Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) has recommended a combined 20 per cent dividend for FY2025–26 despite a wider consolidated loss, as rising operating expenses and borrowing costs offset double-digit revenue growth.
The company’s board proposed a 15 per cent cash dividend and a 5 per cent stock dividend for the year ended 30 June 2026, according to a disclosure issued on Wednesday.
Consolidated loss per share widened 16.1 per cent to Tk8.59 from Tk7.40 a year earlier. Standalone earnings per share, however, rose 21.2 per cent to Tk55.17 from Tk45.52, highlighting the divergence between the parent company’s performance and that of the group.
ACI’s consolidated revenue grew 14.44 per cent during the year, while gross profit increased 20.29 per cent.
Those gains failed to translate into bottom-line profitability as inflation-driven operating expenses, strategic investments and higher financing costs weighed on earnings.
Borrowing costs increased as the company financed working capital requirements and investments, although their annual growth slowed to 11.88 per cent.
Cash flow also deteriorated. Consolidated net operating cash flow per share fell to negative Tk58.53 from negative Tk51.63, reflecting increased working capital requirements to support operations and expansion.
The standalone business recorded an even sharper reversal, with operating cash flow per share dropping to negative Tk3.89 from positive Tk55.82 a year earlier.
The weaker consolidated performance eroded shareholder equity. Consolidated net asset value per share declined 9.8 per cent to Tk82.67 at the end of June from Tk91.64 a year earlier.
Standalone net asset value per share, meanwhile, climbed 16.1 per cent to Tk393.82 from Tk339.31.
ACI’s board approved the audited financial statements at its 233rd meeting on Wednesday.
The company has set 19 November as the record date for determining dividend eligibility. Its 53rd annual general meeting is scheduled for 28 December at 11:30am through a digital platform.
