Category: Corporate

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Corporate

Hindalco Q4 profit slides 51% to ₹2,597 cr on Novelis hit

Hindalco Industries reported a steep fall in its consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter of FY26, even as its core business showed strong operational performance across aluminium and copper segments.

The company’s net profit dropped 51% year-on-year to ₹2,597 crore in Q4 FY26, compared with ₹5,283 crore in the same period last year. The decline was primarily due to exceptional charges linked to a fire-related disruption at its US-based subsidiary Novelis, which affected production and led to higher costs during the quarter.

Despite the sharp fall in profit, the company posted strong revenue growth. Revenue from operations rose about 20% year-on-year to ₹78,133 crore, driven by better performance in its India aluminium and copper businesses, along with steady demand in downstream products.

Operating performance remained resilient. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased to ₹11,197 crore, marking a record high for the company. This growth was supported by improved margins in domestic operations and better cost control across key business segments.

On an adjusted basis, profit before exceptional items rose around 10% to ₹5,796 crore, reflecting underlying strength in the business when one-time costs are excluded. The India operations delivered particularly strong results, with record performance across aluminium upstream, downstream, and copper divisions.

The board also recommended a final dividend of ₹5 per equity share for FY26, subject to shareholder approval.

The copper segment also performed well, posting strong quarterly earnings backed by higher realisations and improved by-product recovery. Aluminium downstream volumes improved during the quarter, though some margin pressure remained due to ramp-up costs in newly expanded facilities.

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MTAR Tech surges 24% in 3 sessions on heavy buying

MTAR Technologies has seen a strong surge in its stock price, rising about 24% in just three trading sessions, as renewed buying interest pushed the counter higher across recent market sessions.

The sharp upmove comes amid sustained momentum in the stock, which has been one of the standout performers in the broader mid-cap industrial space. Investor participation has increased notably, with accumulation seen on expectations of continued growth in the company’s core business segments.

Broader market commentary indicates that MTAR Technologies has delivered exceptional returns in 2026 so far, with the stock reportedly gaining around 230% year-to-date, making it one of the most closely tracked manufacturing names in the market. The strong performance has placed it among the top gainers in its peer group.

The rally is being driven by optimism around the company’s long-term growth prospects in high-technology manufacturing areas such as clean energy, aerospace, defence-related components, and nuclear engineering. These sectors are expected to support steady order inflows and improve revenue visibility over the medium to long term.

It is said that the recent momentum also reflects broader bullish sentiment in select industrial and engineering stocks, where investors are shifting focus toward companies with strong export potential and niche technical capabilities. MTAR Technologies, with its specialised manufacturing portfolio, has benefited from this rotation.

Also Read: Dalmia Bharat buys JAL cement assets for ₹2,850 cr

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Corporate

Adani Ports to buy Jaypee fertilizers for ₹1,500 cr

Adani Ports and SEZ is set to acquire Jaypee Fertilizers and Industries for about ₹1,500 crore through the insolvency resolution process, according to reports. The acquisition is part of ongoing efforts to resolve stressed assets under India’s bankruptcy framework.

The deal involves taking over the fertilizer assets of the Jaypee Group, which have been under insolvency proceedings due to financial stress. The transaction has been approved through the formal bidding and resolution mechanism under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen Adani Ports’ diversification into industrial and logistics-linked businesses beyond its core port operations. The group has been steadily expanding its presence across infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors through strategic acquisitions.

Jaypee Fertilizers operates facilities that are important for chemical and fertilizer production, which are closely linked to agricultural supply chains. The acquisition could help improve operational efficiency and bring in stronger financial backing for the assets.

Industry observers say the deal reflects the continued consolidation of stressed assets in India, with large conglomerates stepping in to acquire and restructure struggling companies. The insolvency framework has enabled faster resolution of such assets, helping revive operations and protect value.

For Adani Ports, the move is seen as part of a broader strategy to build an integrated infrastructure and industrial ecosystem. The group has been actively acquiring assets that complement its logistics, energy, and manufacturing ambitions.

