Maruti Suzuki Share Price in Focus as It Declares Q4 Results

Maruti Suzuki share price was trading at ₹11,691 at 3:22 PM. India’s biggest carmaker announced its earnings for the January to March 2025 quarter on Friday, April 25. The results were below what various experts had expected.

Profit Falls Short of Estimates

Maruti reported a net profit of ₹3,711 crore, lower than the ₹3,840 crore predicted by a CNBC-TV18 poll. This profit was also lower than what the company made in the same quarter last year.

Revenue Sees Slight Growth

Revenue for the quarter stood at ₹40,674 crore, which was just below street expectations of ₹40,747 crore. However, this was still a 6% rise from the same quarter last year, when Maruti earned ₹38,235 crore.

Operating Performance Weakens

One of the key measures of a company’s financial health is EBITDA—Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation. Maruti’s EBITDA fell 9% compared to last year and came in at ₹4,264.5 crore.

Margins, which show how much the company earns from every rupee of sales, also dropped to 10.5%, compared to 12.3% in the same period last year.

Dividend Announced

Despite the weaker results, Maruti recommended a final dividend of ₹135 per share for the financial year 2024–2025.

  • Record date for the dividend is August 1, 2025
  • Payment date is September 3, 2025

Maruti Suzuki Share Price Reacts to Earnings

After the results were released, Maruti Suzuki share price fell 0.70%, trading at ₹11,811. This is a slight drop considering the stock had gained over 5% in 2025 before the results were announced.

Conclusion

Maruti Suzuki’s Q4 results show that while the company is still growing in terms of revenue, it is facing pressure on profits and operating margins. The dip in EBITDA and net profit suggests rising costs or weaker pricing power. The market responded cautiously, and investors will be watching the coming quarters closely to see if Maruti can bounce back.

Read more on: Is Employee Contribution to PF Taxable Under the New Tax Regime in FY26?

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Stock Markets and Banks to Remain Closed on May 1, 2025, for Labour Day

Indian stock markets and banks will remain closed on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in observance of Labour Day, a public holiday celebrated across several states to honour the contributions of workers and promote their rights.

This scheduled holiday is part of the official trading and banking calendar and will impact operations across the country.

Stock Market Holiday on May 1, 2025

As per the holiday list issued by both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), there will be no trading in equity, equity derivatives, and SLB segments on May 1.

Trading will resume on Friday, May 2, 2025, following this one-day break.

Upcoming Stock Market Holidays in 2025

The May 1 holiday marks the last market holiday in the first half of the year. The next major market closures will take place in August for:

  • Independence Day on August 15 (Friday)
  • Ganesh Chaturthi on August 27 (Wednesday)

Further down the year, the markets will also remain closed on:

  • Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra (both on October 2)
  • Diwali (October 21–22)
  • Prakash Gurpurb (November 5)
  • Christmas (December 25)

Bank Holiday on May 1, 2025

Banks in multiple states will also remain closed on May 1 to mark Labour Day, also known as Maharashtra Day in the state of Maharashtra. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banking services such as cheque clearance, in-branch deposits, and withdrawals will be suspended in states that observe Labour Day as a public holiday.

However, digital banking services—including net banking, ATMs, and mobile banking apps—will remain operational. Customers are advised to complete essential banking tasks in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Conclusion

The closure of banks and stock markets on May 1, 2025, for Labour Day offers a brief midweek pause for market participants and banking customers. It is advisable to plan financial transactions ahead of time to ensure smooth functioning and avoid inconvenience. Normal operations will resume on May 2, allowing regular trading and banking activities to continue seamlessly.

Read more on: Is Employee Contribution to PF Taxable Under the New Tax Regime in FY26?

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

HUL Share Price in Focus as Company’s Valuation Drops Lower Than Unilever: What’s Going On?

The HUL share price was one of the focus stocks on Friday’s trading session. Hindustan Unilever(HUL), is a key player in India’s FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) market. But it is no longer shining as brightly as it once did. Compared to its UK-based parent, Unilever PLC, the company’s valuation has dropped sharply in recent months.

