Bata India's (Bata) Q2FY26 result was below our estimates on key parameters. The management cited GST 2.0 transition caused significant and acute disruption during the quarter, impacting the overall top line. The period between the rate rationalization announcement and the effective date saw substantial consumer and channel partner deferral in buying. However, the company anticipates structural benefits from the GST reduction, especially aiding the lower price point segment (below Rs1,000) which has been under stress for the past two years. Further, there is a structural shift in consumer...

With a 7% downside from the CMP, we maintain our HOLD rating on the stock.

With a 3% downside from the CMP, we maintain our HOLD rating on the stock.

Bata India's (Bata) Q1FY26 result was in-line with our estimates on key parameters. Q1FY26 was relatively tough, showing only flattish growth, though it seemed slightly better than the previous quarter. There is still stress in the mass segment, particularly the middle and mass segments of the consumer base. Consumers in the target middle-class segment have experienced a pinch due to inflation, necessitating a focus on value for money in products. Further, there is a structural shift in consumer behaviour towards online platforms, leading to growth in e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. The...

We cut FY26/FY27 EPS estimates by 1.9%/4.5% driven by 1) Higher store additions in a subdued demand environment, to likely increase overheads in the near term. We estimate margin contraction of 64bps/14bps in FY26/FY27 and 2) Weak store economics, driven by lower throughput/store amidst continued muted consumer sentiment. However, we believe operating parameters may improve in medium term only, led by 1) Stable store-level economics, aided by expansion into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. 2) Normalization of BIS-related issues in...

Relaxo Footwears Ltd.'s (Relaxo) Q1FY26 result was below our estimates on key parameters. The company had yet another quarter of weak performance as sales volume declined. We believe there is no major uptick in demand environment post muted performance in Q4FY25 as well. The management's prudent cost cutting has been detrimental in operating margin improvement in Q1FY26. We believe Relaxo's earnings may remain under pressure in near term as sales volume may remain muted. However, the management is taking strategic steps such as the Retailer Parivar App, broadening the ecommerce...

With an 8% upside from the CMP, we maintain our HOLD rating on the stock.

With a 1% downside from the CMP, we maintain our HOLD rating on the stock.

Bata India (BATA) delivered yet another weak quarter with 1% YoY revenue decline (5% miss) and ~230bp YoY gross margin contraction. The weak performance was attributed to the company’s deliberate shift toward valuedriven offerings to boost volume amid subdued demand.

We cut FY26/FY27 EPS estimates by 0.7/3.5%, factoring in lower other income due to Rs4bn one time dividend paid in 3Q25. Operating parameters are showing an improvement led by 1) better demand conditions, supported by a higher number of wedding days in 1H26. 2) Stable store-level economics, aided by expansion into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. 3) BIS-related issues are expected to fully normalize over the next 912 months and 4) peaked out losses in FILA and expected scale up in Foot Locker and FILA from 2H26. Metro Brands Ltd (MBL)'s growth plans remain on track led by 1) Entry into...

With a 2% downside from the CMP, we maintain our HOLD rating on the stock

We maintain our HOLD rating on the stock.

With a 5% downside from the CMP, we maintain our HOLD rating on the stock.

Relaxo Footwears’ (RLXF) revenue declined 5% YoY as the 6% YoY ASP increase was offset by a 10% YoY volume decline on subdued demand and higher competition from lower-priced unorganized players.

With a 3% downside from the CMP, we maintain our HOLD rating on the stock.

Bata India (BATA) delivered a modest growth recovery with 2% YoY revenue growth. The 10% miss on EBITDA was primarily driven by lower gross margin (-140bp YoY) on account of a shift in the channel mix.

Demand remains soft; premiumisation drive continues