Brands
Kotak Mahindra partners with author Amish’s latest book ‘Scion of Ikshvaku’
MUMBAI: Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) has partnered with blockbuster author – Amish Tripathi’s latest book Scion of Ikshvaku to launch a special themed debit card.
The card featuring the cover of Scion of Ikshvaku offers discount on any book purchased at Crossword.
The Bank also launched ‘Tweet to Order’, where KMB customers registered for Hashtag Banking can order Tripathi’s book via Twitter by simply tweeting #Book Scion 262 @KotakBankLtd. Customers can also order the book from KMB’s website and avail an additional discount.
KMB is carving out unique set of services for its customers by going beyond the purview of conventional banking. In addition to offering complete retail financial solutions including a variety of savings and loan products and innovative digital solutions, KMB is enabling its customers indulge in passions like books and movies. The success of KMB’s co-branded credit card with PVR Cinemas is testimony to customers’ preference for such lifestyle propositions from the bank.
Kotak Mahindra Bank president – consumer banking Shanti Ekambaram said, “Movies and books are soul candies. They not only entertain, but have the power to inspire, motivate and uplift. We have India’s most successful co-branded card in partnership with PVR Cinemas, which delivers superior entertainment experiences to our customers.”
“Our partnership with Amish’s latest book is a step towards enabling our customers to enjoy what they like and thereby, build a stronger connect with them. We want to partner our customers to not only meet their financial goals but also offer myriad lifestyle experiences,” added Ekambaram.
Kotak Mahindra Bank senior EVP, head – personal assets Sumit Bali stated, “The special themed debit card is a unique addition in our cards portfolio, and a prized possession for any book lover. We will continue offering exclusive propositions in areas of lifestyle and passion, and make banking with us more delightful.”
Tripathi added, “I am confident that the special themed debit card and Tweet to Order will provide an enriching experience to KMB’s customers. It is indeed a wonderful service for book lovers.”
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.
