LIC Bonus Shares 2026 | State-Owned Insurer Posts 19% Profit Surge, Announces 1:1 Bonus and Higher Dividend Payout The country’s largest life insurance company, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), reported a 19.25% increase in profit after tax (PAT) for the fiscal year 2026, reaching ₹57,419 crore compared to ₹48,151 crore in the previous fiscal year. The results were accompanied by a 1:1 bonus share offer for shareholders, with the record date set for May 29. Additionally, the company announced a dividend payout of ₹20 per share on a pre-bonus basis, which will be adjusted to ₹10 per share post-bonus. This marks an increase from the ₹12 per share dividend declared in the previous year. R Doraiswamy, CEO and MD of LIC, explained that the decision to declare the bonus and dividend was based on the company’s growing reserves and the need to distribute profits to shareholders. “Our reserves have been growing, and we wanted to pass them on to the shareholders. Even before the final results came, we had announced a 1:1 bonus in April. For declaring a dividend, we wanted to see the full year’s profit,” he stated during the post-results earnings call. The quarterly results for the January-March period showed a 23.18% rise in standalone net profit to ₹23,420.43 crore, compared to ₹19,012.79 crore in the same quarter the previous year. Net premium income also grew by 12% to ₹1.65 lakh crore, driven by expansion in renewal and single premium businesses. However, management expenses increased to ₹20,641 crore from ₹16,496 crore a year earlier. LIC, which holds a significant stake in the National Stock Exchange of India, indicated it may consider reducing its holdings during the exchange’s proposed initial public offering (IPO).#west_asia_conflict #national_stock_exchange_of_india #initial_public_offering #life_insurance_corporation #r_doraiswamy
Britannia Industries shares decline 5% as Q4 earnings fail to impress investors; here’s what analysts said Shares of Britannia Industries fell as much as 5% to touch an intraday low of ₹5,524 apiece on Friday, May 8, after the company’s March quarter earnings disappointed market investors. The decline followed a year-to-date loss of nearly 7% for the stock, reflecting investor concerns over the company’s performance. The stock’s market capitalisation stood at ₹1.35 lakh crore, with its 52-week low hitting ₹5,298 on August 14, 2025, and a one-year high of ₹6,336 recorded on September 4, 2026. Britannia reported a consolidated net profit of ₹678 crore for the fourth quarter of financial year 2025-26 (Q4 FY26), representing a 21% increase from ₹560 crore in the same period the previous year. Revenue from operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, rose 6.5% to ₹4,719 crore, compared to ₹4,432 crore in the year-ago period. Consolidated sales for the quarter reached ₹4,686 crore, a 7.1% growth. However, the company’s operating profit, or EBITDA, increased 6% to ₹853 crore, while the EBITDA margin dipped marginally to 18.08% from 18.16% in the prior year. For the full fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 (FY26), Britannia’s consolidated sales grew 7.5% to ₹18,858 crore, and net profit surged 16.5% to ₹2,537 crore over the same period last year. Despite these figures, investors remained unimpressed, citing underwhelming growth in key metrics and challenges posed by external factors. Rakshit Hargave, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, attributed the Q4 performance to supply disruptions in the international business, which were exacerbated by the West Asia conflict.#morgan_stanley #national_stock_exchange #west_asia_conflict #britannia_industries #rakshit_hargave
Sensex Ends 1,200 Points Higher As Oil Prices Drop Markets closed higher on Wednesday, with the Nifty50 rising 394 points and the Sensex surging 1,205 points, driven by a decline in crude oil prices and optimism over potential de-escalation in the West Asia conflict. The rally followed a green run on Tuesday, fueled by positive investor sentiment amid reports of ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations and a temporary pause in U.S. strikes on Iranian energy sites. The Sensex closed at a record high, reflecting renewed confidence in equity markets. The rupee, however, showed mixed performance, with the currency weakening slightly against the dollar despite the equity gains. The government also announced a briefing on the evolving situation in the region, underscoring its commitment to addressing regional tensions. Sectoral performance was mixed, with financial institutions like HDFC Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank leading gains, while tech stocks faced pressure. Gold and silver ETFs also saw significant upward movement, with buyers returning to the market as hopes of a resolution in West Asia boosted investor appetite for safe-haven assets. Market participants noted that the rally was largely speculative, with traders betting on geopolitical developments rather than strong earnings or economic data. Analysts warned that the market’s vulnerability to external shocks remains high, citing the ongoing uncertainty in global energy prices and geopolitical tensions. The Nifty MidCap index also saw positive momentum, with companies like Godfrey Phillips India and Housing & Urban Development Corporation among the top gainers. Meanwhile, the broader market cap of BSE-listed companies surged by Rs 7.25 trillion, highlighting the scale of the rally.#sensex #nifty50 #west_asia_conflict #kotak_mahindra_bank #hdfc_bank