At 11.55 AM, HUL share price was down 1.10% and was trading at ₹2,299.70.

A Shrinking Premium

As of April 24, 2025, HUL’s market value was US$64 billion—less than 40% of Unilever PLC’s US$161.2 billion. Just a few months ago, HUL was valued at nearly 70% of its parent. This fall is mainly due to two reasons:

  1. Poor stock performance – HUL’s share price has dropped 13% in 2024 and has been flat this year.
  2. Currency impact – The Indian rupee has weakened by 4.4% against the US dollar since 2022, while the euro has gained 18.7%.

HUL Share Price Trends Tell the Story

Unilever’s stock is now just 8% below its 2019 high, while HUL is still 23% below its peak of ₹3,035, which it hit in September 2024. HUL shares even fell by 4% in a single day after disappointing Q4 results—a record drop in 6 months.

Why the Slowdown?

The FMCG sector in India is facing tough times. Inflation and slower urban demand are hurting sales volumes. HUL, once seen as a “safe” stock, is struggling to grow. As a result, its valuation premium over its parent has shrunk from over 200% to 169%.

Currently, HUL trades at a high 48 times its one-year forward earnings, while Unilever trades at just 18 times. Although Indian subsidiaries often command high premiums, HUL’s advantage seems to be fading.

India Still Matters to Unilever

Despite the slowdown, India is still important for Unilever. In 2024, the country made up US$7.4 billion—around 11.2%—of Unilever’s total revenue. Unilever PLC also holds a 47.4% direct stake in HUL.

Conclusion: Can HUL Regain Its Edge?

While HUL remains a strong brand, investors are now cautious. To recover, it must boost volumes, handle inflation, and rebuild market confidence.

Read more on: HUL Q4 FY25 Results: Net Profit Drops 3.7% YoY, Declares ₹53 Total Dividend for FY25

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Alphabet Earnings Report Shows Strong Profits Amid Legal Battles and Market Challenges

Alphabet earnings report indicates that Google’s parent company has posted a strong growth for Q1 of FY2025. The tech giant earned a massive US$34.54 billion in profit, up from US$23.66 billion during the same period last year. Much of this jump was due to gains from investments, not from the company’s daily business operations.

Alphabet Earnings Report Indicates Revenue Growth

Alphabet’s revenue rose to US$90.23 billion; a 12% increase compared to last year. This was slightly better than the street’s expectations. The company also announced a US$70 billion stock buyback and raised its dividend by 5%. However, Google shares only rose slightly after the announcement.

Challenges Ahead: Trade War and AI Competition

Despite the strong results, Google is facing a difficult road ahead. The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China are hurting ad sales, especially from Chinese companies like Temu and Shein. These companies are buying fewer ads on Google, which could affect future earnings.

Another big challenge is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). New search tools powered by AI from competitors like OpenAI and Perplexity are starting to take some of Google’s market share.

Legal Trouble: Antitrust Losses

Google is also dealing with serious legal challenges. In two separate cases, U.S. judges ruled that Google holds illegal monopolies—one in online search and the other in online advertising technology. Some experts suggest that it might be smarter for Google to break itself up before being forced to by the courts.

Conclusion

Google is still making huge profits and remains a tech leader, but legal battles, rising competition, and economic uncertainty could slow its momentum.

Read more on: Samsung May Shift Manufacturing to India Amid US Tariffs on Vietnam

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

CBDT Bars Tax Deductions for Settlement Expenses Under 4 Different Acts

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has made a clear rule: taxpayers can no longer claim income tax deductions on money spent to settle legal cases or proceedings under 4 specific laws. These include:

  1. The SEBI Act, 1992
  2. The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956
  3. The Depositories Act, 1996
  4. The Competition Act, 2002

New Rule Under Finance Act 2024

 According to a notification dated April 23, 2025, the CBDT said these expenses will not be considered as business or professional expenses under Section 37(1) of the Income Tax Act. That means no deduction or allowance will be given, even if the settlement was done to avoid long legal battles.

