The directors of ACI have moved to increase their stakes in the company recently, with the latest development in this regard coming from the company's chairman on Sunday.

Through a disclosure on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) website, M Anis Ud Dowla, chairman of ACI, shared his plans to purchase 16 lakh shares of the company at the prevailing market price through the block market within the next 30 working days.

If completed, the purchase will raise his total shareholding to 1.69 crore shares, representing 19.33 percent of the total 8.76 crore outstanding shares of ACI.

Considering the trading price of Tk 147.60 per share on Sunday, the transaction is valued at approximately Tk 23.61 crore, reflecting the chairman's confidence in the company's prospects.

This announcement follows recent stake increases by other key directors.

On January 15, Shusmita Anis, a director of ACI, completed the acquisition of 15.15 lakh shares at the prevailing market price through the DSE.

The purchase increased her holdings to 29.90 lakh shares, or 3.41 percent of the company's total shares.

Earlier this month, ACI Managing Director Arif Dowla purchased 6 lakh shares, completing the transaction on January 20.

Collectively, the three directors have announced or completed purchases totalling 37.15 lakh shares in January alone.

Market analysts view these moves as a strong indicator of ACI's resilience and growth potential in 2025.

ACI's shareholding structure, disclosed in a report signed by Company Secretary Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, revealed that directors collectively control 36.23 percent of the company's shares as of December 2024.

Institutional investors hold 41.66 percent, while public shareholders account for the remaining 22.11 percent.

The high concentration of shares among directors and institutions is often seen as a stabilising factor, reflecting long-term commitment and strategic alignment.

ACI, a leader in Bangladesh's pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and agriculture industries, has consistently attracted both local and foreign investors.

Its ability to maintain steady dividends has also bolstered investor confidence in the company.

For the fiscal year ending in June 2024, the company declared a 35 percent dividend -- 20 percent in cash and 15 percent in stocks.

However, experts cautioned that high ownership concentration could limit opportunities for smaller shareholders in the company despite its strong fundamentals.

ACI's shares closed at Tk 147.90 at the DSE yesterday, and experts opined that further announcements regarding the company's expansion plans could drive prices higher.

Over the past year, ACI's share price peaked at Tk 192.30 in February 2024. The company has also been incurring losses since the fiscal year 2022-23.