Dabur India Shares Plunge Over 7% Amidst Domestic Demand Concerns

Shares of Dabur India slid more than 7% and hit a 52-week low after the company came out with its business update for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2025 (Q4FY25). The consumer services major said subdued domestic demand trends are weighing on its performance along with inflationary pressures.

Stock Market Greets Dabur's Announcement With Negative Reaction 

Dabur's announcement drew an immediate negative response from the market, as the company's stock price fell 7.2% to ₹459.65 on 3 April 2025. This is the lowest the stock has been in 52 weeks. The drop signifies waning investor confidence about the company's near-term growth situation after reading the business update provided. Dabur’s shares have fallen 7% in the past year and they are now more than 31% below their 52-week peak seen in September 2024.

Domestic FMCG Sector- Under Pressure 

Dabur’s domestic performance shows a mixed bag across channels and regions. Although rural markets grew faster than urban markets during Q4FY25, general trade continued to be under pressure. Traditional trade, e-commerce and quick commerce channels maintained their positive momentum. However, subdued FMCG growth in the country overall is weighing on Dabur’s domestic business. A delayed and short winter season, as well as a slowdown in demand in urban areas, have been cited as primary reasons behind sales. As a result, Dabur expects its overall India FMCG segment to shrink in the mid-single digits.

International Markets Show Strength 

While the domestic markets are facing challenges, the same cannot be said of Dabur’s international business. Constant currency double-digit growth is also expected in key markets like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Egypt, and Bangladesh. Strong demand and the company's expansion initiatives in these regions have contributed to this performance.

Margin Pressure and Financial Outlook

Dabur expects its consolidated revenue for Q4FY25 to be flat YoY. Additionally, the company forecasts a year-on-year contraction of around 150-175 bps in its EBITDA margins. This decline is mainly driven by inflationary pressure and operating deleverage.

Company Actions 

In the face of prevailing headwinds, Dabur has reaffirmed its focus on decisive actions to deliver profitable growth. Such initiatives include: investing in brand building; improving go-to-market dominance; and expanding operational efficiencies. Also, the company now expects the incentives announced in the recent Union budget to boost consumption and aid a recovery in the FMCG sector, which Dabur thinks it is in a good position to capitalise on.

Investor Sentiments

Dabur's stock price plummeting is a clear indication of how investors are wary of  the company's near-term performance and profitability. The stock has been trading well below its 52-week high, indicating the market is monitoring closely the demand trends and margin pressures that the company is experiencing. Though Dabur has expressed optimism regarding long-term prospects, immediate market sentiment reflects apprehension over the challenges it faces in the domestic FMCG landscape.

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