*ACS Capital Research* *News Alert 05.02.2025* *JKH reports Rs. 14.28 b EBITDA in Q3* John Keells Holdings (JKH) recorded an EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) of Rs. 14.28 billion for the third quarter of FY24/25, reflecting a 4% increase compared to Rs. 13.74 billion in the same period last year. Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/mu89zMDriPrCZW2acAqv *Ceylon Cold Stores reports solid December profits on rising consumer spend* Offering a glimpse into the Sri Lankan consumer behaviour in the final three months of last year, Ceylon Cold Stores PLC reported some solid top and bottom-line performance for the December quarter, reflecting strengthening consumer demand in the economy, although partly aided by the year-end seasonal pop. Source:https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Ceylon-Cold-Stores-reports-solid-December-profits-on-rising-consumer-spend/273-301668 *US ready to expand trade and investment in Sri Lanka* The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on yesterday (4) congratulated the people of Sri Lanka on behalf of the United States of America (US), as the island nation celebrates its 77th Independence Day. Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/ynbydAWwwAVwHLL4DEnL *Sri Lanka and UAE to sign investment protection pact* Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are on track to sign a bilateral Agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments (ARPPI), aimed at strengthening economic ties and internationalisation efforts for businesses in both countries. Source:https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Sri-Lanka-and-UAE-to-sign-investment-protection-pact/273-301669 *Sri Lanka incredibly popular for Canadian travellers in February* Canadians are looking to travel to South Asia in February, with Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo being particularly popular, according to Skyscanner. Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-incredibly-popular-for-Canadian-travellers-in-February/44-772641 *BOI targets $ 2 b FDIs in 2025* Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Arjuna Herath last week revealed that it targets to attract $ 2 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) this year. Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/BOI-targets-2-b-FDIs-in-2025/44-772634 *Business confidence at 10-year high* Pioneering business magazine LMD notes, in its forthcoming February edition, that the unique index that measures business confidence has soared for the fourth consecutive month “as economic indicators strengthen.” Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Business-confidence-at-10-year-high/44-772633 *Bank deposits surge to Rs. 12.3 t in 2024* Sri Lanka’s banking sector reported an increase by about Rs. 2 trillion in deposits in 2024, closing the year with Rs. 12.3 trillion, a growth in line with the private sector credit flows, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said. Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/MjVHJ1Y70I7bna0iTr9A