The fourth quarter of FY24 witnessed several major companies releasing their earnings, offering insights into sectoral health and market sentiment. Bajaj Finance announced a stock split and bonus issue in a bid to increase affordability and improve liquidity for retail investors. This strategic move was well-received by the market, with analysts interpreting it as a vote of confidence in the company’s growth trajectory and consistent financial performance.
BPCL reported a standalone net profit of ₹3,214 crore for Q4 FY24, which, although down 24% year-on-year, came in higher than analyst expectations of ₹2,970 crore. The better-than-expected performance was supported by lower crude prices and healthy refining margins, despite weakness in LPG earnings due to regulated pricing. Revenue stood at ₹1.27 lakh crore, reflecting a 4% drop. The average gross refining margin for the full year was $6.82 per barrel, notably down from $14.14 per barrel in FY23.
Retail major Trent, part of the Tata Group, posted impressive numbers as its adjusted net profit surged to ₹318 crore from ₹128 crore a year ago. Revenues grew by 28% to ₹4,217 crore, driven by strong demand for affordable and fashionable apparel. Better operational efficiency was evident as operating margins rose from 8.3% to 9.3%. Trent’s continued expansion, including plans for 200 new Zudio outlets in FY25, positions it for further growth.
Ambuja Cements also delivered a strong performance, with net profit rising 74.5% year-on-year to ₹929 crore. The company’s sales volume grew by 13%, supported by favorable weather conditions that boosted construction demand. Revenue increased by 19% year-on-year, although cement prices remained 2% lower compared to the same period last year. Despite the robust performance, the stock saw a marginal dip, tracking broader market weakness.
Overall, Q4 FY24 results from these companies underscore solid operational execution across sectors. From Bajaj Finance’s shareholder-friendly moves to the strong bottom-line growth reported by BPCL, Trent, and Ambuja Cements, corporate India continues to demonstrate resilience amid a dynamic economic environment.