Higher input costs eat into Nestle profit in Sept quarter

Net declines 23.6% despite highest-ever domestic sales

- VIVEAT SUSAN PINTO

NESTLE INDIA REPORTED a double-digit decline in profit for the second quarter of FY26 on account of higher input costs. Standalone net profit fell 23.6% year-on-year to <753 crore, below Bloomberg consensus estimates of $791 crore.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) margins contracted 100 basis points to 21.9% versus 22.9% in the year-ago period, amid higher milk and cocoa prices, though the outlook for these commodities remains positive, the company said on Thursday.