Grameenphone declares 105% final dividend despite 19% profit drop

Infographics: TBS

Grameenphone, Bangladesh's largest mobile operator, has declared a 105% final cash dividend for 2025, bringing the total dividend for the year to a remarkable 215% including the interim payout, underscoring its strong cash position and commitment to shareholders despite a challenging operating environment.

The company's profit after tax fell 18.53% year-on-year to Tk2,958 crore, down from Tk3,631 crore in 2024, as weak consumer spending, rising operational costs, and cautious business activity weighed on earnings. 

Earnings per share dropped to Tk21.90 from Tk26.89 a year earlier.

Revenue for 2025 stood at Tk15,806 crore, slightly lower than Tk15,845 crore in 2024. Mobile communication remained the dominant contributor, generating Tk15,520 crore, while revenue from customer equipment and other sources accounted for Tk54 crore. In the fourth quarter, the company posted Tk3,860 crore in revenue, marking a 3.3% year-on-year increase.

The company's subscriber base reached 8.39 crore by year-end, of which 4.87 crore, or 58.1%, were internet users, highlighting continued growth in data services.

CEO Yasir Azman said Grameenphone remains focused on network leadership, efficiency, and scaling AI adoption. "Despite macroeconomic headwinds, early signs of stabilization emerged, making 2025 a year of recovery," he noted, pointing to revenue growth, protected profitability, and strong cash flow in the fourth quarter.

Azman also stressed cybersecurity as a key priority amid rising digital adoption. "Trust in connectivity now heavily depends on network security. Grameenphone operates the safest network in the market, supported by advanced, multi-layer cybersecurity capabilities," he said.

CFO Otto Magne Risbakk highlighted ongoing cost discipline as consumer spending remains subdued. Strategic initiatives throughout the year delivered gradual improvements across all quarters, he added.

Grameenphone will hold its annual general meeting on 20 April to approve the dividend and audited accounts, with 3 March set as the record date for shareholders. Yesterday (February 4), its shares closed at Tk262.80 on the Dhaka Stock Exchange.