Grameenphone (GP), the country's top mobile phone operator, has posted a net profit after taxes of Taka 759 crore in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026. This reflects resilience in earnings despite a three percent year-on-year decline in revenues. The operator's Net Profit After Taxes (NPAT) margin stood at 19.1 percent, underscoring the impact of disciplined cost management and operational efficiency in a challenging macroeconomic environment, revealed the operator in a media release while unveiling its financial update.
Total revenues for the quarter amounted to Taka 3,982 crore, while earnings per share came in at Taka 5.6. The company maintained a healthy EBITDA margin of 58.0 percent, supported by strong cost discipline. Capital expenditure, excluding license, lease, and asset retirement obligations, reached Taka 545 crore.
GP closed the quarter with 8.63 crore subscribers, of which 5.27 crore were active internet users, representing 61.1 percent of its base. Chief Executive Officer Yasir Azman highlighted the company’s ability to sustain profitability despite higher investments and a challenging operating environment.
Azman noted that Grameenphone’s network handled record data traffic during the FIFA World Cup, successfully managing more than double the normal traffic during the Argentina versus Austria match. The CEO also pointed to initiatives in digital safety and education, including a partnership with UNICEF to integrate online safety into the national curriculum, and the rollout of cyber security solutions such as GP Shield.
Chief Financial Officer Otto Magne Risbakk emphasized sequential revenue growth of six percent compared to the previous quarter, though year-on-year (YoY) performance was impacted by a high base due to two Eid festivals in Q2 2025. He noted that inflation remains elevated at 9.2 percent, but cost growth moderated to one point 8 percent YoY, reflecting efficiency measures. EBITDA declined 6.1 percent YoY, in line with softer revenues, but margins held firm.
Risbakk announced that the Board has declared an interim dividend of Taka 10.50 per share, equivalent to a one hundred percent payout ratio for the first half of 2026. Grameenphone's financial performance is crucial for Bangladesh's digital economy, as the company continues to invest in modernization, digital platforms, and ecosystem partnerships to support the nation's digital ambitions.
