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Alpex Solar Q1 FY26: Stellar Growth Pushes Company to New Peaks
Business - June 16, 2025

Dharan Infra-EPC’s Green Leap: New Subsidiary to Power Solar Ambitions

Dharan Infra-EPC’s Green Leap: New Subsidiary to Power Solar Ambitions

From penny stock to renewable pioneer, the company’s creation of Dharan Infra Solar Private Ltd signals a bold shift toward India’s clean energy future.

Introduction
Corporate interest in India’s renewable energy sector continues to rise, with Dharan Infra-EPC Limited becoming the newest entrant in the space.
Once known primarily for its real estate and construction projects under the name KBC Global Ltd, the company is now charting a new course. By establishing Dharan Infra Solar Private Ltd, it aims to become a key player in the solar and hybrid power ecosystem—a sector critical to India’s clean energy transition and global climate commitments.

Strategic Rebranding and Vision
The evolution from KBC Global Ltd to Dharan Infra-EPC Limited marks a strategic shift that goes well beyond just rebranding.
It reflects a deliberate shift from traditional real estate to a broader focus on infrastructure and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, with sustainability at its core. The board’s approval of this move, alongside a recent 1:1 bonus share issue, signals management’s intent to reward shareholders and align the company’s identity with its evolving business model.

Dharan Infra Solar: Scope and Ambitions
Comprehensive Renewable Solutions
Dharan Infra Solar Private Ltd is designed to be a one-stop shop for solar and hybrid energy projects. Its made up of the full value chain:
• Designing, manufacturing, and upgrading solar modules and cells
• Trading, importing, and exporting solar hardware
• Assembling, fabricating, and maintaining solar-plus-hybrid systems
• Offering comprehensive solutions spanning from project planning to complete execution
By integrating these capabilities, the subsidiary aims to deliver seamless, end-to-end services for clients seeking to adopt solar power or hybrid renewable systems.
Aligning with National Priorities
This strategic expansion comes at a time when India is fast-tracking its shift toward solar and wind energy, creating massive new opportunities for EPC companies with green ambitions. Dharan Infra Solar’s market entry comes at an opportune moment, aligned with government incentives, growing corporate sustainability commitments, and the pressing demand for decentralized clean energy solutions.

Financial and Market Context
Stock Performance and Order Book
Despite being classified as a penny stock, trading below Re 1, Dharan Infra-EPC Limited has shown resilience and adaptability. The company’s order book stands at ₹260 crore, reflecting ongoing demand for its infrastructure and EPC services. The announcement of the new subsidiary and the company’s foray into renewables have already sparked positive market reactions, with recent share price surges noted in response to the news.
Bonus Issue and Shareholder Value
In February 2024, the company declared a 1:1 bonus share issue, further underlining its commitment to shareholder value. The reserves being capitalized for this bonus issue total approximately ₹261.4 crore, providing a solid foundation for future expansion.

Industry Implications and Competitive Edge
Positioning in a Crowded Market
India’s renewable energy sector is intensely competitive, with both seasoned players and emerging contenders striving to capture market share.
Dharan Infra Solar’s strategy to offer integrated, turnkey solutions—spanning design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance—sets it apart from firms focusing on just one segment of the value chain.
Sustainability and Diversification
Management has emphasized that the move into renewables is both a business imperative and an environmental responsibility. By diversifying into green energy, Dharan Infra-EPC not only reduces its carbon footprint but also opens up new, sustainable revenue streams that can buffer against cyclical downturns in traditional construction and real estate.

Challenges and Future Outlook
While the company’s ambitions are clear, execution will be key. The renewable energy sector demands technological expertise, robust supply chains, and the ability to navigate regulatory complexities. However, with an experienced management team, a growing order book, and a clear strategic roadmap, Dharan Infra-EPC is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact.

