Marico Ltd reported an 8.2% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for the first quarter of FY26 at ₹513 crore, exceeding the CNBC-TV18 poll estimate of ₹495 crore. This was up from ₹474 crore in Q1 FY25, reflecting improved profitability in its core categories.
Revenue surged 23.3% to ₹3,259 crore from ₹2,643 crore a year ago, but fell slightly short of the Street estimate of ₹3,270 crore.
Operating profit (EBITDA) rose 4.6% year-on-year to ₹655 crore versus ₹626 crore a year earlier. However, this was slightly below the CNBC-TV18 poll projection of ₹664 crore.
The EBITDA margin came in at 20.1%, narrowing from 23.7% last year and marginally below the forecast of 20.3%.
Following the results, shares of Marico Ltd rose 1% to hit an intraday high of ₹716.65 on the NSE at 2 PM.
The company said the operating environment remained stable, with rural markets showing early signs of recovery and urban sentiment steady. Volume growth in India business hit a multi-quarter high, driven by sustained demand in core categories and expansion in new segments.
It expects margin pressure to persist in the first half due to a high base and price-led comparisons but sees room for improvement in the second half. Operating profit is likely to register modest YoY growth in FY26.
Segment-wise performance
- Parachute coconut oil saw a marginal volume dip due to price changes and inflation in raw materials. However, after adjusting for pack size changes, the number of units sold rose.
- Saffola edible oils posted revenue growth in the high twenties, with volume growth in the mid-single digits, aided by price cuts passed on to consumers.
- Value-added hair oils registered low double-digit growth, led by strength in the mid and premium segments. Marico expects this trend to continue, supported by increased brand spends under Project SETU.
- Foods and premium personal care, including digital-first brands, maintained profitability while scaling up.
- International business delivered high-teen growth in constant currency terms, led by resilient performance in Bangladesh and other key markets.
Marico reiterated its medium-term ambition of sustainable, volume-led growth, driven by stronger brand equity in core categories and strategic expansion into newer segments.
Shares of Marico hit an intraday high of ₹716.65, trading 1% higher on the NSE at 2 PM post the earnings announcement.
