Category: Corporate

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Corporate

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.

Also Read: Bitcoin faces sharp fall during market chaos

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Trump announces India–US trade deal

US President Donald Trump has said that the United States and India have agreed on a new trade deal that would change how goods move between the two countries. As per Trump’s statement, American products would be allowed into India without paying any tariffs, while Indian exports to the US would attract an 18% charge.

Trump said the move is aimed at making trade more balanced and fair for American businesses. He claimed that US companies have long faced higher duties in India and that the new arrangement would open up greater opportunities for American manufacturers, farmers, and technology firms.

Under the proposed deal, India would continue to export to the US, but at a fixed tariff rate of 18%. Trump described this as a reasonable level that still allows Indian goods access to the American market while offering better protection to US industries and jobs.

The announcement comes amid ongoing global trade uncertainty and renewed focus on protecting domestic industries. India and the US are among each other’s key trading partners, with strong links in sectors such as IT services, pharmaceuticals, energy, defence, and manufacturing.

However, no official confirmation or detailed response has yet come from the Indian government. Trade analysts say the impact of the deal, if finalised, could be uneven. While US exporters may gain from duty-free access to India, Indian exporters, especially in labour-intensive sectors, could see higher costs and tighter margins in the US market.

Also Read: India–US deal cheer lifts Sensex 2,250 points, Nifty above 25,750

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Corporate

India–US deal cheer lifts Sensex 2,250 points, Nifty above 25,750

markets surged on Tuesday as investors welcomed the long-awaited India–US trade agreement, sparking strong buying across most sectors and lifting overall market sentiment.

The BSE Sensex jumped over 2,000 points, while the Nifty 50 climbed close to 3%, supported by broad-based participation. Early signals from Gift Nifty had indicated a positive opening, but the rally gathered pace as the session progressed, driven by heavyweight stocks and renewed foreign inflows.

Export-linked sectors emerged as the biggest winners. Stocks in metals, engineering, automobiles and information technology rallied sharply, benefiting from the announcement that the US will cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from earlier levels of around 50%. Banking stocks also saw strong buying, with large private lenders and PSU banks gaining as improved trade prospects lifted growth expectations.

Among index heavyweights, oil and gas majors and infrastructure stocks advanced on hopes of higher global demand and improved investment sentiment. The positive momentum was further supported by a stronger rupee, which appreciated more than 1% against the US dollar, signalling renewed confidence among overseas investors.

However, not all stocks joined the rally. FMCG and pharmaceutical stocks underperformed, with investors turning cautious on defensive sectors amid the risk-on mood. Select consumer staples and healthcare counters slipped or remained range-bound as traders rotated funds into cyclical and export-oriented names. A few mid-cap pharma exporters also faced pressure due to concerns over pricing and regulatory costs.

Market analysts said the trade deal helped remove a key uncertainty that had weighed on Indian equities in recent weeks, encouraging foreign institutional investors to return to the market. Improved clarity on tariffs and trade rules is expected to support corporate earnings, particularly for export-driven industries.

Also Read: Viksit Bharat banking panel proposed in Union Budget

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Corporate

Sensex jumps 944 points, Nifty above 25,050

Indian stock markets staged a strong recovery on Monday as the BSE Sensex rose about 944 points to close near 81,666, while the Nifty 50 climbed over 260 points to settle above the 25,000 level.

The rebound came as investors digested the Union Budget proposals more calmly after an initial negative reaction on Sunday. Concerns over higher taxes on derivatives trading had triggered sharp selling earlier, but bargain buying and improved sentiment helped markets recover.

Infrastructure and energy stocks led the gains. Power Grid Corporation emerged as the top gainer, jumping over 7%. Other key stocks that supported the rally included Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Adani Ports, and Reliance Industries, all of which saw healthy buying. Pharma major Dr Reddy’s also ended the session higher.

On the losing side, Shriram Finance was the biggest drag on the index, falling more than 3%. Stocks such as Max Healthcare, Trent, Bajaj Auto, Cipla, Infosys, ITC, and Titan also closed lower as investors booked profits and rotated funds into sectors showing stronger recovery.

Sector-wise, infrastructure stocks outperformed, reflecting optimism around government spending and long-term projects. IT stocks lagged, slipping slightly due to weak global cues and cautious outlook for technology spending.

Global markets remained mixed, with some pressure seen in US and European indices. Despite this, Indian equities outperformed on the back of strong domestic buying and a mild rise in the rupee against the US dollar.

