Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, India’s largest private hospital chain, reported a stronger-than-expected first-quarter (Q1FY27) performance, with consolidated net profit rising 34% year-on-year, beating analyst estimates compiled by LSEG.

The Chennai-based hospital operator posted a net profit of ₹5.81 billion for the quarter ended June 30, up from ₹4.33 billion in the same period last year. Analysts, on average, had expected a net profit of ₹5.62 billion, according to LSEG data. Overall quarterly revenue from operations rose 20.6% year-on-year to ₹70.43 billion, aided by strong growth in the company’s healthcare services segment and its offline pharmacy business. Hospital occupancy stood at 70% during the quarter, compared with 65% a year earlier, driven by a richer case mix and a higher share of complex procedures.

The company, which currently operates around 10,000 beds across the country, announced plans to add over 5,800 beds over the next five years as it looks to scale up its presence in major metropolitan areas and key urban clusters. Founder and Chairman Dr. Prathap C. Reddy said the expansion aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy.

Growth during the quarter was driven by stronger performance in specialty-care segments, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, gastroenterology and orthopedics. Apollo’s retail arm, Apollo Health and Lifestyle Ltd, reported revenue of ₹499 crore, growing 15% year-on-year, while its omni-channel pharmacy business, Apollo HealthCo — which operates the Apollo 24|7 digital healthcare platform – reported revenue of ₹2,977 crore, up 20% year-on-year. Within HealthCo, offline pharmacy distribution revenue stood at ₹2,629 crore, while digital platform revenue came in at ₹348 crore. The company added 151 net new stores during the quarter, taking its total store count to 7,440.

International patient demand remained steady during the quarter, supported by continued engagement with governments, embassies and healthcare partners, the company said.

Apollo competes in the private hospital space with rivals such as Manipal Health Enterprises and Fortis Healthcare, as rising demand for treatment of complex diseases like cancer and orthopedic conditions continues to drive growth across India’s private hospital sector.