Category: Corporate

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Corporate

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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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

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Corporate

ChrysCapital picks minority stake in Nash Industries

Private equity firm ChrysCapital has acquired a minority stake in Nash Industries, a Bengaluru-based design and manufacturing solutions company, marking a significant investment in India’s fast-evolving manufacturing sector. While the financial details of the transaction were not officially disclosed, sources indicate the deal values Nash Industries at around ₹6,000 crore, with ChrysCapital picking up an estimated stake of about 30 per cent.

Founded more than five decades ago, Nash Industries has transformed from a sheet-metal components maker into a full-stack, design-led manufacturing platform. The company offers integrated mechanical, electrical, and electronics manufacturing services, including end-to-end “box-build” solutions. It caters to a wide range of industries such as data centres, banking hardware, clean energy, automotive, and industrial equipment.

Nash currently operates around 15 manufacturing facilities across South and West India and serves both domestic and international clients. Over the years, the company has focused on higher-value engineering and design capabilities, enabling it to move up the manufacturing value chain and become a preferred partner for global customers.

ChrysCapital’s investment comes at a time when Indian manufacturing is gaining momentum due to shifting global supply chains, increasing focus on China-plus-one strategies, and strong policy support through initiatives such as “Make in India.” The partnership is expected to help Nash accelerate capacity expansion, invest in advanced technologies, and strengthen its presence in export markets.

Commenting on the development, Nash Industries Chairman Sanjay Wadhwa said the investment validates the company’s long-term strategy and will support its next phase of growth. He added that the partnership would enhance Nash’s ability to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions to customers across sectors.

From ChrysCapital’s perspective, the firm sees Nash as well-positioned to benefit from growth in emerging areas such as data centres, artificial intelligence-led infrastructure, and energy transition-related manufacturing. The private equity firm has a strong track record of backing Indian companies in sectors with long-term structural tailwinds.

Also Read: Adani Defence and Leonardo join hands to build helicopters in India

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Corporate

Adani Defence and Leonardo join hands to build helicopters in India

Adani Defence & Aerospace and Italian aerospace major Leonardo have come together in a strategic partnership that could reshape India’s helicopter manufacturing landscape. The collaboration, announced this week, signals a shared commitment to building advanced helicopters in India while developing a strong, self-reliant aerospace ecosystem.

At its core, the partnership blends Leonardo’s global experience in helicopter design and technology with Adani Defence’s growing manufacturing and systems integration capabilities. The aim is not just to assemble helicopters locally, but to gradually build end-to-end capability — from production and testing to training and long-term maintenance.

The tie-up comes at a time when India’s armed forces are preparing for significant fleet modernisation. Over the next decade, the military is expected to require a large number of helicopters across roles such as transport, surveillance, utility and maritime operations. By manufacturing helicopters in India, the partnership hopes to ensure quicker availability, reduced dependence on imports and better lifecycle support.

Equally important is the focus on people and skills. The proposed ecosystem includes training programmes for pilots and technicians, development of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and the creation of a local supplier network. This approach is expected to generate high-skill employment and open opportunities for Indian small and medium enterprises to enter the aerospace supply chain.

Executives from both companies have described the alliance as a long-term commitment rather than a transactional deal. For Adani Defence, it represents a step toward building sovereign defence capability and positioning India as a serious aerospace manufacturing hub. For Leonardo, it reflects confidence in India’s industrial potential and its role as a strategic partner in the global defence market.

Beyond military use, the partnership could also support civil and commercial helicopter demand in the future, including emergency medical services, offshore operations and regional connectivity. As capabilities mature, India could emerge as a base for exports and global support services.

Industry observers say the collaboration fits squarely within the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, where international partnerships help accelerate domestic capability.

Also Read: Asia IT shares slide as AI triggers global tech sell-off

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Asia IT shares slide as AI triggers global tech sell-off

Asian software and IT stocks fell sharply after a heavy sell-off in U.S. technology markets, as investors grew increasingly nervous about the disruptive impact of new artificial intelligence tools on traditional software and services businesses.

The market jitters were triggered by recent announcements from U.S.-based AI startup Anthropic, which unveiled advanced automation features for its AI model, Claude. The tools are designed to perform complex tasks across areas such as legal research, marketing, sales, coding and data analysis. While Anthropic has said the outputs are meant to assist professionals rather than replace them, investors fear that such technology could significantly reduce demand for conventional software products and subscription-based services.

These concerns sparked a sharp global reaction. In the U.S. and Europe, software, data and professional services companies suffered steep losses, wiping out nearly $300 billion in market value in a single session. Shares of major information and analytics firms, including legal and financial data providers, dropped by double digits, dragging down broader tech indices such as the Nasdaq and the S&P 500.