Why This Matters

 Earlier, there were several court cases where companies were allowed to claim settlement expenses such as business costs. For example, in the case of ITO v. Reliance Share & Stock Brokers, the tribunal allowed consent fees paid to SEBI as a business expense, saying it was for “commercial expediency.”

But with the new rule—Explanation 3, Clause (iv) to Section 37(1)—these earlier judgments will no longer apply. The law is now clearer and stricter.

What Should Taxpayers Do Now?

Tax experts say this update is designed to remove confusion from the tax rules. However, there are still some unclear areas under laws like FEMA and RBI rules.

They advise businesses to reassess their tax positions and check if they are exposed to similar issues in ongoing or future cases.

Conclusion

This move by the CBDT aims to stop companies from reducing their tax burden using settlement payments. It brings clarity but also calls for companies to review their compliance and legal strategies.

Read more on: SEBI Plans to Raise Mutual Fund Caps in REITs and InvITs

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Stocks That Hit Circuit Limits On April 24, 2025: Godfrey Phillips, Sahaj Solar, and More

On April 24, 2025, BSE Sensex closed 0.39% lower at 79,801.43, while Nifty50 settled at 24,246.70, down 0.34%. Despite the slight dip in the broader market, several stocks like Godfrey Phillips, Sahaj Solar, and Black Box hit their circuit limits, showing notable price action. Check out the complete list of stocks that hit upper and lower circuits today.

Stocks That Hit Upper Circuit on April 24, 2025

Symbol LTP Change (%) Price Band % Volume(Lakhs) Value(₹ Crores)
GODFRYPHLP 8,144.00 2.81 5 1.71 140.16
SENCO 386 -0.1 5 14.95 58.71
SAHAJSOLAR 304 12.74 20 15.2 46.89
BBOX 422.95 10 10 10.11 41.21
GRWRHITECH 3,407.90 5 5 1.05 35.11

Stocks That Hit Lower Circuit on April 24, 2025

Symbol LTP Change (%) Price Band % Volume(Lakhs) Value(₹ Crores)
TARIL 533.7 -4.72 5 11.81 64.11
EPACK 375.35 -5 5 5.43 20.86
KITEX 245 -3.53 5 5.78 14.14
REFEX 470.7 -2.85 5 2.84 13.36
ESSARSHPNG 31.72 -5 5 9.01 2.89

Overview of Companies Hitting Circuit Limits

  1. Godfrey Phillips India Ltd

Godfrey Phillips India Ltd hit the upper circuit at ₹8,144.00 (+2.81%), with a 5% price band, 1.71 lakh volume, and ₹140.16 Cr in value.

  1. Sahaj Solar Ltd

Sahaj Solar Ltd surged 12.74% to ₹304, reaching the upper circuit with a 20% price band, 15.2 lakh volume, and ₹46.89 Cr traded.

  1. Black Box Ltd

Black Box Ltd locked at upper circuit at ₹422.95 (+10%), with a 10% price band, 10.11 lakh volume, and ₹41.21 Cr in value.

  1. TARSONS Products Ltd

TARSONS Products Ltd fell 4.72% to ₹533.7, hitting the lower circuit with a 5% price band, 11.81 lakh volume, and ₹64.11 Cr in value.

  1. Epack Durable Ltd

Epack Durable Ltd dropped 5% to ₹375.35, reaching the lower circuit with a 5% price band, 5.43 lakh volume, and ₹20.86 Cr traded.

Read more on: Top Gainers and Losers on April 24, 2025: Divi’s Labs Leads, Macrotech Developers Slides

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Delhi EV Policy 2.0 Sparks Debate Over Hybrid Vehicle Incentives

The Delhi government has extended its current Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy by 3 months due to the complexity of proposals in the new draft. This decision came after a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The draft policy, called Delhi EV Policy 2.0, has been shared with automakers for their feedback. 

