Stocks to Watch: TCS, HCL Tech, NTPC, M&M Among Key Movers as Markets Eye Flat Start
Indian markets are set for a flat start with Gift Nifty down 0.10% at 25,809.50. Key focus areas include Q3 results from TCS, HCL Tech, and Anand Rathi Wealth. NTPC announced a ₹3,800 crore acquisition deal, while M&M reported 27% sales growth. IREDA posted strong Q3 results with 37.50% profit growth to ₹584.90 crore, and DMart showed 18.30% profit increase. Corporate actions at Spandana Sphoorty, Lemon Tree Hotels, and Vedanta's NCLT approval add to market interest.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Indian equity markets are poised for a cautious start on Monday, with early indicators suggesting a largely flat opening despite positive cues from Asian markets. Gift Nifty traded at 25,809.50, down approximately 7.50 points or 0.10% from its previous close, reflecting muted sentiment ahead of the trading session.
Friday's session saw benchmark indices extend their losing streak for the fifth consecutive day, with the Sensex declining 605 points or 0.72% to close at 83,576.24, while the Nifty 50 dropped 194 points or 0.75% to settle at 25,683.30. Broader markets faced additional pressure, with the BSE Midcap index falling 0.90% and the Smallcap index declining 1.74%.
Earnings Announcements Drive Market Focus
Several major companies are set to release their Q3 results today, likely to influence trading sentiment and individual stock movements.
| Company | Event |
|---|---|
| Tata Consultancy Services | Q3 Results Announcement |
| HCL Technologies | Q3 Results Announcement |
| Anand Rathi Wealth | Q3 Results Announcement |
These earnings announcements are expected to attract significant investor attention as market participants assess corporate performance amid ongoing global uncertainties.
Major Corporate Developments
NTPC has entered into a shareholder agreement with Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO) to acquire STPL in a deal valued at ₹3,800.00 crore, strengthening its position in the thermal power segment.
Mahindra & Mahindra reported strong December business performance, with total sales volumes jumping 27% year-on-year to 85,501 units, accompanied by a 25.40% increase in production levels.
Strong Quarterly Performance Updates
Several companies have already announced their quarterly results, showing mixed but generally positive trends:
| Company | Metric | Current Period | Previous Year | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IREDA | Net Profit (Q3) | ₹584.90 cr | ₹425.40 cr | +37.50% |
| DMart | Consolidated PAT (Q3 FY26) | ₹855.92 cr | ₹723.72 cr | +18.30% |
IREDA posted particularly impressive results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, with net profit climbing 37.50% year-on-year. Avenue Supermarts, which operates the DMart retail chain, reported an 18.30% year-on-year rise in consolidated profit after tax for Q3 FY26.
Corporate Actions and Strategic Moves
Several companies are undertaking significant corporate restructuring activities. Spandana Sphoorty Financial announced that its board is considering a proposal to merge subsidiary Criss Financial Ltd with the parent company.
Lemon Tree Hotels is witnessing a major ownership change, with Coastal Cedar Investment BV, a Warburg Pincus affiliate, set to purchase the entire 41.09% equity stake in subsidiary Fleur Hotels from APG Strategic Real Estate Pool NV.
Vedanta received approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai for its Scheme of Arrangement involving Vedanta, Vedanta Aluminium, Talwandi Sabo Power, Malco Energy, and Vedanta Iron and Steel.
Market Outlook and Leadership Changes
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani outlined five concrete commitments at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra regions, highlighting the group's vision for advancing India's clean energy agenda and broader development goals.
Akzo Nobel India Limited announced several changes to its board and senior management following a board of directors meeting held on Friday.
Market analysts expect volatility to remain elevated during early trade, with any pullback rallies likely to be short-lived. The broader market trajectory will be influenced by global developments and upcoming inflation data, which could affect near-term positioning strategies.
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