Brands
Indians may share personal data online, brands must act responsibly: Kantar TNS
MUMBAI: Connected consumers in India are far more trusting than other countries in the region when it comes to their online activities, according to Kantar TNS’s latest Connected Life research. In comparison to the rest of the world, they are more open to sharing their personal data if it improves their online experience. Brands need to use this information responsibly or risk the rise of doubt and cynicism.
Kantar TNS surveyed 70,000 people across 56 countries and conducted 104 in-depth interviews as part of the 2017 Connected Life study. The research explored consumer trust in brands in relation to four themes: technology, content, data, and e-commerce.
Only 29 per cent of Indian consumers have concerns about the amount of personal data brands have on them, compared to 40 per cent globally and rising to as high as 56 per cent in Australia. What’s more, only 27 per cent are adverse to connected devices monitoring their activities online if it makes their lives easier, compared to 56 per cent of consumers in Korea and 62 per cent in New Zealand.
However, Indians are not as trusting of global brands as other countries in APAC, with 38 per cent trusting big global brands in comparison to 54 per cent in both Vietnam and Myanmar, and 47 per cent in Indonesia. Consumer trust falls significantly in developed markets like Australia and New Zealand, where just 19 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively, trust big global brands.
The trust on social media platforms is high with 39 per cent of connected consumers in India say that the content they see on social media channels is reliable, compared to 32 per cent globally.
Kantar TNS India executive vice president Anusheel Shrivastava says, “The majority of Indians are not particularly concerned about their digital privacy yet, however this is not to say that they won’t follow the trend of more developed countries where people are now far more sceptical of how their personal data is being used. Brands need to act responsibly online to maintain the trust that they currently hold.”
Kantar TNS global lead of connected solutions Michael Nicholas adds, “Trust is fragile. Brands in emerging countries see higher levels of consumer trust today than those in developed ones but they shouldn’t take it for granted. To build and protect trust, brands need to put the customer first.”
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.
