Category: Corporate

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Corporate

Alphabet breaks $400 bn revenue barrier in 2025

Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, has achieved a historic milestone by recording annual revenues exceeding $400 billion in 2025 for the first time. The landmark performance reflects strong momentum across its core businesses, supported by rising demand for artificial intelligence, digital advertising, video streaming and cloud services.

In its full-year earnings statement, Alphabet reported revenues of about $403 billion, representing around 15 per cent growth compared to the previous year. The company also delivered a robust final quarter, generating nearly $114 billion in revenue, comfortably beating analysts’ expectations and underscoring steady business expansion through the year.

Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said the results demonstrate the strength of Alphabet’s long-term strategy, particularly its focus on AI-led innovation. He noted that artificial intelligence is now deeply integrated across Google’s products, improving performance, user engagement and monetisation.

Google’s search and advertising business continued to be the biggest contributor to revenues, helped by better ad targeting and the rollout of AI-powered search features. YouTube also posted solid gains, with advertising and subscription income together crossing $60 billion during 2025. Growth was driven by higher viewer engagement, strong demand for premium subscriptions and sustained interest from advertisers.

Google Cloud emerged as another major growth engine, as enterprises increasingly adopted cloud infrastructure and AI-based tools. The cloud division recorded sharp revenue growth during the year and continued to improve margins, strengthening its position in a highly competitive market.

Alphabet’s push into generative AI has been a key highlight. Its Gemini AI platform has rapidly scaled, attracting hundreds of millions of monthly users. The company said Gemini is being embedded across multiple services, from search and productivity tools to cloud offerings, helping unlock new revenue opportunities.

The strong revenue growth was matched by a rise in net profit, supported by higher scale and operational efficiencies. Looking ahead, Alphabet announced plans to significantly step up capital expenditure in 2026, with major investments planned for data centres, chips and AI infrastructure to support future demand.

Also Read: India removes small-car relief in new fuel emission rules

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Corporate

MRF Q3 profit jumps 119% to ₹692 cr

MRF Ltd posted a strong financial performance in the December quarter, with its consolidated net profit surging 119 per cent year-on-year to ₹692 crore, compared with ₹315 crore in the same quarter last year.

Revenue from operations grew by about 15 per cent to ₹8,050 crore, supported by steady demand across both original equipment manufacturers and the replacement tyre market. Better pricing and improved operating efficiencies helped the company deliver higher profitability during the quarter.

Operating earnings showed a sharp improvement, with EBITDA rising nearly 68 per cent to around ₹1,399 crore. This led to a significant expansion in operating margins to 17.4 per cent, up from 11.9 per cent a year ago, reflecting effective cost management and favourable input cost trends.

Total expenditure increased moderately to about ₹7,180 crore, in line with higher production volumes. The company also recorded an exceptional expense of ₹77.2 crore, arising from a one-time increase in gratuity and leave-related liabilities following changes in legislation.

In addition to the strong earnings, MRF’s board approved a second interim dividend of ₹3 per equity share for FY26. The company has fixed February 13, 2026, as the record date for determining eligible shareholders. The dividend will be paid on or after February 27, 2026.

MRF shares reacted positively to the announcements, climbing as much as 9 per cent in intraday trade, as investors welcomed the sharp profit growth and improved margin profile.

Also Read: RBI keeps repo rate at 5.25%, stance neutral

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Corporate

Sensex ends 266 points lower, Nifty near 25,700

Markets ended the day on a weak note, with the Sensex falling 266 points to 86,120 and the Nifty 50 closing near 25,700. Investors remained cautious amid volatility in domestic indices and weak global cues from the US and Asian markets.

Among individual stocks, HDFC, Infosys, and Reliance Industries led the gainers, showing resilience despite broader market weakness. On the other hand, Tata Steel, Titan, and Bharti Airtel dragged the indices lower, reflecting selective profit-taking in cyclical and high-beta stocks. Sectoral indices mirrored this mixed trend, with IT and financials outperforming while metals and consumer durables lagged.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued as net sellers, while domestic institutional investors maintained selective buying, indicating cautious optimism in certain pockets of the market. Analysts noted that short-term volatility could persist as traders await clearer cues from domestic and global developments.

