Latest news with #Purohit
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Improved consumption trends bring cheer to FMCG counters
Mumbai: Shares of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms advanced Monday after Godrej Consumer's quarterly business update pointed to improved demand prospects. Godrej is the third company after Dabur and Marico to signal a stronger-than-expected growth outlook, but some analysts warn against painting these performances as an industry-wide trend. "A sequential improvement in volume growth and revenue growth indicated by Godrej Consumer Products , Dabur and Marico led to renewed investor sentiment," said Ajay Thakur, research analyst - FMCG, Anand Rathi Institutional Equities. "A good monsoon is seen propping up rural demand and an uptick in urban demand also supports sentiment." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The Nifty FMCG Index gained 1.7% on Monday, while the benchmark Nifty remained flat. Of the 15 stocks on the FMCG Index, 13 advanced and two declined. Agencies Godrej Consumer jumped 6.4%, leading the gains in FMCG stocks. Dabur gained 3.5%, while HUL and Emami rose over 2.5% each. Britannia Industries climbed 2.1%, and Varun Beverages and Tata Consumer advanced 1.7% and 1.5%, respectively. While the pickup in volumes is expected to stronger in the second half of FY26, gains might be limited to stocks that offer better growth prospects. "The positive guidance was largely for Godrej Consumer and Marico but since the FMCG stocks have been beaten down, the other stocks also rose in hopes of a recovery," said Amit Purohit, VP, Elara Capital. "Although second half is anticipated to be better, Q1 is expected to be muted." Live Events Godrej Consumer Products said in its quarterly update that the volume growth is improving from the previous quarter, and the company expects double-digit rupee revenue growth on the back of high single-digit volume growth. Dabur's growth guidance is softer than that of Godrej, but investors were expecting far worse. "There were expectations of flat to declining growth in Dabur, but the company expects low single-digit growth, which might be perceived optimistically in the otherwise lacklustre quarterly update," said Purohit. So far this year, the Nifty FMCG Index has declined 2%, while the benchmark Nifty has gained 7.7% in the same period. Thakur said he prefers Godrej Consumer among large cap FMCG stocks, while Dabur's valuations are attractive. Purohit said investors should focus on specific stocks in the sector based on their reported growth. "Godrej Consumer Products and Marico are clear standouts and as the market rewards growth, gains are likely in these stocks," said Purohit. "Other stocks may move up as the narrative around the government focus on consumption, good monsoon, and base effect to play out."
Economic Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Improved consumption trends bring cheer to FMCG counters
Mumbai: Shares of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms advanced Monday after Godrej Consumer's quarterly business update pointed to improved demand prospects. Godrej is the third company after Dabur and Marico to signal a stronger-than-expected growth outlook, but some analysts warn against painting these performances as an industry-wide trend. ADVERTISEMENT "A sequential improvement in volume growth and revenue growth indicated by Godrej Consumer Products, Dabur and Marico led to renewed investor sentiment," said Ajay Thakur, research analyst - FMCG, Anand Rathi Institutional Equities. "A good monsoon is seen propping up rural demand and an uptick in urban demand also supports sentiment." The Nifty FMCG Index gained 1.7% on Monday, while the benchmark Nifty remained flat. Of the 15 stocks on the FMCG Index, 13 advanced and two declined. Godrej Consumer jumped 6.4%, leading the gains in FMCG stocks. Dabur gained 3.5%, while HUL and Emami rose over 2.5% each. Britannia Industries climbed 2.1%, and Varun Beverages and Tata Consumer advanced 1.7% and 1.5%, respectively. While the pickup in volumes is expected to stronger in the second half of FY26, gains might be limited to stocks that offer better growth prospects."The positive guidance was largely for Godrej Consumer and Marico but since the FMCG stocks have been beaten down, the other stocks also rose in hopes of a recovery," said Amit Purohit, VP, Elara Capital. "Although second half is anticipated to be better, Q1 is expected to be muted."Godrej Consumer Products said in its quarterly update that the volume growth is improving from the previous quarter, and the company expects double-digit rupee revenue growth on the back of high single-digit volume growth. ADVERTISEMENT Dabur's growth guidance is softer than that of Godrej, but investors were expecting far worse. "There were expectations of flat to declining growth in Dabur, but the company expects low single-digit growth, which might be perceived optimistically in the otherwise lacklustre quarterly update," said Purohit. So far this year, the Nifty FMCG Index has declined 2%, while the benchmark Nifty has gained 7.7% in the same period. Thakur said he prefers Godrej Consumer among large cap FMCG stocks, while Dabur's valuations are attractive. ADVERTISEMENT Purohit said investors should focus on specific stocks in the sector based on their reported growth."Godrej Consumer Products and Marico are clear standouts and as the market rewards growth, gains are likely in these stocks," said Purohit. "Other stocks may move up as the narrative around the government focus on consumption, good monsoon, and base effect to play out." (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
