Apparel retailer Arvind’s Q2 pre-tax profit jumps on strong demand

Indian clothing retailer Arvind posted a 19% rise in second-quarter pre-tax profit on Monday, aided by strong textiles demand as customers splurged on clothes ahead of the festive season, sending its shares 5% higher.

The company, which sells international brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Arrow and Calvin Klein, said its consolidated profit before tax rose to 1.35 billion rupees ($16.1 million), from 1.14 billion rupees a year earlier.

Demand for textiles remained strong during the festive season, as wealthy domestic consumers spent more, analysts noted.

The company said volume growth in its mainstay textile segment was mainly due to new customer acquisition and better demand.

Arvind posted a near 14% rise in revenue from operations, while revenue from its core textile segment, which accounts for nearly 74% of total sales, grew 12%.

The advanced materials segment (AMD), through which Arvind makes fabrics and protective gear for construction work, grew 9%.

Textile division has a buoyant order book, and is expected to do well in the second half of the financial year, Arvind said in its investor presentation, adding that AMD is expected to do well and touch a volume growth of 20%.

Its total expenses rose 13% to 20.66 billion rupees, which led earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) margin to contract to 10.1% from 10.7% a year ago.

The company reported an increase in deferred tax provision worth 293.5 million rupees during the quarter.

Last week, rival Shoppers Stop reported a loss for a second straight quarter, as high inflation led customers to cut back on discretionary spending.