Also Read: Dalmia Bharat buys JAL cement assets for ₹2,850 cr

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Corporate

Anthropic-backed AI firm buys Fractional AI

A new artificial intelligence services company backed by Anthropic, Blackstone, and Hellman & Friedman has made its first acquisition by purchasing Fractional AI, marking an early step in its expansion strategy.

The company, positioned as an AI-native enterprise services firm, focuses on helping businesses adopt and integrate artificial intelligence into their operations. It aims to combine advanced AI capabilities with consulting and implementation services for corporate clients.

Fractional AI, the acquired startup, specialises in providing flexible AI engineering and deployment services to companies. It helps organisations design and implement AI solutions without requiring full-time in-house teams, using a project-based model.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen the new venture’s ability to deliver end-to-end AI services, from strategy and model application to deployment and operational support. The move comes as demand for enterprise AI adoption continues to grow rapidly across industries.

The new AI services firm is backed by major investment groups and AI research players, positioning it as a strong competitor in the expanding enterprise AI services sector. It aims to build a full-stack offering that includes consulting, technical implementation, and ongoing support.

Companies are increasingly looking for support in integrating AI into workflows, improving efficiency, and developing AI-driven products. This has created a growing market for firms that can bridge the gap between AI model developers and real-world business applications.

Also Read: Dalmia Bharat buys JAL cement assets for ₹2,850 cr

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Corporate

Sensex gains over 230 points, Nifty holds above 23,700 level

Indian equity markets ended higher on Friday, with benchmark indices recovering in the second half of trade. The Sensex rose 232 points, while the Nifty 50 closed above the 23,700 mark, supported by buying in banking and select large-cap stocks.

Market sentiment remained mixed through the session as investors tracked global cues, including movements in crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the US and Iran. Concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz kept investors cautious, though domestic buying helped support the recovery.

Among major gainers, Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank led the upward move, contributing significantly to index gains. Banking stocks remained firm overall, helping offset weakness in other sectors.

On the losing side, ITC and Infosys were among the key laggards, with IT stocks showing some pressure during the session. Select FMCG and IT counters dragged the market intermittently, limiting broader upside.

Broader markets also saw selective buying, though volatility remained present across sectors. Investors continued to focus on stock-specific action and quarterly earnings cues for direction.

Also Read: Dalmia Bharat buys JAL cement assets for ₹2,850 cr

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Corporate

Dalmia Bharat buys JAL cement assets for ₹2,850 cr

Dalmia Bharat has acquired cement assets of Jaiprakash Associates (JAL) from the Adani Group-led insolvency process in a deal worth ₹2,850 crore, marking a fresh consolidation move in India’s cement sector.

The acquisition has been executed through Dalmia Cement (Bharat), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat. The deal includes cement plants located in Rewa (Madhya Pradesh) and Churk, Chunar and Sadwa (Uttar Pradesh).

According to the company and regulatory updates, the transaction adds around 5.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of cement capacity and strengthens Dalmia Bharat’s presence in central India, one of its key growth markets.

The package also includes 3.3 MTPA of clinker capacity, along with supporting infrastructure such as a 99 MW thermal power plant and railway sidings used for transportation and logistics. These assets are expected to improve operational efficiency and supply chain connectivity.

The deal has been carried out as part of the insolvency resolution process of Jaiprakash Associates, whose assets were taken over by the Adani Group under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code framework. Dalmia Bharat was among the bidders in the resolution process and has now successfully concluded the acquisition after regulatory clearances.

This acquisition will help Dalmia Bharat expand production capacity by nearly 10% and improve its competitive position in the fast-growing cement market. The company has been steadily increasing its footprint through acquisitions to strengthen its presence across key regions.

The transaction is also seen as part of broader consolidation in the cement industry, where major players are acquiring stressed assets to scale up capacity and reduce regional imbalances in production.

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Airbnb expands beyond home stays with new travel services

Airbnb is expanding its business beyond traditional home rentals by introducing new travel services and experiences aimed at giving users more options while planning trips. The company announced that it will now include boutique hotels, additional travel-related services and exclusive experiences linked to FIFA events on its platform.

