
Marico’s resilience faces a test as costs rise
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Marico Ltd has held up better than its FMCG peers amid muted urban demand. While the Nifty FMCG index has dropped 19% over the past six months, Marico’s stock has declined by just 6%, reflecting its relative resilience.
The company’s stronghold in Parachute coconut oil and Saffola edible oils, along with steady growth in newer categories like personal care and foods, has provided a solid cushion. Read this | FMCG stocks are usually a good defensive bet. So why are they underperforming now? “Notably, Marico has been one of the most resilient companies witnessing consistent improvement in volume growth during FY25 despite price hikes," said a report by Antique Stock Broking.
The brokerage noted that cumulative price increases on Parachute and Saffola edible oils stand at about 15% and 20%, respectively. Following its December quarter (Q3FY25) results, Marico saw relatively smaller earnings estimate cuts compared to peers. The company's consolidated revenue rose 15% year-on-year to ₹2,794 crore in Q3, but Ebitda margin contracted 210 basis points to 19%.
However, while revenue growth momentum could sustain in Q4, weak profit margins remain a concern. Prices of copra, a key raw material, remain stubbornly high, forcing Marico to implement significant price hikes. This could pinch volumes, and growth can stay sluggish until a meaningful recovery emerges.
In an interaction with Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Marico’s management indicated that the FMCG sector is currently witnessing a stable demand landscape. “Rural demand is gradually improving, while urban demand is expected to recover over the next few quarters as inflation eases," the brokerage said in a report dated 25 March. Read
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