Browns marks 150th year with landmark Rs. 25.9 b PBT in FY25

• Plantation acquisitions fuel global aspirations
• Trading and manufacturing continue to anchor Group stability
• Leisure sector rebounds on tourism recovery

Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara	Director and Group CEO Thamotharampillai Sanakan

Marking its 150th year of operations, Brown & Company PLC Group has closed the financial year ended 31 March 2025 with a strong performance marked by significant revenue expansion and ambitious acquisitions across core sectors. 

The Group recorded a 34% year-on-year (YoY) increase in consolidated revenue, reaching Rs. 107.82 billion, supported by Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) of Rs. 15.34 billion and a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 25.88 billion. Total assets climbed 34% to Rs. 752.69 billion, while its debt-to-equity ratio improved from 1.27 to 1.19, underscoring improved capital structure despite an aggressive investment pipeline.

A cornerstone of this year’s growth was the Group’s expansion in the plantation sector. Brown & Company completed the landmark acquisition of Lipton’s plantation assets in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, further advancing its vision to become a globally competitive player in the tea supply chain. 

These acquisitions significantly expand the Group’s footprint across East Africa and reinforce its long-term commitment to the real economy.

Domestically, the Group continued to consolidate its plantation and industrial holdings. It converted its minority interest in Sierra Cables PLC into a controlling stake. Post-financial year, the Group secured full ownership of Pussellawa Plantations Ltd., along with a majority interest in Tea Smallholder Factories PLC. With these strategic additions, Brown & Company now operates with an annual tea production capacity of approximately 100 million kilograms, cultivated across around 100,000 hectares of plantations.

Performance from the Group’s local listed plantation companies, Udapussellawa Plantations PLC and Hapugastenne Plantations PLC, was also notable. These entities recorded pre-tax profits of Rs. 883 million and Rs. 614 million, respectively, reflecting improved market conditions and operational efficiencies.

Brown & Company’s trading and manufacturing segments remained foundational pillars of the Group’s overall performance, contributing consistent and resilient growth. Trading operations generated Rs. 37.81 billion in revenue, while manufacturing contributed Rs. 14.82 billion, together reflecting a steady 5% YoY increase.

Browns Battery SBU continued to consolidate its market leadership and enhance product availability across Sri Lanka to meet increasing market demand. Browns Battery remains the exclusive distributor for Exide automotive batteries in Sri Lanka. Along with the Lucas and Dagenite battery brands, Browns Battery maintained a total market share of 62% during the year, with Exide, Lucas, and Dagenite brands dominating the market.

Browns Agriculture SBU continued to lead the industry with an undisputed market share in both the harvester and tractor segments by exploring new opportunities and maintaining a steadfast commitment to reliability and innovation. During the year, the SBU maintained a harvester market share of 68%.

The Veterinary and Pharmaceuticals SBU of the Browns Group marked a significant milestone with a 76% increase in the bottom line, driven by an extensive expansion of its product portfolio and robust industry engagement initiatives. This achievement underscores the SBU’s commitment to growth and sustainability.

Flagship trading entities such as Brown & Company PLC and AgStar PLC played critical roles in sustaining the Group’s commercial base, posting revenues of Rs. 23.17 billion and Rs. 9.5 billion, respectively.

The Group’s leisure segment also benefitted from Sri Lanka’s ongoing tourism recovery. Segment revenue rose 21% YoY to Rs. 12.82 billion, buoyed by improved international tourist arrivals amid increasing political and economic stability. Flagship hospitality assets Eden Hotel Lanka PLC and Serendib Hotels PLC posted operating profits of Rs. 172 million and Rs. 160 million, respectively. With inbound travel continuing its upward trend, the Group’s hospitality business is well-positioned for further gains.

With a landmark year defined by international expansion, sectoral diversification, and strong top line growth, Brown & Company PLC enters its next phase with renewed momentum. The Group’s multi-sector platform, spanning plantations, hospitality, manufacturing, and trading, offers resilience and breadth as it continues to build on its legacy while adapting to emerging global opportunities.