ITV

Category: Marketing

  • HDFC Securities busts fraudsters with flair

    HDFC Securities busts fraudsters with flair

    MUMBAI: HDFC Securities has launched Kya Aap Taiyyar Ho?, a nationwide fraud awareness drive that brings Bollywood storytelling to the world of financial security. The campaign, part of the company’s Knowyourmoney initiative, uses humour, drama, and realism to show how easily scams can slip into everyday life, and how awareness can be the ultimate defence.

    Directed by award-winning filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal and Chhichhore fame, the campaign stars Manoj Pahwa, Bhuvan Arora, and Sapna Sand as part of a quirky ‘Fraudster Family’ that hilariously exposes modern investment scams. Through engaging short films, the series demystifies online trickery and emotional manipulation that have cost countless families their savings.

    “When you see people lose their hard-earned money, you realise awareness isn’t optional, it’s essential,” said Tiwari. “This campaign empowers every investor to stay informed and protect what they’ve built.”

    With a mission to make financial literacy entertaining and accessible, HDFC Securities has turned Knowyourmoney into one of India’s largest hybrid awareness programmes, reaching over 1.1 crore people weekly through videos, podcasts, community sessions, and gamified learning in 13 languages.

    HDFC Securities EVP & CMO Puneeth Bekal noted, “Fraud has evolved in scale and sophistication, and the only sustainable defence is awareness. Kya Aap Taiyyar Ho? gives people the tools to make informed decisions and safeguard their money.”

    The campaign’s creative offshoots, from a comic strip series called Bear and Bull to interactive games like Investment Heist and a forthcoming Fraudster’s Dossier, make money matters feel less intimidating and more engaging. It even celebrates citizens who have successfully spotted and stopped scams, proving that financial vigilance can be learned.

    By combining cinema, community, and conversation, HDFC Securities isn’t just teaching people how to protect their money, it’s turning awareness into a movement. After all, when it comes to scams, prevention is the smartest investment of all.

     

  • Wrap2Earn takes brands on a ‘bus-ted’ new ride

    Wrap2Earn takes brands on a ‘bus-ted’ new ride

    MUMBAI: Talk about a move in the right direction! Wrap2Earn is hitting the advertising fast lane with its latest partnership with Uber Shuttle, Uber’s intracity bus service for corporate commuters. The Mumbai-based transit advertising firm now holds exclusive rights to manage both exterior and in-vehicle branding across Uber Shuttle’s fleet of over 1,000 buses zipping through more than 50 curated routes in two of India’s busiest metros.

    With over a million monthly bookings, Uber Shuttle has become the preferred ride for professionals who value comfort, reliability and consistency. And that’s precisely the audience brands are keen to catch on the move. From the outside wraps that dominate cityscapes to in-bus displays targeting over 50,000 monthly riders, the collaboration promises high visibility, measurable reach and cost-effective impact.

    Uber Shuttle India Head Amit Deshpande said, “Uber Shuttle has quickly emerged as the preferred daily choice for working professionals. With this partnership, it becomes a canvas for brands to engage with professionals through smart advertising.”

    The partnership also arrives at a time when static outdoor ads are losing traction. For the price of a single hoarding, brands can instead wrap up to 20 shuttle buses, each covering hundreds of kilometres daily and connecting with millions of urban commuters.

    Wrap2Earn founder and CEO Elmer Dsilva added, “Uber Shuttle represents one of India’s most loved and trusted shared mobility networks. Our partnership makes it possible for advertisers to connect with a highly relevant audience through media that is both effective and measurable.”

    With routes spanning major residential and business hubs, this alliance ensures brands aren’t just seen, they’re remembered. After all, in the race for attention, it seems the wheels of creativity are firmly in motion.

     

  • Top 5 Natural Stone Tiles for Stylish Staircases

    Top 5 Natural Stone Tiles for Stylish Staircases

    A staircase can be more than just a connection between floors. It can become the highlight of your home when designed with the right tiles. Among the many materials available, natural stone tiles stand out for their elegance, durability, and timeless beauty. They bring an organic texture and character that instantly elevates any space. 

    hether your staircase is inside your home or outdoors, stone tiles can add both charm and strength to every step. 
    If you’re planning a staircase renovation, this guide will help you explore the top 5 natural stone tiles that combine style, safety, and long-lasting performance.

