**Nestlé India Q3 FY26: Record Volume Growth & ₹7 Dividend** **Financial Performance** Nestlé India delivered a robust performance for Q3 FY26 (ended December 2025), reporting a **45% YoY surge** in net profit to **₹998 crore**, significantly beating street estimates. Revenue from operations grew **19% YoY** to **₹5,667 crore**, driven by broad-based demand. Sequential profit momentum was equally strong, rising **34%** from the previous quarter. **Operational Highlights** The quarter marked the company's highest-ever quarterly turnover, underpinned by **18.5% volume growth**—the strongest in nearly five years. * **Segments:** Confectionery emerged as the fastest-growing category. Beverages recorded their **18th consecutive quarter** of double-digit growth. * **Channels:** E-commerce (led by Quick Commerce) and Out-of-Home (OOH) businesses posted accelerated double-digit expansion. * **Rural vs. Urban:** Growth was broad-based across all town classes, with rural markets showing significant resilience. **Corporate Action: Interim Dividend** The Board declared an interim dividend of **₹7 per share** for FY 2025-26. * **Record Date:** February 6, 2026 * **Payment Date:** From February 26, 2026 **Market Reaction & Stock Action** Following the results, Nestlé India shares rallied **~3.5%** to close near **₹1,332**, hitting a fresh **52-week high** of **₹1,339.85** on January 30. Technical analysts note a bullish breakout, driven by the highest volume-led recovery in the sector. **Management Commentary & Outlook** CMD Manish Tiwary attributed the performance to strategic capacity investments and a "consumer-first" media spend, which rose **42% YoY**. * **Commodities:** Milk prices remain firm due to robust demand. Coffee prices have stabilised lower than last year's peaks, while edible oil prices are expected to trade sideways through H1 2026. **Key Takeaway** With **EBITDA margins at 21.3%** and volume growth outpacing peers, Nestlé India continues to demonstrate pricing power and operational efficiency despite mixed input cost trends.