Conclusion
The launch of Dharan Infra Solar Private Ltd by Dharan Infra-EPC Limited represents a pivotal step in its transformation from a conventional infrastructure firm into a progressive force in India’s renewable energy landscape.
As the nation accelerates its clean energy transition, the company’s integrated approach and strategic timing could see it emerge as a notable force in solar and hybrid power solutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ITC Completes Acquisition of 24 Mantra Organic: A Major Leap into India’s Organic Food Market

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Margins Ignite at Gujarat Gas as Q4 Profit Blazes 29% Higher
Result Updates - May 20, 2025

Margins Ignite at Gujarat Gas as Q4 Profit Blazes 29% Higher

Margins Ignite at Gujarat Gas as Q4 Profit Blazes 29% Higher

 

Despite a tough operating backdrop, Gujarat Gas delivered strong profit growth and margin expansion in Q4 FY25, exceeding analyst expectations and rewarding shareholders with a generous dividend.

Q4 FY25: Key Financial Highlights

Gujarat Gas posted a standalone net profit of ₹287 crore for Q4 January–March 2025, rising from ₹222 crore in the same quarter last year, exceeding market forecasts. EBITDA grew 19% to ₹450 crore, and margins improved to 11% from 9.1% a year ago. Revenue, however, declined slightly by 1% to ₹4,102 crore, reflecting subdued demand in certain segments.
• Net Profit: ₹287 crore, up 29% YoY
• Revenue: ₹4,102 crore, down 0.78% YoY
• EBITDA: ₹450 crore, up 19% YoY
• EBITDA Margin: 11% (up from 9.1%)
• Dividend: ₹5 per share

Volume Trends: Industrial Weakness Offset by Domestic Gains

While Gujarat Gas’s overall sales volumes dipped to 9.31 million metric standard cubic meters per day (mmscmd) from 9.69 mmscmd last year, the decline was mainly due to softer industrial demand. Industrial sales volumes dropped to 5.03 mmscmd from 5.8 mmscmd, reflecting ongoing challenges in the manufacturing sector. On the other hand, domestic sales volumes edged higher to 0.89 mmscmd, indicating stable household demand.

Analyst and Market Reaction: A Positive Surprise

Analysts were generally impressed by Gujarat Gas’s ability to defend margins and deliver profit growth in a tough quarter. JP Morgan noted that both volumes and margins were “better than feared,” highlighting the company’s pricing power and operational discipline. Macquarie pointed out that the sequential rise in EBITDA margin to ₹5.4 per standard cubic meter was a clear beat, while Investec observed that core profit was about 3% ahead of their estimates.
Gujarat Gas shares reacted favorably, climbing almost 3% to ₹479 following the results, despite a lackluster broader market.
The company’s year-to-date performance, however, trails some of its peers, with the stock down nearly 3% in 2025, compared to gains in Mahanagar Gas and Indraprastha Gas.

Dividend and Shareholder Returns

Highlighting its robust cash reserves, Gujarat Gas’s board has proposed a ₹5 per share dividend for FY25, rewarding shareholders for their endurance amid a year of varied operational results. This dividend awaits approval at the forthcoming annual general meeting.
Despite a challenging 12 months—where the stock delivered a negative return of nearly 17%—the company’s ability to generate profit and maintain a payout demonstrates management’s commitment to shareholder valu.

Non-Operating Income and Quality of Earnings

One notable aspect of the quarter was the sharp rise in non-operating income, which reached its highest level in five quarters at ₹74.35 crore. While this provided a boost to the bottom line, some analysts flagged concerns about the sustainability of such income streams going forward. Excluding non-operating gains, the core business still delivered a resilient performance, but the reliance on non-recurring items is a trend to monitor.

Peer Comparison and Industry Context

Gujarat Gas’s Q4 performance stands out in a sector facing mixed demand trends and cost pressures. While its margins and profit growth outpaced expectations, the company’s overall sales volumes and revenue reflect the broader industrial slowdown impacting city gas distributors. Compared to peers like Mahanagar Gas and Indraprastha Gas, Gujarat Gas’s stock performance has lagged, but its operational resilience and dividend payout provide a silver lining for investors.

Outlook: Navigating Challenges, Building on Strengths

Looking ahead, Gujarat Gas’s prospects will depend on a rebound in industrial demand, continued cost management, and the ability to sustain or grow margins. The company’s stable domestic business and prudent pricing strategies offer a buffer against sector volatility. Analysts will be watching for further updates on volume trends and the sustainability of non-operating income in the quarters ahead.

