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Saturday, February 22, 2025

New IPOs and Listings Next Week: Nukleus, Shreenath & More

stock market news

IPO Calendar: New Issues and Listings to Track Next Week

The primary market remains active with two new IPOs opening for subscription, both in the SME segment. Additionally, investors will be watching five listings, including Quality Power Electrical's debut in the mainboard segment.

New IPOs Opening Next Week

Here's a look at the new IPOs launching next week:

Nukleus Office Solutions IPO

  • Opening Date: February 24
  • Price: Rs 234 per share
  • Issue Type: Fresh Equity Sale of 13.54 lakh shares (no OFS component)
  • Listing Platform: NSE SME

Nukleus Office Solutions offers co-working and managed office spaces in Delhi NCR. They provide furnished and flexible workspaces for startups, SMEs, large enterprises, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Sundae Capital Advisors is managing the IPO, with Bigshare Services as the registrar.

Shreenath Paper Products IPO

  • Issue Size: Rs 23 crore
  • Price: Rs 44 per share
  • Issue Type: Fresh Equity Sale of 53.1 lakh shares
  • Minimum Lot Size: 3,000 shares

Shreenath Paper Products provides supply chain solutions to industries where paper is a major raw material. The net proceeds from the IPO will be used for meeting incremental working capital requirements and general corporate purposes. Galactico Corporate Services is the book-running lead manager, while Bigshare Services is the registrar.

Check more details about Latest IPO this week in our main page.

Listings to Watch

In addition to the new IPOs, the market will witness five listings, with Quality Power Electrical debuting in the mainboard segment. Investors will be tracking these listings closely.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent financial advice. The views expressed are those of the sources cited and not necessarily those of this website or its management. Investing in equities or other financial instruments carries the risk of financial loss. Readers must exercise due caution and conduct their own research before making any investment decisions. We are not liable for any losses incurred as a result of decisions made based on this article. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment.

Buffett's Letter: Berkshire's $334B Cash, Successor & Insights

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Warren Buffett Celebrates Berkshire Hathaway's 60-Year Success, Acknowledges Mistakes

In his annual letter to shareholders, Warren Buffett celebrated the remarkable success of Berkshire Hathaway over the past year and the six decades since he transformed a struggling textile company into a massive conglomerate. Buffett reflected on his tenure while also looking ahead to the future leadership of the company.

Succession and Leadership

Buffett acknowledged making occasional mistakes throughout his career but reassured shareholders that his chosen successor, Greg Abel, is well-prepared to seize investment opportunities. He emphasized Abel's ability to act decisively when compelling opportunities arise.

Financial Strength

Berkshire Hathaway boasts an impressive $334.201 billion in cash, driven by selling off significant portions of its Apple and Bank of America stock and continuous revenue generation from its diverse subsidiaries, including Geico insurance, BNSF railroad, major utilities, and well-known retail brands like Dairy Queen and See's Candy. This cash reserve is almost double the $167.6 billion held a year ago.

Recent Investments

Buffett deployed some of this cash last year by:

  • Spending $3.9 billion to acquire the remaining portion of its utility business.
  • Investing $2.6 billion to purchase the rest of the Pilot truck stop chain.
  • Increasing Berkshire's investment in five major Japanese conglomerates.

Berkshire's investments in these Japanese conglomerates now total $13.8 billion over the past six years and are currently valued at $23.5 billion.

No Dividends Planned

Despite the significant cash reserves and difficulty in finding major acquisitions, Buffett reaffirmed that Berkshire Hathaway has no plans to offer a dividend.

Shareholder Meeting Changes

Acknowledging his age, Buffett announced that this year's shareholder meeting in May, which typically attracts tens of thousands of attendees, will be shorter. The question-and-answer session with Buffett and Berkshire's two vice chairmen will be reduced by several hours.

Buffett also mentioned his increased reliance on a cane to prevent falls.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent financial advice. The views expressed are those of the sources cited and not necessarily those of this website or its management. Investing in equities or other financial instruments carries the risk of financial loss. Readers must exercise due caution and conduct their own research before making any investment decisions. We are not liable for any losses incurred as a result of decisions made based on this article. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment.

Schneider Electric to Add 3 Plants in India: Expansion Plans

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Schneider Electric to Open Three New Manufacturing Plants in India

Energy management and automation giant Schneider Electric has announced its plan to open three more manufacturing plants in India. This move signifies the company's commitment to expanding its industrial footprint and capitalizing on India's growth opportunities.

Expansion Details

The three new plants will be located in:

  • Kolkata
  • Hyderabad
  • Ahmednagar

The announcement was made by Schneider Electric CEO Olivier Blum at the inaugural session of Elecrama 2025, organized by industry body IEEMA in Greater Noida.

Investment and Growth Strategy

Schneider Electric has already committed investments of Rs 3,200 crore to expand its industrial presence in India, with plans to add nearly 1.2 million sq.ft. area by 2026. The company currently operates 31 manufacturing plants in the country.

India's Market Potential

Olivier Blum highlighted India's focus on digitalization, sustainability, energy transition, and infrastructure modernization as providing unparalleled opportunities for growth. Schneider Electric aims to leverage AI and digitization to accelerate growth in the Indian energy sector.

The company believes that advanced technologies such as digital grids, IoT-enabled distributed energy resources, microgrids, smart buildings, and smart cities will reduce emissions by 75% over the next 25 years.

Strategic Hub for Global Growth

India is Schneider Electric's third-largest market globally and one of its four global hubs. The company is dedicated to investing in India's future, creating jobs, and contributing to sustainable development.