On the global front, markets in the US and Asia recorded sharp declines, particularly in technology and risk-sensitive sectors, which added pressure on Indian benchmarks. This comes as investors remain attentive to inflation trends, interest rate expectations, and geopolitical developments.

Corporate earnings updates also influenced sentiment. Nykaa reported a strong quarterly profit, while Bharti Airtel’s pre-exceptional profits rose, although net profits fell due to one-off expenses. Such results highlight selective sectoral strength even as the broader market remains under pressure.

With the Reserve Bank of India’s policy signals looming, market participants are advised to monitor key support and resistance levels before taking fresh positions.

Also Read: Tim Cook talks succession, denies retirement plans

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Corporate

Suzlon Energy Q3 revenue rises 42% to ₹4,228 cr

Suzlon Energy delivered a strong set of numbers in the third quarter of FY26, showing clear signs of operational recovery and balance-sheet strength. However, despite the improved performance, the market reaction remained subdued, with the company’s shares slipping after the results announcement.

For the quarter ended December 2025, Suzlon reported revenue of ₹4,228 crore, a sharp 42% increase year-on-year, supported by record wind turbine deliveries. The company executed 617 MW of projects during the quarter, its highest ever in a single quarter, compared to 447 MW in the same period last year. This reflects faster project execution and improved on-ground momentum.

Net profit for the quarter stood at ₹445 crore, marking a 15% rise from a year ago. Operating performance also improved, with EBITDA climbing to ₹739 crore, up nearly 48% year-on-year. Margins expanded to around 17.5%, indicating better cost efficiencies and operating leverage as volumes increased.

Suzlon’s order book remained healthy at 6.4 GW, even after large deliveries during the quarter. Of this, around 2.4 GW is under active execution, providing good revenue visibility for the coming quarters. The company also highlighted a strong project pipeline of over 25 GW, reflecting growing demand for wind energy amid India’s renewable push.

On the financial front, Suzlon ended the quarter with a net cash position of about ₹1,556 crore, underlining its improved balance sheet after years of stress. Management reiterated confidence in meeting its FY26 execution guidance, supported by stable demand and ongoing projects.

Despite these positives, Suzlon’s shares fell 4–5% on the day of the results. Analysts pointed out that investor sentiment was tempered due to a sequential dip in profit, as the previous quarter had benefited from a one-time tax gain. Some concerns also remain around project timelines, site readiness, and grid connectivity.

Also Read: RBI approves Blackstone’s 9.99% stake in Federal bank

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Corporate

RBI approves Blackstone’s 9.99% stake in Federal bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved global private equity major Blackstone to acquire up to a 9.99% stake in Federal Bank, paving the way for one of the largest foreign investments in an Indian mid-sized private bank.

Blackstone will invest around ₹6,196 crore through its Singapore-based arm, Asia II Topco XIII Pte Ltd. The investment will be made through a preferential allotment of convertible warrants, subject to shareholder approval and other statutory clearances.

As part of the transaction, Federal Bank will issue up to 27.29 crore warrants to Blackstone at an issue price of ₹227 per share, which includes a premium over the market price. Each warrant can be converted into one fully paid equity share. Once fully converted, Blackstone’s holding will stand just under the 10% regulatory threshold for promoter classification.

The deal had earlier received clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), removing a key regulatory hurdle before the RBI’s final approval.

Under the agreement, Blackstone will also have the right to nominate one non-executive director to Federal Bank’s board, provided its shareholding remains at 5% or more. This gives the investor a limited but meaningful role in the bank’s governance while maintaining its status as a minority shareholder.

