PFC Shares to Trade Ex-Date on March 19: Interim Dividend of ₹3.50

On March 19, 2025, PFC shares to trade ex-date, meaning that the shareholders registered in the company’s books will be eligible for the ₹3.50 interim dividend.

PFC Dividend History

Ex-Date Dividend Type Dividend Amount (₹)
Feb 28, 2025 Interim 3.50
Nov 25, 2024 Interim 3.50
Aug 30, 2024 Interim 3.25

PFC Financial Highlights

For the nine months ending December 31, 2025 (9MFY25), the consolidated profit after tax stood at ₹22,157 crores, reflecting a 17% year-on-year increase. The consolidated loan asset book reached ₹1,069,436 crores, marking a 12% year-on-year growth. In terms of asset quality, the consolidated gross NPA dropped to 2.30%, below 3%, for the 9 months of FY ’25. The consolidated net NPA ratio stands at 0.73% for the same period.

For 9MFY25, the gross NPA ratio is 2.68%, and the net NPA ratio is 0.71%. PFC continues to maintain 73% provisioning in its NPA portfolio. Regarding NPA assets, as shared in previous quarters, the company expect resolution in 3 projects amounting to approximately ₹4,961 crores. During Q3 FY ’25, PFC disbursed ₹34,151 crores, and the cumulative disbursement for the 9MFY25 stands at ₹1,00,297 crores, which corresponds to a year-on-year loan growth of around 10.24%.

 

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.

Gold and Silver Prices Trade Higher: Check Rates in Your City on March 18, 2025

Gold and silver prices witnessed growth in both the global and domestic markets on March 18, 2025. In the international market, spot gold prices have increased by 0.64%, reaching $3,016.89 as of 1:25 PM. In the domestic market, gold prices have surged by nearly ₹420. Turning to silver prices, there was a growth of 0.37% to ₹1,00,710 in the domestic market.

In Mumbai, 24-carat gold is priced at ₹8,865 per gram, while 22-carat gold now costs ₹8,126 per gram. In Delhi, the price of 22-carat gold is currently ₹81,130 per 10 grams, while 24-carat gold is trading at ₹88,500 per 10 grams.

Gold Prices Across Major Indian Cities on March 18, 2025

Here is a detailed breakdown of gold prices as of March 18, 2025:

City 24 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹) 22 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹)
Chennai 88,910 81,501
Delhi 88,520 81,143
Mumbai 88,670 81,281
Bangalore 88,740 81,345
Kolkata 88,560 81,180

Silver Prices Across Major Indian Cities

City Silver Rate in ₹/KG 
Mumbai 1,00,990
Delhi 1,00,820
Kolkata 1,00,860
Chennai 1,01,290

Conclusion

Both gold and silver prices have shown positive growth, reflecting an upward trend in both domestic and international markets on March 18, 2025. With gold rising by nearly ₹420 in the domestic market and silver witnessing a ~₹480 increase per kilogram,

 

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.

Why Companies with Zero Promoter Holdings Could Be Your Next Big Investment?

In the realm of investing, most of us are familiar with the concept of promoter holdings—the shares owned by the founders or major stakeholders of a company. These holdings often serve as a sign of confidence and commitment to the business. But what happens when a company has zero promoter holdings? Does this indicate a lack of leadership, or does it present an opportunity for investors?

Investing in companies with no promoter holdings is an unconventional approach that can raise many questions. It challenges the typical narratives we’ve been taught about the importance of strong founder involvement. In this blog, we’ll explore the top companies with zero promoter holdings

Top Companies With Zero Promoter Holding

Name Market Cap (₹ Crore) Promoter Holding (%) 5Y CAGR (%)
BSE Ltd 53,640.85 0.00 103.51
Coforge Ltd 49,256.61 0.00 44.18
ICICI Bank Ltd 8,96,447.57 0.00 28.14
Federal Bank Ltd 43,548.78 0.00 24.92
IDFC First Bank Ltd 38,724.55 0.00 15.94

Note: The above-mentioned stocks have been selected based on 5Y CAGR as of March 18, 2025

Overview of Top Companies With Zero Promoter Holding 

BSE Ltd

Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE Ltd) is an Indian Stock Exchange located at Dalal Street in Mumbai. The Co. facilitates a market for trading in equity, currencies, debt instruments, derivatives, and mutual funds. The company’s key growth driver for existing business includes its focus on increasing market share across all segments, rising disposable household incomes and preference for financial savings and focus on innovation and launch of unique products across segments.

