Brands
Emami on a high note as profits glow and dividends sweeten the deal
MUMBAI: When the numbers shine, the balance sheet smiles. Emami Limited closed the December 2025 quarter on a confident footing, posting a sharp jump in profits and reaffirming its shareholder-friendly stance with a generous interim dividend. The FMCG major reported a consolidated profit after tax of Rs 31,948 crore for the quarter ended 31 December 2025, up from Rs 27,898 crore in the same period last year.
Revenue from operations for the quarter stood at Rs 1,15,181 crore, compared with Rs 1,04,948 crore a year ago, reflecting steady demand across its portfolio despite a competitive and cost-sensitive market environment. Total income rose to Rs 1,17,078 crore, aided by other income of Rs 1,897 crore.
On the cost side, Emami managed expenses with a careful hand. Total expenses for the quarter came in at Rs 76,761 crore, with advertising and sales promotion spend at Rs 15,639 crore, underscoring continued investment in brand visibility. Employee benefits expense stood at Rs 12,122 crore, while overall cost discipline helped protect margins.
Profit before tax for the quarter rose to Rs 34,505 crore, even after accounting for an exceptional item of Rs 1,015 crore. Tax expenses were contained at Rs 2,557 crore, resulting in a healthy bottom line and earnings per share of Rs 7.32, unchanged on a diluted basis.
For the nine months ended 31 December 2025, Emami reported revenue from operations of Rs 2,85,441 crore, broadly in line with Rs 2,84,614 crore recorded in the corresponding period last year. Profit after tax for the nine-month period stood at Rs 63,209 crore, reflecting stable performance across quarters despite cost pressures.
The company also announced a second interim dividend of Rs 6 per equity share of Re 1 each, translating to a payout of 600 per cent. The record date for the dividend has been set as 10 February 2026, with payment scheduled on or before 6 March 2026.
With steady operating performance, disciplined spending and continued cash returns to shareholders, Emami’s latest results signal a business that is balancing growth ambitions with financial prudence and keeping investors comfortably in the green.
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
