StartupTalky

Tag: #news

  • Business of Smart Metres to Increase Adani Energy’s EBITDA

    According to American rating agency Fitch, following the company, Adani Energy Solutions (AESL) would increase its earnings before interest, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) with the support of the smart metering sector. The corporation can better manage retail distribution by using smart meters to track and forecast power usage patterns across microgeographies. With 23 million meters, AESL holds a 17% market share in the segment. Cash generation, according to Fitch, begins when 25,000 metres, or 5% of the contracted metre capacity, are placed, whichever comes first. Although direct debit services for customer bill payments to distribution utilities help the collection of dues, it said that its cash flow is vulnerable to India’s poor state-owned power distribution organisations. By 2030, the government wants to have 250 million smart meters. With an order book of 23 million through February 2025, AESL has emerged as a major player in this initiative thanks to its experience running Mumbai Discom, according to Elara Capital, a global financial markets firm.

    AESL’s Plans to Enhance its Revenue Stream

    An initial capital investment of approximately INR 5,800 is required for the installation of each meter. The company is expected to make about INR 12,000 per metre throughout the course of the 90-month arrangement. According to Elara, the corporation plans to maintain an EBITDA margin of 85% in this vertical. The goal for FY25 and FY26 is 10 million meters, of which 7 million come from existing contracts. The remaining amount comes from fresh agreements. This is because AESL is currently working on smart metering projects totalling roughly 23 million meters, or about `27,200 crore (in value).

    Tata Power Also Joining the Competition

    Smart meters are also being implemented by Tata Power. Recently, Tata Power Delhi Distribution adopted a Universal Network Interface Card (NIC) with Bluetooth-enabled communication in collaboration with Probus Smart Things to advance smart metering technology. According to a recent report by CareEdge Ratings, power distribution firms (discoms) may deploy smart meters nationwide and earn an extra INR 4 lakh crore over the next seven years. By January 2025, there were about 20 million smart meters in the nation. However, CareEdge Ratings predicted that by March 2026, smart meter installations would only reach 25% of the 250 million meters that the government had set as its goal. The rating agency stated that a substantial expenditure of INR 1.25 lakh crore, consisting of INR 95,000 crore in debt and a 25% equity contribution, is necessary to meet the ambitious goal of installing 250 million smart meters.

  • Market Trading: Chemfab and Delhivery Among Top Picks After Monday’s Sharp Correction

    On Monday, the Indian equity markets experienced a significant sell-off due to worldwide issues unsettling investor confidence. The Sensex collapsed by more than 2,200 points, while the Nifty fell over 3%, in what appeared to be one of the sharpest corrections we’ve seen in recent months. Some analysts in the market now say the 22,000 level for the Nifty is a critical short-term support.

    The index remaining above this mark could mean a possible recovery towards the 22,500 to 22,600 range for the index. The reverse is true for a slip below 22,000; that could unleash more downside potential, with levels at 21,800 and 21,650 as possibilities. The same applies to the Sensex; it too has 72,400 as a key support level.

    Chemfab: Breakout Points to Strength

    49.09 | S&P BSE Metal 

    Chemfab appears to have reason for optimism, say technical analysts who watch stock charts for clues to future market behavior. They note the stock was recently able to push above a falling channel pattern on its daily price chart, and it did so with decent volume, indicating greater buyer interest. At last look, the Chemfab stock was trading at about Rs 796.

    The breakout above the earlier resistance area of INR 762 has confirmed a change in sentiment. Moreover, the stock is supported nicely by its 20-day EMA (exponential moving average), which assures its bullish momentum. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is moving higher, and the upside trend seems strong and intact. Experts say a reasonable and manageable near-term target for this stock is INR 860, with a stop loss at INR 762.

    Delhivery: Accumulation Signals a Bullish Setup

    Currently priced around INR 268, Delhivery shows signs of accumulation that many view as a precursor to a sustained uptrend. The stock has broken above a rectangular consolidation zone on the daily chart, a zone it had occupied since early September. It did this with a bullish candlestick and, more importantly, increased volume. This is pushing above what used to be resistance, and coming with the conditions you’d like to see if you were buying the stock.

