Why Did Piccadily Agro's Q4 Profit Decline by 7.5%?

Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, Piccadily Agro Industries, the maker of the acclaimed 'Indri' single-malt whiskey, reports a significant dip in their Q4 profits. Despite this setback, the distillery remains optimistic about its future, driven by a growing global demand for its premium spirits. Discover the full story behind this financial performance.
Key Takeaways
- Piccadily Agro's Q4 net profit fell by 7.49%.
- Revenue dropped by 4.55% in Q4 FY25.
- Major cost increases were noted in materials and finance.
- Strong global demand for premium liquor brands remains.
- Future expansion plans include over Rs 500 crore investment.
Mumbai, May 21 (NationPress) The Haryana-based distillery Piccadily Agro Industries, renowned for producing the 'Indri' single-malt whiskey, reported a 7.49% year-on-year (YoY) drop in its net profit, tallying at Rs 39.80 crore in Q4 FY25, a decline from Rs 43.02 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year (Q4 FY24).
The company's operational revenue also witnessed a decrease of 4.55%, amounting to Rs 271.63 crore in Q4 FY25, down from Rs 284.59 crore a year prior.
Total income for the quarter fell to Rs 273.88 crore, marking a 3.97% decline compared to Rs 285.20 crore in the previous year.
Total expenses experienced a minor reduction at Rs 220.13 crore, down 2.63% from Rs 226.08 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.
Interestingly, even amid falling revenues, the company reported a notable increase in several key cost areas.
The cost of materials consumed surged by 33.94%, reaching Rs 236.39 crore. Finance costs skyrocketed, more than doubling to Rs 9.02 crore, a 113.74% increase.
Employee benefits costs rose by 30.07% to Rs 15.31 crore, while depreciation and amortization expenses increased by 23.02% to Rs 4.97 crore.
Additional expenses also saw a slight rise of 0.30% to Rs 67.94 crore.
Despite these financial challenges, the company highlighted strong global demand for its premium liquor brands -- Indri single malt whisky and Camikara, India's first pure cane juice rum.
"Both brands have transformed the perception of Indian spirits on the global stage, garnering recognition and a loyal following across continents," stated Piccadily Agro.
CFO Natwar Aggarwal expressed confidence in the company's future, noting that the premium IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) sector continues to enhance EBITDA margins, which have increased from 18.4% to 21.4%.
"We remain highly optimistic about the long-term prospects of this sector. We have invested aggressively, with over Rs 500 crore already allocated for expanding capacity at Indri and a new project in Chhattisgarh, set to launch in FY26," he added.
The shares of Piccadily Agro Industries traded at Rs 567.2 on Wednesday, reflecting a decrease of Rs 35.10 or 5.83% on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).