Deepak Fertilisers Increases Stake in Australian Subsidiary Platinum Blasting Services

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd (DFPCL) has strengthened its presence in the Australian mining solutions market. On 17 February 2025, its wholly-owned subsidiary, Deepak Mining Solutions Ltd (DMSL), increased its stake in Platinum Blasting Services Pty Ltd from 65% to 85%.

Strategic Investment for Expansion

The transaction, valued at AUD 11.78 million (₹64.1 crore), involved acquiring shares from existing stakeholders. Platinum Blasting Services, a profitable and dividend-paying entity, plays a key role in providing end-to-end mining solutions. This acquisition aligns with DMSL’s long-term strategy of evolving from a commodity-driven model to a full-fledged mining solutions provider.

Valuation and Regulatory Approval

The share purchase was executed based on an earnings multiple valuation, as per guidance from a Big 4 accounting firm in Australia. The deal received formal approval from Platinum Blasting Services Pty Ltd on 17 February 2025 at 1:33 p.m., as confirmed in a stock exchange filing.

Deepak Fertiliser Share Performance

As of February 18, 2025, at 12:55 PM, the shares of Deepak Fertiliser are trading at ₹948.00 per share, down 3.73% from yesterday’s closing price. Over the last month, the stock has declined by 19.30% and over the last year it has surged by 92%. The stock’s 52-week high is ₹1,443.10 and its low is ₹450.00.

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.

Lloyd Metals and Energy Acquire 79.82% Stake in Thriveni Earthmovers

LMEL, a prominent player in the metals and energy sector, has completed a major acquisition by securing a substantial stake in TEIL. This action supports LMEL’s strategic goals for development and broader market reach.

Acquisition Approval

Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL) has decided to acquire a majority stake in Thriveni Earthmovers and Infra Private Limited (TEIL). The company will subscribe to 70 crore equity shares, representing 79.82% of TEIL’s total share capital for an investment of ₹70 crore. This step aligns with its growth strategy and expansion plans.  

Company’s Next Steps

With this acquisition, LMEL is set to expand its operations and enhance its capabilities. The strategic move is expected to create synergies, drive growth and contribute to long-term business success. The company remains committed to its vision and industry leadership.  

About the company

Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL) is a growing player in the metals and energy sector, focused on expansion, efficiency and transparency. Through strategic investments, the company aims to strengthen its market position and drive long-term growth. 

Share Performance 

As of February 18, 2025, at 12:35 PM, with a market capitalisation of ₹577.19 billion, the shares of LMEL are trading at ₹1,107 per share, down 2.01% from the previous day’s closing price. Over the past month, the stock has registered a loss of 20.71%. The stock’s 52-week high stands at ₹1,478 per share, while its 52-week low is ₹531 per share.

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.

DCX Systems Secures Major Purchase Orders Worth ₹24.51 Crores

DCX Systems Limited has recently announced the receipt of multiple domestic and export purchase orders, cumulatively valued at approximately ₹24.51 crores. These orders are part of the company’s routine business operations and signify its growing presence in the defence and aerospace sectors.

Significant Contracts from Defence Giants

The latest orders highlight DCX Systems’ strong business relationships with leading defence and aerospace organisations. Notably, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a premier Indian defence PSU, has placed an order worth ₹9.33 crores for cable and wire harness assemblies. 

Additionally, major international clients, including Rafael Advanced Defence Systems (Israel) and Elbit Systems Ltd (Israel), have collectively contributed to orders exceeding ₹9 crores.

Strengthening Market Position

The procurement of these orders not only reinforces DCX Systems’ credibility in the market but also reflects its capabilities to cater to both domestic and global defence needs. Other key clients such as Alpha-Elsec Defence & Aerospace Systems Pvt. Ltd. and India Optel Limited have also placed significant orders, further bolstering the company’s financial prospects and industry reputation.

DCX Systems Share Performance

As of February 18, 2025, at 2:12 PM, the shares of DCX Systems are trading at ₹242.80 per share, down 3.34% from yesterday’s closing price. Over the last month, the stock has declined by 33.68% and over the last year it has declined by 27.62%. The stock’s 52-week high is ₹451.90 and its low is ₹235.30.

