Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd reported a sharp 73 percent year-on-year decline in FY25 net profit to ₹756 crore, with revenue down nine percent to ₹8,456 crore. Management attributed the drop to sluggish rural consumption and rising packaging expenses, along with price rationalization moves by competitors. Operating margins contracted significantly despite cost-control initiatives. Analysts said higher input prices and intensifying market discounting pressured profitability across the non-alcoholic beverages segment. The company plans to invest in logistics automation and distribution expansion to restore volume growth in FY26 as urban demand stays relatively stable.