Brands
Religare Enterprises signs Olympian Yogeshwar Dutt as its brand ambassador
Mumbai: c (REL) has signed Indian freestyle wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt (who has been awarded the Bharat Ratna) as its brand ambassador to promote the company and all its group companies. He will be the face of Religare’s integrated brand & marketing campaigns across all mediums. The 40-year-old is an Olympic, Asian, and Commonwealth Games medalist.
On the occasion, REL executive chairperson Dr. Rashmi Saluja said, “Sports can foster national pride and cohesion. The Religare group is a firm believer in the significance of sports in developing the character of India’s youth and its social fabric. I am confident that our association with Dutt will motivate young people to excel in sports. Also, Yogeshwar’s feisty and gutsy background and his diligent image will have a positive rub-off on REL’s brand value. We look forward to the association.”
Dutt stated, “I am delighted to be associated with the Religare group as the brand values passion, innovation, ambition, diligence, and teamwork, and it is everything that I identify with as well. As a brand ambassador, I will strive to create a positive image for REL, which will accentuate its brand ethos of nurturing and encouraging sports in the country. I am happy to partner with a company that understands the needs of India and its youth.”
REL group chief financial officer and RBL CEO Nitin Aggarwal said, “We welcome Dutt to the REL family. We believe that our collaboration will help raise service awareness and create a strong recall for our high-quality financial services portfolio. Our upcoming campaigns with Dutt will strengthen our image among India’s youth.”
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.