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

SBI Mutual Fund Launches ‘JanNivesh SIP’ to Promote Micro-Investing

A Vision for Financial Inclusion

SBI Mutual Fund, in collaboration with SBI Bank, has introduced the ‘JanNivesh SIP’ scheme, allowing investments as low as ₹250 per month. SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch described this initiative as a long-held aspiration, aimed at bringing wealth-creation opportunities to millions of Indian households. This micro-SIP initiative addresses a key challenge in the industry—ensuring that small investments remain economically viable.

Previously, financial institutions had introduced SIPs with amounts as low as ₹100 and ₹500, but high operational costs hindered their widespread adoption. To counter this, SBI Bank has waived transaction charges for micro-SIPs, ensuring that every rupee invested contributes directly to wealth accumulation. Buch emphasised that the entire mutual fund ecosystem—including RTAs, KRAs, and depositories—collaborated to make this model sustainable, with a break-even period of two to three years ensuring its economic feasibility.

Leveraging Technology for Mass Adoption

Technology has played a critical role in making low-ticket investments viable. Buch highlighted how India’s financial ecosystem has leveraged technology to achieve the necessary scale, making these investments profitable. She also noted that initiatives like JanNivesh SIP would help bridge the wealth gap between urban and rural India, ensuring financial inclusion for all.

Initially, JanNivesh SIP will be available exclusively for the SBI Balanced Advantage Fund. Investors can access the scheme through digital platforms such as SBI YONO, Paytm. 

Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma expressed excitement about the launch, revealing that 550 registrations had already been recorded on their platform during the event. Paytm also aims to extend this opportunity to its merchant partners, enabling them to start their investment journey and build long-term financial security.

Conclusion

The JanNivesh SIP initiative marks a significant step towards making investment accessible to all, reinforcing India’s commitment to financial inclusion, with strong institutional support and the elimination of transaction charges.

Ready to watch your savings grow? Try our SIP Calculator today and unlock the potential of disciplined investing. Perfect for planning your financial future. Start now!

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. 

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

Bharat Forge Defence Subsidiary Unveiled MArG 45, Cal Mounted Gun System

A wholly-owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), has unveiled its latest innovation, the MArG 155mm/45 Cal Mounted Gun System at IDEX 2025, held in Abu Dhabi. This launch marks a significant step in advancing artillery technology, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

A Technological Milestone in Mobile Artillery

The MArG 155mm/45 Cal, mounted on a 4×4 high-mobility vehicle (HMV), is engineered to provide unmatched mobility, firepower, and range. Designed for rapid deployment, the system features advanced shoot-and-scoot capabilities, allowing for superior manoeuvrability in various combat environments.

During the launch event, the system was inaugurated by H.E. Shri Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, symbolising India’s growing prominence in the global defence sector.

Features and Capabilities

The MArG 45 integrates cutting-edge firepower with mobility, making it a strategic asset for modern warfare. Some of its key features include:

  • Enhanced Firepower: The gun system can fire beyond 36 km using conventional ammunition.
  • Rapid Deployment: The system can be operational in 1.5 minutes during daylight and 2 minutes at night.
  • High Mobility: The tailor-made 23.5-ton chassis, developed in-house, ensures adaptability across diverse terrains.
  • Versatile Compatibility: It supports NATO-standard and in-service ammunition, enhancing operational flexibility.
  • Effective Rate of Fire: Capable of firing 10 rounds in 3 minutes, with a sustained rate of 42 rounds per hour.

With an elevation range of -2° to +72° and a traverse of 25° left and right, the MArG 45 provides exceptional battlefield adaptability.

About Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited

A wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) is a leader in the Indian defence sector. The company specialises in developing indigenous weapon platforms, protected mobility solutions, and high-technology military products. It has also expanded its global reach by exporting artillery systems, munitions, and mobility solutions.

About Bharat Forge

Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) is a Pune-based multinational and a leading provider of high-performance components for various industries, including automotive, power, oil & gas, construction, rail, marine, defence, and aerospace. With a global footprint spanning five countries, BFL continues to drive innovation, offering full-service supply capabilities from concept to production.

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.

Green Jobs on the Rise: Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune Emerge as Leading Hubs

India’s white-collar job market witnessed a significant 32% year-on-year (YoY) growth in January 2025, as per recent reports. This expansion was primarily fuelled by key sectors such as semiconductors, energy, waste management, and manufacturing. Several factors contributed to this surge, including rising consumer demand, incentives introduced in the Union Budget FY26, and an increasing emphasis on sustainability initiatives.