Federal Bank is a professionally managed private lender with no single promoter, and its shareholding is widely dispersed among institutional and public investors. Analysts say Blackstone’s entry highlights growing global confidence in India’s banking sector, especially in lenders with strong retail and digital growth potential.

The fresh capital is expected to strengthen Federal Bank’s balance sheet, support future expansion plans, and improve its ability to grow its loan book across retail, MSME, and digital banking segments.

Also Read: Walmart raises pharmacy pay, top roles hit $42 an hour

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Corporate

Walmart raises pharmacy pay, top roles hit $42 an hour

Walmart has announced a significant pay hike for employees working in its pharmacy operations across the United States, offering a welcome boost to thousands of frontline healthcare workers. The move reflects the retail giant’s growing focus on strengthening in-store healthcare services and supporting staff who play a critical role in patient care.

As part of the new structure, around 3,000 pharmacy technician roles have been upgraded to pharmacy operations team lead positions. These roles now earn an average of $28 an hour, with top pay going as high as $42 an hour, depending on location, experience, and performance. For many workers, this marks a major step up in both responsibility and income.

Walmart has also expanded pay ranges for pharmacy technicians, who can now earn up to $40.50 an hour, compared with earlier average wages of about $22 an hour. Importantly, many of these roles do not require a college degree, making them accessible to workers seeking stable, well-paying jobs without formal higher education.

The company says the wage increase is part of a broader effort to attract, retain, and motivate skilled pharmacy staff at a time when healthcare workers across the US are facing heavier workloads and rising costs of living. Walmart also continues to invest in employee growth by covering certification expenses for pharmacy technicians. Since 2016, the retailer has helped more than 22,000 employees gain professional pharmacy certifications.

For workers on the ground, the changes translate into more than just higher pay. The new roles offer clearer career pathways, leadership opportunities, and a sense of recognition for the work they do daily, filling prescriptions, assisting patients, and supporting pharmacists in busy community settings.

Walmart’s pharmacy employees also receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans with company matching, adding to the overall value of the compensation package.

Also Read: ElevenLabs raises $500 mn, valuation jumps to $11 bn

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Corporate

Airtel Q3 profit falls 55% to ₹6,631 cr

Bharti Airtel reported a mixed set of results for the third quarter, with strong growth in revenue and operating performance, even as net profit dropped sharply compared with last year.

For the quarter ended December, the telecom major’s consolidated net profit fell 55% year-on-year to ₹6,631 crore, down from a high base in the same period last year. The decline was mainly due to one-time gains recorded in Q3 last year, including benefits from the Indus Towers consolidation, and a one-off provision related to labour law compliance during the current quarter.

Despite the fall in profit, Airtel’s core business showed solid momentum. Consolidated revenue rose nearly 20% year-on-year to ₹53,982 crore, driven by steady growth in India operations and continued expansion in Africa. Higher data usage, premium plans, and postpaid customer additions supported the topline.

A key highlight of the quarter was the improvement in Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), which increased to ₹259, up from ₹245 a year ago. The rise in ARPU reflects better customer monetisation, tariff discipline, and higher adoption of data-heavy plans. Airtel continues to maintain one of the highest ARPUs in the Indian telecom sector.

Operating profitability also strengthened. EBITDA grew over 25% year-on-year to around ₹31,144 crore, with margins improving to nearly 58%, indicating better cost control and operating leverage. Sequentially, both revenue and EBITDA showed growth, underlining stable quarter-on-quarter performance.

During the quarter, Airtel continued to invest in its network, expanding 4G and 5G coverage, adding new towers, and strengthening its fibre footprint. The company also added more smartphone and postpaid users, supporting long-term revenue visibility.

Management said the underlying business remains strong, with improving cash flows and a healthier balance sheet, even though headline profit numbers were impacted by exceptional items and accounting factors.