Key Metrics

  • ROE: 15.2%
  • ROCE: 20.0%

Coforge Ltd

Coforge is an IT services company providing end-to-end software solutions and services. Coforge has set up subsidiaries in the US, Singapore, Australia, UK, Germany and Thailand, mainly to market and mobilise projects for the software division. During Q3FY25, the company reported an order book of $1,365Mn, a 40.1% YoY growth.

Key Metrics

  • ROE: 24.1%
  • ROCE: 28.6%

ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank is the second-largest private sector bank in India offering a diversified portfolio of financial products and services to retail, SME and corporate customers. Bank’s mortgage portfolio includes home loans at ~67%, top-up loans given to existing home loan customers at 6%, office premises loans at ~5% and loans against property at ~19%.

Key Metrics

  • ROE: 18.8%
  • ROCE: 7.6%

Benefits of Investing in Companies With Zero Promoter Holdings

Investing in companies with zero promoter holdings can offer several benefits:

  • Focus on Shareholder Value: Without a dominant promoter, management may prioritise the interests of all shareholders, potentially leading to better performance.
  • Increased Transparency: These companies may provide more regular and thorough financial reporting, ensuring better communication with investors.
  • Reduced Conflicts of Interest: The absence of controlling shareholders can minimize conflicts, leading to improved governance and decision-making.
  • Attraction of Institutional Investors: A neutral ownership structure may attract more institutional investment, broadening the shareholder base.
  • Market-Driven Growth: Companies without promoters are more responsive to market forces, which can foster innovation and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Investing in companies with zero promoter holdings offers a unique opportunity to tap into businesses that prioritize shareholder value, transparency, and market-driven growth.

 

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.

Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana Form: Check How to Apply

The Department of Women, Child Development & Social Security under the Jharkhand Government has launched the “Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana” scheme to improve the financial security and well-being of women throughout the state. The initiative provides financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to eligible women, with payments directly deposited into their bank accounts by the 15th of each month.

How to Get Maiya Samman Yojana Form?

Step 1: Interested applicants should visit the Anganwadi centre or the Block Development Officer/Zonal Officer’s office during office hours to request a hard copy of the application form, which is issued and collected by designated staff.

OR

Applicants can download the application form online.

Step 2: Fill out all mandatory fields in the application form and attach copies of the required documents (self-attested, if necessary).

Step 3: Submit the completed and signed application form along with the necessary documents:

  • Rural Areas: Submit at the nearest Pragya Kendra or the office of the Block Development Officer.
  • Urban Areas: Submit at the office of the Zonal Officer.

Step 4: Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment from the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer where the application was submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains important details such as the submission date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).

What are the Documents Required for Maiya Samman Yojana?

  • Passport-size Photograph
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Ration Card
  • Voter ID
  • Pan Card
  • Bank Passbook
  • Self-declaration Letter.

Conclusion

The “Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana” scheme provides financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to eligible women, with payments directly deposited into their bank accounts by the 15th of each month.

 

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.

8th Pay Commission: How DA Hike Will Be Impacted Amid AICPI-IW Drop

The All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) for January 2025 has shown a decrease, raising questions about its implications for the anticipated hike in the dearness allowance (DA) for central government employees. The latest data revealed a drop of 0.5 points, bringing the index to 143.2. This marks another consecutive month of decline, as the AICPI-IW had also fallen by 0.8 points to 143.7 in December 2024.

