Category: Corporate

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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.

Also Read: Finance commission chief says rupee can cross ₹100

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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.

Also Read: SpaceX nears IPO with trillion-dollar valuation target

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SpaceX nears IPO with trillion-dollar valuation target

SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is moving closer to a major initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company between $1.5 trillion and $1.75 trillion.

Reports say the listing could happen as early as June and may raise tens of billions of dollars, making it one of the biggest IPOs in history.

The company, best known for rockets and its Starlink satellite internet service, is now expanding into artificial intelligence alongside its space business. SpaceX is working on combining AI systems with its satellite and space technologies to support future growth.

A large part of its expected future earnings is linked to Starlink and new AI-driven services. Investors are watching closely as the company prepares for its market debut.

While SpaceX has seen strong revenue growth, it has also recorded losses due to heavy spending on rockets, satellites, and research projects.

Analysts say the IPO could attract huge investor interest because it brings together space, internet infrastructure, and AI in one company.

Even after going public, Elon Musk is expected to keep strong control over SpaceX’s decisions.

The listing is seen as a major moment for the tech and space industry, with potential to reshape how investors value companies working across AI and space technology.

Also Read: RBI unveils $5 bn swap auction to support rupee

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Corporate

Sensex down 135 points, Nifty below 23,700

Indian equity markets extended their upward momentum on Thursday, with strong buying across key sectors pushing benchmark indices higher. The Sensex fell 135 points during trade, while the Nifty remained comfortably above the 23,700 level.

The rally was driven by improved global sentiment, expectations of stable crude oil prices, and steady domestic institutional inflows. Broader markets also joined the uptrend, with mid-cap and small-cap indices trading in the green.

Among the top gainers, ITC Limited saw strong buying interest as investors tracked steady performance in its FMCG and cigarette businesses. Nykaa also gained traction, supported by optimism in the consumer and retail sector.

On the losing side, select IT and metal stocks witnessed profit booking. Heavyweights like Infosys and Tata Steel came under mild pressure as traders locked in gains after recent rallies. However, the weakness was limited and did not impact the overall market trend.

Experts added that ongoing strength in select sectors, along with improving macroeconomic signals, is helping sustain the rally, even as investors remain cautious about global interest rate and geopolitical developments.

Analysts said domestic institutional inflows continued to support the market, while foreign investor participation remained stable. Short-term volatility persisted due to global cues, but sentiment stayed broadly positive.

Also Read: Lenskart profit dips in Q4 despite 46% revenue jump

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Corporate

Lenskart profit dips in Q4 despite 46% revenue jump

Lenskart has reported a decline in its fourth-quarter profit even as the eyewear retailer posted strong revenue growth, highlighting a mixed performance in the latest earnings update.

The company’s net profit slipped in the quarter, even though revenue rose sharply by around 46% year-on-year, driven by strong demand across its online and offline stores. The revenue growth was supported by increased customer traffic, expansion of retail outlets, and steady performance in key domestic and international markets.

Despite the drop in profit, investor sentiment remained relatively positive. Lenskart shares were in focus in the market, with some analysts pointing to the company’s strong long-term growth outlook and expanding store network as key positives.

The company has been aggressively scaling its physical presence while continuing to strengthen its online platform. This omnichannel strategy has helped it reach more customers and improve brand visibility, especially in urban and semi-urban markets.

However, higher operating expenses linked to expansion, marketing costs, and investments in new stores weighed on profitability during the quarter. Analysts said such spending is common for fast-growing consumer companies that prioritise long-term market share over short-term profits.

The company’s performance also reflects broader trends in the retail sector, where several consumer brands are reporting strong sales but facing pressure on margins due to expansion costs and competitive pricing.

Market experts noted that while the profit decline may raise short-term concerns, the strong revenue growth suggests underlying demand for eyewear products remains healthy. They added that investor focus is likely shifting toward future scalability rather than immediate earnings pressure.

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Sammaan Capital shares jump 8% despite ₹8,101 cr Q4 loss

Sammaan Capital shares moved higher in trading even after the company reported a steep net loss of ₹8,101 crore in the fourth quarter. The stock gained around 7–8%, showing that investors were not overly worried by the headline loss.

The loss was largely driven by one-time accounting adjustments and provisions rather than day-to-day business performance. Market participants said this made the results look weaker on paper than the company’s actual operating health.

Sammaan Capital operates in the financial services sector, mainly focused on lending. Despite the reported loss, investors appear to believe the company’s core business remains stable and could improve in the coming quarters.

Traders also pointed out that such large quarterly losses often come from balance sheet clean-ups, which do not always affect long-term cash flow or business activity. Because of this, many investors chose to look beyond the numbers and focus on future recovery.

The stock had also seen pressure in earlier sessions, which some analysts say may have made it attractive for bargain buying once results were announced.

However, sentiment in the broader lending and financial sector remains cautious. Investors are still watching credit demand, repayment trends, and overall asset quality closely, as any weakness in these areas could impact future earnings.

Also Read: Dr Reddy’s launches oral semaglutide diabetes tablets in India

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Corporate

Dr Reddy’s launches oral semaglutide diabetes tablets in India

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has launched oral semaglutide tablets in India, giving patients a new and more convenient option for managing type 2 diabetes. The medicine belongs to the GLP-1 class of drugs, which are widely used to control blood sugar levels and also help with weight management.

The company is offering the drug under the brand name Obeda. Unlike most GLP-1 treatments that require injections, this version comes in tablet form, which is expected to be easier for many patients who are uncomfortable with needles or long-term injections.

