Market Bizzz

Hindalco shares may face pressure after Novelis delayed the restart of its Oswego plant following fire incidents, impacting around Rs 14,400 crore in cash flows. The subsidiary reported a quarterly net loss amid production disruptions, though most losses are expected to be insurance recoverable. Recovery is targeted for late Q2CY26.

India’s fixed income markets are recalibrating cautiously. While macro fundamentals have improved, elevated borrowing and weak demand shape the bond outlook. SBI Mutual Fund’s CIO advises selective duration, favoring short-end corporate bonds and tactical state development loans amid heavy supply.

Fractal Analytics’ Rs 2,834 crore IPO enters its final day with a modest 1% grey market premium, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. The AI firm’s listing, the first of its kind in India, aims to fund growth and R&D, with analysts suggesting a long-term investment horizon due to its premium valuation and AI sector exposure.

Eicher Motors reported a strong December quarter, led by robust profit growth, solid revenue expansion and healthy operational performance. Royal Enfield’s capacity expansion plans and improved performance at VE Commercial Vehicles supported optimism. The stock remains technically strong, trading above key averages with neutral momentum.

Apollo Hospitals announced impressive third-quarter earnings. Net profit surged 35% year-on-year to Rs 502 crore. Revenue grew 17% to Rs 6,477 crore. All business segments showed strong growth. The company continues to invest in advanced clinical capabilities. Citi maintains a Buy rating with a target price of Rs 9,600.

Marico is set to acquire a 75% stake in Vietnam’s Skinetiq for Rs 262 crore, expanding its premium beauty and D2C presence. This follows Marico’s recent 60% acquisition of wellness brand Cosmix. The company also reported a 13.3% YoY profit increase for the December quarter, driven by domestic volume growth and international expansion.

Ramco Cements reported a 19% rise in Q3 FY26 net profit to Rs 387 crore, driven by a 6.2% increase in revenue to Rs 2,105 crore. Despite a decline in cement prices and increased raw material costs, the company’s net debt decreased, and it revised its full-year capex estimate downwards.

Fractal Analytics’ Rs 2,834-crore IPO is in its second day of bidding, with shares trading at a slight premium in the grey market. The AI company’s IPO, the first of its kind in India, saw 9% subscription on day one, with retail investors showing more interest. Experts suggest a long-term investment horizon for this offering.

Indian IT stocks are experiencing a sharp selloff, with billions in market value lost. Fears that AI automation could disrupt the traditional outsourcing model, particularly in areas like ERP implementation, are driving the decline. While some analysts remain cautiously optimistic about the sector’s role in AI adoption, investors are reassessing the future of India’s tech giants.

Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers Limited is under scrutiny after reporting a Rs 13 crore fraud involving off-market share transfers from a client’s demat account. The company stated that unknown individuals, allegedly with the connivance of group company employees, committed fraud, cheating, and document fabrication. Investigations are ongoing, and legal action is being initiated.