    1. Lazio Ash – Subtle and Modern

    For those who prefer understated elegance, Lazio Ash is an excellent choice. Its soft cream tones and gentle texture create a calm, modern look that pairs beautifully with both light and dark interiors. The muted finish makes it perfect for stairs tiles in minimalist or contemporary homes.

    Apart from its refined aesthetic, this tile offers a smooth yet scratch-resistant surface, ideal for high-traffic areas. When combined with neutral wall colours, Lazio Ash can make your staircase look spacious and sophisticated. It’s also easy to maintain, which makes it a smart pick for daily use.

    2. Pulpis Tan – Warm and Earthy

    If you want to bring warmth and depth to your interiors, Pulpis Tan offers that perfect balance. Its earthy brown tones and subtle veining patterns bring a natural warmth that complements wooden furniture and neutral decor. It’s ideal for homeowners who want their staircase to feel grounded yet stylish.

    The matte texture ensures a firm grip and retains the charm even with frequent use. Whether for indoor or outdoor stairs, Pulpis Tan captures the essence of natural stone and gives your staircase a timeless personality.

    3. Copper Roots – Bold and Textured

    When it comes to adding a touch of drama and character, Copper Roots is a showstopper. With its copper-brown surface and natural texture, this stone tile creates a bold focal point that works well in both rustic and industrial-style homes. It captures the raw beauty of nature while maintaining a refined appeal.

    These natural stone tiles are especially well-suited for staircases that receive ample sunlight, as the surface reflects light beautifully, highlighting its detailed patterns. The texture makes it functional as well as fashionable, ensuring your staircase remains safe without compromising on looks.

    4. Calcario Grey – Refined and Minimalist

    If your taste leans towards modern minimalism, Calcario Grey can add that refined touch to your staircase. The light-grey base and subtle stone patterns make it ideal for open spaces and contemporary interiors. The clean lines and natural finish of these stairs tiles provide a sophisticated yet soothing visual balance.

    Calcario Grey works particularly well with metallic railing finishes or glass balustrades, giving your stairs a modern architectural look. It’s a great option for both residential and commercial spaces where style and durability must go hand in hand.

    5. Timber Hazel – Natural and Versatile

    Blending the warmth of wood with the strength of stone, Timber Hazel offers the best of both worlds. Its wood-grain texture gives staircases a soft, welcoming look, while its natural stone properties provide resilience and long life. These tiles are perfect for homeowners who want a natural, warm appearance without compromising durability.

    Timber Hazel pairs beautifully with neutral wall tones or contrasting black railings. The texture provides good traction underfoot, making it a safe choice for families with kids or elderly members. It’s an ideal way to bring the earthy charm of nature into a modern home.

    How to Choose the Right Natural Stone Tiles for Stairs

    Selecting the perfect natural stone tiles for your staircase depends on three main factors: style, safety, and maintenance. Here’s how to make the right choice:

    ●    Style Match: Choose tones that complement your walls and flooring. Warm shades like tan or brown create a cosy atmosphere, while grey tones add sophistication.

    ●    Texture and Grip: Always pick tiles with a matte or textured finish to reduce slipping risks. Avoid glossy surfaces for steps; instead, use them for risers or under-stair walls.

    ●    Ease of Maintenance: Natural stone requires simple upkeep. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with mild detergent can preserve its beauty for years.

    ●    Durability: Look for tiles with high density and resistance to wear. Full-body or vitrified finishes ensure long-lasting performance, even with heavy use.

    ●    Lighting Compatibility: Stone tiles react beautifully to both natural and artificial lighting. Softer lighting can enhance their natural patterns, making the staircase visually appealing throughout the day.

     Design Tips to Elevate Your Staircase 

    Once you’ve chosen your preferred tiles, a few small design touches can transform your staircase into a true statement piece:  
    ●    Use contrasting risers to break monotony and add depth.

    ●    Pair darker stone steps with lighter walls for a dramatic effect.

