Category: Corporate

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Corporate

Trent Q3 profit rises to ₹217 cr, revenue up 15%

Trent Ltd, the Tata Group retailer behind Westside, Zudio, and other brands, reported higher profit and revenue for the third quarter of the 2025‑26 financial year, though analysts cautioned that growth at existing stores could remain under pressure.

For the quarter ending December 31, 2025, Trent’s consolidated revenue rose about 15% to ₹5,345 crore, up from ₹4,657 crore a year ago. Net profit increased nearly 3% to ₹513 crore, compared with ₹497 crore in the same period last year. On a standalone basis, profit grew 36% to ₹640 crore, while revenue rose about 16%, reflecting stronger performance in the company’s core operations.

The company continued expanding its store network, adding 17 Westside and 48 Zudio outlets during the quarter, including its first Zudio store in the UAE. By December 2025, Trent operated over 1,100 stores across 274 cities, with Westside accounting for 278 stores and Zudio for 854, covering more than 15 million square feet of retail space.

Management said gross margins remained stable across both chains, and customer spending improved following economic measures such as tax cuts. Some one-time costs related to labour code changes slightly reduced overall profit.

Investor response was mixed. Trent’s shares rose modestly after the results, but brokerages highlighted that same-store sales,  sales at existing outlets,  may face pressure, creating uncertainty about future growth. While some analysts pointed to operational efficiencies and margin gains as positives, others urged caution due to slower growth compared with earlier quarters.

Also Read: Novo Nordisk sheds $50 bn as 2026 sales weak outlook

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Corporate

Novo Nordisk sheds $50 bn as 2026 sales weak outlook

Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical major behind popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, saw its market value drop by nearly $50 billion after it issued a weaker-than-expected outlook for 2026. The guidance raised concerns about slowing growth and led to a sharp sell-off in the company’s shares.

The company said it expects sales to fall between 5% and 13% in 2026, marking a significant slowdown after years of strong growth driven by global demand for obesity and diabetes treatments. The forecast came in well below market expectations and highlighted growing challenges in key markets, especially the United States.

Following the announcement, Novo Nordisk’s shares plunged about 16% on the Copenhagen exchange, while its US-listed stock fell more than 14%. The decline erased tens of billions of dollars in market capitalisation and marked one of the company’s steepest single-day losses in recent years.

Novo Nordisk attributed the weaker outlook mainly to pricing pressure in the US, where policy measures aimed at lowering drug costs are expected to impact revenues. The company is also facing intensifying competition, particularly from rival drugmaker Eli Lilly, which has gained momentum with its own obesity and diabetes medicines.

Another concern is the approaching patent expiries of some products in select international markets, which could open the door to cheaper alternatives and weigh on future sales. Together, these factors are expected to offset continued demand growth for GLP-1 drugs.

In its latest quarterly results, Novo Nordisk reported moderate performance. Sales of Wegovy rose by around 17% year-on-year, while Ozempic sales remained largely flat. Although the results broadly met expectations, investor focus remained firmly on the weaker forward guidance.

Company executives acknowledged that 2026 will be challenging but stressed confidence in the long-term outlook for obesity and diabetes care. Novo Nordisk said it will continue to invest in innovation, manage costs tightly and strengthen its product pipeline to protect growth over time.

Also Read: Washington Post in limelight after massive newsroom layoffs

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Corporate

Washington Post in limelight after massive newsroom layoffs

The Washington Post has come into the global spotlight after carrying out one of the largest newsroom layoffs in its history, affecting more than 300 journalists. The job cuts have drawn widespread attention as they include well-known reporters and international correspondents, raising concerns about the future of global journalism.

Among those laid off is Ishaan Tharoor, a senior international affairs columnist and son of Indian MP Shashi Tharoor. Ishaan had spent 12 years at the newspaper and was known for his widely read column WorldView, which explained complex global issues in simple terms for readers around the world.

Following the layoffs, Ishaan described the moment as heartbreaking and said he was deeply saddened for his colleagues, many of whom had worked together for years. Several other journalists also took to social media to share their shock and disappointment, calling the cuts a major blow to international reporting.

Reports suggest that the restructuring has hit the international desk the hardest, with multiple foreign bureaus being closed. The newspaper has also reduced or shut down coverage of sports and books, signalling a sharp shift in editorial priorities.

Owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, The Washington Post said the layoffs were part of efforts to adapt to a rapidly changing media environment. Like many legacy media organisations, the paper is facing challenges such as declining advertising revenue, digital competition and changing reader habits.

The developments have triggered a strong reaction from media professionals and readers alike, with many expressing concern that such deep cuts could weaken independent journalism and reduce in-depth global coverage. As an institution known for investigative reporting and democratic values, The Washington Post now finds itself at the centre of a wider debate about the future of quality journalism in the digital age.

Also Read: Nintendo stock slides 11% on Q3 profit miss

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Corporate

Nintendo stock slides 11% on Q3 profit miss

Nintendo’s shares fell sharply by around 11% after the Japanese gaming giant reported disappointing third-quarter earnings, triggering concerns about shrinking profit margins despite strong hardware sales.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2025, Nintendo’s operating profit came in below market expectations, even as revenue rose sharply year-on-year. The company benefited from robust demand for its newly launched Switch 2 console, which has already sold more than 17 million units, making it Nintendo’s fastest-selling console to date. However, higher production costs reduced overall profitability.