Conclusion

Gujarat Gas’s Q4 FY25 results underscore its ability to deliver profit growth and margin expansion even in a challenging environment. While revenue and sales volumes faced headwinds, the company’s operational discipline, strong dividend, and positive analyst commentary signal resilience. Investors should keep an eye on volume recovery and core earnings quality as key drivers for future performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Coforge Announces First-Ever Stock Split: What Investors Need to Know

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Welspun Enterprises Q4 FY25 Earnings: Net Profit Surges by 30%
Result Updates - May 16, 2025

Welspun Enterprises Q4 FY25 Earnings: Net Profit Surges by 30%

Welspun Enterprises Q4 FY25 Earnings: Net Profit Surges by 30%

 

Robust Revenue Growth, Margin Expansion, and a ₹3 Dividend Highlight a Strong Quarter for Infrastructure Major

Financial Performance: A Record-Setting Quarter

Welspun Enterprises, a key player in India’s infrastructure sector, reported consolidated net profit of ₹100.3 crore for the quarter ended March 2025, marking a 30% year-on-year increase. Certain reports estimated the profit increase to be as much as 36%, with net earnings climbing to ₹105.49 crore.
This robust profit growth was underpinned by a sharp rise in revenue, which climbed 24% to ₹1,021.5 crore, up from ₹823 crore in the same period last year.
During FY25, net profit climbed to ₹353.83 crore, compared to ₹319.40 crore in FY24, with total revenue rising to ₹3,792.59 crore from ₹3,063.31 crore the previous year.
This consistent growth highlights the company’s ability to execute projects efficiently and capitalize on opportunities in its core segments.

Operational Highlights: Margin Expansion and Segment Growth

Welspun Enterprises’ operating performance was equally impressive. EBITDA surged 35% year-over-year, reaching ₹152.62 crore, with operating margins increasing to 14.94% compared to 13.74% in the same quarter last year.
This margin expansion reflects the company’s focus on cost optimization and operational efficiency, even as it scales up its project portfolio.
The infrastructure major continues to concentrate on water, wastewater, and transport projects, which remain the backbone of its order book and revenue streams. The company’s ability to deliver on large-scale projects in these segments has been a key driver of its sustained growth.

Dividend Announcement: Rewarding Shareholders

For the fiscal year 2025, Welspun Enterprises’ board has put forward a proposal to distribute a final dividend of ₹3 on each equity share worth ₹10.
The record date for the dividend has been set as July 4, 2025, and the payout is subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting. This dividend reflects the company’s strong cash flows and commitment to rewarding shareholders.

Share Price and Market Reaction

Prior to the earnings release, shares of Welspun Enterprises edged up slightly to ₹493.50 on the BSE, reflecting a sense of guarded optimism among market participants.
The strong financial results and dividend declaration are expected to support positive sentiment, although market participants remain attentive to broader sector trends and the company’s future guidance.

Challenges: Rising Interest Costs and Sustainability Concerns

Despite the stellar topline and bottom-line growth, Welspun Enterprises faces some headwinds. Notably, finance costs rose significantly to ₹43.6 crore in Q4 FY25, up from ₹28.4 crore a year earlier. This increase in interest expenses is attributed to higher borrowings as the company ramps up project execution. The sustainability of profit growth is also a point of discussion, as a substantial portion of profit before tax in Q4 was derived from non-operating income-about 35.65%-raising questions about the repeatability of such gains in future quarters.

Analyst Perspective: Growth Amid Complexity

Experts point out that Welspun Enterprises’ Q4 FY25 results highlight the company’s ability to navigate industry headwinds, showcasing solid operational strength and effective project delivery despite challenges such as increased input costs and intense market competition.
The company’s record-high net sales and operating profit in the last five quarters underscore its operational momentum. However, the rising cost of debt and dependence on non-operating income for a significant chunk of profits signal the need for cautious optimism.

Strategic Focus: Infrastructure Leadership

As part of the Welspun World group, Welspun Enterprises has carved out a leadership position in infrastructure development, with a focus on water, wastewater, and transport projects. The company’s robust order book and project pipeline position it well for continued growth, provided it maintains discipline in cost management and capital allocation.