    ●    Add warm lighting under stair treads to highlight the stone texture.

    ●    Extend the same tile pattern to the landing area for visual continuity.

    ●    Incorporate metal or glass railings for a modern contrast against natural textures.  
    These combinations allow your staircase to stand out as an integral part of your home’s design rather than just a passageway. 

    Conclusion 

    A staircase designed with natural stone tiles is more than a functional structure; it’s an artistic statement that combines durability, elegance, and craftsmanship. Whether you prefer the calm of Lazio Ash, the warmth of Pulpis Tan, or the bold textures of Copper Roots, every tile tells a story of style and substance.  
     

  • Kia India promotes digital chief to top marketing role

    Kia India promotes digital chief to top marketing role

    Mumbai: Vijay Kumar has climbed to the top of Kia India’s marketing ladder, taking on the role of general manager and head of marketing and public relations in September after spending seven years transforming the Korean carmaker from an unknown entity into one of India’s most recognised automotive brands.

    When Kumar joined in June 2018, Kia was a blank slate in India. His mandate was straightforward: make the brand register. Mission accomplished. Through launches of the Seltos, Sonet, Carnival, Carens, Syros, and electric models EV6 and EV9, Kia has muscled its way into India’s cutthroat car market, earning consumer trust and—Kumar’s preferred metric—love.

    Kumar’s ascent from digital marketing responsibilities to the corner office puts him in charge of brand strategy, above-the-line and below-the-line campaigns, digital operations, public relations, media planning and buying, and consumer insights. His earlier digital work earned Kia global recognition, including best digital marketing campaign honours from headquarters in 2019 for the Seltos launch, beating out 70 subsidiaries worldwide. 

    Under his watch, Kia cracked India’s top three digital automotive brands by online engagement.

    Now overseeing media strategy across Kia’s internal combustion engine and electric vehicle portfolios, Kumar reports to Shakti Upadhyay, whom he credits as mentor and guide. His stated ambition: cement Kia as India’s most loved automotive brand and a thought leader, built on creativity and emotional connections with buyers.

    Before Kia, Kumar spent over two years at Cheil Worldwide handling Samsung’s flagship mobile and television products, and nearly three years at Interactive Avenues managing digital media for brands including Reckitt and ITC. At Kia, he’s overseen performance marketing across 450-plus dealer outlets and racked up 22 marketing awards between 2019 and 2025.

    Seven years in, Kumar reckons the hard part—building recognition—is done. What comes next is keeping India’s fickle car buyers smitten. In a market where loyalty is fleeting and competition ferocious, that might prove the tougher assignment.

  • Godrej’s creative chief walks out after role mismatch

    Godrej’s creative chief walks out after role mismatch

    MUMBAI: Swati Bhattacharya is leaving Godrej Consumer Products, effective January 1st 2026, barely months into her tenure as head of Lightbox Creative Lab. The reason? Blunt and unvarnished: the role “did not leverage her strengths and objectives.”

    The Mumbai-based consumer goods company disclosed the resignation to stock exchanges on October 24th, offering corporate platitudes about appreciating her contribution. But Bhattacharya’s departure signals a rare public admission of a mismatch between executive expectations and reality—a failure that typically gets buried in boardroom euphemisms.

    As senior management personnel at one of India’s largest consumer products firms, Bhattacharya helmed the company’s creative laboratory, presumably tasked with injecting innovation into a portfolio spanning soaps, hair colour and household insecticides. That the experiment fizzled speaks volumes.

    Godrej Consumer Products, listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange, now faces the task of finding someone whose strengths actually align with what Lightbox demands. The company’s shares closed at their previous levels; investors, it seems, are unfazed by the creative exodus.

    In corporate India, where resignations are usually dressed up in diplomatic language about “pursuing other opportunities”, Bhattacharya’s candour is almost refreshing. Almost.

  • Cognizant runs the extra mile as title sponsor of New Delhi Marathon 2026

    Cognizant runs the extra mile as title sponsor of New Delhi Marathon 2026

    NEW DELHI: Talk about fast networking! Cognizant has signed on as the title sponsor of the New Delhi Marathon 2026, set to hit the capital’s streets on 22 February 2026.

