Commercial banks have finalized dividend declarations for the fiscal year 2024/25. Of the 20 banks in operation, 13 announced dividends while six opted not to distribute any. Everest Bank topped the list with a 20 percent payout, followed by Standard Chartered Bank at 19 percent. Combined dividends amount to approximately Rs 336.6 million, including Rs 249.9 million in cash and Rs 86.5 million in bonus shares. Analysts note that banks favored cash dividends this year due to weak credit demand and comfortable capital adequacy levels. Total paid-up capital across banks now stands at Rs 517 billion.
