RBI Review 2024–25: Sales of Listed Private Firms Rise 7.2%, Profit Margins Moderate

Current Context: On June 26, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India released its annual review of 3,902 listed private non-financial companies for FY 2024–25, highlighting a notable recovery in corporate performance.

• Sales growth improved to 7.2%, up from 4.7% in FY24, led by IT, telecom, and manufacturing sectors.
• Manufacturing sales rose 6%, driven by automobiles, electrical machinery, food & beverages, and pharma, though petroleum and steel saw declines.
• Operating profit growth moderated due to rising input and staff costs—6% for manufacturing, 6.1% for IT, and 15.9% for non-IT services.
• Operating profit margins dipped slightly to 14.2% (manufacturing), 21.9% (IT), and 22.1% (non-IT services), reflecting cost pressures.

Question:

Q.1 What was the overall sales growth of listed private non-financial companies in FY 2024–25, as per RBI’s annual review released on June 26, 2025?
a) 4.7%
b) 6.0%
c) 7.2%
d) 9.1%

Answer: c) Sales growth improved to 7.2% in FY 2024–25, up from 4.7% in FY24, indicating a recovery in corporate performance.