United News of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- United News of India
Surge in pink eye conjunctivitis cases in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, July 4 (UNI) With the onset of torrential rains, a surge in cases of pink eye conjunctivitis, also known as eye flu, is raising alarm across Kerala. "This year, the infection is more viral than bacterial in nature and is assuming alarming proportions in Kerala. The infection is highly contagious and can spread rapidly from one individual to another," said Dr. Naresh Purohit, Advisor to the National Blindness Control Programme. Pink eye conjunctivitis occurs due to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye, he explained. It is a painful ocular condition. The prevailing high humidity during the rainy season fosters viral growth, creating favorable conditions for the spread of conjunctivitis, Epidemiologist Dr. Purohit said. "Areas with frequent waterlogging and regions where hygiene practices are poor, such as slum dwellings, are at higher risk of transmission. Currently, in the urban areas of the state, children, their family members, and even healthcare workers have been significantly impacted, accounting for almost 30-40% of the affected group,' said Dr. Purohit, who is also the Principal Investigator for the National Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (NIDSP). The symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness in one or both eyes, increased itching, eye discharge, and sensitivity to light (photophobia). "Viruses and bacteria, allergies, close contact with harmful chemicals, a blocked tear duct, and exposure to allergens such as pollen and dust mites are among the most common causes of conjunctivitis," he added. "Maintaining good hygiene is essential for preventing the disease. Basic practices such as regularly washing the face, avoiding touching the eyes frequently, keeping surroundings clean, and observing rigorous personal hygiene are effective ways to stay protected from eye flu," he emphasized. UNI DS RKM
Economic Times
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Economic Times
edition 23-Jun-2025 to 29-june-2025
Lavish living, cramped spaces Loading factor has surged Live Events Same budget, different loading factors Balancing act Housing prices have shot up sharply How to calculate loading factor Get clarity on the loading factor Ask your builder, the exact carpet area you are paying for and compare it with the super built-up area. 'Request a clear breakdown of costs, what portion goes to actual usable space and what is for common amenities,' says Rathod. Compare carpet-to-super built-up ratios across similar projects, thoroughly study floor plans, and, if needed, consult an architect or a real estate adviser. 'Comparing loading percentages across projects can highlight anomalies and offer a strong basis for negotiation, especially if the loading appears excessive,' Purohit comments. Imagine an Olympic-size swimming pool, a swanky multistorey clubhouse, badminton and tennis courts, and landscaped gardens. A few years ago, you would have been picturing a luxury retreat nestled somewhere in the hills. But what was once a dreamy escape is now part of everyday life for many. An oasis of calm, comfort and luxury awaits Indian homeowners within plush housing complexes mushrooming amid the hustle-bustle of its big cities. However, this elevated living comes with a sharp trade-off: homebuyers are paying through the nose for open spaces, while making do with less living you buy an apartment, you do not just pay for the liveable area within its four walls. A portion of the cost also goes toward shared spaces in the housing society—this is known as the ' loading factor '. It refers to the proportionate share of ancillary common areas and amenities added to the carpet area (usable inner home area) and included in the price charged to the buyer. It essentially refers to the difference between the super built-up and the carpet area of an apartment. To put it simply, the carpet area refers to the floor space where you can actually lay a carpet. The built-up area includes the carpet area plus the space taken up by the walls and ducts. The super built-up area includes the built-up area along with a proportionate share of common spaces such as the staircases, lift shafts, entrance lobbies, corridors, parking areas, and amenities. 