Shareholders of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC approved a 180% cash dividend and a 10% stock dividend for the financial year 2025–26 at the company’s 20th annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday, as the electronics manufacturer outlined plans to expand into lithium-ion battery production and increase renewable energy capacity.
The meeting, held through a digital platform on 15 October and chaired by Walton Hi-Tech Chairman S M Shamsul Alam, drew institutional and general shareholders who welcomed the dividend payout and planned investments despite persistent challenges in domestic and global markets, the company said in a press release.
Shareholders also expressed satisfaction with Walton’s initiatives in renewable energy, solar power expansion and new technology-driven industries.
Addressing the meeting, Shamsul Alam said the company’s strong corporate governance framework had helped it deliver sound financial results despite economic pressures.
“As part of our continued commitment to protecting shareholders’ interests, the Board of Directors recommended a 180 percent cash dividend and 10 percent stock dividend,” he said.
The chairman said Walton would continue pursuing stronger financial performance and greater value for investors. He also thanked shareholders, stakeholders and others for participating in the virtual meeting.
Walton Hi-Tech Managing Director S M Mahbubul Alam presented the company’s annual report for FY2025–26, highlighting improvements in key financial indicators, business performance and future growth plans.
He said effective cost management, long-term strategies, innovation and the company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions had helped sustain business resilience and growth despite economic challenges.
The company remained focused on building new opportunities for long-term growth, he said, stressing Walton’s commitment to reducing import dependence and strengthening domestic industrial capacity.
A major part of that strategy involves lithium-ion battery manufacturing, where Walton made significant progress during FY2025–26.
Mahbubul Alam said the project was intended to reduce dependence on imported batteries and position Walton as Bangladesh’s first large-scale manufacturer of high-quality lithium-ion batteries.
The batteries would be suitable for electric vehicles, laptops, smartphones and other electronic devices. They could also provide residential power storage as an alternative to fuel-powered generators and serve industrial energy storage applications.
He said the project could help accelerate Bangladesh’s green energy transition, strengthen technological capabilities and support industrial self-reliance.
The investment would also contribute to environmentally friendly transport systems and enhance the reputation of Made in Bangladesh products internationally, while allowing shareholders to participate in the company’s long-term technological progress, he added.
Renewable energy featured prominently in Walton’s expansion strategy.
Mahbubul Alam said the company had installed what it described as Bangladesh’s largest floating solar power plant at its manufacturing facility as part of its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable industrialisation.
Walton’s solar power generation capacity increased to approximately 26 megawatts (MW) during FY2025–26, supplying a significant portion of its electricity requirements.
“Work is underway to increase our renewable energy capacity to 50 MW during FY2026–27,” he said, adding that the expansion would strengthen Walton’s contribution to renewable energy and environmentally responsible manufacturing.
The managing director also highlighted the company’s international expansion, saying Walton was pursuing its ambition to become one of the world’s leading electronics brands.
The company has secured international certifications including CE, UL, NOM, BIS and TÜV, while extending its exports and business operations to 64 countries.
Its export portfolio is expanding to include new products such as lifts and cables. Mahbubul Alam said green technology initiatives would further improve the international acceptance and competitiveness of Walton products.
At the AGM, shareholders approved the audited financial statements and audit report for FY2025–26, along with the directors’ report, re-election of directors and reappointment of the managing director.
They also approved the reappointment of the company’s statutory auditor and corporate governance compliance auditor, and the appointment of Johora Bebe as an independent director, alongside other agenda items.
Shareholders further approved transactions with the company’s related party, Walton Plaza, during FY2025–26.
Walton Hi-Tech Vice-Chairman S M Ashraful Alam and directors S M Nurul Alam Rezvi, S M Rezaul Alam, S M Monjurul Alam Ovee, Tahmina Afrose, Raisa Sigma Hima, Sabiha Jarin Orona, Nishat Tasnim Shuchi and Shadman Sakib Dipro attended virtually.
Independent directors Professor M Sadiqul Islam, PhD, FCMA, Akhter Matin Chaudhury, FCA, FCS, and Johora Bebe also participated.
Additional Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer Md Ziaul Alam, FCA, ACA (ICAEW), and Additional Managing Director and Head of Internal Audit and Compliance Md Abu Nafiz attended the meeting.
The company’s statutory auditor, corporate governance compliance auditor, representatives of regulatory authorities, senior officials and numerous shareholders also joined the proceedings.
Walton Hi-Tech Deputy Managing Director and Company Secretary Md Rafiqul Islam, FCS, moderated the meeting.