What is the AICPI-IW?

Compiled monthly by the Labour Bureau, a division of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the AICPI-IW tracks changes in the retail prices collected from 317 markets across 88 industrial hubs in India. The index serves as an essential tool for measuring inflation specifically for industrial workers, reflecting changes in their cost of living.

According to the Labour Bureau’s press release dated March 13, 2025, “The All-India CPI-IW for January 2025 decreased by 0.5 points and stood at 143.2.”

In addition to the monthly decline, the AICPI-IW data also shows a significant year-on-year decrease in inflation for January. The inflation rate for industrial workers stood at 3.10% in January 2025, compared to 4.59% in January 2024. This sharp drop underscores the evolving economic conditions affecting workers across India.

Significance of AICPI-IW

The AICPI-IW data plays a critical role in the calculation of dearness allowance (DA) for central government employees. DA is an additional payment over and above an employee’s basic salary and is designed to help offset the effects of inflation. The central government uses the AICPI-IW to determine the rate of DA, in line with recommendations from the 7th Pay Commission.

Currently, government employees are receiving a DA equivalent to 53% of their basic salary. As the AICPI-IW continues to show a downward trend, it has raised questions about the anticipated 2% increase in DA, which was expected to take effect from January 1, 2025.

Possible Delays in DA Announcement

The decrease in both the month-on-month and year-on-year AICPI-IW data could be a factor in the delay of the DA increase announcement. If inflation continues to dip, the government may reconsider or adjust the expected hike, especially given that the current rate of 53% DA is already high in relation to the cost-of-living index.

Conclusion

The latest AICPI-IW data is crucial for government employees, as it directly influences their DA calculations. With a continued downward trend in the index, it remains to be seen how the government will address the DA hike moving forward.

 

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.

Banking Services to Hit on March 24 and 25: UFBU Called for Nationwide Strike

Banking services in India will be disrupted on March 24 and March 25 due to a nationwide two-day strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). This means that all private and public sector banks will be closed for 2 days. The strike is in response to several demands, including improved recruitment across all levels, regularization of temporary employees, and the introduction of a 5-day work week in the banking sector.

UFBU is a coalition of 9 bank unions representing over eight lakh employees and officers across public sector banks, private sector banks, foreign banks, cooperative banks, and regional rural banks.

The unions have also voiced their opposition to a recent directive from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) regarding performance-linked incentives and reviews. They argue that such measures create uncertainty for employees and should be revoked.

Key Issues Driving the Strike

According to L. Chandrasekhar, General Secretary of the National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE), despite several rounds of discussions, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has failed to address critical concerns, such as:

  • Recruitment across all levels to address staff shortages.
  • Filling of workmen and officer director positions in public sector banks.
  • Withdrawal of performance review and incentive directives from the DFS, which unions claim jeopardise job security.
  • Opposition to “micro-management” by the DFS, arguing that excessive intervention undermines the autonomy of bank boards.
  • Amendments to the Gratuity Act, seeking an increase in the ceiling to ₹25 lakh, aligning it with the benefits offered to government employees.
  • Exemption of gratuity from income tax.

Who is part of the UFBU?

The UFBU represents nine major bank employees’ unions, including:

  • All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA)
  • All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC)
  • National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE)
  • All India Bank Officers’ Association (AIBOA)
  • Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI)
  • Indian National Bank Employees Congress (INBEC)
  • Indian National Bank Officers’ Congress (INBOC)
  • National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW)
  • National Organisation of Bank Officers (NOBO)

 

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.

From Kerosene to Clean Energy: India’s Push for Sustainable Solutions

India has made significant achievements in its journey toward ensuring clean energy access and promoting sustainable cooking solutions for its citizens. A key milestone in this endeavour was the introduction of the Public Distribution System (PDS) Kerosene pricing and various initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on kerosene while enhancing access to cleaner alternatives.

