Brands
Appsflyer lights up post-Diwali growth for marketers
MUMBAI: From Diwali sparks to a nine-week growth blaze. India’s festive season is no longer a one-week sprint to Diwali, and Appsflyer is showing marketers how to keep the momentum glowing. The global marketing measurement leader has released its 2025 India Festive Report, revealing that high-intent app activity now stretches across a nine-week window, offering brands extended opportunities for growth.
Analysing 20.5 million app installs and over 576 million dollars in user acquisition and remarketing spend, the report highlights booming post-Diwali activity. Gaming and food & drink apps saw post-peak install growth of 29 per cent and 16 per cent respectively, while Android remarketing spend in travel jumped 40 per cent. Ios Shopping engagement surged with session volume up 20 per cent, boosted by extended deals and gift redemption cycles.
“India’s festive season has evolved into a sustained momentum period that demands smarter campaign pacing and post-Diwali re-engagement,” said Appsflyer general manager INSEA and ANZ Sanjay Trisal. “Android delivers long-tail value when remarketing is timed right, while Ios needs sharper sequencing and early conversion. Brands that invest in lifecycle strategies and fraud protection at key moments can maximise both growth and efficiency.”
Key takeaways from the report show that top shopping apps grew share of paying users by 32 per cent year-on-year, while post-festival fraud rates spiked, particularly in food & drink on Ios (up 176 per cent) and entertainment on Android (up 74 per cent). Remarketing budgets should be reallocated to the post-Diwali period, with segmented push campaigns and reactivation flows between Days 10 and 14 ensuring retention beyond the first week.
Meta vertical head of gaming, tech, health & education Rishad Chindamada added, “Mobile platforms drive rapid acquisition and re-engagement, enhanced by AI tools optimising campaigns. Brands that leverage full-funnel marketing across channels can turn festive season spikes into lasting loyalty.”
Appsflyer’s report underscores a shift in festive marketing strategy, it’s not just about winning Diwali week, it’s about sustaining the spark long after the lamps go out.
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.