Green Jobs on the Rise: A 41% Increase in 2 Years

One of the standout trends in India’s employment landscape has been the sharp rise in green jobs, which grew by 41% over the past two years. This growth is closely linked to the global push towards net-zero targets and the expansion of clean energy projects. With industries shifting towards sustainability, companies are actively recruiting professionals skilled in energy auditing, carbon footprint assessment, and sustainability strategy.

The cities of Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune have emerged as leading hubs for green jobs, given their strong renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) ecosystems. The demand for green job roles is expected to increase by another 11% in 2025, primarily due to projects focused on solar energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable urban development.

Retail and Travel Sectors See Hiring Growth

Apart from sustainability-focused roles, the retail and travel sectors also recorded strong hiring growth, with 24% and 17% YoY increases, respectively. The resurgence in hiring within these sectors can be attributed to:

  • Increased consumer spending in retail.
  • The digital transformation of the travel industry, leading to greater efficiency and enhanced customer experiences.

Tier II Cities Emerging as Employment Hubs

While metro cities remain the epicentre of white-collar job creation, hiring trends are now expanding beyond major urban centres. Several Tier II cities are fast becoming key employment hubs, driven by:

  • Improved infrastructure and business incentives.
  • Government-led initiatives to decentralise economic growth.
  • Lower operational costs for businesses, making them attractive locations for expansion.

This shift is playing a crucial role in supporting India’s transition to a greener and more future-ready economy.

Government Policies Driving Employment Growth

The Indian government’s emphasis on renewable energy and sustainability has played a vital role in shaping employment trends. Incentives introduced in the Union Budget FY26 have further propelled hiring in green energy, semiconductors, and manufacturing. Policy-driven investments in these sectors are expected to continue fostering job creation across various industries.

According to Pranay Kale, Chief Revenue and Growth Officer at foundit, these policies have significantly influenced hiring patterns, leading to a sustained increase in high-skill job opportunities.

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.

Lenskart’s IPO Ambition: When Will the Eyewear Giant Go Public?

Lenskart, India’s leading omnichannel eyewear retailer, is reportedly gearing up for a public listing, targeting a potential $10 billion valuation—double its last funding round. According to news reports, the company is preparing to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) by May 2025, setting the stage for a significant market debut.

Discussions around the valuation and IPO structure are ongoing between Lenskart’s chief executive Peyush Bansal, key investors, and bankers managing the offering. However, the final valuation and launch will depend on market conditions closer to the listing date.

Valuation and Investor Interest

Lenskart has seen a surge in investor interest over the past few years. Unlike traditional primary funding rounds, the company’s recent capital infusions have been driven by secondary deals, where existing investors offload stakes to new investors.

In June 2023, Lenskart closed a $200 million secondary funding round at a $5 billion valuation, up from its previous primary capital round valuation of $4.5 billion. Typically, secondary share sales occur at a discount, but in Lenskart’s case, strong demand from investors has maintained its valuation trajectory.

IPO Market Sentiment and Competitive Landscape

Lenskart’s IPO ambitions align with a broader trend of late-stage startups heading for public listings in FY26, indicating a growing acceptance of new-age companies among institutional and retail investors.

The eyewear retailer, backed by prominent investors such as SoftBank and Temasek, dominates the Indian market and is expanding internationally. Its acquisition of Japanese brand Owndays in 2022, in a $400 million deal, marked its foray into premium eyewear. Thailand is also emerging as a key growth region for the brand.

Scaling Operations and Revenue Growth

Founded 15 years ago, Lenskart has achieved an annual revenue run rate of $1 billion (₹ 8,400 crore). The company produces 25 million frames and between 30-40 million lenses annually.

In FY24, its operating revenue surged 43% year-on-year to ₹5,428 crore, while EBITDA more than doubled to Rs 856 crore, up from ₹403 crore in FY23. Additionally, net losses reduced significantly from ₹64 crore in FY23 to ₹10 crore in FY24, highlighting operational efficiencies.

The company has been investing heavily in manufacturing, shifting most of its production to its Rajasthan facility and allocating $200 million towards a new plant in Telangana to bolster its export capabilities.

Omnichannel Expansion Strategy

Lenskart’s business model is deeply integrated with technology, allowing for a seamless omnichannel experience. While online sales have driven substantial growth, the company remains committed to offline expansion, planning to add 400 more stores to its existing 2,500-store network.

