Power Finance Corporation Announces 32.50% Dividend, Sets Ex-Date and Payment Timeline Shares of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) are set to trade ex-dividend soon, with investors advised to monitor the ex-date and record date to qualify for the upcoming dividend payment. The State-owned power finance company has declared a fourth interim dividend of Rs 3.25 per equity share, representing a 32.50% return on the face value of Rs 10. This marks another milestone in the company’s dividend history, following previous interim payouts of Rs 4, Rs 3.65, and Rs 3.70. The record date for the dividend has been fixed at March 23, 2026, which means shareholders must hold their shares by this date to be eligible for the payout. The ex-date, which is the last day to purchase shares to receive the dividend, coincides with the record date on March 23, 2026. Investors who transact on or before this date will be included in the list of shareholders for the dividend distribution. The dividend payment is scheduled to be made to eligible shareholders on or before April 16, 2026. This follows the company’s earlier announcement of an interim dividend of Rs 4 per equity share, which was paid out with an ex-date of February 20, 2026. The current dividend reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to reward shareholders while maintaining financial stability amid market fluctuations. PFC’s shares closed the previous trading session at Rs 417.80 on the BSE, reflecting a 2.78% increase from the previous close of Rs 406.50. This upward movement highlights the positive sentiment surrounding the company’s financial performance and its ability to deliver consistent returns to investors. The dividend announcement comes against a backdrop of mixed market conditions, with equity benchmark indices expected to open flat on March 18, 2026.#bse #power_finance_corporation #rs_3_25 #rs_10 #march_23_2026
Rs 3.25 Dividend per share: PSU company rewards shareholders; record date fixed The board of Power Finance Corporation (PFC), a Maharatna public sector undertaking, approved a fourth interim dividend of Rs 3.25 per equity share for the fiscal year 2025–26. The face value of each share is Rs 10. This decision was announced following a board meeting held on March 17, 2026, which also approved a significant fundraising plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The dividend announcement came as PFC shares surged over 2 per cent on Tuesday, with the stock price climbing as high as 2.9 per cent to Rs 419.35 on the BSE. By 3:20 pm, the shares were trading 2.73 per cent higher at Rs 416.00. The company’s decision to distribute profits to shareholders reflects its commitment to rewarding investors while balancing financial obligations. Dividends are portions of a company’s profits distributed to shareholders. The board of directors typically declares these payouts, which are calculated per share. For instance, if a shareholder owns 100 shares, they would receive Rs 325 for the Rs 3.25 per share dividend. The record date for this payout was set as March 23, 2026, meaning only shareholders registered on that date will be eligible. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on or before April 16, 2026. The record date serves as a cutoff for determining eligibility. Investors must hold shares before this date to receive the dividend. Those purchasing shares on or after the record date will not qualify for the payout. This mechanism ensures the company accurately identifies its entitled shareholders. In addition to the dividend, PFC approved a fundraising plan of up to Rs 1.6 lakh crore for FY 2026–27. The company plans to raise funds through a mix of domestic and overseas debt instruments.#board_meeting #bse #power_finance_corporation #maharatna_public_sector_understanding #dividend_announcement
MOIL shares surge 18% from 52-week low as manganese ore production, sales rise to highest level in 5 years Shares of MOIL, the country’s leading manganese ore producer, surged 18% on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, after the company reported record production and sales levels for manganese ore. The stock hit an intraday high of ₹283.20 on the BSE, up 14% from its 52-week low of ₹242.35, driven by strong performance metrics. MOIL disclosed in an investor presentation that its manganese ore production reached 18.03 lakh metric tonnes in the 2024-25 fiscal year, while sales climbed to 15.88 lakh metric tonnes—the highest level in five years. The company also noted that its total income for the period hit a five-year peak at ₹1,696 crore, up from ₹1,543 crore in the previous year. However, the company reported a decline in revenue from operations for the first nine months of the current financial year, which dropped 8% to ₹1,056 crore. Profit after