    Momentum might continue in the coming sessions, as technical indicators like the RSI are also showing an upward direction. Analysts have set a target of INR 295 for the near term, with a stop-loss recommendation of INR 255 should unfavorable conditions occur. The analysts in question cite a favorable setup and sentiment that has been markedly trending upward.

    Strategy for Traders and Investors

    In a broader volatile market, it is not advisable to chase oversold large-caps. Rather, it is better for traders to focus on well-structured technically sound set-ups. Even if some short-term often seen ups and downs may be part and parcel of the market, the risks associated with buying stocks that are Indian Chemfab and Delhivery, in which strong fundamentals are considered a plus, could offer better margin of risk-adjusted returns. Of these two stocks, Delhivery has decent momentum.

    Until the market again demonstrates a sustained stability above critical support levels, the best likely to produce consistent outcomes could be called a cautious yet opportunistic approach.

  • Ambani, Adani Lose Over $5 Billion in ‘Black Monday’ Rout as India’s Richest Take a Hit

    One of the most merciless days for India’s capital markets in almost a year turned out to be April 7. The BSE Sensex plummeted 2,227 points to hit 73,137.90, and the Nifty fell 742.85 points to end at 22,161.60. Both indices shed nearly 3% around closing time. Investors are clearly worried that the intense global trade conflict between the U.S. and its trading partners could trigger a worldwide economic slowdown.

    Ambani, Adani See Fortunes Shrink in Hours

    Mukesh Ambani, the richest man in India and chairman of Reliance Industries, saw his net worth drop to $88.4 billion after losing a staggering $2.9 billion in one day. He lost it when the company shares sank, along with a number of others, in what appeared to be a broadly based selling job. The steepest drops among Reliance properties seemed to have occurred in the energy sector, but the company’s telecom-related holdings probably also played a part.

    Right behind him, Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani saw his wealth take a hit to the tune of $2.8 billion, which brings his net worth down to $57.6 billion. Shares of several of Adani’s companies, including Adani Enterprises and Adani Ports, were among the worst hit on Dalal Street.

    Not only do their losses show the market’s close in deep red, but they also reveal investors’ fears about being highly exposed to sectors like infrastructure, energy, and international trade.

    Wealth Erosion Across India’s Billionaire Club

    Although Ambani and Adani triggered the decline, other Indian billionaires also had their fortunes take a hit. Savitri Jindal lost $2.3 billion, Kushal Pal Singh saw a decline of $988 million, and Shiv Nadar saw a fall of $902 million. Altogether, the total wealth that has been wiped out from the top five Indian billionaires stands at $9.89 billion, according to the Forbes Real Time Billionaires index.

    The major part of the Sensex closed lower, but they managed to escape only Hindustan Unilever, which closed higher. Laggards included name brand stocks we often discuss here, such as Tata Steel, Infosys, and Kotak Mahindra Bank, along with HCL Technologies. Together, those stocks account for a huge sum of money, part of what’s called the “breadth” of the stock market. And the “breadth” is that part of the stock market that was selling off yesterday.

    Uncertainty Looms, but Fundamentals Remain Intact

    Even though there was a selloff prompted by panic, the analysts keep urging calm. They insist India’s trade with the US, which constitutes a mere 2% of GDP, could keep the country insulated from the worst of the global tariff storm.

    While known for their long-term plays, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani may suffer reductions in fortune due to recent events. Yet, the foundations of their businesses seem solid. Still, if international instability persists, valuations across the spectrum, including those of India’s richest businessmen, could take another hit.

  • How Apple Airlifted iPhones from India, China to Beat Trump’s Tariffs

    In order to beat the new deadlines for tariffs, Apple pulled off a rapid and well-planned logistics move: sending five cargo planes filled with iPhones and other products from India and China to the United States. Its aim was straightforward: beat a new 10% reciprocal tariff that the Trump administration was about to impose, starting on April 5. Senior Indian officials say that the operation and others like it allowed Apple to load up US warehouses with tariff-free merchandise before the government dropped the hammer.

