MAM
AFAA brings back Fast Track Professional Excellence Program
MUMBAI: The Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA), of which Advertising Council of India (A Division of STACA Trust) is a member, had commissioned a unique initiative last year called Fast Track Professional Excellence Program. It is a 30-hour skills improvement certification program, held in Malaysia. In its second year, the program this year will be held between 11 and 13 July 2014.
Fast Track Professional Excellence Program was designed with an aim to support the up-and-coming-stars of the industry in their growth. The Program empowers young professionals (below 35 years) from the advertising and marketing fields with the necessary skills to excel in their respective professions. This year too, The Standing Committee on Advertising (STACA) will be defraying substantial part of the expenses to send 4-6 young professionals for this program. It’s an expression of STACA’s and ACI’s commitment to the industry in India.
Commenting on the initiative, AFAA chairman Pradeep Guha said, “Post a successful pilot event in 2013, this three-day intensive residential Fast Track programme is back to guide young professionals to re-connect with their passion for the industry, and develop resilience, empowerment and leadership that will anchor them as they face the challenges ahead. I hope young marketing and advertising professionals will grab this opportunity to put their careers on the fast track.”
Young professionals can apply for the Fast Track Program sponsorship by writing an article about the problems face by their industry and also the possible solutions for these problems. The article (not more than 75 words) along with their brief profile (age, valid passport number, jobs details, etc.) should be sent out before 3 June 2014.
Brands
Nestlé India posts 14.9 per cent sales growth, profit rises in FY26
FMCG major sweetens returns with dividend as strong domestic demand leads
NEW DELHI: Nestlé India has reported a strong financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, with sales and profits rising steadily on the back of robust domestic demand.
The company posted total income of Rs 231,949.5 million for FY26, up from Rs 202,645.5 million in the previous year, marking a growth of 14.9 per cent. Domestic sales remained the key driver, increasing 14.6 per cent to Rs 221,187.0 million, while exports contributed Rs 9,527.6 million to the overall tally.
The final quarter of the financial year added extra momentum, with total sales rising 23.4 per cent compared to the same period last year. This helped lift the company’s annual profit to Rs 35,446.0 million, up from Rs 33,145.0 million in FY25.
Shareholders are set to benefit as the board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 5.00 per equity share. This comes on top of the interim dividend of Rs 7.00 per share paid in February 2026. The record date for the final dividend has been fixed as 10 July 2026, subject to shareholder approval at the 67th Annual General Meeting scheduled for 3 July 2026. If approved, the payout will begin from 30 July 2026.
During the year, the company’s paid-up equity share capital doubled to Rs 1,928.3 million following a 1:1 bonus share issue, strengthening its capital base. The results were also supported by a Rs 1,207.8 million credit from exceptional items, including a Rs 2,023.2 million writeback from resolved income tax litigation, partially offset by restructuring costs and expenses related to new labour codes.
On the cost front, material costs rose to 44.8 per cent of sales for the full year, compared to 43.6 per cent in the previous year, reflecting ongoing input cost pressures. Despite this, the company maintained solid profitability, with EBITDA coming in at Rs 53,060.6 million.
Overall, Nestlé India’s performance underscores its ability to balance growth and margins in a challenging environment. With steady demand, disciplined cost management and consistent shareholder returns, the company appears well placed to carry its momentum into the next financial year.