Why is the Delhi EV Policy 2.0 Controversial? 

 The biggest concern is the proposal to offer the same incentives to hybrid vehicles as fully electric ones. These incentives include road tax and registration fee waivers, which are currently reserved for electric vehicles only. This move has upset major carmakers like Hyundai, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, MG Motor India, and Kia. 

These companies argue that hybrid vehicles still produce emissions, even if they are lower than regular petrol or diesel vehicles. They feel that incentives should only go to vehicles with zero emissions, especially since they have already made large investments in EV technology. 

If this rule stays, it could benefit brands like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda, which already have strong hybrid models. 

Other Big Changes in the Draft 

  • No more CNG autos: From August 15, 2025, registration of new CNG auto-rickshaws will stop, and old permits will not be renewed. 
  • Ban on fuel-based two-wheelers: A total ban on petrol, diesel, and CNG two-wheelers is being considered from August 15, 2026. 
  • Incentives for women: Women buying electric two-wheelers can get up to ₹36,000 in incentives. 
  • Other subsidies: A ₹10,000 per kWh purchase subsidy is planned, capped at ₹30,000. 
  • New jobs and infrastructure: The policy aims to create 20,000 jobs and set up many charging and battery-swapping stations across the city. 

Conclusion 

Delhi EV Policy 2.0 shows the city’s serious push towards clean mobility. However, the inclusion of hybrid vehicles in EV benefits has created tension with leading carmakers. As discussions continue, all eyes are on how the final policy will balance innovation, environment, and industry investments.

Read more on: Delhi EV WhatsApp Chatbot: A Digital Step Towards Green Mobility

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

 

 

Brightcom Group History: From USAGreetings.com to Ybrant Digital to Brightcom; Where Did It Go Wrong?

The story of Brightcom Group began in 1994 when 2two US-based techies, Suresh Reddy and Vijay Kancharla, launched an online greeting card service called USAGreetings.com. Back in the early days of the internet, e-cards were a trend, and the duo made it their full-time venture by 1998. However, as the dot-com bubble burst, they knew it was time for a change.

Rebranding as Ybrant Digital: A New Direction

 In the early 2000s, the company rebranded as Ybrant Technologies and shifted focus to digital advertising. They saw the rise of internet marketing and wanted to be a part of this growing space. Ybrant aimed to help companies advertise their products online, a smart move considering how businesses were embracing the digital world.

Their ambitions grew bigger when they acquired Lycos Internet in 2010, a once-popular search engine. By 2014, Ybrant rebranded itself again, this time to Lycos, and tried expanding into the wearable tech space with fitness bands and smart rings. However, analysts were skeptical, calling the move unfocused and poorly planned. The stock lost 90% of its value over the next 5 years. 

Return as Brightcom Group

In 2018, the company dropped the Lycos brand and adopted a new name: Brightcom Group, citing disputes with Lycos as the reason. Since then, its core focus has returned to digital advertising, a segment that now makes up 65% of global ad revenues.

The company seemed to be back on track in 2021. Revenue jumped from ₹654 crore to ₹2,021 crore in 6 months, and profits rose from ₹106 crore to ₹371 crore. This caught the attention of many retail investors, who increased their holdings from 12% to 18.5% in just a few months.

Controversies and SEBI’s Probe in Brightcom Group

But things took a turn when SEBI launched a forensic audit into the company’s financials from FY15 to FY20. Investors were shocked to learn the notice was received months earlier but not disclosed. There were also concerns about promoter share sales and ownership transfers through indirect entities.

Conclusion

Brightcom Group’s journey—from e-cards to digital advertising—shows vision and adaptability. But frequent rebrands, unclear strategies, and regulatory troubles have raised doubts. While some investors still believe in its future, the company must rebuild trust through transparency and stable leadership.

