Walton Widens Ownership: Youth Engagement Boosts Free-Float Shares

In a strategic move to engage the younger generation in corporate affairs, Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC, a listed engineering sector company on the Bangladesh stock market, has transferred a significant portion of its shares to young stakeholders. As a result, the company’s free-float shares have surpassed the 10 percent threshold mandated by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC).

Speaking on the development, Md. Ziaul Alam, Additional Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC, stated, “Profit-making is not Walton’s only objective. The company is contributing significantly to the rapid expansion of the local electronics industry through massive investments, technological advancements, sustainable growth, employment generation, human resource development, export earnings, socio-economic progress, and ultimately to the overall economic development of the country.”

He also highlighted that Walton’s efforts were recognized at the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), where the company received the Excellence in Investment Award 2025 in the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) category. The award was presented by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus in acknowledgment of Walton’s substantial contributions to the country’s investment landscape.

Ziaul Alam further added that Walton maintains its commitment to corporate governance by adhering to international accounting standards and national regulations, operating with transparency and accountability. This dedication has earned the company numerous national and international accolades, including awards for corporate governance excellence and best-presented annual reports over the past several years.

Addressing the declining share prices, Md. Rafiqul Islam, Deputy Managing Director and Company Secretary of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC, said, “The downward trend in the capital market—persisting since the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war—continues to affect major listed companies, including Walton Hi-Tech. However, we remain optimistic that the interim government’s taskforce, through its various recommendations and ensuing measures, will help rejuvenate the market.”

He further elaborated on the company’s growth, stating, “Walton began its journey with a limited product range, including refrigerators, televisions, and air conditioners. Today, thanks to significant investment in research and innovation, our product line has expanded to include lifts, cables, home appliances, kitchen appliances, and electrical devices. This has greatly enriched Walton’s product portfolio, increasing both business volume and annual turnover.”

Looking ahead, Walton is more committed than ever to innovation and expansion, aiming to sustain its legacy of excellence. The company stands prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead as Bangladesh transitions from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a middle-income nation. Through business development, empowerment of youth and women, investment in environmentally friendly initiatives, and by fostering a sustainable, responsible, and inclusive business environment, Walton pledges to elevate Bangladesh’s global standing.

Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC made its debut on the country’s capital market in 2020 by listing on both the Dhaka and Chittagong Stock Exchanges. Through its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional governance, the company has achieved sustainable business growth and secured its position among the nation’s top-capitalized firms. Since its listing, Walton has consistently offered substantial dividends to its shareholders: 200 percent in FY 2019–2020, 250 percent in FY 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, followed by 300 percent and 350 percent cash dividends in FY 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, respectively.