New Delhi: Nestlé India delivered a robust performance in the third quarter of FY26, reporting a sharp 46% year-on-year rise in net profit to ₹1,018 crore, supported by strong volume-led growth across categories. The FMCG major also posted its highest-ever quarterly sales, underlining a broad-based recovery in consumer demand.
Nestlé India Q3 FY26 Financial Highlights
Nestlé India’s revenue from operations rose 18.5% year-on-year to a record ₹5,643.5 crore during the October–December quarter of FY26. The growth was driven primarily by higher volumes, improved distribution reach, and sustained brand investments across urban and rural markets.
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Net profit: ₹1,018 crore (up 46% YoY)
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Sales: ₹5,643.5 crore (up 18.5% YoY)
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EBITDA margin: 21.3%
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Earnings per share (EPS): ₹5.28
Despite increasing its consumer-facing media and advertising spends by 42% year-on-year, the company managed to protect margins through operating leverage and efficiency gains.
Interim Dividend Announced
The board of directors approved an interim dividend of ₹7 per equity share (face value Re 1). The dividend will be paid to eligible shareholders on February 26, 2026, reinforcing the company’s commitment to consistent shareholder returns.
Strong Volume Growth Across Product Categories
Commenting on the performance, Chairman and Managing Director Manish Tiwary said the company achieved its strongest volume growth in nearly five years, aided by capacity expansion, portfolio investments, and improving consumption trends following GST rate rationalisation.
Key Category Performance
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Confectionery: Fastest-growing segment, led by rural demand, premium offerings, and increased in-home consumption.
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Powdered & Liquid Beverages: Recorded the 18th consecutive quarter of double-digit sell-out growth.
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Prepared Dishes & Cooking Aids: Posted strong double-digit value growth on accelerated volumes.
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Milk Products & Nutrition: Delivered mid-single-digit growth with improving momentum across channels.
Distribution Channels Show Broad-Based Momentum
Nestlé India witnessed strong traction across sales channels during the quarter:
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General trade: Sharp acceleration, especially in rural markets
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E-commerce: Continued robust growth, with quick commerce gaining share
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Out-of-home consumption: Expansion across core food and beverage categories
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Exports: High double-digit growth, driven by demand across multiple product groups, with coffee leading the segment
Input Cost Outlook Remains Mixed
On the cost front, the company noted that milk prices remain firm despite the ongoing flush season, while edible oil prices are elevated and expected to stay range-bound in the first half of 2026. However, coffee prices have eased compared to last year due to favourable global crop conditions, offering some relief on input costs.
With sustained volume growth, expanding capacity, and rising demand across rural, urban, and digital channels, Nestlé India remains cautiously optimistic about the coming quarters. Continued focus on innovation, premiumisation, and distribution expansion is expected to support long-term growth, even as input cost pressures persist in select commodities.
FAQs
Q1. What was Nestlé India’s net profit in Q3 FY26?
Nestlé India reported a net profit of ₹1,018 crore, up 46% year-on-year in Q3 FY26.
Q2. How much revenue did Nestlé India generate in Q3 FY26?
The company posted record quarterly sales of ₹5,643.5 crore, reflecting an 18.5% YoY growth.
Q3. What interim dividend has Nestlé India announced?
Nestlé India declared an interim dividend of ₹7 per equity share, payable on February 26, 2026.
Q4. Which segment performed best for Nestlé India in Q3 FY26?
The confectionery segment emerged as the fastest-growing category, driven by rural demand and premiumisation.
Q5. What is Nestlé India’s outlook on input costs?
Milk and edible oil prices remain elevated, while coffee prices have stabilised at lower levels due to better crop yields.