Indian Employees See Their Wage Growth Lag As Companies' Revenue Surge In FY24

Around 4,000 listed companies in India reported a 6 per cent growth in revenue or gross sales during the financial year 2024, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI).

Robust Revenue Growth

While the growth in revenue was moderate, the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBIDTA) and profit after tax (PAT) saw a robust increase of 28 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively.

It said "Around 4000 listed entities reported 6 per cent growth in top line in FY24, while EBIDTA and PAT grew by 28 per cent and 32 per cent respectively. However, Employee expenses grew by only 13 per cent in FY24 as compared to 17 per cent in FY23".

Interestingly, the report highlighted a notable moderation in employee expenses. Employee costs grew by only 13 per cent in FY24, a decline from 17 per cent recorded in FY23. This suggests that companies are focusing on optimizing their wage bills while maintaining profitability.

Over the past four years, the report stated that the Indian companies have consistently maintained an average EBIDTA margin of 22 per cent. During the same period, the average annual growth in wage bills has been around 12 per cent.

This reflects a careful modulation of employee expenses and other cost components, ensuring a healthy margin of safety.

Moderation In Focus

A detailed analysis of the expenditure side using the weighted average contribution model revealed that apart from the cost of goods sold (COGS)--which is impacted by commodity price fluctuations--employee expenses play a significant role in determining EBIDTA.

The weighted average negative contribution of employee expenses to EBIDTA growth declined to 7 per cent in FY24 from 8.6 per cent in FY23. This indicates improved cost management by companies.

Even in the second quarter of FY25, listed companies reported a 7 per cent growth in EBIDTA, while the wage bill grew at a slower pace of 5.6 per cent.

The report highlights how Indian corporations are balancing growth in revenues and profits with careful cost management. This moderation in wage growth, alongside consistent profitability, reflects a strategic approach to sustaining margins in a volatile economic environment.

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