Lovello Ice-Cream PLC, after raising Tk30 crore from its IPO three years ago to expand its business, faces delays in utilizing the funds due to challenges in opening letters of credit (LC) amid a dollar shortage in banks.
The company seeks a one-year extension, approved by shareholders in the annual general meeting, extending the deadline until January 2025. Of the raised funds, Tk25.67 crore has been utilized, with Tk4.32 crore remaining unutilized. Challenges in LCs affected the procurement of capital machinery, delaying the expansion plan.
Lovello witnessed a 1.73% revenue decline in FY23 to Tk94.36 crore, attributing it to increased raw material prices and foreign currency market volatility. In Q1 2023–24, revenue declined by 33% to Tk21.89 crore, with a 43% profit decrease to Tk2.69 crore. The shares have remained at the Tk37.90 floor price for over six months.