Stock markets dive as West Asia conflict, crude oil prices continue to dent sentiment The Indian stock market experienced a sharp decline on Monday, March 23, 2026, as tensions in West Asia entered their fourth week, pushing crude oil prices higher and intensifying investor anxiety. The benchmark Sensex and Nifty indices opened sharply lower, with the 30-share BSE Sensex dropping 1,555.62 points, or 2%, to 72,977.34, while the 50-share NSE Nifty fell 479.95 points, or 2%, to 22,634.55. The downturn was exacerbated by a broader bearish trend in global equity markets and sustained outflows of foreign capital. The conflict in West Asia has become a key driver of market volatility, with Brent crude oil prices rising 0.62% to $112.9 per barrel. Analysts highlighted the growing risks of geopolitical instability, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, which has raised fears of potential disruptions to global energy supplies. Hariprasad K, a research analyst, noted that escalating rhetoric between the U.S. and Iran has further heightened concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities. The rupee also weakened, nearing a record low of 93.94, down 41 paise from the previous day. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold equities worth ₹5,518.39 crore on Friday, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) purchased stocks worth ₹5,706.23 crore. This marked a continued outflow of foreign capital, with FIIs pulling out ₹88,180 crore from Indian equities this month. Asian markets mirrored the global downturn, with South Korea’s Kospi index plunging nearly 6%, Japan’s Nikkei 225 falling over 4.6%, and China’s Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng indices trading sharply lower. The U.S. market also closed significantly lower on Friday, reflecting a broad-based risk-off sentiment.#nifty #strait_of_hormuz #sensex #brent_crude_oil #west_asia_conflict
West Asia conflict: Distribution companies incentivise switch from LPG to PNG The government has reported a 36% rise in domestic LPG production compared to pre-West Asia conflict levels, with further increases anticipated in the coming days. This growth follows recent measures such as directing refiners to maximize LPG output and redirecting propane, butane, and other petrochemical streams toward LPG production. To address hoarding and balance demand, the government has extended cylinder booking intervals for households to 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural regions. In response to the crisis, city gas distribution (CGD) companies have introduced incentives to encourage consumers to transition to piped natural gas (PNG). For instance, Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) in Delhi and surrounding cities is offering domestic users free gas worth Rs 500 for switching to PNG before March 31. Mumbai-based Mahanagar Gas Ltd has waived Rs 500 registration fees for households and security deposits ranging from Rs 1 to 5 lakh for commercial users. Similar promotions have been rolled out by GAIL and BPCL, according to Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Officials emphasized that while the current situation remains concerning, LPG supplies are being prioritized to meet domestic needs. The government’s efforts to stabilize the market include both production boosts and demand management strategies, alongside private sector initiatives to alleviate pressure on LPG resources.#bpcl #west_asia_conflict #gail #mahanagar_gas_ltd #indraprastha_gas_ltd