Kerosene Pricing and PDS Allocation

Since March 1, 2020, the retail selling price of PDS Kerosene has been maintained at a “NIL under-recovery” level across the country. This decision is part of the government’s efforts to rationalise the use of kerosene, a known pollutant. Kerosene, often used for cooking and lighting, is distributed under the Public Distribution System (PDS), with special allocations provided to states and Union Territories (UTs) for special needs, such as natural calamities, religious functions, fisheries, and yatras.

The government’s forward-thinking policies also empower states to draw one month’s quota of PDS Kerosene at non-subsidized rates during each financial year to meet these special needs. Between 2015 and 2020, the government incentivised states through the Direct Benefit Transfer for Kerosene (DBTK) scheme to voluntarily surrender their PDS kerosene allocations. As of 2023-24, 13 states have successfully transitioned to a Kerosene-free status.

Clean Energy Leadership and International Cooperation

India is actively leading global initiatives to support the clean energy transition. As one of the founding members of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015 and the Global Biofuel Alliance in 2023, India has shown a strong commitment to adopting clean energy solutions. This is evident from the discussions held during India Energy Week 2025, where India hosted a Ministerial Roundtable on Clean Cooking to share lessons from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and address challenges faced by the Global South.

Shifting to Cleaner Lighting Alternatives

Kerosene has traditionally been used for lighting in rural areas, but with the introduction of initiatives like Saubhagya (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana) and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), India has nearly achieved universal electricity access. These efforts have effectively eliminated the need for kerosene lamps for lighting, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative for millions of households.

Clean Cooking with LPG

One of the most significant steps toward ensuring clean energy access for all has been the launch of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in May 2016. PMUY aimed to provide free LPG connections to poor households, eliminating the need for harmful cooking methods like using firewood or coal.

In addition to providing free LPG connections, the government also introduced targeted subsidies to ensure sustained usage of LPG. In May 2022, the government started offering a subsidy of ₹200 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills per year for PMUY beneficiaries. In October 2023, the subsidy was increased to ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder, making LPG even more affordable. As a result, PMUY consumers can access LPG cylinders at an effective price of ₹503 per cylinder (in Delhi). More than 10.33 crore beneficiaries are now able to avail of these benefits across the country.

Conclusion

India’s commitment to clean energy and clean cooking solutions is clear. With initiatives like PMUY, the push for renewable fuels, and the growing focus on sustainability, India is poised to continue its leadership in clean energy adoption. Through continued innovation and government support, the country is on track to achieve a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all its citizens.

 

 

 

 

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.

India’s Mobile Phone Exports Surpass ₹1.82 Lakh Crore Fueled by Govt Support

India’s mobile phone export industry has achieved a remarkable milestone, with exports crossing ₹1,82,448 crore (US$ 21 billion) in the first 11 months of FY25. This exceeds the forecast made by Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Information Technology, Mr Ashwini Vaishnaw, who had estimated exports to reach ₹1,73,760 crore (US$ 20 billion) by the end of the financial year. With one month still to go, this marks an impressive 54% growth compared to the same period in FY24, according to the India Cellular & Electronics Association.

Apple’s Dominance and the Rise in Smartphone Exports

Independent reports suggest that Apple Inc. has played a major role in this growth, contributing around ₹1,25,000 crore (US$ 14.39 billion) to the total exports. Notably, iPhone exports have been responsible for nearly 70% of the total smartphone exports from India.

Q1 FY25 saw smartphone exports reach ₹42,137 crore (US$ 4.85 billion), reflecting a 30% increase from Q1 FY24. The first half of FY25 saw a similar trend, with exports totalling ₹72,979 crore (US$ 8.4 billion), marking a 30% rise from ₹56,472 crore (US$ 6.5 billion) in H1 FY24.

Q3FY25 was the most significant yet, with monthly exports surpassing ₹17,376 crore (US$ 2 billion), culminating in a total of ₹59,078 crore (US$ 6.8 billion) for the quarter. In the first two months of Q4 alone, another ₹48,653 crore (US$ 5.6 billion) was added to the total, taking the exports to an impressive ₹1,82,448 crore (US$ 21 billion).

