Brands
Paytm becomes Indian-owned firm as domestic shareholding crosses 50 per cent
Rising institutional and mutual fund stakes push One 97 into IOCC status
MUMBAI: One 97 Communications Limited, which operates the Paytm brand, has announced that it has become an Indian Owned and Controlled Company, following a rise in domestic shareholding.
According to the BSE filing, domestic investors now hold 50.3 per cent of the company’s equity share capital in Q4 FY26, establishing majority Indian ownership and control.
The shift has been driven by increased participation from institutional investors within India. Domestic institutional ownership rose to 23.1 per cent in the March quarter, up from 20.3 per cent in the previous quarter and 14.0 per cent a year earlier.
Indian mutual funds have also stepped up their exposure, holding 16.6 per cent of the company in Q4 FY26, compared to 14.3 per cent in the preceding quarter. As many as 41 mutual funds now have stakes in the company. Meanwhile, domestic insurance companies increased their combined shareholding to 5.1 per cent during the same period.
The company said the trend reflects growing confidence and participation from domestic capital markets, signalling a stronger local investor base.
With this milestone, Paytm joins the ranks of companies classified as Indian Owned and Controlled, a status that could have strategic and regulatory implications as the digital payments ecosystem continues to evolve.
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.