The move marks a broader shift in Airbnb’s strategy as it seeks to become more than just an accommodation booking service. Instead of focusing only on homes and vacation rentals, the company is trying to create a more complete travel platform where users can organise multiple parts of a trip in one place.

Among the new additions are boutique hotel listings that will offer travellers a wider range of stay options. This could appeal to users who want hotel-style services while still looking for unique or local travel experiences.

Airbnb is also introducing expanded travel services designed to make trips more personalised. These offerings may include activities and services that help travellers plan and enhance their journeys beyond accommodation alone.

The company has also partnered with FIFA to offer exclusive football-related experiences for fans. The initiative is expected to provide users with opportunities linked to major football events and fan activities, adding another layer to the travel experience.

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Nvidia profit rises despite China export challenges

NVIDIA reported strong quarterly earnings, showing continued growth in demand for artificial intelligence technologies despite challenges linked to export restrictions and global market conditions. The company’s results once again highlighted its dominant position in the rapidly expanding AI industry.

The company reported revenue of $44.1 billion for the quarter, marking a sharp rise from the previous year as demand for AI chips continued to remain strong. However, the company also said export restrictions on advanced chips to China had affected business operations and led to a significant financial impact.

NVIDIA said it faced an estimated $4.5 billion charge during the quarter related to restrictions on sales of its H20 AI chips to China. The company had earlier indicated that tighter US rules on advanced semiconductor exports could affect sales in one of its important international markets.

Despite these challenges, strong demand from technology companies investing in artificial intelligence infrastructure helped support overall growth. The company’s data-centre business remained a major contributor to revenue, driven by continued spending on AI systems, cloud services and high-performance computing.

 Companies across sectors are increasingly investing in AI tools and infrastructure, creating sustained demand for advanced chips.

Also Read: LIC Q4 profit up 23%, announces ₹10 dividend

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Corporate

LIC Q4 profit up 23%, announces ₹10 dividend

LIC reported a strong set of results for the January-March quarter, with its net profit rising 23% year-on-year to ₹23,467 crore. The company also announced a dividend of ₹10 per share for shareholders following its quarterly performance.

The rise in profit reflects steady business growth and improved financial performance during the quarter. As India’s largest life insurer, LIC continues to remain a major player in the insurance sector, with its earnings closely watched by investors and the market.

The company said its overall business remained stable during the quarter, supported by growth in premium collections and improvements across operations. Strong quarterly earnings are often seen as an indication of business strength and future growth potential.

The dividend announcement also drew attention from shareholders, as dividends provide investors with returns in addition to gains from stock prices. The ₹10 per share payout is expected to benefit shareholders while reflecting the company’s confidence in its financial position.

LIC has been focusing on strengthening profitability, expanding its customer base and improving business performance in a competitive market environment. The insurer has also been working towards enhancing products and services to meet changing customer needs.

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Sensex gains over 300 points, Nifty crosses 23,750

Indian benchmark indices opened on a positive note on Friday, with the Sensex rising over 300 points in early trade and the Nifty moving above the 23,700 mark, supported by strong buying in banking and financial stocks. Improved global cues and easing concerns over crude oil prices boosted investor sentiment, although traders remained cautious amid continuing geopolitical developments and volatility in international energy markets.

As trading progressed, the market extended gains with buying activity strengthening across major sectors. The Sensex gained more than 500 points during intraday trade, while the Nifty crossed the 23,750 level. Analysts said investors responded positively to stable domestic indicators and encouraging global market signals.

Banking and financial stocks emerged as the key drivers of the rally. Major lenders including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and State Bank of India witnessed strong buying support, helping sustain market momentum. Investors remained optimistic about the sector due to expectations of continued economic growth and strong institutional participation.

Several other sectors also witnessed selective buying as traders reacted to corporate earnings and broader economic indicators. However, gains remained limited in some segments because of concerns surrounding international oil prices and uncertainty in global markets.

Crude oil continued to remain under close watch during the session. Prices witnessed fluctuations as markets assessed developments linked to US-Iran discussions and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transport routes. Any disruption in the region could significantly affect global supply and influence oil-importing countries such as India.

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