    Now rechristened the Cognizant New Delhi Marathon, the event marks a milestone partnership between one of the world’s most respected tech companies and one of Asia’s premier long-distance races.

    Celebrating its eleventh edition, the marathon has become more than just a race, it’s a national ritual of endurance, unity, and pure adrenaline. Every year, over 30,000 runners, from elite athletes to spirited amateurs , lace up for the challenge, joined by corporate teams, defence personnel, and fitness enthusiasts from across the globe.

    Cognizant India president – global operations and chairman & managing director Rajesh Varrier said, “We’re thrilled to become the title sponsor of the New Delhi Marathon from 2026. Marathons transcend boundaries and cultures, they celebrate the indomitable human spirit.”

    Globally, Cognizant’s sports portfolio spans golf, racing, and cricket, symbolising its belief in the energy, diversity, and social impact of sport.

    Neb Sports CMD Nagaraj Adiga added, “Cognizant’s partnership adds immense strength and credibility as we continue to inspire a culture of fitness and social responsibility.”

    The Cognizant New Delhi Marathon 2026 will feature four race categories: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k, welcoming participants of all ages and fitness levels. True to its community spirit, the event will continue to support NGOs and social causes, ensuring its impact stretches well beyond the finish line.

    A certified Aims (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) event, the race promises world-class accuracy, safety, and organisation. The scenic route will take runners past Delhi’s most iconic landmarks: India Gate, Rajpath, and Rashtrapati Bhavan, offering a breathtaking blend of heritage and endurance.

    With Asics as official sports goods partner and Volini as recovery partner, the 2026 edition is all set to deliver a marathon experience that’s equal parts sweat, spirit, and spectacle.
     

  • Best Term Insurance Plan for ₹2 Crore & How to Use a Calculator

    Best Term Insurance Plan for ₹2 Crore & How to Use a Calculator

    MUMBAI: Future planning is necessary. One easy method of securing the financial future of your family is by taking a term insurance plan. Term insurance is a type of life cover that provides a sum assured to your family if anything untoward happens to you. But how much cover do you actually require? And how do you determine the correct plan? A term plan calculator is what you need help with it. It is a quick online calculator that assists you in verifying the appropriate insurance coverage for your family without an estimate.

    A term plan calculator would typically request some simple information, such as your age, income, and loans you have. If you enter these, it comes up with an estimate of the insurance cover you might require. This makes it simpler to select a plan that safeguards your family appropriately without spending extra money. It is like having a mentor to make wise choices for your family’s future.

    What is Term Insurance?

    Term insurance is a pure life insurance policy. Contrary to other policies that offer both investment and insurance, a term policy covers you only for life. In case you die during the policy duration, your family receives the sum assured. This amount can be used to cover daily expenses, education for children, or paying off loans.

    Term plans are typically not expensive relative to other life insurance policies. Because it doesn’t have investment or savings elements, a large portion of your premium is used in offering life cover. This is the reason why numerous individuals look towards the best term insurance plan for 2 crore when they need large coverage without having to pay much.

    Why Choose a ₹2 Crore Term Plan?

    A ₹2 crore term plan provides your family with a solid financial cushion. Life is unpredictable, and expenditure can unexpectedly go up. A significant cover like ₹2 crore can help ensure that your family can live life as usual and cover significant expenses like higher education for children, housing loans, or prolonged medical expenses, even when you are not there.

    Selecting the most appropriate term insurance policy for 2 crore depends on more than just the coverage amount. You should also look at the reputation of the insurance company, claim settlement ratio, policy term choices, and premium costs. A good policy should be easy to comprehend, inexpensive, and trustworthy.

    How to Use a Term Plan Calculator 

    It is very easy to use a term plan calculator. Insurance firms and comparison sites mostly offer it for free. Here is how you can do it in a few steps:

    . Enter Your Age and Gender: Your gender and age have an influence on your premium. Young individuals generally pay less as there is less risk.

    .  Add Your Income: Your income decides your family’s future financial requirements. Add your monthly income and any other sources.