tax also fell 34% to ₹175 crore, compared to ₹266 crore in the same period last year. Looking ahead, MOIL outlined plans to enhance its production capabilities and profitability. The company aims to establish new beneficiation plants at various mines to process low-grade ore and improve product quality. It also plans to promote agglomeration through briquetting to convert fines and low-grade materials into saleable products. Additionally, MOIL intends to explore and expand overseas markets to address accumulated low-grade inventory and unlock new revenue streams. The company set a target to produce 3.5 million metric tonnes of manganese ore by 2030, which would increase its market share from 20% to 32% by that year. On the BSE, trading volume spiked as 5.57 lakh MOIL shares were traded, significantly higher than the average of 63,000 shares traded daily in the past two weeks.#nifty50 #bse #moil #manganese_ore #investor_presentation
Stock Market Holiday: BSE and NSE Remain Open During Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid-ul-Fitr Indian stock markets will stay open during a series of festivals in March 2026, including Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid-ul-Fitr, as these dates do not appear on the official trading holiday calendar of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) or the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The exchanges have confirmed that trading will continue across all segments—equities, derivatives, currency, and commodities—on these days. The BSE and NSE holiday calendar for March 2026 does not include Ugadi, which falls on March 19, or Gudi Padwa, observed on March 20. Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated on March 21, coincides with a Saturday, meaning markets will remain closed due to the weekend rather than the festival itself. The exchanges have designated three official trading holidays for the month: March 3 for Holi, March 26 for Ram Navami, and March 31 for Mahavir Jayanti. These are the only full-day closures, aside from regular weekend holidays. Ugadi, marking the New Year in southern states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, is a significant cultural event. However, the stock market calendar does not recognize it as a holiday. Similarly, Gudi Padwa, a traditional festival in Maharashtra, and Eid-ul-Fitr, observed by Muslims across India, do not trigger trading shutdowns. The article emphasizes that while these festivals are widely celebrated, market operations follow a pre-defined schedule, and not all public or regional holidays result in trading pauses. Investors and traders are advised to consult the official exchange calendar to avoid confusion and plan trades effectively. The article highlights that the latter half of March will feature multiple cultural and religious observances, but market activities will remain uninterrupted.#eid_ul_fitr #bse #nse #gudi_padwa #ugadi
Top Stocks to Buy Today: March 17, 2026 Recommendations The article provides stock market recommendations for March 17, 2026, highlighting specific stocks with buy ranges, stop-loss levels, and target prices. For MCX, the recommendation suggests buying within the range of Rs 2,555 to Rs 2,556, with a stop-loss at Rs 2,425 and a target of Rs 2,700. The stock is noted to be consolidating in a range on the daily chart, forming higher tops and bottoms above the 20 and 40 DEMA lines. Momentum indicators are positive, showing strength, with key resistance at Rs 2,624 and support at Rs 2,450. Power Finance Corporation Limited is recommended for purchase between Rs 406 and Rs 407, with a stop-loss at Rs 384 and a target of Rs 445. On the weekly chart, the stock broke out of a descending trendline and formed a base at the 200 DEMA level (Rs 391). Analysts expect a breakout on the upside, with momentum indicators showing a positive crossover above the zero line. Key resistance is at Rs 426, and support is at Rs 391. BSE is advised to be bought within the range of Rs 2,857 to Rs 2,858, with a stop-loss at Rs 2,710 and a target of Rs 3,070. On the weekly chart, the stock is forming a reversal from a key demand zone. The daily chart shows a breakout from a consolidation zone, with support from the 20 and 40 DEMA lines. Momentum indicators are positive, indicating strength, with resistance at Rs 3,030 and support at Rs 2,775.#stock_market #bse #mcx #power_finance_corporation_limited #daily_chart