Also Read: RBI says most ₹2,000 notes returned, still legal tender

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Sensex slips 300+ points, Nifty dips below 25,550

Indian markets opened on a weak note on Friday, with the BSE Sensex falling over 350 points and the Nifty50 slipping below 25,550. Investors stayed cautious after the RBI kept interest rates unchanged at 5.25%, while global tech sell-offs and profit-taking added to the downward pressure.

IT stocks led the losses, with TCS and Infosys falling nearly 2%, and all ten Nifty IT constituents trading in the red. Metals and energy stocks, including Tata Steel and NTPC, also saw declines, further weighing on the market.

On the upside, Pharma and FMCG stocks gained as investors sought safer bets amid volatility. Companies like Sun Pharma, Divi’s Labs, and Hindustan Unilever posted modest gains, helping to partially cushion the broader market’s fall.

Global markets influenced domestic trading. Technology shares faced selling pressure in the US and Asia, while futures tied to the S&P 500 were lower, reinforcing the risk-off sentiment. Precious metals like gold and silver extended losses due to a stronger US dollar and weaker global demand.

Market participants are now focusing on upcoming corporate earnings and economic data for fresh cues. While the RBI’s policy was neutral, continued weakness in IT and metals, alongside gains in Pharma and FMCG, is likely to keep trading cautious in the near term.

Also Read: IndiGo faces CCI probe after ₹22 cr flight disruptions

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Tata Motors PV Q3 loss ₹3,486 crore

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd (TMPVL) reported a consolidated loss of ₹3,486 crore for the third quarter of FY26, a sharp reversal from a profit of ₹5,406 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations fell 26% to ₹70,108 crore, reflecting pressure across its business segments.

The decline was mainly driven by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Tata Motors’ UK-based luxury car subsidiary. JLR faced a cybersecurity breach that disrupted production and distribution for several weeks, resulting in lost sales and a significant one-time charge. Weak global demand, higher US tariffs, and challenging conditions in China further impacted performance.

For JLR, revenue and profits tumbled, with its EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) turning negative, wiping out last year’s gains. Tata Motors expects JLR to recover gradually, but now anticipates a modest EBIT margin of 0–2% for the full year and continued free cash outflows. The British government has extended a £1.5 billion loan guarantee to support JLR’s operations and investment plans.

Despite international challenges, Tata Motors’ domestic passenger vehicle business performed well. Sales and exports in India rose 22% year-on-year, aided by lower GST rates, stronger market demand, and strategic incentives. This helped offset some losses from JLR and improved sequential performance quarter-on-quarter.

The company’s management said it expects production at JLR to normalise in the coming months, which should boost revenues and cash flows. Tata Motors is also focusing on new product launches, operational efficiency, and brand initiatives to strengthen both domestic and global segments.

Also Read: Anthropic’s AI Agents raise market concerns for Indian IT

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Sensex drops 504 points, Nifty falls below 25,700

Markets fell sharply on Thursday, ending a three-day winning streak. The BSE Sensex dropped 504 points, while the Nifty50 slipped below 25,700 at the close. Investors booked profits after recent gains, causing widespread losses across sectors.

Most sectors ended in the red, with IT, metals, and consumer stocks among the hardest hit. Heavyweights like Reliance Industries, Eternal, Airtel, and Tata Hotels declined, while GIFT City and Tata Capital were among the few gainers.

Experts said multiple factors drove the decline: profit-taking after recent gains, global market weakness, and caution ahead of the Reserve Bank of India’s policy meeting. The expiry of index futures contracts also added to volatility.

Mid-cap and small-cap stocks fell, reflecting investors’ risk aversion. Metal stocks dropped in line with weaker global commodity prices. The technology sector also declined amid global demand concerns and valuation pressures.

Market volatility stayed high, with the India VIX signaling increased uncertainty. Investors are watching the RBI’s policy announcement and other economic cues for guidance. Thursday’s session highlighted broad-based selling, with gains limited to select stocks such as GIFT City and Tata Capital.

Also Read: Sensex drops 400+, Nifty dips below 25,650