Banks plan high cash dividends in the 2026 AGM season, with several banks signaling large payouts

The 2026 annual general meeting (AGM) season for Vietnam’s banking sector is entering a peak period. Alongside ambitious business plans, this year also features an unusually high wave of dividend payouts, lifting investor expectations. Many banks continue to offer gifts for shareholders attending the meetings, adding further appeal as the season gets underway.

Dividend payouts: cash and stock at high rates

As banks announce profit distribution plans, dividend rates are commonly in the 20–30% range, with several institutions proposing levels above that threshold. LPBank is drawing attention with a proposal to pay cash dividends of up to 30%, described as a record high for the bank and among the leaders in the sector.

In a context where many banks have been inclined to retain earnings to strengthen capital, the decision to distribute a substantial portion as cash is viewed as a notable move. VPBank plans a total dividend payout of over 31%, including 5% in cash and more than 26% in stock bonuses, also among the highest in the system this year.

Selected dividend plans mentioned

• HDBank: maintains a high 30% level.
• KienlongBank: plans to pay 29.5%, implying that shareholders holding 100 shares would receive nearly 30 additional shares.
• MB: forecasts total dividends at 25%, with 10% in cash and the remainder in stock.
• SeABank: plans stock dividends of 20%.
• MSB: plans stock dividends of 20%.

What the mix of dividends signals

The article notes that the earnings outlook for banks remains positive, providing a basis for higher dividend payments. At the same time, the flexible combination of cash and shares is presented as a way to help protect shareholder benefits while still retaining capital to support operations and expansion.

AGM gifts add to shareholder appeal

Beyond dividends, many shareholders also look forward to gifts at AGMs. Saigonbank previously offered up to 700,000 VND per shareholder attending the 2025 AGM, after giving 600,000 VND in 2024.

AGM schedule in April expected to be busy

The 2026 AGM season is expected to be vibrant in April, particularly in the latter half of the month, when the meeting schedule is described as dense. AGMs are not only a venue for banks to present business strategies, but also an opportunity for shareholders to review performance and assess development directions.

With the “flood” of dividends and attractive gifts, the 2026 AGM season is expected to draw strong investor attention and reflect a positive picture for the banking sector after a period of volatility.