The negative sentiment quickly spilled over into Asian markets. Software and IT stocks across the region declined as investors reacted to the overnight rout in global tech shares. India’s IT sector was among the worst hit, with shares of leading exporters such as Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro and HCLTech falling as much as 6–7%. The sector is particularly vulnerable because a large share of its revenue comes from U.S. and European clients, where spending sentiment is closely tied to technology trends.

China’s software services stocks also came under pressure, with sector indices falling around 3%. Technology shares in Hong Kong and parts of Japan weakened as well, reflecting broader concerns that rapid AI adoption could disrupt existing business models faster than companies can adapt.

However, the sell-off was not uniform across the tech space. Hardware and semiconductor stocks held up better in parts of Asia, supported by expectations that demand for AI-related chips and infrastructure will continue to grow. South Korea’s market, for instance, found support from chipmakers seen as direct beneficiaries of the AI boom.

Also Read: Gold up ₹1,53,940, Silver slips to ₹2,79,900

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Sensex swings in range, Nifty breaches 25,750 mark

Markets traded with high volatility on Wednesday, as the BSE Sensex swung between gains and losses through the session, while the Nifty 50 slipped below the crucial 25,750 mark, signalling cautious investor sentiment.

 Selling pressure intensified as the session progressed, led by sharp losses in IT stocks. The Nifty IT index fell nearly 6%, making it the worst-performing sector of the day. Major IT stocks such as Infosys, TCS, Wipro and HCL Tech were among the top losers, hurt by weakness in US technology stocks and concerns over near-term demand outlook.

Auto and metal stocks also witnessed selling pressure, adding to the weakness in benchmarks. Stocks like Tata Motors, JSW Steel and Hindalco traded lower as investors stayed cautious on global growth prospects. Broader markets mirrored the weak sentiment, with mid-cap and small-cap indices trading in the red amid heightened volatility.

On the positive side, select FMCG and banking stocks helped limit deeper losses. Hindustan Unilever, ITC and Nestlé India were among the key gainers, supported by defensive buying. In the banking space, heavyweight stocks such as HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank showed mild gains, providing some stability to the indices.

Global cues remained mixed, with Asian markets trading unevenly after overnight weakness in US tech stocks. While optimism over recent international trade developments had lifted markets earlier, investors chose to book profits in the absence of fresh triggers. Ongoing uncertainty around global interest rates and geopolitical tensions also weighed on sentiment.

Investors are closely watching developments related to the Union Budget, corporate earnings announcements and global macro signals for further cues. Market experts said near-term movement is likely to remain range-bound, with stock-specific action and sector rotation driving trade.

Also Read: Sensex rallies 2,073 points, Nifty tops 25,700

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Sensex rallies 2,073 points, Nifty tops 25,700

Markets rallied sharply on Tuesday as optimism over the newly announced India-US trade deal lifted investor sentiment where the BSE Sensex jumped 2,073 points to close above 91,000, while the Nifty50 crossed 25,700.

The trade agreement, which eases tariffs and strengthens bilateral trade, spurred buying across key sectors, particularly banking, IT, and autos. Heavyweights like Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, and Infosys led the gains, while mid-cap and export-oriented stocks also saw strong momentum.

Welspun Living, LT Foods, Aarti Industries, Ather Energy, and Trident saw significant gains, along with IT and auto stocks such as Infosys, HCL Tech, and TCS.

Some counters lagged amid profit booking, including Aegis Vopak, PB Fintech, Global Health, NALCO, MRPL, and Campus. Heavyweights like ONGC and Coal India also closed lower despite the broader rally.

This surge reflects renewed investor confidence, fueled by expectations that the trade deal will boost exports and attract foreign investments.

Also Read: India eyes higher 49% FDI in public banks

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Palantir Q4 revenue $1.41bn, stock jumps 8%

Palantir Technologies Inc. reported a strong fourth-quarter performance, beating Wall Street expectations and pushing its shares higher in after-hours trading. The company posted Q4 revenue of $1.41 billion, up 70% year-on-year, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.25, above analyst estimates of $0.23.

CEO Alex Karp called the results exceptional, highlighting Palantir’s focus on scaling AI-driven operations to meet growing demand.

Following the earnings release, shares rose 8% in after-hours trading, reflecting investor confidence in Palantir’s growth trajectory. The US market was a key driver, with total revenue up 93% year-on-year to roughly $1.08 billion. US commercial sales climbed 137% to $507 million, while US government revenue increased 66% to $570 million.

The company closed 180 deals worth $1 million or more in the quarter, bringing total contract value to $4.26 billion, up 138% year-on-year. These figures highlight Palantir’s expanding presence across enterprise and government sectors.

Looking ahead, Palantir expects full-year 2026 revenue of $7.18–$7.20 billion, a 61% increase from 2025, surpassing analyst projections. For Q1 2026, revenue is projected at $1.53–$1.54 billion, also above expectations.

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