    . Include Liabilities: If you have outstanding loans such as home loans, car loans, or personal loans, include them. The cover should be sufficient to settle these loans.

    .  Consider Your Family Needs: Consider your children’s education, the living expenses of your spouse, and other long-term objectives.

    .  Check the Recommended Cover: The calculator will recommend an amount assured depending on your details. This will lead you to select a plan that suits your family requirements.

    Using a calculator, you eliminate guesswork and can concentrate on choosing the plan that offers coverage and affordability.

    What to Look for in the Best Term Insurance Plan 

    While selecting a term plan, ensure that you verify certain features that make a policy trustworthy and worthwhile:

    . High Claim Settlement Ratio: It indicates how frequently the insurance company settles claims. A high ratio indicates better possibilities of seamless claim settlement.

    . Flexible Policy Term: Select a term that suits your family’s requirements. Longer terms give you longer protection.

    . Premium Payment Options: A few plans allow you to pay annually, half-yearly, quarterly, or monthly. Flexibility in payment simplifies it.

    . Optional Riders: Riders are additional benefits that you can include, like critical illness cover, accidental death cover, or waiver of premium. They add to your policy without purchasing additional insurance.

    . Transparency: The policy must be clear and concise, not having complicated terms or hidden clauses.

    Factors Influencing Your Term Plan Premium 

    Term insurance premiums are based on various factors. Knowing these can help you plan:

    .  Age: People younger than you typically pay less.

    .  Health: Your lifestyle and past health conditions count. Smokers and those who take poor care of their health may pay more.

    .  Occupation: Hazardous occupations might raise premiums.

    .  Policy Term and Sum Assured: The longer the term and the higher the coverage, the more expensive it is.

    .  Riders: Optional riders add to the premium.

    Using these points in mind while applying for a term plan calculator means that the calculated premium will be very much like the actual premium.

    Common Myths About Term Insurance 

    There are a couple of myths that make individuals reluctant to purchase term plans. Let’s dispel them:

    . “I am young and healthy; I don’t need insurance.” Life is full of surprises. Purchasing young and healthy can secure lower premiums.

    .  “Term plans are costly.” In fact, term plans are one of the cheapest types of insurance.

    .  “It’s just like any other insurance plan.” Unlike investment-linked plans, term insurance is all about protection. This keeps things easy and efficient.

    .  “I don’t need a big cover.” A big sum assured protects your family from significant financial risks, such as loans and future education expenses.

    How to Select the Best Term Plan 

    It is simpler to select the right term plan if you go through some steps:

    . Utilize a Term Plan Calculator: This provides a good calculation of the cover that you require.

    . Compare Plans: Compare various plans for premium, coverage, and benefits.

    . Verify the Company Reputation: Check the claim settlement ratio and reviews.

    . Read the Policy Document: Read the terms, conditions, and exclusions carefully.

    .  Add Riders if Required: Add additional benefits if they are suitable for your family’s needs.

    By following these steps, you will receive a policy that not only suits your pocket but also offers genuine protection.

    Advantages of a ₹2 Crore Term Plan 

    A ₹2 crore term plan can bring numerous advantages:

    .  Financial Security: Guarantees your family can afford current and future expenses.

    .  Debt Repayment: Repays home loans, car loans, or personal loans.

    .  Education Expenses: Covers children’s higher studies.

    .  Low Premiums: Pure term plans are usually very low cost even for high cover levels.

    .  Tax Savings: Premiums paid are tax deductible under Section 80C, and the death benefit is free of tax under Section 10(10D).

    Final Tips for Selecting Term Insurance

    .  Plan early; lower age translates to lower premiums.

    .  Select a cover that insures all family expenses, not debts alone.

    .  Utilize a term plan calculator to arrive at a definite estimate.

    .  Regularly go through your policy and change it if your finances undergo a change.

    .  Always carefully read the small letters before signing.

    Conclusion

    A term insurance policy is an easy yet effective tool to safeguard your family’s financial well-being. It is simpler to get the correct cover when using a term plan calculator and avoiding guesswork. The best term insurance plan of 2 crore can provide your family with the security and comfort they deserve even after you are gone. Don’t forget, it is not only about the money; it is also about peace of mind for you and your family. Act now, determine your needs, and select the plan that suits your life and finances. Your family’s future is worth every step you take today.

