MAM
Global net spend up, print down: Nielsen
MUMBAI: Advertising is on the rise around the globe and across nearly all media types, according to Nielsen‘s Global AdView Pulse report.
Gains in areas such as Internet (7.2 per cent), radio (6.6 per cent ) and TV (3.1 per cent ) offset the 1.3 per cent decline in magazine spending in the first half of 2012, leading overall ad investment to be up 2.7 per cent.
Internet advertising made a powerful surge in the emerging markets of the Middle East and Africa (30.3 per cent) and Latin America (20.6 per cent). Interestingly, despite being down in overall ad spend, Europe saw the third highest increase in Internet ad spend of any region (11.2 per cent ).
While television continues to hold the majority of advertising dollars globally (61 per cent), the medium saw the biggest increases in Middle East & Africa (30.1 per cent), Latin America (6.2 per cent) and North America (4 per cent). TV investments declined 2.2 per cent in Europe and grew nominally in Asia Pacific (1.4 per cent).
Magazine spending fell significantly in both Europe and North America, but magazines and newspapers both saw growth in other markets including Latin America, Asian Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.
Cinema experienced a noteworthy 40.2 per cent gain in the Asia Pacific market and a marginal gain in Europe of .4 per cent. This led to an increase of 5.9 per cent globally despite decreases in Latin America (-21.1 per cent) and the Middle East & Africa (-19.1 per cent).
Outdoor media ad spend grew during the first half of 2012, with the biggest gains in the Middle East & Africa (38.8 per cent) and the Asia Pacific (16.7 per cent).
Radio, which saw a global increase of 6.6 per cent, was also up in all regions measured.
Brands
Bajaj Consumer Care FY26 profit rises to Rs 193.7 crore
Revenue climbs to Rs 1,092 crore as profit grows 49 per cent YoY
MUMBAI: Hair today, growth tomorrow Bajaj Consumer Care Limited seems to have found its shine again, posting a sharp jump in profitability even as it doubled down on brand spends and expansion. The company reported a net profit of Rs 193.7 crore for FY26, marking a strong 49 per cent rise from Rs 130.1 crore in FY25. Revenue from operations also grew to Rs 1,092.2 crore, up from Rs 942.8 crore a year earlier, signalling steady demand momentum across its portfolio.
For the March quarter, profit stood at Rs 64.1 crore, compared to Rs 31.5 crore in the corresponding period last year, while revenue rose to Rs 308.3 crore from Rs 243.5 crore.
The performance came despite a notable increase in spending. Advertising and sales promotion expenses climbed to Rs 168.3 crore in FY26, up from Rs 137.8 crore in FY25, reflecting continued investment in brand building. Other expenses also rose to Rs 151.3 crore from Rs 134.2 crore, indicating a broader push towards growth.
Operating efficiency, however, held firm. Profit before tax increased to Rs 234.8 crore in FY26 from Rs 157.7 crore a year earlier, supported by disciplined cost management across materials and inventory.
On the balance sheet, the company’s total assets expanded to Rs 959.1 crore as of March 31, 2026, compared to Rs 931.9 crore a year earlier. Other equity rose to Rs 780.3 crore, reinforcing a stronger financial base.
Cash flow from operations saw a significant uptick, reaching Rs 196.9 crore in FY26, nearly three times the Rs 67.9 crore recorded in FY25, highlighting improved working capital management.
However, the year also saw aggressive capital allocation. The company spent Rs 190.2 crore on share buybacks, contributing to a net cash outflow of Rs 196.5 crore from financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents stood at Rs 6.8 crore at the end of the year, down from Rs 25.6 crore.
Even as investments in subsidiaries and assets continued, the numbers suggest a company balancing growth ambitions with shareholder returns keeping one eye on expansion and the other on efficiency.
With margins improving and revenue steadily climbing, Bajaj Consumer Care appears to be combing through the competition with renewed confidence.
