Mumbai: Gillette India Ltd reported a 10.4% year-on-year (YoY) increase in net profit to Rs 159 crore for the September quarter of financial year 2026-27 (Q2FY27), compared with Rs 144 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.
Revenue from operations rose 4.3% to Rs 846 crore during the quarter, up from Rs 811 crore in Q2FY26. The company also recorded an improvement in operating performance, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increasing 9.1% to Rs 227 crore from Rs 208 crore a year earlier.
The results reflect growth across the company’s businesses, supported by product launches, innovation and retail execution. However, Gillette India said profitability continued to face pressure from higher commodity costs.
EBITDA margin improves to 26.8%
Gillette India’s EBITDA margin expanded by 110 basis points to 26.8% in Q2FY27, compared with 25.7% in the corresponding period last year.
The improvement came as operating earnings grew faster than revenue. EBITDA increased 9.1%, while revenue rose 4.3%, indicating stronger operating performance during the quarter.
The company said its productivity initiatives helped offset some of the pressure from major commodity cost increases. These measures supported profitability despite the challenging cost environment.
Gillette India described its performance as balanced and broad-based, attributing growth to the strength of its strategic product portfolio, innovation addressing changing consumer requirements and execution across retail channels.
Managing director highlights integrated growth strategy
Kumar Venkatasubramanian, managing director of Gillette India, said the company continued to deliver balanced growth through its integrated growth strategy and execution across businesses.
He said the company remained focused on offering superior products at competitive value, keeping consumer needs at the centre of its decisions.
According to Venkatasubramanian, the strategy is built around a focused product portfolio, product and brand superiority, productivity, innovation and an agile organisational structure.
“Our consistent delivery of balanced growth quarter on quarter is a true reflection of the strength of our integrated growth strategy, and the exceptional execution of these strategies by our people. This consistency is also reflected in our innovation – both in terms of our propositions as well as how we engage with consumers. We remain committed to our strategy to delight consumers with superior products at a superior value by putting the consumer first in everything we do,” he said.
The company’s emphasis on product development and consumer engagement is aimed at sustaining growth across its categories while maintaining competitive value.
Oral care business records double-digit growth
Gillette India’s power oral care business recorded double-digit growth during the September quarter.
The company attributed the performance to execution and the launch of Oral-B iO2, an electric toothbrush designed to make the transition from manual brushing to electric toothbrushes easier for consumers.
The launch forms part of the company’s efforts to expand its oral care portfolio and encourage greater adoption of electric oral care products.
The double-digit growth in the business provided an important contribution to the company’s broader performance during the quarter.
New launches strengthen grooming portfolio
Gillette India also highlighted several product launches during the first half of FY27 as part of its efforts to address evolving consumer needs.
These included Gillette Guard 3in1 and the Gillette AIO Trimmer series. The launches reflect the company’s focus on expanding its grooming offerings and strengthening its product portfolio.
Innovation remains a key part of the company’s strategy, with product development aimed at providing consumers with options across different grooming requirements and price points.
The company said it was also evolving its media strategy to engage with consumers across platforms. Its approach combines product innovation with efforts to improve brand engagement and reach consumers through changing media habits.
Commodity costs remain a challenge
Despite the growth in revenue and operating earnings, Gillette India said profitability during the quarter was affected by significant commodity cost pressures.
Higher input costs can affect margins in consumer goods businesses, particularly when companies need to balance pricing, product quality and affordability.
Gillette India said its productivity initiatives helped absorb part of the cost pressure and support profitable growth. The improvement in EBITDA margin to 26.8% indicates that operating earnings grew at a faster pace than revenue during the reporting period.
The company’s performance will continue to depend on its ability to sustain demand, introduce relevant products, strengthen retail execution and manage input costs.
Focus remains on innovation and consumer value
Gillette India’s Q2FY27 results show growth in profit, revenue and operating earnings, alongside an expansion in EBITDA margin. The double-digit growth in power oral care and the introduction of new grooming products were among the key developments highlighted by the company.
While commodity cost pressures remain a concern, the company is relying on productivity measures, innovation and a focused product portfolio to support profitability.
Its ability to maintain this balance between consumer value, product development and cost management will be important in sustaining growth in the coming quarters.