Bandhan Bank Share Price Plummets 10% Amid Market Volatility The stock of Bandhan Bank experienced a significant decline, dropping by 10% as of 1.50 pm on the National Stock Exchange (BSE). The shares were trading at approximately Rs 159.50, reflecting a sharp 9.19% decrease from previous levels. Investors and market analysts are now closely examining the factors contributing to this sudden downturn. A key development in the market was the decision by brokerage firm JM Financial to upgrade Bandhan Bank’s stock rating from "Reduce" to "Add." Alongside this change, the firm adjusted its target price for the stock to Rs 160. This move suggests that JM Financial has revised its outlook on the bank’s performance and potential for future growth. However, the immediate drop in share price indicates that market sentiment remains cautious despite the positive rating change. The decline in Bandhan Bank’s stock price could be attributed to a combination of factors, including broader market trends, regulatory developments, or shifts in investor confidence. While the brokerage’s upgrade may signal optimism about the bank’s prospects, the market’s reaction highlights the sensitivity of investor sentiment to external pressures. Analysts are now likely to scrutinize recent financial reports, strategic initiatives, and macroeconomic indicators to determine whether the downturn is a temporary fluctuation or a sign of deeper concerns. The timing of the price drop also raises questions about its connection to other market events or sector-specific challenges. Bandhan Bank, a prominent player in the Indian financial sector, has faced scrutiny in recent months over issues such as liquidity concerns, competition, and evolving regulatory requirements.#bse #national_stock_exchange #jm_financial #bandhan_bank #indian_financial_sector
ITI shares surge 15%, post best day in 14 months amid spike in trading volumes Shares of the state-run telecom equipment and smart meters maker ITI posted their best day in over a year on Monday, March 16, in a highly volatile trading session. ITI shares rose as much as 15%, its biggest intraday gain since January 6, 2025, to hit an intraday high of ₹279 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). On the BSE, ITI shares also jumped 15% amid a sharp spike in trading volumes. The surge followed a dramatic increase in trading activity, with the stock’s volume jumping 167 times to over 5.38 crore shares compared to an average of 3.22 lakh shares. On the BSE, 34.78 lakh shares were traded, far exceeding the average of 25,000 shares in the past two weeks. The sharp rise in ITI shares came despite the company’s recent financial performance, which included a net loss of ₹25 crore in the third quarter of the current financial year, compared to a loss of ₹49 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations dropped 50% to ₹515 crore, down from ₹1,034 crore in the year-ago period. However, ITI reported stable operational performance, with EBITDA at ₹26 crore, compared to an EBITDA loss of ₹11 crore in the previous quarter. The surge in ITI shares also coincided with broader market movements, as the NIFTY 500 index closed lower by 0.65% at 1:30 pm. ITI shares traded 9% higher at ₹264.85, outperforming the benchmark index. Separately, a parliamentary panel has urged the power ministry to accelerate the installation of smart meters across the country. The report highlighted that the pace of smart meter deployment has fallen far below targets, with only 5.83 crore meters installed by February 15, 2026, against a government target of 25 crore by March 2025.#parliamentary_panel #bse #national_stock_exchange #iti #smart_meters
ITI Share Price Surges Over 15% in Volatile Trade Amid Heavy Volumes Shares of state-run telecom product maker ITI Limited rose sharply on the bourses during the week’s first trading session, driven by strong investor demand. The company’s share price climbed as high as 15.18% to ₹279.10 per share on the NSE on Monday, March 16, 2026. Despite the gains, ITI shares remained more than 25% below their 52-week high of ₹372.85, recorded on October 8, 2025. By 01:15 PM, the stock was trading at ₹268.40, reflecting a 10.77% increase from its previous close of ₹242.30. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 index fell 0.09% to 23,129. The surge in ITI’s share price was supported by heavy trading volumes. A combined total of 54.77 million equity shares, valued at ₹1,489.16 crore, were exchanged on the BSE and NSE during the day. The company’s market capitalization rose to ₹25,703.73 crore on the NSE. Year-to-date, ITI shares had declined 12.66%, slightly outperforming the Nifty 50’s 11.55% drop. Financial data from Q3FY26 revealed mixed results. The company reported a net loss of ₹48.9 crore, narrowing from ₹101.3 crore in the same period the previous year. Revenue from operations surged 299.73% to ₹1,034.5 crore, driven by strong operational performance despite rising raw material costs. However, the company’s Ebitda loss widened to ₹10.6 crore from ₹43.5 crore in Q3FY25. Key financial metrics highlighted in the report included a trailing twelve months (TTM) EPS of -1.53 (standalone) and -2.10 (consolidated), with cash EPS at -0.83 (standalone) and -1.26 (consolidated). The price-to-earnings (PE) ratio stood at -179.31 (standalone) and -130.76 (consolidated), while the return on equity (ROE) was -9.29%. The price-to-book (PB) ratio was 16.63, according to BSE data.#nifty_50 #bse #nse #iti_limited #iti_share_price