    These shipments, which are generally unusual for what is typically a slow season, were part of a broader move to manage price stability and ensure product availability in the US market, which is by far Apple’s biggest and most important one.

    The anticipation of a tariff can throw a curveball into this straight line of economic logic, and so Apple, like some other companies, has decided that the best way to deal with the uncertainty sewn by the Trump administration is to move stock early.

    Stockpiling Strategy to Maintain Price Stability

    Apple has created a buffer by pushing inventory into the U.S. ahead of the tariff deadline. In the face of the new import tax, the company is able to sell at its ongoing price points and avoid the tax man, at least for several months, depending on how quickly the sold-in products sell through.

    It is reported that the company has no plan for now to hike prices in India or in other markets. But if the tariffs stay put or go up, that may end up pushing costs higher in Apple’s global supply chain, including here in India. When that happens, Apple will have to reckon with the question of whether to absorb the costs or to pass them along to consumers.

    India Emerges as a Key Player in Apple’s Supply Chain

    The strategic importance of India to Apple is increasing rapidly. As the US progresses with a 26% reciprocal tariff, set to take effect on April 9, on imports from various countries, Apple’s products made in India face much lower duties than comparable items made in China. Under US law, exports to America from India are currently subject to the 26% tariff, while goods made by Apple in China face a punishing 54% rate.

    This 28 percentage point benefit upholds India’s place as a secure and cost-effective manufacturing base. Apple, which already makes iPhones and AirPods in India, may now hasten plans to diversify its supply chain by making more gadgets in the subcontinent.

  • What’s the Reason Behind Historic Fall in Indian Markets?

    The Indian stock markets took a sudden hit on Monday, with the Sensex crashing by 2,226.79 points to hit 73,137.90 and the Nifty falling by 742.85 points to 22,161.60. This sharp downturn followed intensifying trade disputes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would impose hefty tariffs on all of America’s trade partners. Increased global economic uncertainty, especially the fear that countries like China, Canada, and Mexico will retaliate, has investors spooked.

    This was not an isolated downturn. It hit markets all over the world, and especially, it seems, in Asia and the US. Japan’s index slumped 8%, while China’s dropped by 10%. Wall Street, already on shaky ground, saw the S&P 500 fall 6% and the Dow Jones shed over 2,000 points on Friday, marking its worst performance since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Tech and Export – Driven Stocks Take a Hit

    Sectors at home that depend a great deal on international markets, especially Information Technology and manufacturing, really got hit hard by the selloff. Tata Steel was down by more than 9 percent, and Tata Motors was down more than 8 percent. Other major laggards included Infosys, HCL Technologies, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Reliance Industries. The United States is a major market for Indian IT services and for exports of engineering work, and fears of rising tariffs on such goods certainly didn’t help. Those sectors also weakened.

    The wider issue is that a prolonged trade dispute could push up costs, squeeze profits, and slow demand around the world. With earnings season looming, many investors have taken to recalibrating the forecast for corporate profit margins in the immediate future.

    Inflation and Recession: A Dual Threat

    The timing of the tariff escalation couldn’t be worse. Inflationary concerns are already on the radar, and the new trade restrictions are expected to push consumer prices even higher. Analysts believe that costlier imports, from raw materials to finished goods, will either eat into company margins or be passed on to consumers, worsening inflation.

    Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell conceded that the new tariffs are higher than expected and pointed to the danger of them causing both inflation to rise and growth to slow. At the same time, investors are bracing for the next installment of US consumer price data; the working assumption is that the report will show a 0.3% monthly increase for March. Analysts are also bracing for some disarray in the forward earnings guidance that companies will provide; with so much uncertainty now, it seems likely that fewer companies than usual will feel able to offer that kind of guidance.

