Brands
TAM AdEx: FMCG ad volumes shift as print & TV decline, digital & radio grow in H1 2024
Mumbai: The latest TAM AdEx report for January-June 2024 shows a six per cent decline in print ad space for the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector compared to the same period last year. January held the highest share of print ad space at 20 per cent, with March following closely at 18 per cent.
Toilet soaps topped the print ad space with a 10 per cent share, while digestives held onto their leading position from the previous year. Spices, OTC products, vitamins, and health supplements also contributed notably to the ad space, highlighting FMCG’s focus on daily essentials and health-related items.
Hindustan Unilever commanded an 18 per cent share of FMCG ad volumes in print, followed by SBS Biotech and GCMMF(Amul). New additions to the top advertiser list included Munimjee & Sons, Mankind Pharma, and Vicco Laboratories. Leading brands in the period were Dr. Ortho Oil, Pet Saffa Range, and Roop Mantra Ayur Face Cream, with the top 10 brands collectively contributing 16 per cent of the overall print ad space.
The North Zone led regional ad distribution, capturing 38 per cent of the total FMCG print ad space, with the West, South, and East zones following. Delhi and Mumbai ranked as top cities for FMCG print ads, alongside regional leaders Kolkata and Bangalore. Sales promotions made up 22 per cent of ad space, with volume promotions holding 35 per cent and discount promotions at 29 per cent.
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.
