Eastern Bank has revised its plan to raise Tk800 crore, opting to issue a seven-year zero-coupon bond instead of a floating-rate bond to strengthen its capital base, pending approval from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission and Bangladesh Bank. The bank also plans to launch a not-for-profit entity, “EBL Foundation.” In Q1 2025, Eastern Bank posted a consolidated net profit of Tk154.62 crore with EPS of Tk1.14, a 6% increase year-on-year. In 2024, the bank recorded a record net profit of Tk750 crore with EPS of Tk4.86 and approved a 35% dividend (17.5% cash, 17.5% stock), its highest since 2020. The bank’s shares rose 0.81% to Tk24.80 on the Dhaka Stock Exchange.
Eastern Bank, a private sector lender, has amended its previous plan to raise Tk800 crore by opting to issue a zero-coupon bond with a seven-year tenure instead of a floating-rate bond. This initiative is intended to bolster the bank’s capital base.
The board of directors approved the bond issuance during a meeting on July 10, according to the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). The bond issuance now awaits approval from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission and Bangladesh Bank.
In addition, the bank has decided to establish a not-for-profit organisation named "EBL Foundation" in accordance with the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
During the January-March quarter of 2025, the bank posted a consolidated net profit of approximately Tk154.62 crore with earnings per share (EPS) of Tk1.14, marking a 6% increase compared to the same period last year.
Earlier, the bank announced a record net profit of Tk750 crore in 2024—its highest ever.
At the end of 2024, consolidated EPS stood at Tk4.86, up from Tk4.51 the previous year.
Driven by strong profit growth, the bank raised its dividend payout, with the board approving a 35% dividend for the year—the highest since 2020.
This dividend includes 17.50% cash and 17.50% stock, underscoring the bank’s solid financial position and commitment to rewarding shareholders.
In 2023, the bank paid a 25% dividend, split equally between cash and stock.
On Thursday, the bank’s share price rose 0.81% to Tk24.80 on the Dhaka Stock Exchange.