    What Lies Ahead for Indian Investors

    Despite the fear in the air, market specialists told anxious investors not to panic and to stick with their investments. We are advising our clients not to react in a knee-jerk fashion, and instead, to continue with a disciplined approach to investing, said Pranay Aggarwal, head of Stoxkart. He went on to say that such an approach would include: 

     – Not stopping SIPs

     – Looking for opportunities to buy quality stocks when markets course correct 

     – Have a diversified portfolio.

    The road ahead is bumpy, but investors must remember that painful corrections are part of the long-term investing experience. As international events develop, Indian markets will react to them, demanding even greater levels of vigilance, patience, and strategic positioning from the investor.

  • Trump’s 50% Tariff Threat on China Rattles Global Markets

    U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that negotiations would not be allowed to interfere with tariff increases and that, instead, he was cutting off threats to China. In a briefing at the White House, Trump made it clear that any nation responding with its own tariffs could expect to face much higher ones coming from the U.S. The freshest warning concerns a potential 50 percent duty on Chinese goods if Beijing doesn’t back down from its new 34 percent counter-tariff on American goods.

    Trump’s position indicates a wider change toward economic nationalism, asserting that US debt demands stronger trade terms and permanent tariff structures to remedy long-standing economic imbalances. While he insisted that several nations were clamoring to sign “fair” agreements, there was no signal that the tariff offensive would be paused any time soon.

    Global Markets Plunge Amid Trade War Fears

    Ever since last week’s announcement of new tariffs, the world’s financial markets have been stirred up. The Hong Kong Hang Seng index fell more than 13%—its sharpest one-day drop since 1997. European markets shut down with a more than 4% decrease, and key American indexes opened the day significantly lower.

    This economic turmoil reflects investors’ worries about extended global trade disruption. Because China is such an important player in global manufacturing and trade, the prospect of rising tariffs prompts alarms to go off regarding supply chain volatility, slow economic growth, and diminished corporate profits.

    China and Others Push Back Against US Moves

    China reacted strongly to Trump’s threats, criticizing the strategy as one-sided and coercive. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy roundly condemned the United States’ protectionist stance, calling it economically bullying and a severe blow to international norms. Beijing says it is acting reciprocally in response to Washington’s aggressive trade policies.

    At the same time, other countries are coming under pressure. Israel has received a new 17% tariff and has promised to take speedy measures to eliminate the trade mismatch. Japan is sending over negotiators, and the EU has put forward a “zero-for-zero” tariff plan. However, the EU has also signaled that it may impose retaliatory tariffs if it gets unhappy with the outcome of the discussions.

    Trump’s message hinted that tariff negotiations with individual countries would commence right away. While the President acknowledged the possibility of dialogue, he made it clear that trade actions would proceed unless partner nations acceded to U.S. demands. The coming weeks are shaping up to be pivotal not just for U.S. trade policy but also for the global economy and the financial markets.

  • boAt’s Parent Imagine Marketing Files for IPO Papers via Confidential Route

    Imagine Marketing, the parent company of popular electronics brand boAt, has officially filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) for an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The filing has been done through the confidential pre-filing route with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The company is taking this strategic step to go public and raise funds for expansion.

    boAt, known for affordable audio products and wearables, has become one of India’s fastest-growing consumer tech brands. Founded by Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta, the brand has built a strong presence among young consumers in India.

    boAt Chooses Confidential Pre-Filing Route

    The confidential filing option, introduced by SEBI in 2022, allows companies to submit IPO papers without immediate public disclosure. This route helps companies test market sentiment and make changes to their offer based on SEBI’s feedback before going public.

    Imagine Marketing had earlier filed draft IPO papers in 2022 for an INR 2,000 crore offering. However, that plan was put on hold due to market volatility. This time, the company is reapproaching the public markets with a revised strategy, taking advantage of the flexibility of the pre-filing process.

    The confidential route is gaining popularity among startups and tech firms. It offers more privacy and better planning before a full-scale listing.

    boAt’s Growth and IPO Plans

    boAt has grown pretty fast in recent years. It is one of the top audio brands in India and has achieved significant global recognition. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Q3 2023 report, boAt ranked second in the world for wearable device shipments, behind only Apple. It outperformed global brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei in volume.

