FMCG PRICE HIKES
Humble bhujia becomes a recipe for billions of dollars in India's market
A packet of bhujia has come a long way from Bikaner. What began as a family-run namkeen shop in 1937 is now a national snack empire, backed by global investors and preparing for a possible stock market debut. As Haldiram eyes Dalal Street, India's humble sev, bhujia and namkeen are finding a place on the global investment menu. Turns out, there's serious business behind that crunch.
Caught between costly inputs and cautious buyers, India Inc takes a hit
Companies in India's consumer goods, automobile, and paints sectors are increasing prices to offset rising costs. The West Asia conflict has severely impacted input and logistics expenses across various industries. While some companies have raised prices, they are still absorbing part of these costs to maintain demand. Consumer giants like Hindustan Unilever and Asian Paints report pressure on their margins despite price hikes.
Cigarettes to get costlier: ITC hikes Gold Flake Premium prices for the second time this year; here's how much a pack will now cost
ITC Ltd has raised the price of its Gold Flake Premium cigarettes by Rs 10 per pack, taking the MRP of a 10-cigarette pack to Rs 135 from Rs 125. This is the second price increase for the brand in 2026, following a hike in June. The revision comes as cigarette makers face higher taxes and pressure on legal market volumes, while ITC looks to expand its FMCG and other non-cigarette businesses.
Why did market rise today? Sensex jumps 773 pts, Nifty ends above 25,250 as rally continues. 4 factors behind Rs 4 lakh cr gains
Sensex and Nifty saw significant gains on Wednesday, buoyed by aggressive Foreign Institutional Investor purchases. Better-than-expected Q2 earnings from various sectors contributed to the optimistic market sentiment. The Indian rupee also rose against the US dollar, improving further economic conditions. Easing oil prices added a positive macroeconomic outlook for India. Overall, the market showcased strong resilience amid fluctuating global scenarios.
Earnings recovery, FII revival: 5 factors that will shape Dalal Street's next move after Q2
Indian equities are recovering as stronger Q2 earnings, renewed FII inflows and attractive largecap valuations lift sentiment. Analysts identify five key triggers for Dalal Street’s next move, including global AI volatility, geopolitical risks and sectoral flows.
Dabur hints calibrated price hikes amid inflation, focus on cost optimisation to protect margins
The company is navigating an inflationary environment, with rising crude oil prices amid the West Asia conflict adding to cost pressures across the supply chain, said Dabur India CEO (India Business) Herjit Bhalla during the post-earnings investor call last week.
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Is Dalal Street heading for a sustained rally? Motilal Oswal says FII flows on the cusp of an inflection
Foreign investor sentiment towards Indian equities could be approaching an inflection point, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Despite $30.4 billion in FII outflows so far in 2026, the brokerage sees improving flows, easing geopolitical concerns, strong domestic fundamentals and reasonable valuations potentially supporting a sustained recovery in Indian equities.
Hindustan Unilever increases prices of Surf Excel, Rin, and Wheel products by up to 11% due to rising costs
Hindustan Unilever has raised the maximum retail prices of various home care products to address cost pressures. This adjustment includes popular detergent brands like Surf Excel, Rin, and Wheel, with increases reaching up to 11 percent. The new prices for these products will take effect across multiple pack sizes, reflecting the impact of elevated commodity inflation.
The great Indian biscuit battle begins: Can Reliance crack the code?
Reliance Consumer Products Ltd is set to foray into India's competitive biscuit market, with an aim to leverage affordable pricing and a wide variety of products to attract consumers. Industry leaders Britannia and Parle dominate the market, making it challenging for new entrants like Reliance's Independence.
Diwali shopping gets costlier this year: From milk, ghee, butter to dry fruits, here's why festive buying is burning a hole in your pocket
Milk and ghee prices: Rising costs of key ingredients are affecting both consumers and manufacturers during this Diwali season. Dairy prices have seen significant increases, with major brands raising their rates amid high demand. Additionally, dry fruit prices have surged, reaching record highs over the past year. Corporate gifting has also become more expensive, forcing companies to reduce their gift quantities or opt for smaller packages.
Reliance’s FY28 growth story rests on 5 triggers. New energy is just one
In the upcoming years, Reliance Industries is set to thrive, propelled by five strategic business initiatives. The focus remains on robust growth in the oil-to-chemicals sector, pivotal for ongoing profitability. Transitioning from investments to growth, Reliance Retail is primed for success, while Jio is expected to benefit from improved pricing strategies.
ITC shares rise 2% after Q2 results. What are Jefferies, Nuvama and others saying?
ITC shares gained 2% despite an 18.5% year-on-year decline in Q2 net profit, as higher taxes and falling cigarette earnings weighed on profitability. However, its FMCG business delivered strong growth. Jefferies, Nuvama, Emkay and DAM Capital remain positive on the stock, with target prices ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 355.
ITC Q2 net profit falls 20% as high taxes keep margins in check
ITC reported a 20% decline in standalone net profit for the September quarter despite a 45% increase in revenue. The rise in cigarette taxation significantly impacted profitability, forcing ITC to absorb part of the price hikes. Non-cigarette businesses showed strong growth, achieving the highest revenue growth in 14 quarters. Factors such as inflation and geopolitical tensions continue to affect the operating environment.
Escorts Kubota hikes tractor prices as Middle East war fuels cost pressures
Escorts Kubota plans to implement price hikes on its tractor offerings in November 2026. The company cites inflation and geopolitical uncertainties as significant factors influencing this decision. Price adjustments will vary by model, variant, and geographical regions. These changes come after attempts to optimize costs and maintain operational efficiency. The increases aim to address the elevated expenses from manufacturing and logistics challenges.
