Bata clocks a healthy 40% profit in June qtr

India's largest footwear-maker Bata posted a healthy 40 per cent rise in its net profit during the quarter ended June 30, at Rs 25.90 crore, up from the Rs 18.34 crore in the corresponding period last year.

The net sales of the company grew 13.4 per cent to end at Rs 350 crore, as against Rs 308.62 crore clocked in the April -June quarter in 2009.

Bata India's Managing Director Marcelo Villagran said the profitability of the company has gone up on the back of improved sales and margins from the shoe line. Growth from expansion in both the retail as well as non-retail businesses also contributed to the growth, he said.

The profit before tax in Q2--the company begins its financial year in January and ends in December--jumped 46 per cent to Rs 39.68 crore.

The half-yearly net profit stood at Rs 40.23 crore for 2010, up from Rs 28.67 crore last year.

Newer designs introduced during the quarter under international brands like Marie Claire, North Star and Weinbrenner were received well by youths and women, while the introduction of a sporty range in the school segment ahead of the reopening of schools in June was also well received, he said.