Investors were particularly worried about rising component costs, especially memory chips, which are squeezing margins on hardware sales. Analysts noted that while Nintendo has priced the Switch 2 competitively to drive volumes, this strategy has limited its ability to generate higher profits from console sales.

Concerns were also raised about the software pipeline, with fewer blockbuster game launches expected in the near term. Strong game releases are critical for improving margins, as software typically delivers higher profits than hardware. Without a steady flow of major titles, analysts fear Nintendo may struggle to maintain earnings momentum.

Adding to investor disappointment, Nintendo maintained its full-year profit forecast, which remains below market estimates. The lack of an upgrade signalled management caution about the months ahead, even after a strong holiday sales season.

The sharp fall in Nintendo’s stock pushed it to its lowest level since April 2025 and weighed on broader market sentiment. Analysts said the reaction reflects growing scepticism over whether Nintendo can balance volume growth with profitability in a competitive and cost-inflationary environment.

Despite the sell-off, some market watchers remain positive on Nintendo’s long-term prospects, citing its strong brand, loyal customer base and successful console launch.

Also Read: Nintendo switch tops sales record

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Corporate

Sensex drops 400+, Nifty dips below 25,650

Markets fell sharply on Thursday, ending a three-day winning streak as investors booked profits and turned cautious. The BSE Sensex slipped more than 400 points in early trade, while the NSE Nifty 50 dropped below the key 25,650 level, reflecting broad selling pressure across sectors.

The decline was led by metal and banking stocks, which remained under pressure throughout the session. Weak global cues and uncertainty over commodity prices weighed on metal shares, while select financial stocks also saw selling. Pharma stocks traded lower as well, adding to the overall weakness in the market.

Among the major losers on the Sensex were IndiGo, Axis Bank, Tata Steel, Bharat Electronics (BEL) and Larsen & Toubro, with losses ranging between 1 and 2 per cent. These stocks pulled the benchmarks down as investor sentiment remained cautious.

On the other hand, a few stocks managed to stay in positive territory despite the broader fall. Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Trent, NTPC, Infosys and TCS were among the top gainers, rising up to 2 per cent. Gains in these stocks provided limited support to the indices but were not enough to offset losses elsewhere.

The broader market also mirrored the negative trend. Mid-cap and small-cap stocks slipped, showing that selling was widespread and not limited to large-cap stocks alone. Several stocks also reacted to quarterly earnings announcements, leading to stock-specific volatility.

Global markets offered mixed signals. Asian markets were mostly lower, while US market cues were uncertain. Volatility in commodity prices, especially a sharp fall in silver and easing gold prices, also affected investor sentiment.

Market experts said the fall was largely due to profit booking after the recent rally. They added that while the long-term outlook for Indian markets remains positive, short-term volatility may continue as investors track global developments and corporate earnings.

Also Read: Walmart strikes $1 trillion market value

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Corporate

Walmart strikes $1 trillion market value

Walmart Inc., the world’s largest retailer, has reached a $1 trillion market capitalization, becoming the first traditional retailer to join the exclusive club of U.S. companies valued at a trillion dollars. The milestone puts Walmart alongside tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet.

The company’s shares have risen roughly 26% over the past year, reflecting investor confidence in its digital transformation and growth strategies. Analysts say Walmart’s success shows that a combination of technology investments and strong retail fundamentals can create significant shareholder value.

Walmart has invested heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve supply-chain efficiency, inventory management, and customer experience. The retailer has also expanded its online marketplace, offering over half a billion items, and introduced services like one-hour delivery and the Walmart+ membership program, aiming to compete with Amazon Prime.

In addition, Walmart has built a digital advertising business, generating higher-margin revenue and strengthening its competitive edge. The company’s focus on value pricing and convenience has attracted a broad customer base, appealing to both traditional bargain shoppers and digitally savvy consumers.

Walmart is only the second non-tech company to reach the trillion-dollar mark after Berkshire Hathaway, highlighting its transformation from a conventional retail chain into a tech-powered omnichannel retailer.

Walmart’s leadership is also evolving, with new initiatives aimed at innovation and technology-driven growth to stay ahead of competitors such as Amazon, Target, and other discount retailers.

The milestone is seen as a signal that traditional companies can thrive in the digital era without losing their core business strengths.

Also Read: Fitbit founders launch Luffu AI app for family health

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Aditya Birla housing finance raises ₹2,750 cr from Advent International

Aditya Birla Housing Finance Ltd (ABHFL), the housing finance arm of Aditya Birla Capital Ltd, is set to receive a significant ₹2,750 crore investment from global private equity firm Advent International. The deal will give Advent a 14.3% stake in ABHFL, while Aditya Birla Capital will continue to hold the majority ownership.

The investment comes through a primary share issuance, which will provide ABHFL with fresh capital to strengthen its balance sheet and accelerate its growth plans. The transaction values the company at around ₹19,250 crore on a post-money basis, reflecting strong investor confidence in the firm’s business model and future prospects.