  • Goodness gets a glow-up with KKCL’s festive campaign ‘Punya Pehnabhi’

    Goodness gets a glow-up with KKCL’s festive campaign ‘Punya Pehnabhi’

    MUMBAI: This festive season, doing good comes with great style. Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited (KKCL), the name behind iconic brands like Killer, Integriti, LawmanPg3, and Easies is adding a touch of soul to celebration with its latest campaign for Punya, the company’s ethnicwear-focused label. Titled ‘Punya – Kiya bhi, Pehnabhi’, the campaign spins the age-old idea of earning punya (virtue) into something fresh, fashion-forward, and feel-good.

    Conceptualised and executed by Branding Edge, Punya – Kiya bhi, Pehnabhi captures everyday acts of kindness through three charming short films. From a father’s quiet pride in his son to a grandfather’s gentle wisdom and friends finding joy in generosity, each story turns simple moments into symbols of modern-day virtue. The films blend warmth, wit, and relatability showing that the spirit of punya isn’t about grandeur but about the goodness we wear on our sleeves.

    “Punya represents the ethnicwear side of KKCL’s business and embodies the values we hold close integrity, tradition, and togetherness in a form that connects with the next generation,” said KKCL chairman and managing director Kewalchand Jain. “The campaign celebrates the spirit of doing good while staying true to one’s personal style.”

    Adding to that, Branding Edge managing partner Rahul Tekwani shared, “Our creative approach was to turn a culturally rich word like Punya into a contemporary conversation. The idea was to show how goodness can be reimagined with warmth and authenticity, a perfect blend for today’s festive mindset.”

    The campaign, running across digital, social, and influencer platforms, extends beyond fashion into a philosophy that the festive season isn’t just about what you wear, but the goodness you carry. With engaging storytelling, experiential activations, and cinematic craft, Punya – Kiya bhi, Pehnabhi invites audiences to see virtue as the new vogue.

    By weaving together tradition and modern expression, KKCL’s Punya brings a refreshing perspective to festive dressing, one that looks good, feels good, and does good. After all, this season, earning punya might just begin with what you choose to wear.
     

  • Nayara and Sanctuary celebrate Gir’s legacy with ‘The Gir Inheritance’

    Nayara and Sanctuary celebrate Gir’s legacy with ‘The Gir Inheritance’

    MUMBAI: When it comes to celebrating nature’s majesty, Nayara Energy and Sanctuary Nature Foundation are roaring in harmony. The duo has unveiled The Gir Inheritance, a stunning coffee table book that pays tribute to the wild beauty, cultural richness, and enduring conservation legacy of Gujarat’s Gir Forest, the last refuge of the majestic Asiatic lion.

    Published by Sanctuary, the book was presented to select recipients as a symbolic gesture of support for Gir’s lions and the communities that protect them. Every page of The Gir Inheritance captures the pulse of this living ecosystem: its resilient wildlife, its deep-rooted traditions, and the untiring efforts that have kept this sanctuary thriving against all odds.

    Through a blend of evocative imagery and heartfelt storytelling, the book explores Gir’s evolution from a royal hunting ground to a global symbol of conservation success. It doesn’t just showcase nature’s splendour, it reveals the powerful link between protecting biodiversity and nurturing local livelihoods, urging readers to see conservation as a collective inheritance, not a distant cause.

    “At Nayara Energy, we are committed to protecting and preserving India’s natural heritage,” said Nayara Energy chief executive officer Teymur Abasguliyev. “The Gir Inheritance is a tribute to those who have tirelessly worked to protect Gir and its ecosystems, ensuring that future generations inherit this invaluable living legacy. We are honoured to be part of this vital mission.”

    Echoing the sentiment Sanctuary Asia editor Bittu Sahgal remarked, “The Gir Inheritance captures the heritage of Gir, home to the last sanctuary of the endangered Asiatic lion. The ‘Pride of Gujarat’ owes its resurgence to the efforts of scientists, communities, and conservationists. Nayara’s support ensures that this vital legacy continues for generations to come.”

