Sonali Aansh returns to 'A' category after dividend payout

Sonali Aansh Industries PLC has been elevated to the "A" category from the junk "Z" category by the Dhaka Stock Exchange after completing the distribution of a 15% cash dividend to shareholders for the financial year ended 30 June 2025.

According to a DSE notification issued today (12 July), the company successfully disbursed the declared dividend, prompting the bourse to restore its status to the regular trading category with effect from the same day.

The company's share price rose 3.45% to Tk224.7 following the announcement.

Under the DSE's listing regulations, companies are placed in the "A" category if they comply with key regulatory requirements, including holding annual general meetings (AGMs) on time and declaring and distributing the required dividends. 

On the other hand, companies are classified under the "Z" category for failing to meet one or more listing requirements, such as not holding AGMs, failing to declare or distribute dividends, remaining non-operational for a prolonged period, or violating other regulatory obligations.

Market analysts said Sonali Aansh's return to the "A" category marks a positive step in terms of regulatory compliance. The company will regain the benefits associated with a regular trading category, and subject to meeting other eligibility criteria, its shares may once again qualify for margin loan facilities. The reclassification is also expected to improve investor confidence and enhance the stock's trading liquidity.

However, analysts cautioned that investment decisions should not be based solely on a company's trading category. Investors should also consider its earnings, cash flows, financial strength and long-term business prospects.

According to the company's latest unaudited financial statements, earnings per share (EPS) stood at Tk1.97 for the January-March quarter of 2026, compared with Tk1.81 in the same period a year earlier.

For the first nine months of fiscal 2025-26, EPS rose to Tk5.62 from Tk5.23 in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. 

Meanwhile, net asset value per share jumped to Tk234.34 as of 31 March 2026 from Tk32.81 as of 30 June 2025. The company attributed the sharp increase to the revaluation of its assets carried out up to 31 December 2025.

A company's trading category is considered an important indicator for investors as it reflects its level of compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate governance standards and shareholder obligations. The DSE regularly reviews the compliance status of listed companies and revises their trading categories accordingly.

Analysts said regulators have recently tightened oversight of listed companies, particularly regarding dividend distribution, corporate disclosures and investor protection. As a result, companies that fulfil their regulatory obligations on time are increasingly being restored to higher trading categories.