MAM
Signpost India’s profits fall; revenue grows sharply
MUMBAI: Signpost India’s shareholders will have mixed feelings after the Mumbai-based advertising agency delivered a tale of two halves for the year ended March 31st, 2025. Whilst revenue from operations climbed a respectable 17 per cent to Rs 453.2 crore, net profit took a detour in the wrong direction, falling 23 per cent to Rs 33.7 crore from Rs 44 crore the previous year—suggesting this signpost may need recalibrating.
The numbers paint a picture of growth without the corresponding profit punch. Total income, including other revenues, reached Rs 458.4 crore, up from Rs 395.5 crore the previous year. However, the company’s profit margins compressed, with costs rising faster than revenues—a classic case of losing one’s way despite knowing the destination.
Managing director Shailesh Ashtekar and his team appear to have hit some speed bumps in their cost management. Total expenses surged 25 per cent to Rs 413 crore, outpacing the revenue growth. Employee benefit expenses climbed to Rs 42.7 crore from Rs 33.5 crore, reflecting both expansion and India’s competitive talent market—though the returns on this investment remain to be seen.
The balance sheet still shows a company with solid foundations. Total assets grew to Rs 555 crore from Rs 475.6 crore, whilst shareholders’ equity reached Rs 223.4 crore. Cash and equivalents stood at Rs 22.2 crore, providing reasonable liquidity though down from previous levels.
In a curious show of optimism despite the profit decline, the board has recommended maintaining a dividend of Rs 0.50 per share—a gesture that suggests confidence in weathering current headwinds. With earnings per share falling to Rs 6.34 from Rs 8.24 the previous year, Signpost will need to find its bearings quickly to restore investor confidence.
The advertising industry’s fortunes often mirror broader economic sentiment, and whilst Signpost’s revenue growth suggests Indian businesses are still spending on marketing, the margin compression indicates fiercer competition and rising costs. For a company whose business revolves around pointing others in the right direction, Signpost India appears to have lost its way somewhat—though management clearly believes this detour is temporary.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