Once completed, the deal will help ABHFL expand its lending operations, reach more homebuyers, and deepen its presence across India. The funds are expected to support the company’s long-term strategy of offering affordable housing loans and enhancing its customer base, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where demand for housing finance is growing rapidly.

The investment is subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, which are expected to be obtained in the coming months. Following the announcement, Aditya Birla Capital shares rose by 8%, signaling positive market sentiment towards the deal. Analysts noted that the transaction not only strengthens ABHFL’s growth trajectory but also reflects the attractiveness of India’s housing finance sector to global investors.

Advent International, through its investment platform Indriya Limited, has a strong track record of backing companies in India and globally, focusing on growth-stage opportunities. This partnership is likely to bring strategic guidance and expertise to ABHFL, in addition to the capital infusion.

Also Read: Vinay Tonse named Yes Bank MD & CEO

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Corporate

Sensex rises 78 points, Nifty crosses 25,750

Indian benchmark indices ended Wednesday’s session on a positive note, with the BSE Sensex rising about 78 points and the Nifty 50 holding above 25,750, as investors weighed a mix of domestic policy developments and global cues.

After a strong rally earlier in the week triggered by the India–US trade deal, which lowered tariffs on key Indian exports, markets paused for consolidation. Heavyweights such as Trent and Eternal surged around 5% each, driving gains, while Infosys and HCL Tech slipped, reflecting cautious profit‑booking in IT stocks.

Traders balanced optimism over Union Budget 2026 measures with selective profit-taking. Banking and consumer stocks supported the market, while technology and export‑sensitive sectors saw mixed performance amid global market volatility.

Global developments, including geopolitical tensions and international market shifts, influenced investor sentiment, pushing the India VIX higher as traders hedged positions.

Corporate earnings updates added stock-specific momentum, particularly in financial services, while analysts highlighted earnings flows, foreign institutional investor activity, and policy clarity as near-term market drivers.

Also Read: Sensex swings in range, Nifty breaches 25,750 mark

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Corporate

Alphabet expands Bengaluru offices, adds thousands of AI jobs

Alphabet Inc, the parent company of Google, is planning a major expansion in India, with a focus on Bengaluru, one of the country’s top tech cities. The company is leasing a new office tower in the Whitefield tech corridor and is considering two more buildings, creating a massive new campus for its growing workforce.

If Alphabet occupies all three towers, the new space could accommodate up to 20,000 employees, more than doubling its current staff in India, which is around 14,000. The first office is expected to be ready in the coming months, with the other two set to open next year.

A company spokesperson confirmed Alphabet’s strong presence in Bengaluru and other Indian cities, while highlighting that the new tower lease reflects its long-term plans in the country. The company, however, did not comment on the total number of employees or future expansion plans.

Experts say the expansion is partly due to tighter U.S. visa rules, which have made it harder for American tech companies to bring talent from abroad. With these restrictions, India is emerging as a key hub for global tech and AI talent, and companies like Alphabet are increasingly investing in local growth.

Bengaluru, already known as India’s Silicon Valley, is quickly becoming a global centre for artificial intelligence. Several AI companies are setting up shop here, and local talent is gaining worldwide recognition. For Alphabet, this expansion is not just about more office space—it’s a bet on India’s growing role in shaping the future of technology.

Industry insiders see this as a long-term commitment, showing that global tech giants are not just outsourcing to India, they are building major operations here. For Bengaluru, it’s another step in solidifying its place on the world’s technology map.

With more jobs, more innovation, and a growing focus on AI, Alphabet’s plans are set to strengthen India’s position in the global tech ecosystem, while giving thousands of professionals a chance to be part of cutting-edge technology projects right at home.

Also Read: Bajaj Finance shares drop 6% as Q3 provisions weigh

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Corporate

Bajaj Finance shares drop 6% as Q3 provisions weigh

Shares of Bajaj Finance fell sharply after the lender reported its Q3 results, as investors reacted nervously to a spike in credit provisions, despite healthy business growth and a supportive broker outlook.

For the December quarter, Bajaj Finance posted a year-on-year decline in net profit, largely due to higher provisioning for potential loan losses and one-time costs. While the company continued to grow its loan book at a strong pace, the higher buffers taken to protect against future stress weighed on earnings and market sentiment.

The stock came under pressure even though the company’s core operations remained resilient. Net interest income rose strongly, supported by steady demand for consumer and SME loans. Assets under management also recorded robust growth, highlighting that borrowing activity remains intact across segments.

Adding a contrasting note, global brokerage JPMorgan upgraded the stock, citing confidence in Bajaj Finance’s long-term growth story, strong franchise, and improving asset quality over time. However, the upgrade failed to calm near-term concerns, as investors focused on the immediate impact of elevated provisions on profitability.

Market participants remain cautious, noting that while Bajaj Finance continues to deliver on business expansion and customer acquisition, credit costs and regulatory-related expenses could keep earnings under pressure in the short term.

Also Read: ChrysCapital picks minority stake in Nash Industries