MAM
New range of Barbie dolls launched
MUMBAI: The iconic doll Barbie who has been in movies and a music video is now presenting the opportunity for Indian girl fans to share the stage with her in the new range Idol Idols.
The new Barbie range is targetted at young women who are aspiring entertainers.
The highlight of the Idol Idols range is a recording studio. This studio is a make believe for girls everywhere to live out their own dreams of taking center stage, sharing the exhilaration of auditioning and shooting to super music stardom with Barbie.
The dolls come with a hit song that girls can play back and sing along, only on a real working microphone. This way they too can improve their singing skills and experience the star status that the Idol Idols Barbie does.
Barbie’s little friends can now share the limelight with her and the sensational singing buddies Simone and Tori with the ‘Rockin’ Recording Studio.
This playset features a headset, recording light and lounge area accessories that allows them to flaunt their flair for music. Just like a real ‘Idol’ star, girls can record over pre-recorded music or over a working FM radio and hear their own voice. Girls can also sing along, with their own microphone and sound speakers.
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.