Bandhan Bank shares plunge over 12% amid promoter exit speculation Shares of Bandhan Bank Ltd fell sharply by 12.22% on Monday, reaching a low of Rs 154.15 in trading. The decline was marked by unusually high trading volumes, with approximately 9.43 lakh shares changing hands on the BSE—more than double the two-week average of 4.21 lakh shares. The stock’s turnover amounted to Rs 15.45 crore, reducing the lender’s market capitalisation to Rs 25,791.65 crore. The steep drop followed reports suggesting Bandhan Financial Services, the bank’s promoter, is considering exit strategies for certain long-term investors. In response, both the BSE and NSE requested clarification from Bandhan Bank. As of the latest update, the bank had not yet provided a formal response. The exchange filing noted that on March 16, 2026, the stock was cited in news reports linking the price decline to "promoter exploring stake sale, IPO to facilitate investor exits." The exchange’s query for clarification remains pending. From a technical perspective, the stock was trading below all key simple moving averages, including the 5-day, 10-day, 20-day, 30-day, 50-day, 100-day, 150-day, and 200-day levels. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) stood at 38.91, indicating a weak but not extreme oversold condition. A level below 30 typically signals oversold conditions, while values above 70 suggest overbought status. According to BSE data, Bandhan Bank’s standalone price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio was 25.44, and its price-to-book (P/B) ratio was 1.19. The company reported standalone earnings per share (EPS) of Rs 6.25, with a return on equity (RoE) of 4.25%. Trendlyne data revealed the stock’s one-year beta of 1.3, reflecting relatively high volatility compared to the market. Meanwhile, promoter holdings in the bank decreased slightly to 39.#bse #nse #bandhan_bank #bandhan_financial_services #bandhan_bank_shares
AI Stock Soars 18% After Revising FY28 Growth Expectations Shares of Happiest Minds Technologies Limited surged nearly 18 percent on the BSE on Tuesday after the company revised its FY28 growth expectation to 15 percent, citing progress in its AI-First strategy and strategic initiatives. The stock, currently trading at Rs. 383.55, is up around 13 percent from its previous closing price of Rs. 340.15. The company reaffirmed its strong growth trajectory, supported by expanding opportunities in AI-driven technology services and improving client traction. The market cap of the IT firm stands at Rs. 5,840.5 crores, but its stock has delivered negative returns of approximately 45 percent over the past year and fell by more than 2 percent in the last month. According to disclosures filed with stock exchanges, the company raised its FY27 growth outlook to 12.5 percent, up from an earlier estimate of 10 percent. Management attributed the revision to growing confidence in the positive impact of its AI-First strategy and other initiatives on business momentum. The updated guidance suggests the company aims to achieve around 15 percent growth in FY28. The company’s strategic initiatives, including its AI-First approach, have been central to its growth plans. In March 2025, Happiest Minds announced 10 strategic initiatives designed to strengthen its long-term growth roadmap. These initiatives were intended to support a revenue growth expectation of about 10 percent in constant currency over four years. One key initiative was the launch of the Generative AI Business Services (GBS) segment, which has since expanded its capabilities and gained client acceptance.#bse #ai_first_strategy #happiest_minds_technologies_limited #generative_ai_business_services #fy28_growth_expectations
Cupid Ltd Shares Surge 15% on Bonus Issue, Trading Volume Jumps 35 Times Average Shares of Cupid Ltd surged during Monday’s trading session, with the stock climbing nearly 13% to reach an intraday high of Rs 92.90 on the NSE. On the BSE, the stock rose as much as 15% amid heightened buying interest. The rally followed the company’s shares beginning to trade ex-bonus, which triggered a sharp increase in demand. The stock’s upward movement was driven by the 4:1 bonus share issue, which adjusted the share price to reflect the additional shares issued to existing shareholders. Ex-bonus trading often leads to increased liquidity and investor participation, as the per-share price becomes lower. This adjustment made the stock appear more affordable, attracting traders