    In FY24, boAt’s operating revenue stood at INR 3,117.7 crore, down from INR 3,376.8 crore in FY23. Despite the drop, the company reduced its net loss to INR 79.7 crore in FY24 from INR 129.4 crore in FY23 by lowering its total expenses.

    Imagine Marketing plans to use IPO proceeds for expanding its product portfolio, investing in research and development, and strengthening its supply chain. The listing will also help in improving brand value and reaching more customers.

    The company has backing from major investors like Warburg Pincus and Qualcomm Ventures. A successful IPO could help boost its market position and open doors for international growth.

    Final Thoughts

    The IPO move by Imagine Marketing marks a key milestone for the boAt brand. With strong customer demand, investor backing, and a growing product base, the company seems well-positioned for public markets. If approved by SEBI, the IPO could be one of the most-watched listings of the year.

    boAt Success Story: How It Became the World’s 5th Largest Wearable Brand | Valuation | Business Model | IPO | Funding
    boAt is a Gurgaon-based company founded by Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta in 2016. Discover more about boAt’s business model, founders, valuation, startup story, origin country, acquisitions, IPO, funding, logo, and more.
    StartupTalkyPurbalee Dutta

  • Bill Gates’ Reaction to Phoebe, his Daughter, and her New Fashion Website

    According to a US media outlet, Phoebe Gates, the youngest daughter of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, recently disclosed that her rich father had been apprehensive when she initially chose to pursue entrepreneurship. Phoebe revealed that at first, her parents, Bill and Melinda French Gates, were concerned about her desire to pursue entrepreneurship. She stated that when she initially made her professional decision, her father questioned her if she was certain she wanted to pursue this. Phoebe’s education has to be finished first, according to Bill and Melinda Gates. After earning a degree in human biology from Stanford University in the spring of 2024, Phoebe Gates is now pursuing a career in sustainable design with her new business, Phia.

    ‘The Burnouts’ the Podcast

    Phoebe also launched her podcast, “The Burnouts”, with her business partner Sophia Kianni. The 22-year-old Gates family member talked about her new fashion company endeavour and her fears of being a nepotism product. She claimed that being called a “nepo baby” had made her uneasy, but she was also driven to establish her worth. She claimed that although she is extremely privileged to be from the Gates family, this is not what defines her. She wants to diverge from that and have her own identity and personality. How can she accomplish that in a way that will result in some kind of change? The answer is with the help of “The Burnouts” and “Phia”.

    Close Bond with Stella McCartney

    Phoebe acknowledged that she came to understand that the children of wealthy and well-known people might go their own way because of her mother’s association with Stella McCartney. Regarding McCartney, the daughter of The Beatles icon Paul McCartney who has achieved fame as a fashion designer, Phoebe told a media outlet, “She and my mum are actually good friends.”

    “Even as a little child, I would become really pleased when mother sent me things and brief comments. I have been requesting to meet with my mother for ages.

    “I think we are really deeply connected because that’s a lot of what I think about. ‘Okay, I’m my parents’ daughter, which gives me immense privilege, but that’s not what I’m defined by,’” Phoebe continued.

    Phoebe clarified that she frequently views situations from the perspective that there is no hidden cost. It’s simple to look back and believe that the various areas we study—such as human biology and law—do not necessarily directly link to the fashion tech work we’re doing now. Additionally, she believes it’s critical for people to understand that you can always alter course. You can always decide right away to do something quite different from what you’re doing right now.

