AMCL PRAN Restored to ‘A’ Category After 24 Hours in ‘Z’

Agricultural Marketing Company Limited (AMCL), popularly known as PRAN, has successfully returned to the ‘A’ category on the country’s stock exchanges after a brief one-day stint in the ‘Z’ category. The swift restoration came after the food and allied sector company completed the disbursement of its declared dividends to shareholders.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) moved AMCL PRAN to the ‘Z’ category. This action was taken because the company failed to distribute its approved dividends within the timeframe stipulated by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC).

However, the company clarified that the distribution was completed on the very same day. Since the markets remained closed on Wednesday, the official restoration to the ‘A’ category took effect on Thursday, February 5.

Dividend Distribution Highlights

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, AMCL PRAN reported solid financial performance, leading to a significant payout for investors:

• Cash Dividend Declared: 32% (totaling Tk 2.56 crore).

• Net Profit After Tax: Tk 4.01 crore.

• Payout Ratio: The company distributed approximately 64% of its net profit as dividends.

Regulatory Backdrop and Restrictions

The temporary downgrade was triggered by a 2024 BSEC directive, which mandates that companies failing to distribute at least 80% of their approved dividends within the prescribed period be moved to the ‘Z’ category.

Despite the return to the ‘A’ category, investors face a short-term hurdle. Under exchange regulations regarding category changes:

• Credit Facility Restriction: Stockbrokers and merchant banks are prohibited from providing loan (margin) facilities to purchase AMCL PRAN shares for the next seven working days, effective from Thursday.

At a Glance: AMCL PRAN (FY 2025)