    The collaboration underscores Nayara Energy’s wider sustainability philosophy, one that links business responsibility with biodiversity preservation. It’s not just about powering economies, but also about powering purpose.

    By celebrating Gir’s triumphs and trials, The Gir Inheritance invites readers to reconnect with the wild heart of India reminding us that protecting nature is, ultimately, protecting our own future.

     

  • Hindustan Unilever’s profits flatten as margins take a beating

    Hindustan Unilever’s profits flatten as margins take a beating

    MUMBAI:  Hindustan Unilever limped through the September quarter with anaemic growth and shrinking margins, a performance that underscores the headwinds buffeting India’s consumer-goods bellwether. The maker of Dove soap and Surf detergent eked out a mere two per cent rise in sales whilst profit after tax before exceptional items slipped four per cent.

    Revenue from operations nudged up to Rs 16,034 crore for the quarter ended 30 September 2025, compared with Rs 15,703 crores in the year-ago period. But the real story lay in the margins: EBITDA margin contracted a painful 90 basis points to 23.2 per cent, down from 24.1 per cent last year. The culprit? Surging raw-material costs, which jumped 15 per cent year-on-year to Rs 5,746 crore.

    Profit after tax before exceptional items came in at Rs 2,482 crore, down from Rs 2,594 crore in the September 2024 quarter. But here’s where it gets interesting: exceptional items swung the needle dramatically. A one-off Rs 273-crore windfall from resolving tax disputes between UK and Indian authorities turned what would have been a profit decline into a four per cent gain. Reported PAT stood at Rs 2,694 crore versus Rs 2,595 crore last year.

    The half-year picture proved equally tepid. For the six months ended September, sales rose just four per cent to Rs 32,330 crore from Rs 31,200 crore. EBITDA for the period came in at Rs 7,539 crore with margins at 23.3 per cent. Profit after tax before exceptionals at Rs 4,960 crore marked a five per cent decline from Rs 5,201 crore in the first half of the previous year.

    Segment performance revealed a mixed bag. Home Care, the company’s largest division with Rs 11,441 crore in half-year sales, saw operating profit slip to Rs 2,212 crore from Rs 2,250 crore. Beauty & Wellbeing proved the bright spot, with sales surging 10 per cent to Rs 7,363 crores, though operating profit dipped marginally to Rs 2,060 crore. Personal Care posted a robust four per cent sales growth whilst Foods, contributing Rs 7,885 crore  saw profits decline 10 per cent to Rs 1,281 crore.

    The company’s acquisition spree added fresh complications. Purchase consideration for business combinations totalled Rs 2,661 crore during the half-year, primarily related to the Minimalist skincare brand acquisition completed in April. This aggressive M&A activity, whilst positioning HUL for future growth, weighed on near-term cash flows and contributed Rs 38 crore in acquisition-related costs.

    Managing director and chief executive officer Priya Nair faces a delicate balancing act. The board declared an interim dividend of Rs 19 per share, maintaining shareholder payouts even as profits sputtered. Meanwhile, the proposed demerger of the ice-cream business into Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited awaits regulatory clearances—a restructuring that could reshape HUL’s portfolio but added Rs 51 crore in expenses this quarter.

    Cash generation remained robust despite operational headwinds. Operating cash flows for the half-year stood at Rs 6,267 crores, though down from Rs 6,657 crore last year. The company deployed Rs 5,639 crore in dividend payments whilst splashing Rs 617 crore on capital expenditure.

    Earnings per share for the quarter came in at Rs 11.43, up marginally from Rs 11.03 last year, though this flattered the underlying performance due to exceptional gains. For the half-year, EPS stood at Rs 23.16 versus Rs 22.14, a five per cent increase that masked the compression in core profitability.

    The September quarter’s travails suggest India’s consumption story has lost some fizz. With costs climbing faster than pricing power allows and competition intensifying across categories, HUL’s playbook of premiumisation and market-share gains faces a stern test. The Rs 273-crore tax bonanza provided cosmetic relief this quarter, but the underlying business needs more than accounting alchemy to regain its mojo.