'In India, property prices are usually calculated based on the super built-up area. While developers market homes based on this figure, the real value lies in the carpet area,' points out Akhil Rathi, Head– Financial Advisory at 1 Finance.A recent report by ANAROCK throws light on the steep premium homebuyers are paying for their lap of luxury. According to the real estate consultancy, the average loading factor in apartments across India's top seven markets has climbed sharply from 31% in 2019 to 40% in January-March 2025. This means that of the total space you are paying for, only 60% is the home interior, while 40% of the cost is for the common areas and amenities. In the past, a loading of 25-30% was the faces highest loading; Bengaluru sees steepest riseHomebuyers' preferences for a certain lifestyle is contributing to this trend. Nowadays, homebuyers covet expansive lounge areas with cafes, state-of-the-art gymnasiums, rooftop decks and multi-purpose utility areas. Experts point out that the loading factor is directly proportional to the amenities in a project. The cost of additional amenities provided by the developer is usually passed on to customers in the form of loading charges. Invariably, loading will be higher for larger projects, where more space is allotted to amenities and common Thakur, Regional Director & Head–Research & Advisory, ANAROCK Group, observes, 'Today, higher amenity loading has become the norm across most projects partly because homebuyers are no longer satisfied with basic lifestyle amenities— they expect fitness centres, clubhouses, park-like gardens, and grand lobbies.' Additionally, regulatory and safety requirements, such as fire escapes, utility zones, and larger elevators, further increase the common areas, thereby adding to the loading, points out Rahul Purohit, Cofounder & Chief Business Officer, Square the flip side is that homebuyers end up giving up on actual living spaces. Buyers often end up paying a premium for homes with less actual living area because the pricing is based on the super built-up area, not the space the residents actively use, Rathi explains. 'While such facilities may enhance the community living experience, they also reduce the size of individual units, resulting in tighter bedrooms or smaller living spaces,' he says. Jayesh Rathod, Co-Founder and Director of The Guardian Real Estate Advisory, asserts, 'Homebuyers are increasingly paying a significant portion of their total home cost for shared spaces rather than actual liveable space.''While high loading doesn't automatically lower resale prices, it may narrow the pool of interested buyers due to perceived space inefficiency", says Akhil Rathi, Head – Financial Advisory, 1 to the ANAROCK report, Mumbai Metropolitan Region continues to see the highest loading among the top seven cities, with 43% in January-March 2025. Bengaluru has seen the highest percentile jump in average loading over the last seven years–from 30% in 2019 to 41% in January-March 2025. The ANAROCK report suggests this dovetails with the increasingly higher saturation of modern amenities that developers now include to cater to the higher lifestyle ask in the IT hub. Chennai, on the other hand, has the least average loading rise in January-March 2025 with 36%, aligning with a city-specific demand profile where homebuyers prefer to pay more for usable space within their homes rather than for common areas. In 2019, Chennai's average loading percentage was 30%.Knowing the loading factor helps assess homebuyers, the loading factor of an apartment is critical when evaluating projects with extensive amenities and open spaces. It is indicative of the functionality of the house. It also reveals the real value behind the price tag. Loading ratio tells you how much space you get for the money you spend. If the ratio is higher, it implies that you are paying a higher price per square foot than the advertised cost. Homebuyers can effectively compare relative value proposition of different projects. For example, if two apartments—Unit A and Unit B—each have a super built-up area of 1,000 sq ft and are priced atRs.75 lakh, but their loading factors are 25% and 33% respectively, it means Unit A offers more liveable space at 800 sq ft compared to Unit B's 750 sq ft. This trade-off between amenities and functional space begs careful consideration.'This trade-off, paying more for less private space, has become a growing concern among urban homebuyers, especially in cities where affordability is already a challenge,' says Rathi. Individual preferences may differ, so buyers should evaluate offers accordingly.'Higher amenity loading has become the norm across most projects partly because homebuyers are no longer satisfied with basic lifestyle amenities," says Prashant Thakur, Regional Director & Head -Research & Advisory, Anarock.'For buyers who value access to curated amenities and community experiences, the premium associated with such projects can be well worth it, even if it means a slightly smaller functional space,' avers Purohit. Conversely, for those who prioritise maximum carpet area and functional layouts over lifestyle features, choosing a project with minimal loading and fewer amenities might be more suitable, he may also impact the resale value of your house. It can bolster or dilute the appeal of the tenement, depending on buyer preferences in the secondary market, experts has seen highest jump; Mumbai commands biggest premium.'On one hand, projects with premium amenities and lifestyle-driven features