  • Market Worth of 9 of the 10 Most Valuable Companies Drops by INR 2.9 Lakh Core

    In the first week of April, the aggregate market capitalisation (mcap) of nine of the ten most valuable Indian corporations fell by INR 2,94,170.16 crore, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) suffering the most. During this time, the NSE Nifty dropped 614.8 points, or 2.61%, while the BSE Sensex dropped 2,050.23 points, or 2.64%. Only Bharti Airtel, one of the top ten businesses by market capitalisation, ended the week with a positive valuation, while others witnessed a sharp drop. TCS’s overall market capitalisation dropped to INR 11.93 lakh crore as its valuation plummeted by an astounding INR 1.10 lakh crore. The nation’s most valuable firm, Reliance Industries, was also hit hard, shedding INR 95,132 crore and closing the week valued at INR 16.30 lakh crore. With its mcap currently at INR 6.03 lakh crore, Infosys also saw a significant erosion of INR 49,050 crore. Over INR 14,000 crore was lost by Bajaj Finance, while INR 9,503 crore was lost by ICICI Bank. Hindustan Unilever Ltd saw a decline in value of about INR 3,500 crore, while HDFC Bank saw a decline of INR 8,800 crore.

    Government Entities Also Witnessed Drop

    ITC saw a slight decline of INR 312 crore, while State Bank of India lost INR 3,391 crore. In contrast, Bharti Airtel’s market value increased by INR 7,013 crore, bringing its market mcap very near to INR 10 lakh crore. In spite of the losses, Reliance Industries was still the most valuable company, followed by Hindustan Unilever, HDFC Bank, TCS, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, and ITC.

    Current Market Condition

    The notable decline in market capitalisation among India’s leading corporations underscores the current state of volatility and investor restraint in the country’s equity markets. Even industrial titans like TCS and Reliance Industries were not immune to the sharp drops in benchmark indices. A rare bright spot was provided by Bharti Airtel’s single gain. Investors will be intently monitoring future economic indicators and business profits for indications of stability and recovery, as market sentiment continues to be brittle.

  • Reid Hoffman Co-Founder of LinkedIn, Surprised After Seeing LinkedIn’s Clone Produced by AI

    Over the years, AI technologies have grown in capability, becoming more accurate and efficient at a wide variety of jobs. One notable instance of this occurred when Reid Hoffman, a co-founder of LinkedIn, experimented with an AI tool that caused it to recreate the whole LinkedIn platform. He was shocked when the AI created a “surprisingly functional prototype” that demonstrated its amazing powers. In his LinkedIn post, Hoffman highlighted the experiment’s findings and expressed his surprise at the AI tool’s capacity to produce a functional prototype. In a LinkedIn post, he stated that he had asked Replit to “clone LinkedIn” in order to test the platform’s capabilities with only one command. “The outcome? An unexpectedly useful prototype,” he noted. It serves as a potent reminder that modern AI techniques may transform a single notion into functional software with the correct framing.

    What is Replit?

    Replit is a firm that lets consumers utilise AI to create websites and apps. It makes programming accessible to anyone by utilising an innovative AI model called Replit Agent, which functions as an automated app developer. The CEO of Replit, Amjad Masad, previously stated that learning to code is useless since coding jobs will soon be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI). Masad reposted a video of himself defending his claim on X. In the video, he concurred with Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, who forecasted that nearly all codes in the future would be generated by artificial intelligence. He also stated that in the worst-case scenario, all code will be generated by AI, similar to what Dario recently stated. “I assume that on this optimisation path we’re on, where agents are going to get better and better and better, the answer would be different. The answer would be no. It would be a waste of time to learn how to code. But you could have different predictions, and I think different people will make different assumptions,” he added.”

    Sundar Pichai’s Prediction Regarding Coding

    Masad’s remarks followed Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s disclosure that 25% of the company’s new code is generated by AI, albeit engineers evaluate it afterwards. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the company that makes ChatGPT, recently said that AI has already replaced half of the coding in many businesses. According to Pichai, Google is also utilising AI internally to enhance its coding procedures, increasing efficiency and productivity. At Google, artificial intelligence now creates more than 25% of all new code, which engineers subsequently evaluate and approve. This enables the company’s engineers to work more efficiently. Google provides its clients with customised hardware accelerators for AI applications, such as NVIDIA Graphics Processing Units and bespoke Tensor Processing Units.