Sustained demand momentum to drive profit growth for Asian Paints

Analysts hike earnings estimates but remain cautious over its margins

Shares of Asian Paints gave up early gains on Friday in a weak market and closed 4 per cent lower.

India’s largest paints maker, however, reported results way above Street expectations for the December quarter (Q3).

The firm reported its highest ever quarterly sales, earnings before interest, tax depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda), and net profit in the period.

Revenues rose 25 per cent to Rs 6,789 crore, driven by 33 per cent growth in decorative-segment volumes. The gains in volumes were much higher than analyst estimates of 19 per cent.

This outperformance was led by a combination of factors including a strong festive season,