
The Island
Surcharge on vehicle imports irks SJB, pleases ex-Finance Minister
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has launched a scathing attack on the government for the 50% Customs duty surcharge on vehicle imports, accusing the latter of burdening the public with additional costs, despite its earlier promises to make vehicles more affordable.
3 mins
May 18, 2026
The Island
Bill to repeal Chief of Defence Staff Act gazetted
A Bill seeking to repeal the Chief of Defence Staff Act No. 35 of 2009 has been published in an extraordinary gazette notification, paving the way for the abolition of the post of Chief of Defence Staff.
1 min
May 18, 2026
The Island
Pakistan name Iram Javed in Women's T20 World Cup squad
Fatima Sana will lead Pakistan at a T20 World Cup for the second consecutive edition after the PCB announced the squads for their upcoming T20I tri-series in Ireland, as well as the World Cup.
1 mins
May 18, 2026
The Island
Sri Lanka faces health care crisis with only four specialists treating thousands of blood cancer patients
Sri Lanka’s rapidly rising burden of blood cancers has come into sharp focus with leading specialists warning that the country is being forced to treat thousands of patients each year with a critically limited number of haemato-oncologists.
2 mins
May 18, 2026
The Island
Indian homes hold 25,000 tonnes of idle gold worth $5 billion!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to Indians to reduce gold purchases in order to conserve precious foreign exchange has triggered intense debate in the country’s jewellery industry, which fears that higher import duties and soaring prices could dent consumer demand, encourage smuggling, and hurt millions dependent on the trade.
3 mins
May 18, 2026
The Island
Bangladesh Cricket Board elections to be held on 7 June
The Bangladesh Cricket Board's next election is scheduled to be held on June 7, the Election Commission announced on Saturday (May 16).
1 min
May 18, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size