Asian Paints Q2 profit rises 7.5% as raw material costs bite

Asian Paints reported a 7.5% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit to ₹1,067 crore for the September quarter. Net sales grew 17% to ₹9,954 crore on strong demand in domestic coatings and international markets. However, rising raw material costs and pressure on operating margins partly offset the sales gains, as inflation squeezed the paint maker's profitability.