Marico stock price gained 3% after its Q4FY24 quarterly update was released on April 5, 2024. There were a number of positives in the quarterly update that stirred positive sentiment among investors. Marico’s top-line returned back to positive growth in March Quarter 2024. After three quarters of negative consolidated YoY revenue growth, Marico’s consolidated revenue grew in low single digits in Q4FY24. According to the management, consolidated revenue growth is expected to increase further with domestic revenue growth outpacing volume growth in the coming quarters.
Apart from the revenue growth parking itself in positive territory, Saffola which contributes 18% of total domestic revenues reported mid-single-digit volume growth in Q4FY24. In the previous quarter, Q3FY24, Saffola Edible Oils registered a mid-single digit volume decline due to high base and extended sluggishness in trade sentiment resulting in lower inventory levels.
While Parachute maintained its low-single digit volume growth, Foods segment continued its steady run to close the year at ~4x of its scale in FY20. Digital-first personal care brands such as Beardo and Just Herbs also sustained their strong growth trajectory. Foods and Personal Care portfolio share in domestic revenues stood at 20% in Q3FY24. The company is moving strongly on its diversification agenda by reducing its dependence on Parachute, Saffola Edible Oil and Value Added Hair Oils (VAHO) which together constitute nearly 70% of Marico’s total domestic revenues. And lastly, the international business which constitutes 25% of total revenue base grew in double-digit constant currency (cc) growth, led by the Bangladesh market which bounced back after the conclusion of general elections. Bangladesh constitutes 48% of Marico’s international business. International business had grown at 6% cc in Q3FY24. The company reported a slight uptick in volume growth on a sequential basis in Q4FY24. Volume growth was 2% YoY in Q3FY24.
