The Rapid Economy

Samsung, the global electronics giant, has announced a fresh investment of Rs 1,000 crore in its existing manufacturing facility at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The announcement was made by Dr TRB Rajaa, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce, signaling a renewed wave of industrial confidence in the state. This major investment comes at a time when the Sriperumbudur facility has been in the spotlight for both its economic contributions and recent labor disputes. The additional Rs 1,000 crore will be used to expand operations, modernize equipment, and increase production capacity, reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to the Indian market. The Sriperumbudur plant is a cornerstone of Samsung’s India strategy, producing key consumer electronics like televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. The facility currently employs over 2,000 people and is set to create an additional 100 jobs with this new investment, offering a much-needed boost to lo...

In a quarter that defied expectations and delivered a powerful statement to the FMCG sector, Tata Consumer Products Ltd. (TCPL) has reported a stellar 59% year-on-year surge in net profit, reaching ₹345 crore for the January-March 2025 quarter. Alongside this robust performance, the company’s board has sweetened the deal for shareholders by recommending a dividend of ₹8.25 per share for the financial year 2024-25. Below, we break down the highlights, insights, and implications of this blockbuster quarter for one of India’s most prominent consumer goods giants. Q4 FY25: Tata Consumer’s Standout Performance at a Glance Net profit for Q4 FY25 soared to ₹345 crore, a sharp 59% increase from ₹216 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations climbed to ₹4,608 crore, marking a 17% year-on-year growth. The board recommended a dividend of ₹8.25 per equity share (face value ₹1), pending shareholder approval, with payment slated on or after June 21, 2025. Tata Consumer’s share pric...

Ather Energy, the Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler maker, has officially filed its Red Herring Prospectus (RHP) with SEBI, marking its entry into the public markets with a high-profile Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO comprises a fresh equity issue worth Rs 2,626 crore alongside an Offer For Sale (OFS) of approximately 1.1 crore shares by existing shareholders, including founders and early investors. The public subscription window will be open for three days, from April 28 to April 30, 2025, with anchor investors’ bidding starting on April 25. The shares will be listed on both NSE and BSE, with NSE as the designated stock exchange. This IPO is a significant milestone for Ather Energy, which has been a pioneer in India’s electric scooter segment since its inception, offering premium models like the Ather 450X and the recently launched Ather Rizta. The fresh capital raised will be primarily used to fund the expansion of manufacturing facilities, including a new electric two-whe...

Bharti Airtel Limited, along with its subsidiary Bharti Hexacom Limited, has signed agreements to acquire 400 MHz of spectrum in the 26 GHz band from Adani Data Networks Limited. This acquisition covers six crucial telecom circles: Gujarat (100 MHz), Mumbai (100 MHz), Andhra Pradesh (50 MHz), Rajasthan (50 MHz), Karnataka (50 MHz), and Tamil Nadu (50 MHz), significantly boosting Airtel’s 5G network capacity in these regions. The deal marks a major step in Airtel’s aggressive expansion of its 5G infrastructure, aiming to deliver ultra-fast data speeds, enhanced network capacity, and superior user experience across metros and tier-2 cities alike. Financial details of the transaction have not been officially disclosed, but industry estimates suggest a substantial investment. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and compliance with India’s Spectrum Trading Guidelines before the transaction is finalized. Adani Data Networks originally acquired this 400 MHz spectrum in the 26 G...

January saw India’s wireless telecom sector add a net 6.29 lakh new subscribers, signaling renewed competition and shifting loyalties. Airtel led the charge with a robust net gain of 16.50 lakh subscribers, outpacing all rivals and strengthening its market position. Reliance Jio followed with a solid addition of 6.86 lakh subscribers, maintaining its momentum as a key player in the industry. Vodafone-Idea (Vi) faced a sharp setback, losing 13.40 lakh subscribers in a challenging month for the struggling operator. BSNL also reported losses, shedding 3.70 lakh subscribers and continuing its battle to retain market share. The latest TRAI data highlights a dynamic market where aggressive customer acquisition and retention strategies are reshaping the telecom landscape. With Airtel and Jio pulling ahead and Vi and BSNL losing ground, the race for subscribers is more intense than ever, promising more twists in the months ahead.

ICICI Bank reported a strong financial performance for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, with net profit rising 15.7% year-on-year to Rs 13,502 crore. Net interest income (NII), a key earnings driver, increased by 13.6% to Rs 48,387 crore, reflecting healthy growth in lending and improved margins. The bank declared a dividend of Rs 11 per share for the fiscal year 2025, signaling confidence in sustained profitability and rewarding shareholders. Profit before tax excluding treasury operations rose 13.2% year-on-year to Rs 16,534 crore in Q4, showcasing strong core business performance despite macroeconomic challenges. Core operating profit expanded by 13.7% to Rs 17,425 crore during the quarter, underscoring efficient cost management and growth in fee income. For the full financial year 2025, ICICI Bank’s profit after tax grew 15.5% to Rs 47,227 crore, reflecting consistent earnings momentum across quarters. The bank’s net interest margin (NIM) improved to 4.41% in Q4 from 4.25% in the ...