Dr Reddy’s has priced each tablet at around ₹99, positioning it as a more affordable alternative to imported or branded versions currently available in the market. The company said the goal is to improve access to modern diabetes care for a larger section of patients in India, where diabetes cases continue to rise sharply.

Semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate insulin, control appetite, and slow digestion. This helps lower blood sugar levels and can also support weight loss in many patients, making it one of the most in-demand treatments globally for type 2 diabetes.

Doctors say GLP-1 medicines have become increasingly important in recent years because they not only manage diabetes but also address related conditions like obesity, which often goes hand in hand with it. However, the high cost of such drugs has limited their reach in many countries, including India.

The introduction of an oral version is expected to improve acceptance among patients, especially those who prefer tablets over injections. Health experts believe this could encourage more people to stick to long-term treatment plans.

The company plans to make the tablets available through pharmacies across India, but only with a doctor’s prescription. Medical professionals have also cautioned that the drug should be taken under proper supervision, as dosage and suitability depend on individual health conditions.

Also Read: Apple blocks $2.2 bn app store fraud in 2025

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Sensex jumps 550 points, Nifty reclaims 23,800

Indian stock markets bounced back sharply on Thursday, with the Sensex jumping more than 550 points and the Nifty reclaiming the 23,800 mark after a volatile few trading sessions.

The rally was largely driven by easing crude oil prices and hopes of reduced tensions between the United States and Iran. Investor confidence also improved as the rupee recovered from recent record lows, helping calm fears around inflation and import costs.

Buying interest was visible across most sectors, especially banking, healthcare, IT, and auto stocks. Shares of Apollo Hospitals and Grasim Industries emerged among the top gainers after strong quarterly earnings and positive business outlooks boosted investor sentiment. Banking stocks also saw healthy buying, contributing significantly to the market’s rise.

Broader markets participated in the recovery as several mid-cap and small-cap stocks traded in the green, reflecting renewed optimism among investors after days of uncertainty.

However, not all stocks joined the rally. Ola Electric remained under pressure amid concerns over slowing demand, pricing challenges, and rising competition in the electric vehicle segment. A few energy-related stocks also traded cautiously despite the broader market recovery.

The rebound comes after Indian markets witnessed sharp swings earlier this week due to concerns over rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Fears of supply disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz had triggered heavy selling in recent sessions, while the weakening rupee added to investor worries.

Thursday’s recovery offered some relief to Dalal Street, but analysts say volatility may continue in the near term. Market participants are expected to closely track global oil prices, geopolitical developments, foreign investor activity, and currency movements for further direction.

Also Read: Parle Industries shares jump on viral “Melody” confusion

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Sensex falls 600 points, Nifty below 23,450

Indian equity markets ended under pressure on Wednesday as rising geopolitical tensions, record-low rupee levels, and Brent crude prices above $110 per barrel weighed on investor sentiment. The Sensex fell around 600 points in early trade, while the Nifty slipped below the 23,450 mark.

The selloff was driven by concerns over the Iran conflict, which has kept global oil prices elevated and raised fears of higher inflation and import costs. A weak rupee, which hit fresh record lows against the US dollar, further added to negative sentiment by increasing worries over foreign fund outflows and cost pressures for import-heavy sectors.

Among the major losers, auto stocks such as Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki came under pressure, along with metal names like JSW Steel and Tata Steel. Oil marketing companies including BPCL and IOC also declined amid concerns of margin pressure due to high crude prices. Banking stocks such as HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank also saw weakness in line with broader market sentiment.

However, some stocks managed to buck the trend. Hindalco Industries gained on positive global metal cues, while Sun Pharma advanced on defensive buying in pharma counters. Select IT stocks such as Infosys and TCS also ended in the green, supported by steady overseas demand expectations.

Despite these pockets of strength, broader sentiment remained weak throughout the session. Foreign institutional investors continued to sell equities, adding further pressure on domestic markets.

Analysts said volatility is likely to persist in the near term as global cues, crude oil movement, and currency fluctuations continue to drive market direction. Investors remain cautious amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and inflation concerns.

Also Read: Meta lays off 8,000 employees after WFH notice

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Anthropic acquires stainless to boost Claude integrations

Anthropic has acquired developer tools startup Stainless in a move aimed at strengthening its Claude ecosystem, particularly its API infrastructure and agent-based integrations.

Stainless is a New York-based developer platform founded in 2022 that helps companies automatically generate and maintain software development kits (SDKs) from APIs. Its tools are widely used by major tech firms, including AI companies and API providers, to simplify how developers connect services across systems.

While financial details of the acquisition have not been officially disclosed, earlier reports indicated that the deal is valued at over $300 million. The acquisition marks another step in Anthropic’s broader strategy to deepen its developer ecosystem as competition intensifies in the AI space.

According to company statements and reports, Stainless will help improve how Claude connects with external tools, data sources, and third-party APIs. This is especially important as Anthropic shifts its focus toward building more capable AI agents that can perform complex tasks across multiple systems rather than just responding to prompts.

The company said the acquisition is intended to enhance developer experience and strengthen the “connections between agents and external systems.” Stainless’ technology will now be integrated more closely into Anthropic’s Claude platform, which is already used widely by developers building AI-powered applications.

As part of the deal, most of Stainless’ team, including its founder Alex Rattray, is expected to join Anthropic. The move is also expected to phase out Stainless’ standalone hosted product, with its core capabilities being absorbed into Anthropic’s internal tools.

Anthropic has been rapidly expanding its developer ecosystem in recent months, positioning Claude as a strong alternative to other AI platforms by improving coding tools, integrations, and enterprise readiness.

Also Read: Rupee slips to all-time low of 96.90