Read more on: Brightcom Group Schedules EGM for April 30 to Discuss Capital Reduction

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Samsung May Shift Manufacturing to India Amid US Tariffs on Vietnam

Samsung, the South Korean tech giant, is reportedly in talks to shift some of its smartphone and electronics manufacturing from Vietnam to India. This move comes after the US announced a 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods earlier this month, as part of retaliatory trade measures. Indian goods were also hit with a 10% levy, but a 90-day pause was later declared by the US administration, excluding China.

Samsung Begins Talks with Indian Manufacturers

 According to reports from Moneycontrol, Samsung has initiated discussions with Indian electronic manufacturing service (EMS) providers, including its current partners. A source stated, “Not just Samsung, all companies with a base in Vietnam are exploring possibilities to shift some production to India.”

India Stands to Benefit

 If Samsung decides to shift part of its operations to India, it could mean a significant boost to the Indian electronics sector. In FY24 alone, Samsung exported smartphones worth US$52 billion, with Vietnam as a key manufacturing base.

India could benefit due to:

  • Lower tariffs (at least for now)
  • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes by the Indian government
  • A push by tech firms to diversify their supply chains

Other Tech Giants Eyeing India To Avoid US Tariffs

 Samsung isn’t alone. Other tech firms are also looking to move out of Vietnam and China:

  • Google’s parent Alphabet is in advanced talks to shift Pixel smartphone production to India, with discussions underway with Dixon Technologies and Foxconn.
  • Apple’s manufacturer Foxconn is planning to double iPhone production in India to 25–30 million units this year.
  • Chinese EV maker BYD is planning a US$10 billion investment to build an electric vehicle and battery production unit near Hyderabad.

Conclusion

With rising tariffs and global uncertainty, India is emerging as a preferred manufacturing hub for major tech companies. The next few months could see big announcements as companies shift part of their production lines to India.

Read more on: US Considers Scaling Back Auto Tariffs Amid Industry Concerns: Reports

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Zupee Turns Profitable in FY24, Plans to Expand Into Fantasy and Card Games

Zupee, a real-money gaming platform, has made a big leap in FY24 by reporting a profit of ₹146 crore—its first full-year profit since its launch in 2018. In the previous year (FY23), the company had posted a loss of ₹36 crore.

This major turnaround came as Zupee’s revenue jumped 36.5%, reaching ₹1,123 crore compared to ₹823 crore in FY23.

Impact of New GST Rules on Zupee

In October 2023, a 28% GST on the full face value of bets was implemented across the gaming sector. Zupee’s FY24 numbers show only 6 months of this impact. The full impact will be seen in FY25.

Zupee said it adapted quickly and stayed strong due to its focus on product quality and operational flexibility, especially for its popular game Zupee Ludo.

Zupee Spending More on Users and Employees

 Total expenses rose by 11.7% to ₹1,019 crore in FY24 from ₹911.9 crore in FY23.

  • ₹806 crore was spent on marketing and user incentives, making it the biggest cost.
  • Employee benefits increased to ₹107 crore from ₹96 crore last year.

Kapil Sharma continues to be Zupee’s brand ambassador.

Zupee’s Future Plans

Zupee plans to expand its offerings by adding fantasy sports and card games like poker and rummy. While no launch date was announced, CEO Dilsher Malhi said these new games would help the platform grow further.

Malhi added that the fantasy gaming market in India is worth US$1.2–2 billion, and rummy is around US$1.5–1.8 billion, with poker at US$300 million.

No IPO Plans Yet Due to Regulatory Issues

Despite many startups heading for IPOs, Zupee is holding back. Malhi said there’s too much uncertainty around regulations, especially the 28% GST, which has led to ₹1.12 lakh crore in tax notices. The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed those notices, and a hearing is expected in May.

Conclusion

Zupee has turned profitable and is now aiming to grow its user base with new games. However, unclear rules around GST are slowing IPO dreams for now.

Read more on: Zippee Launches ‘Blaze’ for 60-Minute Deliveries Across India

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.