Nestle India Q4: Revenue Jumps as Costs Squeeze Profit Margins

Nestle India is expected to report a strong fourth quarter, with analysts predicting revenue growth in the mid-to-high teens. This expansion is mainly driven by single-digit domestic volume increases and solid performance in key areas like Maggi, coffee, and chocolates. However, the outlook is cautious due to expected margin compression, fueled by rising costs linked to oil prices and ongoing supply chain challenges.

Margin Headwinds and Brokerage Views

Brokerage firms offer mixed but cautious views on profitability. Systematix Research forecasts 13.7% year-on-year revenue growth to ₹6,259 crore, but expects EBITDA margins to fall by 151 basis points to 23.7%, mainly due to higher spending on ads and distribution. Axis Securities, forecasting 18.3% revenue growth to ₹6,445 crore, still sees EBITDA margins declining by 43 basis points to 25.1%, pointing to coffee price increases and a less favorable sales mix. Nirmal Bang projects 8.1% revenue growth alongside a sharper fall in EBITDA margins of 250 basis points to 22.7%, with net profit expected to fall 5% year-on-year. Mirae Asset Sharekhan estimates net sales up 14.3% to ₹6,288 crore, with operating margins contracting 78 basis points to 24.5%.

Dividend and Monitorables

The board meeting on April 21 is key for approving the financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, and for deciding on a potential final dividend. Investors will look for management's comments on demand outlooks in rural and urban markets, competition in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, and current raw material trends. While infant nutrition might lag, the company's strong brand power and effective distribution should help it manage sector challenges.