Steady Growth in Monthly Exports

Since October 2024, India’s monthly mobile phone exports have consistently exceeded ₹17,376 crore (US$ 2 billion), a significant improvement from the peak of ₹14,248 crore (US$ 1.64 billion) in FY23 and ₹16,507 crore (US$ 1.9 billion) in FY24. The major contributors to this surge are Apple’s vendors, including Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron, which together account for 70% of India’s mobile phone exports. Samsung and Indian brands contribute the remaining portion.

The United States and Europe continue to be vital markets for India’s mobile phone exports, with 50-55% of the exports heading to the US. In fact, smartphones have now surpassed non-industrial diamonds as India’s largest export to the US by Harmonised System classification.

Government Support and Future Prospects

The Indian government is actively exploring a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to encourage greater value addition in mobile phone manufacturing and to integrate more Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into global supply chains. This initiative is expected to further boost the export potential of India’s mobile phone sector, strengthening its position in the global market.

Conclusion

India’s growing mobile phone export sector highlights the country’s increasing prominence in the global electronics manufacturing landscape and underscores the critical role of companies like Apple and Samsung in this success. With continued government support and a strong export trajectory, India is poised to maintain this momentum well into the future.

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.

IGI Share Price Hit 5% Lower Circuit: 3 Month Shareholder Lock-In Ends on March 18

On March 18, 2025, International Gemmological Institute shares (IGI shares) will be in focus as its 3-month shareholder lock-in period ends. However, it is worth noting that the end of the shareholder lock-in period does not mean that all the shares will be sold in the Open Market but they only become eligible to be traded

Management Take on Business Performance 

In an interview with CNBC-TV18, the management of the International Gemmological Institute stated that they expect volume growth to exceed 20% in 2025, with revenue growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% to 20% over the next five years. The management also mentioned that they do not foresee any downside risk to margins at current levels and that they have increased the average size of the Lab Grown Diamonds they certify.

Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director and CEO of IGI said, “IGI’s strong financial performance in 2024 reflects our commitment to excellence and leadership in the global diamond certification industry. With a 33% global market share in diamond certification and 65% in lab-grown diamonds, we continue to expand our presence and enhance our service offerings. The successful acquisition of IGI Belgium and IGI Netherlands further strengthens our global footprint, allowing us to serve an even wider customer base. As we celebrate IGI’s 50th anniversary, we remain dedicated to innovation, accuracy, and trust in the jewellery certification ecosystem.”

IGI Share Price Performance

On March 18, 2025, IGI share price opened at ₹288.70 and hit a 5% lower circuit. IGI shares reached a post-listing high of ₹642, but have since been on a downward trend. The stock has dropped by almost 55% from that peak, reaching its lowest point of ₹282 since the listing. It is also down around 30% from its IPO price of ₹417.

 

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.

Castrol India Shares to Trade Ex-Date on March 18: Final Dividend of ₹9.50

On March 18, 2025, Castrol shares to trade ex-date, meaning that the shareholders registered in the company’s books will be eligible for the ₹9.50 final dividend.

Castrol Dividend History

Ex-Date Dividend Type Dividend Amount (₹)
Aug 07, 2024 Interim 3.50
Mar 21, 2024 Final 4.50
Aug 08, 2023 Interim 3.00

Castrol Q4 2024 Operational Performance

The company expanded its Auto Care range with 2 new products during the quarter. It developed 4 advanced rust preventive solutions, which are called Rustilo DW series that combine high performance with environmental benefits. In addition, the company inaugurated its state-of-the-art technology centre in Patalganga, which is now here to drive innovation, blending, analytical testing and advanced EV and data centre solutions. The company had also installed state-of-the-art filling lines at its Paharpur and Silvassa plants, helping the business to unlock the headroom to grow in future.

 

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.