Why is market rallying today? Sensex jumps 900 points, Nifty above 22,900. 6 key factors behind Rs 5 lakh crore gains
The Indian stock market saw a vibrant uptick as both Sensex and Nifty surged over 1.1%, attributed to the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates. Renewed interest from foreign investors was evident, with net purchases of Indian equities totaling approximately Rs 872 crore on Wednesday. Optimism surrounding potential reductions in long-term capital gains tax also fostered positive market sentiment.
Adani group stocks jump up to 3%, add Rs 23,000 crore to total m-cap. What’s behind the surge?
Adani Group stocks rose on Thursday, adding Rs 23,000 crore to their combined market capitalisation, as Q2 results and bullish brokerage calls lifted sentiment. Adani Power reported a 134% jump in net profit, while Jefferies raised its target price for Adani Ports and sees significant upside in Adani Enterprises.
HUL shares rise 3% after Q2 results. Jefferies, Nomura cut target price but forecast 29% upside potential
Hindustan Unilever shares rose on Thursday after the FMCG major reported a 4% year-on-year increase in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 2,790 crore and 15% revenue growth to Rs 18,226 crore. Jefferies, Nomura and JM Financial cut their target prices but continue to see upside potential of up to 29%.
Tata Consumer shares rally over 4% after Q2 results. Why brokerages remain bullish despite target price cuts
Tata Consumer Products reported 16% year-on-year profit growth in Q2FY27, while brokerages retained positive ratings but cut target prices amid inflationary pressures. Jefferies, Nuvama, Elara Capital and Systematix see varying upside potential in the stock.
India Inc eyes a festive boom, but the bottom line holds a twist
Festive shopping is currently gaining momentum with significant sales in both online and offline markets. Companies are experiencing increased demand but are also facing rising costs that impact profitability. Many consumers are driven by discounts and affordable payment options during this festive season. Businesses are adapting pricing strategies to balance consumer affordability with input cost pressures.
Company townhall and results can tell 2 different tales; here's what to check if you are worried about your next hike or promotion
Keep manager’s reassurance and employer’s financials apart, says Devashish Chakravarty. Every three months, listed companies must disclose important events to the stock exchange and most of them explain their numbers to analysts. Long before you find an email from your HR, the company has already announced its hiring freeze or restructuring plans in its earnings call.
FMCG firms grapple with input cost inflation in Q2, brace for margin pressure in H2
FMCG companies are experiencing increased margin pressure as input costs continue to rise. Rising inflation is affecting profitability, forcing firms to consider price hikes after the festive season. Companies are currently absorbing some costs to maintain consumer demand in urban and rural markets. The expectations for the second half of FY27 remain cautious amidst fluctuating commodity prices. Consumer purchasing behavior may shift if food prices increase or rural incomes decline.
FMCG stocks lost their tag of defensive stocks, will they get it back? 7 FMCG stocks with an upside potential of up to 32%
Those who have been following the market for long know this: When there is nervousness on the street, money instinctively moves towards a particular sector. That is the one with companies that sell soaps, biscuits, tea – all the everyday things that people buy whether the news is good or bad. Yes, we are talking about the FMCG sector.
5 stocks with consistent score improvement and upside potential of up to 29 % in 1 year, according to analysts
Look at how the market treated the stock of a large FMCG stock – one the best wealth creators of the past – just because it mentioned the risk of rising input costs. It shows what the underlying sentiment on the street is like.
Festive cheer is high, but shoppers are counting every rupee
Consumers are maintaining festive spending but are focusing on value and utility as shopping habits evolve. Clothing remains the top category, while online sales are increasing, particularly among tier-2 and tier-3 cities. However, there is caution in purchasing patterns for high-priced items like jewellery and gold. Demand for groceries and fast-moving consumer goods is expected to grow during the festive season.
Ahead of Market: 10 things that will decide stock market action on Thursday
Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Wednesday as investors booked profits after the previous session’s rally, with caution ahead of US inflation data weighing on sentiment. Market participants will track global cues, crude oil prices, foreign investor flows and stock-specific developments on Thursday, alongside buying and selling trends across key counters.
Indian consumer firms face margin squeeze despite strong quarterly sales
Indian FMCG companies are expected to report narrower September-quarter profit margins despite double-digit sales growth, as rising raw material costs outpace price hikes. Analysts forecast operating margin declines of 45-150 basis points across consumer staples firms, with Hindustan Unilever and Britannia facing sharper pressure. Investors will track commodity prices, rural demand, festive spending and further price increases for signs of recovery.
Devil's in the diesel, get E-truckin'
To wean India off its crude oil addiction or make any structural dent to air pollution, electrifying our freight fleets are a no-brainer. Niti Aayog says road freights alone accounts for more than a quarter of India’s oil-import expenditure. But E-cars or green city buses alone won’t charge the collective imagination for a once-in-a-lifetime EV push: We need to green our highways. But first distortions in the duties need to be fixed.
Jio IPO may be valued at Rs 11 lakh crore: What it means for RIL, Bharti Airtel and telecom stocks
Jio Platforms’ proposed Rs 30,000 crore IPO could become India’s biggest-ever share sale, valuing Mukesh Ambani’s digital business at up to Rs 11 lakh crore. With global and domestic investors showing interest, the listing will test Jio’s valuation against Bharti Airtel, potentially reshape telecom sector dynamics and offer investors a direct route to participate in Reliance’s digital growth story.
Have Money, Will Buy! Festive online sales off to fine 'premium' start
During the festive season, demand for premium goods has seen significant growth on e-commerce platforms. Sales have increased by 40% compared to last year, driven by consumers upgrading their purchases. Quick-commerce platforms have also experienced higher transaction values, particularly in urban areas. While mass-market demand has softened due to rising prices, premium products continue to perform well.
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