Brokerages estimate the consumer discretionary segment to outperform the staples sector

Modest Expectations

- SHARLEEN D'SOUZA

Retail companies are expected to see a modest rise in revenue in the January-March quarter (Q4) of 2024-25 (FY25), which is typically a seasonally weak period.

Brokerages estimate the consumer discretionary segment will outperform the staples segment, which is expected to grow in the mid-single digits year-on-year (Y-o-Y), with a low single-digit decline in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda).

"We expect 11 per cent aggregate revenue growth in Q4FY25 for our consumer discretionary coverage universe, while Ebitda growth is expected to be lower at 9 per cent, largely on account of margin pressure due to negative leverage on weak same-store sales growth (SSSG)," JM Financial said in its report on the sector.