ACI Returns to Profit, Eyes Strategic Investment

After two consecutive years of losses, ACI, one of Bangladesh’s leading industrial conglomerates, has returned to profitability. During the first half of the current financial year (July–December 2025), the company reported a consolidated net profit of BDT 30 crore, a significant turnaround compared with a net loss of BDT 65 crore in the same period last year and BDT 49 crore in the first half of FY 2022-23, according to the company’s half-yearly financial statements.

The board of directors’ approved report highlighted that the turnaround was driven in part by the profitable performance of Shop Svapno, operated under ACI Logistics, which returned to profit after a prolonged period of operational challenges. In addition, the pharmaceuticals, salt, and automotive divisions demonstrated robust growth, contributing to the improved overall performance.

Analysts noted that the company’s operating profit for the first six months of FY 2025-26 stood at BDT 685 crore. However, after accounting for interest payments on bank loans, taxes, provisions, and contributions to the Workers’ Welfare Fund, net profit was reduced to BDT 30 crore. A substantial portion of the operating profit was utilised to service financial obligations. Total expenses for the period reached BDT 492 crore, an 11 per cent increase over BDT 444 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.

A review of ACI’s half-yearly performance over the past decade reveals remarkable growth. In the first half of FY 2015-16, the company’s turnover was BDT 2,230 crore. In the current financial year, turnover has risen to BDT 7,794 crore, representing more than a threefold increase over ten years.

Company Secretary Mostafizur Rahman commented, “Strong performances in ACI Logistics, pharmaceuticals, salt, and automotive businesses, coupled with the profitable turnaround of Shop Svapno, have helped ACI return to the path of profitability after an extended period of losses.”

The board also approved new investment plans. ACI Logistics will issue 6.4 million preference shares, raising BDT 640 crore. The proceeds will primarily be used to reduce bank loans, lowering interest and other financial costs, thereby enhancing overall profitability.

Despite the return to profit, ACI’s share price on the Dhaka Stock Exchange fell by BDT 2, or approximately 1 per cent, to BDT 206 on Monday, with nearly BDT 3.75 crore worth of shares traded that day.