Kolkata: Storage battery major Exide Industries reported a 24.3% year-on-year increase in its consolidated net profit to Rs 274.6 crore in the first quarter of this fiscal, backed by close to a 6% year-on-year rise in its revenue. The company posted a net profit of Rs 220.7 crore for the first quarter of the last financial year. "Prices of input materials continue to increase, and hence, there is pressure on material costs. However, the cost is getting offset due to various cost excellence projects," the company said. Avik Roy, MD & CEO, said, "Q1 FY26 was characterised by tough macroeconomic conditions, continuous pressure from input costs with low manufacturing sector growth and de-growth in most of the automotive OEM segments.