often appeal to a certain segment of buyers looking for comfort, convenience, and community living. However, if the functional space feels significantly compromised, it could limit the resale pool or affect price appreciation over time,' contends Purohit.'Higher loading may affect the resale value in some cases, particularly when similar properties in the vicinity or even nearby locations offer more usable space at the same price,' Thakur must verify charges to avoid overpaying for less super built-up area is 1,000 sq ft and carpet area is 750 sq ft:Older or more thoughtfully designed homes with minimal loading and better space distribution often attract greater interest during resale, Rathi points if a new project is developed by a well-known builder and offers premium amenities, some buyers may still find value in the overall lifestyle offering. 'So, while high loading doesn't automatically lower resale prices, it may narrow the pool of interested buyers due to perceived space inefficiency,' Rathi homebuyers, clarity on the loading factor and actual living area is essential. Unfortunately, the practise of 'loading' in real estate is shrouded in a web of secrecy. Developers conveniently do not mention the loading factor in their glossy sales brochures. Regulations do not mandate developers to disclose this figure either. This leaves homebuyers in the dark about the value they are getting. To be sure, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, requires developers to mention the total carpet area provided to homebuyers. But not all states enforce the law. 'In most cases, buyers across cities, except in Maharashtra, are unaware of how much they pay towards the overall usable space within their apartment,' avers there is no law that currently limits the loading factor in residential housing. It is left to the discretion of the developers, who justify higher loading for the amenities provided. In the absence of any regulation, some developers charge loading as high as 50% or more for their projects, experts point onus is on buyers to remain vigilant. Here's what you can do:
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gentari seeks buyer for up to 50% stake in India arm
Gentari, the renewable energy arm of Malaysian national oil & gas company Petronas, is seeking to sell up to a 50% stake in its India unit in what could potentially become one of the largest green energy deals in the country, said people with direct knowledge of the matter. Gentari has appointed Standard Chartered Bank as its transaction advisor. Gentari India has a substantial portfolio comprising 4 GW of operational assets, 4 GW under construction, and an additional 4 GW in the pipeline, according to information shared by the transaction advisor with potential investors. For context, last December, JSW Energy agreed to acquire O2 Power's 4.7 GW portfolio, including 1.5 GW under construction and 1 GW of pipeline projects, at an enterprise value of $1.5 billion. Standard Chartered Bank has approached multiple potential buyers, including NTPC Green Energy , for the proposed stake sale, people said, adding that the discussions are at a very preliminary stage. Gentari global CEO Sushil Purohit is likely to visit India in the coming weeks to meet potential investors and accelerate the stake sale talks, the people said. Interested parties will be required to sign non-disclosure pacts to access Gentari's books as part of the due diligence process. Gentari would prefer to sell a minority stake in the India unit but is open to the idea of sharing control with a potential investor, people said. Gentari and Standard Chartered did not respond to ET's requests for comment. "There is no development or proposal underway regarding the stake asked in the query," NTPC Green said. People familiar with Gentari's discussions said valuations for green energy assets have waned since last year, as global enthusiasm for renewables has cooled and fossil fuel companies are under less pressure to decarbonise. Purohit told ET in February that Gentari's projects in India were developing well and that funding was not "a big challenge at this point in time." He said Gentari had the "full support" of parent Petronas. Since the return of pro-fossil fuel US President Donald Trump earlier this year, green energy has been losing the strong support it once enjoyed globally. Several oil and gas producers who ventured into renewables are now scaling back their ambitions, while buyers previously willing to pay a premium for green assets have turned cautious. Oil supermajors Shell and BP have weakened their green goals and are refocusing on expanding their core oil and gas businesses in pursuit of higher returns. Gentari operates across multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with an ambition to install 30-40 GW of renewable energy capacity, capture over 10% market share in public charging points and vehicle-as-a-service segments in key markets, and become a major supplier of clean hydrogen. In India, Gentari has both utility-scale and distributed green energy projects. The company has also been expanding its EV charging network in partnership with local automakers and other stakeholders.
