Brands
Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands reports strong Q3 revenue and profit
MUMBAI: Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited (ABLBL) has proven it has the right material for the market, reporting a stylish uptick in its financial performance for the third quarter ended 31 December 2025.
Following a board meeting held on 2 February 2026, the fashion powerhouse revealed a significant boost in both revenue and profit, signaling that its recent transition to a standalone listed entity is paying off. The company’s standalone revenue from operations climbed to Rs 2,341.48 crore for the December quarter, a healthy increase from the Rs 2,130.32 crore reported in the same period the previous year, proving that its portfolio of branded apparel remains firmly in vogue with Indian consumers.
The consolidated bottom line also showed impressive tailoring, with the Group, which includes Aditya Birla Garments Limited and a controlled employee welfare trust, reporting a net profit after tax of Rs 69.01 crore. This performance is particularly noteworthy given the broader economic landscape and reflects a strong recovery from previous restructuring phases. The company’s ability to maintain a steady interest service coverage ratio of 3.61 highlights a comfortable cushion in managing its financial obligations, while the earnings per share for the quarter stood at a solid Rs 0.57 on a consolidated basis.
However, the balance sheet did require a minor technical alteration during this period. The company recorded an exceptional item of approximately Rs 41 crore related to the Government of India’s new Labour Code. This one-time cost, arising from revised definitions of wages impacting gratuity and compensated absences, was a necessary adjustment to align with new statutory requirements. Despite this deduction, the company’s “operating fabric” remained strong, with profit before tax and exceptional items showing a significant jump compared to the preceding quarter, indicating improved operational efficiencies and better margin management.
Looking toward future growth and capital structure, the Board of Directors has approved a fresh infusion of funds through the issuance of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) not exceeding Rs 500 crore via private placement. This move suggests that the company is preparing to weave more expansion plans into its strategy, likely focusing on strengthening its retail footprint and digital presence.
With the demerger from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail now fully executed and the company finding its footing on the stock exchanges, ABLBL appears well-positioned to maintain its status as a heavyweight in the premium lifestyle segment.
Brands
Safex Group appoints Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer
Former Standard Chartered executive to steer finance
NEW DELHI: Safex Chemicals has appointed Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for the next phase of expansion in specialty chemicals and global agrochemicals.
In her new role, Malhotra will lead the group’s financial strategy, capital architecture and governance framework as Safex scales operations across multiple verticals including branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing.
A chartered accountant and graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Malhotra brings more than two decades of experience in business finance, strategic planning, corporate banking and client management.
Before joining Safex, she served as executive director, financial markets at Standard Chartered, where she led teams across India and Sri Lanka and worked closely with large corporates, global subsidiaries and commercial banking clients. Her expertise includes capital structuring, treasury operations, risk management and financial markets led financing solutions.
Safex Group promoter director and joint managing director Piyush Jindal, said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company. “Safex stands at an inflection point as we build an integrated platform across branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing. Richa’s experience across global financial institutions will strengthen our financial discipline and help unlock value across the group,” he said.
Malhotra said she was looking forward to contributing to the company’s next chapter of growth. “Safex has built a strong reputation over 35 years with its focus on integrity, innovation and agricultural insight. I am excited to be part of the organisation as it expands its footprint in India and global markets,” she said.
The appointment comes as Safex continues to strengthen its financial foundations and scale operations internationally, positioning itself for future growth milestones.