Also Read: Bitcoin faces sharp fall during market chaos

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Corporate

India extends GIFT City tax holiday to 20 years

In the Union Budget 2026‑27, the Indian government announced a major extension of tax benefits for businesses operating in the Gujarat International Finance Tec‑City (GIFT City) International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). The tax holiday, which previously lasted 10 years, will now be extended to 20 years to make the financial hub more appealing to both domestic and international firms.

Under this new rule, new companies in the GIFT City IFSC will get a 100% tax exemption on their income for 20 years out of a 25-year period. After this period, these companies will pay a reduced tax rate of 15%, which is much lower than the normal corporate tax rates in India, which range from 25% to 38%.

This change is especially important for banks and financial firms whose initial 10-year tax breaks were about to end. Big banks, including the State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda, had asked for clarity on future tax rules. Extending the tax holiday gives companies long-term certainty, encouraging them to continue and expand operations in GIFT City.

Industry leaders welcomed the move, saying it will strengthen India’s position as a global financial hub. The extended tax break is expected to attract more banks, asset managers, reinsurers, and investment firms to set up offices or grow their business in the IFSC. GIFT City has already been growing steadily, with more companies registering in banking, investment, and fund management sectors.

The new tax incentives will apply starting April 1, 2026, covering the 2026‑27 financial year and beyond. This step is part of a wider effort in the budget to boost India’s financial markets, attract international investment, and make the country more competitive globally.

Also Read: Seven new high‑speed rails announced in budget

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Corporate

Oracle plans massive layoffs through AI funding crunch

US technology company Oracle is reportedly planning to cut 20,000 to 30,000 jobs as part of efforts to manage costs while expanding its AI-focused data‑centre network, according to industry sources. This would be one of the largest layoffs in the company’s history.

The job reductions are part of a broader plan to free up $8 billion to $10 billion in cash flow, which Oracle intends to use for building and operating large-scale data centres that can handle advanced AI workloads. The company’s AI push involves collaboration with major partners, including OpenAI.

Oracle’s ambitious expansion comes with a significant price tag. Analysts estimate that the company may need more than $150 billion over several years to fund the new AI infrastructure. Several US banks have reportedly pulled back from lending, citing concerns about the high capital requirements and rising debt levels. This has increased the company’s borrowing costs and created uncertainty around financing its AI data‑centre projects.

To manage these challenges, Oracle is exploring alternative strategies beyond workforce reductions. This includes the potential sale of its Cerner healthcare software unit, acquired for $28.3 billion in 2022, and adopting new models like “bring your own chip” (BYOC), where customers provide their own hardware, reducing Oracle’s capital burden.

The tech giant has already tapped debt markets and raised billions to fund data centres in states such as Texas, Wisconsin, and New Mexico, but these funds cover only a fraction of the total investment needed for AI infrastructure.

If confirmed, these layoffs would surpass Oracle’s previous workforce cuts in late 2025, when about 10,000 employees were let go as part of a $1.6-billion restructuring plan.

Also Read: New Income Tax law from April to ease compliance

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Sensex up over 100 points, Nifty above 24,800

The markets traded cautiously on Monday investors continued to digest the sharp sell-off triggered by the Union Budget 2026–27. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 struggled to regain momentum after recording heavy losses during Sunday’s special budget trading session.

In the previous session, the Sensex had dropped over 1,500 points, while the Nifty declined by nearly 500 points, marking one of the steepest Budget-day corrections in recent years. Volatility remained high on Monday, with markets moving between marginal gains and losses as investor confidence stayed fragile.

The sell-off was largely driven by the government’s decision to raise the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options, which increased trading costs and dampened appetite for high-volume derivative trades. Market participants said the move came as a surprise and led to broad-based selling across sectors.

Some pockets of the market, however, showed resilience. IT majors such as TCS and Wipro traded higher, supported by defensive buying, while select healthcare stocks also saw limited gains amid uncertainty.

On the downside, heavyweights continued to face pressure. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) slipped as capital goods stocks saw profit-taking, while Adani group companies remained among the key drags on the indices. PSU banks, metal stocks and defence shares, including Bharat Electronics (BEL), also traded lower, reflecting caution over valuations and policy impact.

Global cues remained mixed, with Asian markets subdued and commodity prices easing.

