Hayleys in win-win move goes for Rs. 9 b Rights and Rs. 4.5 b dividend

Thursday, 22 January 2026 05:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

First ever since business leader Dhammika Perera’s takeover in 2009, Rights Issue of three new shares for 50 held at Rs. 200 each to fund investments, partial debt settlement of Hayleys
Separately declares Rs. 6 per share dividend worth Rs. 4.5 b for FY26
Prior to announcements, share price gains by Rs. 30.50 to Rs. 248.50

Most diversified blue chip, Hayleys PLC yesterday effected two moves – a historic Rights Issue and a high dividend, which analysts described as “win-win” for both shareholders and the company.

The Rights Issue, first since Co-Chairman and biggest shareholder Dhammika Perera acquired Hayleys in 2009, is to raise Rs. 9 billion to strengthen its balance sheet and fund new investments.

Under the proposed move, shareholders will be offered three new ordinary voting shares for every 50 existing shares held (45 million shares in total) at Rs. 200 each.

The company said the proceeds of the Rights Issue will be utilised to fund new investments and for the partial settlement of debt.

Separately, Hayleys PLC also announced a dividend of Rs. 6 per share for FY26, with payment on 12 February. The payout is Rs. 4.5 billion, same as in FY25.

Both announcements were made after the market was closed. Earlier, Hayleys shares closed yesterday at Rs. 248.50, gaining by Rs. 30.50. The Group reported net assets of Rs. 131.67 per share as of end-September 2025.

As at 31 December 2025, Hayleys PLC stated capital stood at Rs. 1.575 billion, represented by 750 million ordinary voting shares.

Top shareholders of Hayleys PLC as of end-September 2025 were Dhammika Perera (51.01%), D.S. Jayasundera Trust (11.6%), and Phantom Investments (5.14%).

Analysts said the reducing of debt will further boost Hayleys financial stature, whilst shareholder funds will also help realise some of the new investments, including the ambitious yet high-potential supermarket chain.

The proposed Rights Issue is subject to obtaining approval in principle from the Colombo Stock Exchange for the issue and listing of the new shares, as well as shareholder approval by way of an Ordinary Resolution at an Extraordinary General Meeting.