---

Meghna Petroleum PLC has reported its highest-ever annual profit of Tk 6.64 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25, driven by higher fuel sales margins and strong earnings from bank deposits.

According to the company’s disclosure on Monday, net profit rose 23 per cent year-on-year, lifting earnings per share (EPS) to Tk 61.39, up from Tk 50.11 in the previous year.

The performance prompted Meghna Petroleum to announce a 200 per cent cash dividend, the highest in its history. Shareholders will receive Tk 20 per share, amounting to roughly one-third of annual earnings being distributed.

Boost from higher margins and bank income

The profit surge followed the government’s decision last year to raise sales margins for the three state-owned oil marketing firms. The margin per litre of refined fuel rose by 60 per cent to Tk 0.80, while that for octane and petrol increased 50 per cent to Tk 0.90.

Despite the margin boost, analysts say Meghna Petroleum’s profitability relies heavily on non-operating income, primarily from bank deposits and short-term investments.

“They have large fixed deposits that generate substantial interest income, which plays a key role in maintaining profit growth,” said Akramul Alam, head of research at Royal Capital.

Financial data for FY25 have yet to be released in full, but figures from the first nine months show net sales rising 26 per cent to Tk 2.2 billion and operating income climbing 43 per cent to Tk 960 million. Non-operating income surged 32 per cent to Tk 4.66 billion, helped by higher interest rates.

As of March 2025, Meghna held Tk 15.52 billion in short-term investments. Analysts said this strategy explains why the company opted to retain a large portion of profits rather than declare a bigger dividend.

“Record profits were largely fuelled by income from bank deposits and fixed-income instruments,” said Mr Alam.

Q1 FY26 performance

For the July–September 2025 quarter, Meghna’s profit rose 12 per cent year-on-year to Tk 1.55 billion, again supported by non-operating income.

However, profit from fuel sales fell 10 per cent, and operating income dropped 37 per cent, reflecting the company’s growing reliance on investment income. Non-operating income, meanwhile, rose 26 per cent to Tk 1.86 billion during the period.

Short-term investments stood at Tk 12.68 billion at the end of September, down from Tk 15.68 billion in March.

Market reaction

Following the earnings announcement, Meghna Petroleum’s shares gained 1.42 per cent to Tk 213.80 each on the Dhaka Stock Exchange, bucking the overall market downtrend.

The company’s annual general meeting is scheduled for January 24, 2026, with a record date set for December 10.