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Peloton announces 11% job cuts as cost-saving push

Peloton Interactive Inc. has announced that it is laying off about 11% of its global workforce as part of a renewed effort to cut costs and streamline operations. The decision, made public on January 30, affects nearly 300 employees and is one of the most significant steps taken by the company under its new leadership.

The layoffs will have a notable impact on engineering teams, particularly those working on long-term technology and internal development projects. Peloton said the move is aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring resources are focused on areas that directly support customers and revenue growth.

In an internal message to employees, CEO Peter Stern said the company needs to operate with greater discipline as it works through a challenging business environment. He acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and thanked departing employees for their contributions, adding that Peloton will provide support during their transition.

The job cuts are part of a broader plan to reduce at least $100 million in annual expenses. Along with workforce reductions, Peloton has been reviewing its real estate footprint and internal processes to lower fixed costs. The company said these changes are necessary to create a more sustainable operating model.

Peloton’s announcement comes just days before it is due to report its latest quarterly earnings, a period that has kept investors cautious. Demand for connected fitness equipment has remained uneven after the pandemic boom, and newer products — including AI-enabled features and redesigned hardware — have yet to deliver a strong turnaround in sales.

The company has also raised prices for some of its bikes, treadmills and subscription services in recent months, a move aimed at improving margins but one that has drawn mixed reactions from consumers.

Peloton has gone through several rounds of restructuring in recent years as it adjusts to changing consumer behaviour and tougher competition in the fitness and technology space. The latest layoffs highlight the ongoing pressure on consumer tech companies to balance innovation with profitability.

Also Read: Google India profit ₹1,437 cr as revenue falls 3.2%

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Google India profit ₹1,437 cr as revenue falls 3.2%

Google India reported a nearly flat net profit of ₹1,437 crore for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, staying close to the ₹1,425 crore recorded in FY24. The company’s revenue from core operations fell 3.2% to ₹5,340 crore, primarily due to softer advertising income, which kept overall profit growth in check.

Despite this, total revenue rose slightly to ₹6,116 crore, helped by “other income” of ₹776 crore. However, the net profit margin slipped to 23.5% from 24.1%, reflecting the impact of lower operational earnings combined with rising expenses.

On the cost side, total expenditure reached ₹4,136 crore. Employee benefits increased by 7.8% to ₹2,146 crore, while tax expenses rose sharply by 22.6% to ₹543 crore, both putting pressure on profitability.

A spokesperson for Google India noted that FY25 results are not directly comparable to FY24, as the previous year included earnings from the company’s IT division, which was spun off into Google IT Services, and adjustments from an earlier Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement (BAPA) with the tax authorities. These factors had boosted FY24 numbers.

The slight revenue decline comes amid shifts in digital advertising trends and market conditions, prompting the company to manage costs carefully. Analysts say the numbers indicate that while Google India’s bottom line remains stable, operational growth faces headwinds, and margins are under pressure from rising expenses.

Also Read: Rupee up 9 paise after record low ₹92

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NSE receives SEBI approval for IPO launch

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has finally received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to proceed with its initial public offering (IPO), ending almost ten years of delays. This clearance allows the exchange to submit its draft prospectus and move toward listing, a significant milestone for India’s capital markets.

NSE first filed for an IPO in 2016, but its plans were stalled amid regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges. The exchange faced allegations regarding co-location facilities and dark fibre services, which reportedly gave select brokers faster access to trading data. Over the years, these issues delayed NSE’s path to listing, even as other Indian exchanges, like BSE, successfully went public.

The recent SEBI approval follows settlement applications submitted by NSE to resolve these long-standing cases. Officials from the regulator had indicated that the NOC would likely be granted after these matters were addressed. With the nod now in hand, NSE is expected to submit the IPO draft prospectus by end of March 2026, with the listing process projected to take six to eight months, potentially making NSE a publicly listed company by late 2026.

Unlike conventional IPOs, NSE’s offering is expected to be an offer-for-sale (OFS). Existing shareholders, including LIC, SBI, and other financial institutions, will sell part of their holdings to the public, meaning the exchange itself will not raise fresh capital from the IPO. This approach allows existing investors to realize part of their gains while introducing NSE shares to retail and institutional investors.

NSE chairperson Srinivas Injeti described SEBI’s approval as “a significant milestone in our growth journey,” highlighting the exchange’s commitment to transparency and market development. Market experts say the IPO will not only enhance NSE’s public profile but also boost investor confidence in India’s capital markets.

Also Read: Dixon Technologies rallies 5% after Q3 profit jump