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MRF accelerates with 121pc profit jump as tyre demand grips roads
CHENNAI: MRF has delivered a blistering performance for the quarter ending 31st December 2025, with consolidated profit after tax surging 121 per cent to Rs 691.83cr from Rs 315.46cr a year earlier. The Chennai-based tyre major’s revenue climbed 15 per cent to Rs 8,050.43cr, driven by robust replacement demand and improved product mix across its domestic and export markets.
The company’s standalone profit jumped 121 per cent to Rs 679.14cr on revenue of Rs 7,933.69cr, up 15 per cent year-on-year. For the nine months ending December, consolidated profit reached Rs 1,717.94cr on revenue of Rs 23,104.84cr, marking growth of 27 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.
Buoyed by the strong showing, MRF’s board declared a second interim dividend of Rs 3 per equity share (30 per cent) for the financial year ending 31st March 2026. The company fixed Friday, 13th February 2026 as the record date, with payment scheduled on or after 27th February.
The stellar numbers came despite a Rs 77.20cr exceptional charge triggered by India’s new consolidated labour codes, which took effect on 21st November 2025. The legislation required MRF to immediately recognise increased gratuity and leave liability arising from past service costs under accounting standards.
Earnings per share for the quarter stood at Rs 1,631.23 on a consolidated basis and Rs 1,601.33 standalone, more than doubling from Rs 743.80 and Rs 723.20 respectively in the corresponding period last year. Operating margins expanded significantly to 11.94 per cent from 6 per cent, whilst net profit margins nearly doubled to 8.46 per cent from 4.44 per cent.
The company’s board meeting, chaired by managing director Rahul Mammen Mappillai, commenced at 11:00 am and concluded at 1:30 pm on 6th February 2026. The results were reviewed by the audit committee and subjected to limited review by statutory auditors MM Nissim & Co and Sastri & Shah, who issued unqualified reports.
Finance costs declined to Rs 91.23cr from Rs 93.65cr year-on-year, reflecting improved working capital management. Employee benefits expense rose 9 per cent to Rs 522.48cr, driven by headcount expansion and wage increases. Raw material costs climbed marginally to Rs 4,688.45cr, though inventory changes of Rs 257.91cr suggest careful stock management ahead of seasonal demand variations.
The consolidated results incorporate four subsidiaries: MRF Corp Limited, MRF Lanka (Private) Limited, MRF SG Pte Ltd, MRF International Limited, and step-down subsidiary MRF DB-FZCO. The company operates primarily in the manufacture of rubber products including tyres, tubes, flaps and tread rubber, which constitute a single reportable segment under accounting standards.
MRF’s debt-equity ratio remained comfortable at 0.03 times, whilst the current ratio improved to 1.69 times from 1.47 times, indicating strengthening liquidity. Debtors turnover accelerated to 9.24 times on an annualised basis from 8.82 times, suggesting tighter credit management and faster collections.
Other comprehensive income included remeasurements of employee defined benefit plans totalling Rs 18.75cr and gains on cash flow hedges of Rs 12.16cr net of tax, reflecting prudent treasury operations in volatile currency markets.
With raw material pressures easing and pricing power intact, MRF has demonstrated that even regulatory speed bumps cannot slow a company firing on all cylinders. The tyre maker’s shares trade on both the BSE and NSE, with the company maintaining its registered office at 114 Greams Road, Chennai.
Brands
Hisense launches Intelli Cool Pro air conditioners in India
New range brings rapid inverter cooling, Wi Fi voice control and R32 refrigerant
MUMBAI: Hisense is turning up the cool factor in India’s home appliance market with the launch of its Intelli Cool Pro Series room air conditioners, a new premium range designed to combine faster cooling with smarter connectivity.
Announced on 9 March, the launch expands the company’s residential air conditioner portfolio in India and brings its latest inverter technology and connected features to Indian homes.
At the centre of the new range is Hisense’s QSD rapid inverter technology, designed to accelerate compressor performance and bring down room temperature quickly after the unit is switched on. The system is built on the company’s nine generations of inverter development and aims to deliver stable cooling, reduced power fluctuations and improved long term reliability.
The Intelli Cool Pro Series also features an AI smart mode that automatically adjusts cooling levels according to room conditions and user preferences. The goal is simple: maintain comfort while keeping energy consumption in check.
Beyond cooling, the company is pitching the new models as a solution for healthier indoor air. The units are equipped with a 4 in 1 healthy filter designed to capture fine particulate matter, while a self clean function helps maintain hygiene within the system and improves overall air quality inside the home.
Connectivity is another key focus. The air conditioners come with built in Wi Fi through the Hisense ConnectLife platform, allowing users to control and monitor their AC remotely using a smartphone. Voice control is supported in both English and Hindi, while features such as scheduling and temperature customisation make it possible to manage cooling settings from anywhere.
From an environmental perspective, the new range uses R32 refrigerant, which has a global warming potential around 65 per cent lower than the commonly used R410A refrigerant. The company says the shift supports its broader push towards more energy efficient and environmentally responsible appliances.
The Intelli Cool Pro Series is designed to deliver powerful and even cooling across different room sizes. It includes features such as quick chill technology with 3D airflow design, four way auto swing for uniform air distribution and long distance airflow to cool larger spaces effectively. Multiple sleep modes, quiet operation and stabiliser free performance are also part of the package.
Hisense India chief executive officer Pankaj Rana said modern air conditioning needs to go beyond basic cooling as consumers increasingly look for intelligent performance, energy efficiency and healthier indoor environments. He added that the Intelli Cool Pro Series combines rapid inverter technology, AI driven adaptability and smart connectivity to meet the evolving needs of Indian households.
Along with the Intelli Cool Pro Series, Hisense has also introduced the Intelli Cool Series and the Eco Cool Series in India, further expanding its presence in the country’s growing air conditioner market.
