Listed banks endure up to 72pc price erosion in one year

Share prices of all listed banks tumbled up to 72 per cent in the past one year until March 25, 2020 amid prolonged bearish trend in the country’s capital market. All the 30 banks listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange witnessed price erosion between 4.0 per cent and 72 per cent during the period under review, according to available data with the DSE. The banking sector ranked second in market-cap position with Tk 452.90 billion in its portfolio on March 25, 2020. Currently, the banking sector accounts for 17.80 per cent of the DSE’s total market-cap after pharmaceuticals which accounts for 17.90 per cent. The banking sector also lost 16 per cent during the period under review. Following the rampant selling pressure, the banking sector has become the cheapest sector among the all sectors as its price earnings ratio drastically dipped to 6.20 as of March 25, 2020. The DSE key index also lost 1,522 points, wiping out market capitalisation of Tk 1,015 billion in the past one year since March 25 of last year. The most sought-after banking stocks were also not spared from the free fall in the share prices during the period under review. Dutch-Bangla Bank suffered most as its share price plunged 72 per cent in the past one year to close at Tk 58.80 each on March 25, 2020. However, its share price was adjusted during the period under review as the bank disbursed 150 per cent stock dividend for the year ended on December 31, 2018. Share price of Brac Bank fell 59 per cent in the past one year to close at Tk 31.90 on March 25, 2020. Share of Premier Bank also lost 23 per cent, followed by Pubali Bank 23 per cent, National Bank 22 per cent, Mercantile Bank 20 per cent, SIBL 20 per cent, IFIC Bank 19 per cent, Trust Bank 17 per cent, Eastern Bank 17 per cent, Prime Bank 16 per cent, Exim Bank 14 per cent, First Security Islami Bank 13 per cent, Standard Bank 13 per cent, Uttara Bank 10 per cent, Bank Asia 6.0 per cent and Jamuna Bank 4.0 per cent.

Source: https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/stock-corporate/listed-banks-endure-up-to-72pc-price-erosion-in-one-year-1588174478

Marico BD’s net profit jumps 31 per cent

The board of directors of Marico Bangladesh Ltd has recommended a final 200 per cent cash dividend for the year ended on March 31, 2020. The board recommended the dividend and approved the audited financial statements for the year ended on March 31, 2020 at a meeting held on Tuesday through digital platform, according to an official disclosure Wednesday. The fast-moving consumer goods multinational company declared a total of 950 per cent cash dividend for the year under review, including a 750 per cent interim cash dividend, which has already been paid. This is also the highest dividend declaration of the company after listing on the Dhaka Stock Exchange. The company disbursed 650 per cent cash dividend in 2019, 600 per cent cash in 2018, 500 per cent cash in 2017, 450 per cent cash in 2016 and 425 per cent cash dividend in 2015, according to statistics from the DSE. The company’s net profit rose more than 31 per cent year-on-year to Tk 2.65 billion for the year ended on March 31, 2020. Its net profit was Tk 2.02 billion in 2019. The basic earnings per share stood at Tk 84.01 for the year ended on March 31, 2020 as against Tk 64.23 in the previous year. The company’s net asset value per share was Tk 44.05 and net operating cash flow per share was Tk 95.65 for the year ended on March 31, 2020 as against Tk 41.34 and Tk 84.81 respectively in 2019. Each share of Marico Bangladesh, which was listed on the Dhaka bourse in 2009, closed at Tk 1,562.50 on March 25, before the government holiday started.

Source: https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/stock-corporate/marico-bds-net-profit-jumps-31-per-cent-1588174508

Guardian Life launches ‘Corona Safety Net’ for bankers

Guardian Life developed a suitable insurance package called ‘Corona Safety Net’ for the bankers, in response to Bangladesh Bank’s direction to all commercial banks to provide COVID-19 insurance coverage to the bankers who are working during these general holidays due to COVID-19. By availing this corporate plan, a bank can ensure peace of mind to their employees who are at higher risk of exposure and may become ill due to coronavirus while performing their duties during the general holidays. Guardian Life is committed to the society for providing best insurance services through product and service innovation. In view of that spirit, Guardian Life has introduced this ‘Corona Safety Net’ plan in response to the highly appreciated decision of Bangladesh Bank to introduce a holistic COVID-19-focused life insurance plan for the brave bankers. The plan will provide an instant one-off payout of Tk 0.5 million -1.0 million in case of an insured bank employee being diagnosed as COVID-19 positive. Additionally, hospitalization benefit for COVID-19 treatment up to Tk 0.5 million will be provided. In case of death of an insured bank employee due to COVID-19, Tk 2.5 million- 5.0 million will be paid to the family as death benefit.

Source: https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/stock-corporate/guardian-life-launches-corona-safety-net-for-bankers-1588174574