Bata Shoe Company (Bangladesh) saw its profit drop in 2024 due to high inflation and political unrest that disrupted retail operations.

 Its profit slumped 26 percent year-on-year to Tk 29.57 crore.

 The company reported earnings per share of Tk 21.62 last year, down from Tk 29.31 in 2023, according to a disclosure posted on the website of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) yesterday.

 Shares of the shoemaker fell 0.15 percent to close at Tk 798.8 at the DSE.

 Its net operating cash flow per share declined to Tk 71.42 from Tk 93.80 over the same period.

 At a board meeting on April 22, the footwear maker's directors recommended a 105 percent final cash dividend for 2024.

 Combined with the previously declared 340 percent interim dividend, the total payout for the year stood at 445 percent, according to a press release from the company.

 "Last year was a challenging one for Bangladeshi consumers. With food inflation over 10 percent, people tightened their belts, significantly reducing consumer spending," Bata said in the statement.

 "Additionally, nationwide unrest led to the intermittent closure of nearly half of our stores during the third quarter."

 Despite the setbacks, Bata said it had focused on operational efficiency and customer engagement, which helped it weather the storm and prepare for a potential recovery in the coming periods.

 As of March 31, 2025, sponsors and directors held 70 percent of the company's shares, while institutional investors held 19.38 percent, foreign investors 1.30 percent, and the general public 9.32 percent, according to DSE data.

 Bata began its operations in Bangladesh in 1962. The company currently operates 261 retail outlets in the country.

 Globally, it has a presence in over 70 countries, with more than 5,000 retail outlets and 27 production facilities, as per its website.