Walton Shareholders Approve 180% Cash Dividend

Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC has secured shareholder approval for a 180 per cent cash dividend and a 10 per cent stock dividend for the financial year 2025–26, as the Bangladesh-based manufacturer advances plans in lithium-ion battery production, renewable energy and technology-driven industries. The decisions were approved at the company’s 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held virtually on Thursday, October 15.

Shareholders expressed satisfaction with the dividend payout despite persistent challenges in the global and domestic economies. They also appreciated Walton’s initiatives in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, renewable energy, solar power capacity expansion and investment in new technology-driven industries.

Walton Hi-Tech Chairman S M Shamsul Alam presided over the AGM, which was attended virtually by a large number of institutional and individual shareholders. Participants included Vice-Chairman S M Ashraful Alam; Managing Director S M Mahbubul Alam; Directors S M Nurul Alam Rezvi, S M Rezaul Alam, S M Monjurul Alam Ovee, Tahmina Afrose, Raisa Sigma Hima, Sabiha Jarin Arona, Nishat Tasnim Shuchi and Shadman Sakib Dipro.

Independent Directors Professor M. Sadiqul Islam, PhD, FCMA; Akhter Matin Choudhury, FCA, FCS; and Johora Bebe also attended. Other participants included Additional Managing Director (AMD) and Chief Financial Officer Md. Ziaul Alam, FCA, ACA (ICAEW); AMD and Head of Internal Audit and Compliance Abu Nafis; the company’s statutory auditor and corporate governance compliance auditor; representatives of regulatory authorities; senior company officials; and shareholders. The meeting was moderated by Walton Hi-Tech Deputy Managing Director and Company Secretary Md. Rafiqul Islam, FCS.

In his welcome address, Chairman S M Shamsul Alam said the company had achieved sound financial results despite challenges in the global and domestic economies, supported by a strong corporate governance framework. As part of its continued commitment to protecting shareholders’ interests, the board had recommended a 180 per cent cash dividend and a 10 per cent stock dividend.

He said Walton would continue working to improve financial performance and create greater value for investors in the coming years. He also thanked shareholders, stakeholders and others who participated virtually and contributed to the successful completion of the AGM.

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 described the financial year as a period of significant change and challenges for both the global and Bangladesh economies. Despite those headwinds, he said, effective cost management, long-term business strategies, innovation and the ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions helped Walton maintain business resilience and growth.

Addressing investors, Mahbubul Alam said the company was working to build on its existing achievements, create new opportunities and establish a foundation for long-term prosperity.

He said Walton had long sought to reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imports and strengthen domestic industrial capacity. During FY2025–26, the company made significant progress on its in-house lithium-ion battery manufacturing project, which is intended to reduce reliance on imported batteries.

According to the managing director, the project is expected to make Walton the first company in Bangladesh to manufacture high-quality lithium-ion batteries on a large scale. The batteries will be suitable for electric vehicles, laptops, smartphones and other electronic devices. They could also be used for residential energy storage as an alternative to fuel-powered generators, as well as for industrial energy storage applications.

Mahbubul Alam said the project could play a transformative role in Bangladesh’s transition to green energy. He described it as a strategic initiative to strengthen the country’s technological capabilities and advanced industrial self-reliance. The project, he added, could help lay the groundwork for green energy and environmentally friendly transport systems while raising the international profile of products made in Bangladesh. He said investors would be proud partners in that achievement.

The managing director also reaffirmed Walton’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. He said the company had installed the country’s largest floating solar power plant at its manufacturing facility. During FY2025–26, Walton’s solar power generation capacity increased to approximately 26 megawatts, meeting a significant portion of the company’s own electricity demand.

Work is underway to increase renewable energy capacity to 50 MW during FY2026–27, he said. He described the expansion as evidence of Walton’s commitment to environmentally responsible and sustainable industrialisation.

On international expansion, Mahbubul Alam said Walton was pursuing its ambition of becoming one of the world’s leading electronics brands. The company has obtained major international certifications, including CE, UL, NOM, BIS and TÜV, and has expanded exports and business operations to 64 countries, he said.

The company’s export portfolio is also growing with the addition of products such as lifts and cables. Mahbubul Alam said Walton’s green technology initiatives would further strengthen the international acceptance and competitiveness of its products.

At the AGM, shareholders approved the audited financial statements and audit report for FY2025–26, along with the 180 per cent cash dividend and 10 per cent stock dividend. They also approved the Directors’ Report, the re-election of directors, the reappointment of the managing director, the reappointment of the statutory auditor and corporate governance compliance auditor, and the appointment of Johora Bebe as an independent director, alongside other agenda items.

Shareholders also approved transactions with Walton Hi-Tech’s related party, Walton Plaza, during FY2025–26.

//DBTech/WPMSM/SMP/MVNO//