REDTAPE Limited has delivered impressive financial results for Q3FY26, showcasing strong growth across key performance metrics despite regulatory challenges. The footwear and apparel retailer announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025, reflecting robust operational execution and market demand.

Strong Revenue Growth Drives Performance

The company's standalone revenue from operations reached ₹785.85 crore in Q3FY26, marking an 18.70% increase from ₹662.14 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. This growth trajectory was supported by strong demand across the company's product portfolio and effective market penetration strategies.

Exceptional Profit Margin Expansion

REDTAPE demonstrated strong profitability with net profit surging 42.74% to ₹105.72 crore in Q3FY26 compared to ₹74.07 crore in Q3FY25. The profit before tax increased significantly to ₹138.54 crore from ₹100.43 crore, reflecting improved operational efficiency and cost management. Basic earnings per share improved to ₹1.91 from ₹1.34 in the previous year quarter.

Nine-Month Performance Highlights

For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2025, REDTAPE maintained its growth momentum with revenue from operations reaching ₹1,740.35 crore, up 14.89% from ₹1,514.73 crore in the corresponding period last year. Net profit for the nine-month period stood at ₹172.99 crore, representing a substantial 32.80% increase from ₹130.26 crore in the previous year.

Regulatory Developments and Management Response

The company disclosed that Income Tax authorities conducted search operations under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 in September 2025 at various premises, including company locations and residences of directors and employees. REDTAPE extended full cooperation during the proceedings and provided all required documentation. As of the results announcement date, no written communication regarding the search outcome has been received from the department. Management believes there will be no material adverse impact on the company's financial position based on available records and facts.

Consolidated Performance and Subsidiary Operations

On a consolidated basis, REDTAPE reported revenue from operations of ₹786.55 crore in Q3FY26 and net profit of ₹104.53 crore. The consolidated results include performance from subsidiaries including Redtape Bangla Limited, Redtape HK Limited, and step-down subsidiaries Redtape London Limited and Redtape (Quanzhou) Sports Goods Co. Limited. The subsidiary operations contributed revenues of ₹70 lakh for the quarter and ₹291 lakh for the nine-month period.

The company's strong financial performance demonstrates resilient business fundamentals and effective execution of growth strategies across its retail operations in the competitive footwear and apparel market.

Redtape shares experienced a sharp decline of over 7% on Wednesday, January 14, following promoter clarification on reports regarding potential stake monetisation plans. The stock has now declined in four out of the last five trading sessions, reflecting continued volatility in the counter.

Market Movement and Recent Performance

The current decline follows a 12% gain on Tuesday, which was driven by a Reuters report suggesting significant private equity interest in the company. Trading data shows the stock's recent performance:

Stake Sale Reports and Private Equity Interest

The Reuters report that triggered Tuesday's rally indicated that the company's founders are exploring interest from major private equity firms Blackstone and KKR. The potential transaction involves:

• Sale of majority stake or entire holding
• Estimated value of $510 million
• Ernst & Young appointed as exclusive financial adviser
• Focus on the Mirza Family's stake divestment

The report cited documents accessed by Reuters, suggesting concrete steps toward potential monetisation of the founding family's holdings.

Promoter Response and Regulatory Compliance

In response to the Reuters report, Redtape's promoters issued a clarification addressing the speculation. Key points from their statement include:

• No event has occurred warranting disclosure under SEBI regulations
• Company and promoters continue exploring strategic opportunities
• Focus remains on growth, business expansion, and value creation
• Such exploration activities are conducted from time to time

This measured response suggests that while discussions may be ongoing, no formal agreements or binding commitments have been reached that would trigger mandatory regulatory disclosures.

Shareholding Structure

The promoter shareholding data reveals the scale of potential stake sale:

The substantial promoter holding of 71.8% as of September quarter-end indicates the significant nature of any potential divestment transaction.

Stock Performance Context

Redtape shares have faced challenging market conditions in recent months. The stock's performance trajectory shows:

• Declined 44% in 2025
• Three consecutive months of negative returns before the new year
• Current trading at ₹120.47 after Wednesday's decline

The company, being a demerged entity of footwear manufacturer Mirza International Ltd., continues to establish its independent market presence while navigating investor expectations and strategic positioning in the competitive footwear retail segment.