Brands
Polycab plugs into Zepto for a breezy 10-minute delivery
MUMBAI: Polycab India has flicked the switch on a zippy new distribution channel—Zepto. The electricals heavyweight is now delivering its energy-efficient ceiling fans straight to urban doorsteps in just 10 minutes, making sure no household has to sweat it out this summer.
As the mercury rises, so do expectations—and consumers are no longer willing to wait. Spotting this shift, Polycab has entered the quick commerce (Q-commerce) race, listing its Super ROI fans on Zepto across 14 major cities, from Mumbai and Bengaluru to Kolkata and Jaipur.
“We’re not just selling fans, we’re delivering instant comfort,” said Polycab India executive president and chief business officer – B2C Ishwinder Khurana. “Today’s consumers want speed, quality, and ease. Zepto is helping us tick all three.”
The ceiling fans, priced between Rs 1,800 and Rs 3,500, and exhaust fans starting at Rs 1,000, are now just a tap away for urban India’s sweat-weary. While buyers will need to handle installation for now, Polycab backs its products with robust after-sales service.
Already a staple on Amazon and Flipkart, Polycab’s latest Q-commerce pivot reflects its ambition to dominate not just the wires and cables segment—but the entire FMEG landscape. With Rs 224+ billion in FY25 turnover and presence in 84 countries, the company is going full throttle on modern retail.
For India’s heat-stricken metros, this tie-up brings a gust of good news
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.