Conclusion

Welspun Enterprises delivered robust financial and operational results in Q4 FY25, marked by significant profit and revenue increases, better margins, and a healthy dividend recommendation.
While rising interest costs and reliance on non-operating income warrant attention, the company’s core business fundamentals remain strong. As it continues to expand its presence in critical infrastructure segments, Welspun Enterprises appears well-placed to deliver value to shareholders and contribute to India’s infrastructure growth story.

 

 

 

 

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Trade Speculation Lifts Sensex by Over 1,200 Points

 

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Market Share Tussle in Paints Enters Next Level
business update - May 15, 2025

Building Stronger, Growing Smarter: Berger Paints’ Strategic Evolution

Building Stronger, Growing Smarter: Berger Paints’ Strategic Evolution

 

Berger Paints is leveraging innovation, capacity expansion, and strategic focus in construction chemicals and waterproofing to maintain its leadership in a rapidly evolving industry

Navigating a Shifting Paints Landscape

The Indian paints industry is witnessing heightened competition, with new players backed by large conglomerates entering the fray. Birla Opus, leveraging UltraTech’s cement relationships, and JSW Paints, capitalizing on synergies with its cement business, are targeting key markets traditionally dominated by established players. In this context, Berger Paints is realigning its approach to strengthen its market presence and accelerate its growth trajectory.

Strategic Expansion into New Business Areas

Construction Chemicals and Waterproofing:
Recognizing the evolving needs of the construction sector and the significant potential in adjacent categories, Berger Paints has made decisive moves into construction chemicals and waterproofing. The acquisition of a 95.53% stake in STPL, a Kolkata-based company with a legacy in concrete admixtures and waterproofing, marked a pivotal step. This segment, while initially contributing only 30% to Berger’s business, has rapidly grown, with revenues doubling and margins improving from 7% to 11% in recent years. Cutting-edge products like Berger Dampstop and Berger Roof Kool & Seal showcase the company’s dedication to delivering smart, high-performance solutions in this category.

Why This Matters:

In China, the construction chemicals and waterproofing market is larger than the paints sector itself-a trend Berger anticipates will play out in India. By establishing a robust presence early, Berger is positioning itself as a leader in this high-margin, underpenetrated segment.

Aggressive Capacity Expansion

To meet rising demand and support its growth ambitions, Berger Paints is undertaking a massive capacity expansion. The company aims to increase its total manufacturing capacity from approximately 745,000 KL/MT per annum in FY23 to about 1.2 million KL/MT per annum by FY27-a 60% jump in just four years. Key projects include:
• Greenfield Projects: New environmentally sustainable manufacturing units in Panagarh (West Bengal), Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Brownfield Expansions: Upgrades and expansions at existing facilities to boost output and efficiency.
These investments, totaling around ₹2,000 crore, will help Berger cater to untapped regions and reinforce its supply chain resilience.

Digital Transformation and Distribution Strength

Berger is also investing in digital initiatives to enhance its dealer and painter networks. Projects like WhatsApp ordering, app-based purchases, and AI-driven color selection tools have streamlined sales, marketing, and logistics operations. The company’s extensive distribution network, especially strong in North and East India, provides a competitive edge, while targeted efforts are underway to strengthen presence in South and West India, where premium products are in higher demand.

Sustainable and Cautious Growth Philosophy

Chairman Rishma Kaur emphasizes that Berger’s growth strategy is rooted in sustainability and prudent expansion. While open to acquisitions that align with its vision, the company prioritizes organic growth and innovation. Berger’s focus remains on meeting its own ambitious targets-doubling turnover to ₹20,000 crore by 2030-rather than chasing market share for its own sake.

Responding to Competition with Agility

Berger’s management is acutely aware of the intensifying competition and is responding with efficiency improvements, product innovation, and a sharper regional focus. The company’s leadership believes that the current phase offers an opportunity to “tighten the screws and become more efficient,” ensuring that growth rates remain robust despite market disruption.

Conclusion

Berger Paints is navigating a dynamic and competitive landscape with a clear-eyed strategy: expand into promising new business areas, invest in capacity and digital transformation, and maintain a disciplined, sustainable approach to growth. By leveraging its brand equity, robust distribution, and a culture of innovation, Berger is well-positioned not only to defend its market share but also to set new benchmarks in the Indian paints and construction chemicals industry. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Motilal Oswal Projects 30% Upside in Suzlon Energy Shares Amid Sector Tailwinds

 

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