The company also holds a significant stake in the Paris-based eyewear brand Le Petit Lunetier, reinforcing its global presence.

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.

FINNIFTY Outperforms; PB Ratio Below 5-Year Average

The Nifty Financial Services Index (FINNIFTY), which tracks the performance of financial sector stocks including banks, housing finance, insurance, and other financial services, ended the trading session on February 17, 2025, with gains of 0.36%.

Despite dipping below 23,000 intraday, the index recovered from lower levels, closing at 23,271, up 84 points from the previous session. This marked an outperformance against the broader Nifty50 index, which saw relatively subdued movement on the day.

HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finserv & SBI Lead the Charge

Among the top contributors to the FINNIFTY’s gains were:
HDFC Bank
Bajaj Finserv
State Bank of India (SBI)

Conversely, the major drags on the index were:
ICICI Bank
Axis Bank  Kotak Mahindra Bank

Market Breadth: Mixed Sentiment in FINNIFTY

The overall market breadth for FINNIFTY reflected a mixed trend, with:

  • 9 stocks closing in the green
  • 11 stocks ending in the red

Despite the gains, the breadth indicated that a larger proportion of stocks were under pressure, with select heavyweights driving the index’s positive close.

PB Ratio Below 5-Year Average: What It Indicates

The Price-to-Book (PB) ratio of FINNIFTY currently stands at 2.80, which is at its 3 and 6-month low. Additionally, it is:

  • Near the lower range of its one-year and two-year levels
  • Below the 5-year average PB ratio of 3.52

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.

Nifty Small Cap 100 Rebounds: Ends 7-Day Losing Streak on Feb 17

The Nifty Smallcap 100 Index represents the performance of the small-cap segment in the Indian stock market. It comprises 100 tradable stocks listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and is computed using the free-float market capitalisation method. This means the index level reflects the total free-float market value of all its constituent stocks relative to a base market capitalisation value.

Sharp Decline Followed by a Reversal

On February 17, 2025, the Nifty Smallcap 100 Index opened lower and continued its downward trajectory, touching a fresh 8-month low. At one point, it appeared that the index would extend its losing streak for an 8th consecutive session. However, a late-session recovery allowed the index to close in positive territory, effectively snapping the 7-day decline.

Market Breadth Remains Mixed

Despite the rebound, market breadth remained slightly skewed towards declines. Out of the 100 stocks in the index:

  • 53 stocks ended in red
  • 46 stocks closed in green

Performance in 2025: A Sharp Correction

The recent decline in the Nifty Smallcap 100 Index has been significant:

  • Weekly drop: In the past week alone, the index registered a sharp 9.41% decline, marking one of its steepest falls in recent times.
  • Year-to-date (YTD) performance: So far in CY 2025, the index has fallen by nearly 18%.

This downturn comes after strong back-to-back gains in CY 2023 and CY 2024, highlighting the cyclical nature of small-cap stocks. 

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.

Nifty Bank Recovers 750 Points; Trades Below 5-Year P/B Average

The Nifty Bank Index, which tracks the performance of the most liquid and large Indian banking stocks, started Monday’s session on a weak note, slipping below the previous session’s low. However, buying support at lower levels led to a sharp recovery, with the index gaining over 750 points from the day’s low to close in positive territory.

By the end of the session, the Nifty Bank Index settled 0.32% higher, outperforming the broader Nifty50 Index. This recovery indicates that market participants found value at lower levels, driving banking stocks higher in the latter half of the trading session.

Stock Performance: Winners and Laggards

Among the 12 banking stocks that make up the Nifty Bank Index, 7 ended in the green, while 5 closed in the red.

  • Top Contributors: HDFC Bank and SBI led the gains, supporting the index’s positive closing.
  • Top Drags: ICICI Bank and Axis Bank were the biggest underperformers of the session.

Year-to-Date and February Performance

Despite Monday’s positive close, the Nifty Bank Index is down by over 3% in CY2025 so far. Within February, the index has recorded a modest decline of 0.66%.

Valuation Check: Price-to-Book Ratio Trends

A crucial valuation metric for banking stocks, the Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio, currently stands at 2.16 (as of February 14, 2025).

  • This P/B ratio is trading near the lower range of the 1, 3, and 6-month periods, suggesting that banking stocks may be relatively undervalued compared to recent trends.
  • Additionally, it is below the 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year P/B average, indicating that the banking sector is currently priced lower than its historical valuation benchmarks.

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.