and boosting volume. Trading volumes for Cupid Ltd spiked significantly, with the NSE reporting 4.97 crore shares traded, a 34.57x increase compared to the 2-week average of 43.64 lakh shares on the BSE. The surge in activity was attributed to the ex-bonus status, which typically encourages higher participation. The stock’s performance also reflected strong quarterly results, as the company’s financials showed substantial growth. Cupid Ltd reported revenue from operations of Rs 93.51 crore in Q3 FY26, up 101.7% year-on-year from Rs 46.35 crore in Q3 FY25. Total income reached Rs 104.40 crore, compared to Rs 50.76 crore in the same period last year. Net profit after tax rose to Rs 32.87 crore, a 196.6% increase from Rs 11.08 crore in Q3 FY25. Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) were Rs 1.22, up from Rs 0.41 in the prior-year quarter. The company’s market capitalization stands at around Rs 12,331 crore, with minimal debt. Financial metrics include a return on capital employed (ROCE) of 17.1% and a return on equity (ROE) of 12.9%.#bse #nse #cupid_ltd #bonus_issue #q3_fy26
Cupid Shares Surge Over 15% Amid Bonus Share Announcement Shares of Cupid Ltd., India’s leading condom manufacturer, surged nearly 15% on Monday, March 9, as the stock began trading ex-bonus in a 4:1 ratio. The company’s shares hit an intraday high of ₹92.90 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and climbed to ₹91 on the BSE, outperforming the NIFTY50 index, which fell 2.3% during the session. The rally followed the announcement of a bonus share issuance, which rewards existing shareholders by granting four additional shares for every one held on the record date. Cupid disclosed in a regulatory filing that the bonus shares would be allotted on March 10, 2026, with the deemed date of allotment set for the next working day. The company stated that shareholders would receive 107,57,28,560 fully paid-up equity shares of ₹1 each, distributed in a 4:1 ratio. Analysts noted that such bonus share offerings are a common strategy to boost shareholder value and incentivize long-term investment. The stock’s sharp rise coincided with a spike in trading volume, with 4.97 crore shares exchanged on the NSE—11 times the average of 43.64 lakh shares in the past two weeks. On the BSE, trading volume reached 61.12 lakh shares, compared to an average of 2.36 lakh shares daily. The increased activity reflects heightened investor interest in the company’s equity following the bonus announcement. Cupid also announced the resignation of independent director Smeeta Bhatkal, effective from March 2, 2026, citing full-time professional commitments. Her departure means she will no longer serve on the company’s Audit Committee. This development, while separate from the stock’s performance, adds context to the company’s corporate governance dynamics.#nifty50 #bse #national_stock_exchange #cupid_ltd #smeta_bhatkal
Stock Market Today: Nifty50 Opens Below 24,000, Sensex Tumbles Over 2,000 Points Amid Iran War The Indian stock market opened in negative territory on Wednesday, with the Nifty50 trading below 24,000 and the Sensex falling over 2,000 points as oil prices surged past $100 amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. By 10:50 am, the NSE Nifty50 was down 692.90 points or 2.8% at 23,753.85, while the BSE Sensex dropped 2,190.19 points or 2.78% to 76,728.71. The sharp decline erased over Rs 12.39 lakh crore from the combined market capitalization of BSE-listed companies, reducing it to Rs 437 lakh crore. Nearly all components of the 30-share Sensex were in red, with SBI and IndiGo among the worst-hit. The sell-off followed a weak close on Dalal Street the previous week, when eight of the ten most valued companies saw their market capitalization shrink by Rs 2,81,581.53 crore. Analysts expect geopolitical developments to remain a key factor influencing market direction this week, as investors closely monitor the Middle East conflict’s potential impact on global crude oil prices. Oil prices jumped sharply, surpassing $114 per barrel for the first time since 2022, driven by fears of supply disruptions and threats to vital shipping routes. Brent crude rose past $114, marking a 23% surge from Friday’s close of $92.69. Market participants are also tracking foreign investor behavior and macroeconomic cues. Ajit Mishra of Religare Broking noted that external factors, including oil prices and Middle East tensions, will shape market movements. Ponmudi R of Enrich Money warned of continued volatility, emphasizing the importance of monitoring foreign institutional flows and currency trends. Foreign investors intensified their selling in Indian equities, withdrawing nearly Rs 21,000 crore over the past four sessions as the Middle East crisis worsened.#iran_war #sensex #nifty50 #bse #nse
