ITC Ltd reported a two per cent rise in standalone net profit for the March quarter, driven by resilient rural demand and steady growth in cigarette sales. The net profit before tax and exceptional items stood at Rs 6,416.85 crore for the January–March period, compared to Rs 6,287.57 crore in the same quarter last year, according to official filings.
The results exclude the one-time gain of Rs 15,179 crore from the demerger of its hotel business earlier this year.
Improved rural sentiment—supported by a favourable monsoon- helped cushion the impact of weaker urban consumption due to inflationary pressures. The company’s core cigarette business, its largest revenue contributor, posted a four per cent growth to Rs 5,118 crore in the quarter. The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment, which includes brands like Aashirvaad, Sunfeast and Bingo, rose 3.7 per cent to Rs 5,495 crore.
Gross revenue for the quarter rose 9.2 per cent year-on-year to Rs 18,266 crore. EBITDA stood at Rs 5,986 crore, marking a 2.5 per cent increase.
For the full financial year ending March 2025, ITC reported a standalone profit of Rs 20,092 crore on revenue of Rs 73,465 crore, up from Rs 19,910 crore profit and Rs 66,657 crore revenue in the previous year.
The board declared a final dividend of Rs 7.85 per share, taking the total dividend for FY25 to Rs 14.35 per share, including an interim dividend of Rs 6.50 declared in March.
The company noted strong performance in categories such as atta (wheat flour), snacks, spices, and personal care. However, its notebooks business faced increased competition from regional players, while its paperboard and packaging segment was hit by rising wood costs, weak domestic demand, and pressure from Chinese and Indonesian imports.
The hotel division posted record revenue and profits before its demerger, with pre-tax profit of Rs 573 crore for the nine months ending December 2024.
ITC also continued to expand its brand portfolio, acquiring stakes in 24 Mantra Organic Foods, Mother Sparsh, and Prasuma & Meatigo. It has also entered into an agreement to acquire Century Pulp and Paper to strengthen its presence in the paper and packaging sector.
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