Square Pharma directors acquire Tk280cr shares since 2020

Square Pharmaceuticals – the country's leading drug manufacturer – has seen four of its directors collectively purchase 1.36 crore shares worth around Tk280 crore since 2020. 

The directors announced their intention to acquire these shares on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) between February 2020 and March 2025.  

As of now, they have already bought 1.06 crore shares, with 30 lakh shares remaining to be purchased as per their initial declaration. 

On Monday, Square Pharma's shares closed at Tk217.50 each, valuing the total purchase at around Tk280 crore.  

Samuel S Chowdhury, chairman of Square Pharma, announced plans to buy 15 lakh shares today (10 March). He intends to complete the purchase within the next 30 days through the DSE, either in the public or block market. 

Over the past four years, Chowdhury has already acquired 35.25 lakh shares. As of the November shareholding report, he holds over eight crore shares in the company.  

Tapan Chowdhury, managing director of Square Pharma, announced on 4 March that he would purchase 15 lakh shares. He has also bought 35.25 lakh shares in the past and currently holds over eight crore shares in the company.  

Anjan Chowdhury and Ratna Patra, two other directors, have also been active in the market. Anjan Chowdhury has purchased 20.25 lakh shares since 2020, while Ratna Patra has acquired 15.25 lakh shares during the same period.  

The collective share purchases by the directors and sponsors have significantly increased their stake in the company. As of February this year, their combined holdings had risen to 42.91%, up from 34.43% in FY19, according to data from the DSE.  

Market analysts view these purchases as a strong signal of confidence in Square Pharmaceuticals' future growth prospects. The consistent buying by the company's top executives reflects their belief in the firm's long-term value and stability. 

This move is also seen as a positive indicator for investors, as it demonstrates the directors' commitment to the company's success.  
Currently, Square Pharma ranks as the second-largest company on the DSE by market capitalisation, which stands at Tk19,280 crore, accounting for 5.5% of the total DSE market cap.  

Financial performance  

Square Pharmaceuticals reported a 13% year-on-year growth in net profit and a 6% increase in net revenue in the first half of the current fiscal year, ending in December 2024, according to its financial report.  

During the July-December period, the pharmaceutical market leader's net revenue rose to Tk3,771.77 crore, up from Tk3,555.25 crore in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Its net profit increased to Tk1,269.64 crore from Tk1,124.59 crore.  

Meanwhile, in the October-December quarter of the current fiscal year, the company posted a 13% rise in revenue to Tk1,997 crore, up from Tk1,774 crore during the same period last fiscal year. Its profit jumped 26% to Tk660 crore, compared to Tk524.52 crore in FY24 Q2.  

However, in the July-September quarter of FY25, Square Pharma reported a decline in revenue for the first time.  

The company has consistently paid over 100% cash dividends since FY22.