LPG and oil crisis LIVE: Sensex, Nifty drop nearly 1% as West Asia conflict, surging oil prices rattle stock markets Amid rising oil prices, the Trump administration has announced a temporary authorization for other countries to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea, as there were no immediate signs of an early end to the US war on Iran. Updated on March 13, 2026, the report highlights how tensions in West Asia and surging oil prices have triggered a sharp decline in India’s stock markets, with the Sensex and Nifty falling nearly 1%. Oil prices remained near $100 per barrel on March 13, exacerbating concerns as Iran’s leader called for the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy trade. The move has raised fears of further disruptions to oil supplies, prompting equity markets worldwide to react negatively. The situation has intensified after Iran’s forces reportedly fired upon a bulk oil carrier attempting to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the escalating conflict in the region. India’s energy security has come under scrutiny as the country relies heavily on imports through the Strait of Hormuz. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri addressed Parliament on March 12, stating that India’s crude oil supply position has improved. He noted that while approximately 45% of India’s crude imports previously transited through the Hormuz route, non-Hormuz sourcing now accounts for about 70% of imports. Puri credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic efforts for securing alternative supply routes, emphasizing that India sources crude from 40 countries, up from 27 in 2006 and 2007. However, the LPG crisis has sparked widespread protests and political criticism.#prime_minister_narendra_modi #trump_administration #west_asia_conflict #iran_leader #union_minister_hardeep_singh_puri
Coal India faces heat from renewables despite near-term pricing uptick Coal India Ltd’s shares surged to a new 52-week high of ₹467.90 on the National Stock Exchange on Thursday, rising over 4% despite the Nifty 50 index falling 0.5% during the same period. The rally was attributed to expectations of higher prices at the company’s e-auctions, driven by rising global coal prices linked to the West Asia conflict and Indonesia’s production cuts. These factors are projected to boost Coal India’s e-auction premiums and increase its offtake volumes. However, the company faces mounting pressure from the growing renewable energy sector. While global coal prices have climbed, domestic import volumes are expected to decline, which could strain Coal India’s market position. Analysts note that the company’s sales volume has dropped for two consecutive years, creating a mismatch between its stock performance and underlying business challenges. The Bloomberg report highlights that higher global coal prices could reduce reliance on imports, potentially benefiting Coal India’s e-auction revenues. Yet, the decline in sales volume underscores structural issues in the company’s operations. Despite the stock’s recent gains, the broader economic context—such as slowing growth and mixed inflation signals—remains a concern for investors. The surge in Coal India’s shares also reflects investor optimism about its ability to capitalize on short-term price increases. However, long-term sustainability will depend on its capacity to adapt to shifting energy markets and address declining sales volumes. As the company navigates this transition, the balance between traditional coal demand and renewable energy adoption will shape its future prospects.#nifty_50 #indonesia #west_asia_conflict #coal_india_ltd #e_auctions
Hotels may shut if LPG supply not resumed: Bengaluru Hotels Association The Bengaluru Hotels Association has issued a warning that restaurants across the city could face closures if the supply of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders is not resumed. The association highlighted the critical role of the hospitality sector in providing essential services, particularly for vulnerable groups such as students, senior citizens, and others reliant on hotels for daily meals. Association president P.C. Rao stated that the supply of commercial gas cylinders to hotels had been halted since Monday, March 9, 2026, which could lead to severe operational disruptions. The disruption in LPG supply has raised concerns about the sustainability of the hotel industry, which is considered a vital part of Bengaluru’s economy. Rao emphasized that the sector’s reliance on LPG for cooking and heating has made it particularly vulnerable to supply chain issues. The association’s warning comes amid ongoing tensions in the global energy market, exacerbated by the West Asia conflict, which has disrupted the flow of commercial LPG to the region. Meanwhile, the state government has expressed frustration over the recent increase in LPG cylinder prices. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the central government for the price hike, arguing that it was not justified given the current economic climate. The CM’s comments reflect growing pressure on policymakers to address the rising costs of essential commodities, which have been a source of public discontent. The situation has sparked discussions about the broader implications of energy supply disruptions on local businesses.#state_government #bengaluru_hotels_association #p_c_rao #siddaramaiah #west_asia_conflict
