Listed MNCs post resilient Q2 despite inflation, energy crisis
Eight of 13 listed MNCs reported higher profits in Q2, while most recorded revenue growth despite inflationary pressure and energy challenges.
Listed multinational companies (MNCs) in Bangladesh delivered a resilient performance in the April-June quarter of 2026, with most reporting higher revenue and profit despite persistent inflation and the ongoing energy crisis.
Of the 13 MNCs listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange, eight posted higher net profits while 10 recorded revenue growth. Together, the blue-chip companies had a market capitalisation of about Tk77,000 crore at the end of the quarter.
Reflecting strong cash generation, Grameenphone declared a 105% interim cash dividend, while Marico Bangladesh announced a 500% interim cash dividend.
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Robi Axiata posted the highest quarterly profit at Tk263 crore. British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh reported a 109% year-on-year profit growth to Tk203.67 crore, while Berger Paints Bangladesh doubled its profit to Tk173.2 crore from Tk86.5 crore a year earlier.
Berger attributed the sharp increase to strong sales, strategic price adjustments to offset higher raw material and packaging costs, lower interest expenses on UPAS loans and a reduced effective tax rate following favourable tax adjustments.
LafargeHolcim Bangladesh also maintained steady growth, reporting a net profit of Tk104.47 crore. Chief Executive Officer Iqbal Chowdhury said the performance reflected the company's strong brand equity, innovation and pricing discipline.
Singer Bangladesh and Bata Shoe returned to profit after posting losses in the same quarter last year.
Singer earned Tk13.58 crore but said sales remained below expectations due to persistent inflation, geopolitical uncertainty and adverse weather, which weighed on consumer demand for electronics. The company added that intense competition limited its ability to fully pass higher costs on to customers despite an improvement in margins.
Five MNCs, however, came under earnings pressure. Grameenphone remained the country's most profitable listed MNC, posting a net profit of nearly Tk759 crore, although this was down 14% year-on-year.
Marico Bangladesh's profit fell 12%, mainly because of higher raw material costs and lower finance income.
Unilever Consumer Care recorded the sharpest decline, with profit plunging 68% to Tk7.79 crore. The company attributed the fall to lower sales and the absence of a one-off gain recognised in the corresponding quarter last year following a reassessment of trademark and technology royalty obligations.
Heidelberg Materials Bangladesh was the only listed MNC to report a quarterly loss, posting a net deficit of Tk6.13 crore.