Product Showcase at ELECRAMA

Schneider Electric showcased a range of electrical and automation products and solutions at ELECRAMA, designed to accelerate India's energy transition. Deepak Sharma, Zone President - Greater India, managing director & chief executive officer, emphasized that the company's efficient, resilient, and sustainable portfolio will empower Indian companies on their digitization and decarbonization journey.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent financial advice. The views expressed are those of the sources cited and not necessarily those of this website or its management. Investing in equities or other financial instruments carries the risk of financial loss. Readers must exercise due caution and conduct their own research before making any investment decisions. We are not liable for any losses incurred as a result of decisions made based on this article. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment.

Granules Acquires Swiss Firm Senn: Peptide, CDMO Foray

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Granules India Expands into Peptide Segment with Acquisition of Swiss Firm

Granules India is set to enter the peptide segment and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) business through the acquisition of Swiss firm Senn Chemicals AG for ₹192.5 crore (CHF 20 million).

Acquisition Details

Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Dielsdorf, Switzerland, Senn Chemicals AG specializes in custom peptide manufacturing, serving global clients in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and theragnostics. The acquisition, subject to certain conditions, is expected to close in the first half of 2025.

Strategic Rationale

The acquisition brings Senn's expertise in Liquid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (LPPS) and Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS), along with a strong CDMO business and established customer relationships. This will enable Granules to enter the high-growth peptide-based therapeutics market, including the rapidly expanding peptide-based anti-diabetic and anti-obesity sector, focusing on Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and other next-generation therapeutics.

GLP-1 Based APIs

Granules and Senn are jointly developing two GLP-1 based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), with plans to expand the portfolio using Senn’s R&D capabilities.

Expansion of CDMO Capabilities

With this acquisition, Granules will leverage Senn’s European presence and innovation-driven peptide platform to accelerate its CDMO expansion. This aims to meet the growing demand for Amino Acid Derivatives (AAD), peptide fragments, and peptide-based therapeutics.

CMD's Perspective

Granules CMD Krishna Prasad Chigurupati stated that the acquisition marks a significant milestone, allowing the company to enter the rapidly growing peptide therapeutics segment and acquire CDMO capabilities. He emphasized that Senn’s expertise in peptide synthesis, combined with Granules' large-scale, cost-efficient manufacturing capabilities, will position them to deliver high-quality peptide-based solutions globally.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent financial advice. The views expressed are those of the sources cited and not necessarily those of this website or its management. Investing in equities or other financial instruments carries the risk of financial loss. Readers must exercise due caution and conduct their own research before making any investment decisions. We are not liable for any losses incurred as a result of decisions made based on this article. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment.

Gold Price Outlook: India (Feb 23-28) - Will Prices Keep Rising

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Gold Prices in India: Weekly Outlook (Feb 23-28) - Will the Rally Continue?

Gold prices in India have been on a strong upward trajectory, surging for seven consecutive weeks amidst global uncertainties. This analysis provides a weekly outlook for gold and silver prices in India from February 23 to 28, 2025.

Gold and Silver Price Range

Experts predict that gold and silver may trade within the following ranges:

  • Gold: Rs 84,500 - Rs 86,500 per 10 grams
  • Silver: Rs 94,000 - Rs 98,000 per kilogram

Recent Performance

Last week, gold prices in India reached a new all-time high of Rs 88,040 per 10 grams before slightly retreating. On the MCX, gold hit a record high of 86,592, while silver closed above 97,000.

Current Gold Prices (February 22)

  • 24K Gold: Rs 87,770 per 10 grams
  • 22K Gold: Rs 80,450 per 10 grams
  • 18K Gold: Rs 65,820 per 10 grams

Gold prices have surged by nearly 4% so far in February.

Silver Prices

The price of silver in India is currently at Rs 100.50 per gram and Rs 1,00,500 per kilogram.

MCX Gold and Silver Prices

Last week, MCX gold (April 2025) stood at Rs 86,020 per 10 grams. MCX silver (March 2025) closed at Rs 96,156 per kilogram.

Spot Gold Price

Trading Economics reported that spot gold traded around $2,930 per ounce on Friday, near its record high of $2,950. The surge is attributed to gold's safe-haven appeal amid rising global uncertainties.

Factors Driving Gold Prices

Several factors are contributing to the ongoing surge in gold prices:

  • Global Uncertainty: Escalating trade tensions due to potential additional tariffs on lumber, cars, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Geopolitical Risks: Concerns about the US potentially withdrawing support for Ukraine.
  • Safe-Haven Demand: Gold is considered a safe-haven asset during times of uncertainty.

Potential Influences on Gold Prices

  • US Treasury Yields: A decline in US Treasury yields could weaken the US dollar, supporting gold prices.
  • Ukraine Negotiations: A concrete peace agreement between the US and Russia regarding Ukraine could weigh on gold prices.
  • Inflationary Pressures: Policymakers' concerns about trade policy shifts and higher tariffs contributing to inflationary pressures could support higher gold prices.

Gold-Silver Ratio

The gold-silver ratio recently declined, indicating that silver is likely to continue outperforming gold in the near term. SMC expects gold and silver to trade within the ranges of 84,000-87,000 and 94,000-98,500, respectively.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent financial advice. The views expressed are those of the sources cited and not necessarily those of this website or its management. Investing in equities or other financial instruments carries the risk of financial loss. Readers must exercise due caution and conduct their own research before making any investment decisions. We are not liable for any losses incurred as a result of decisions made based on this article. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment.

Rail Vikas Nigam Signs Major Agreement with BSNL for BharatNet Project Despite Q3 Profit Decline

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Rail Vikas Nigam Signs Major Agreement with BSNL for BharatNet Project Despite Q3 Profit Decline

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has marked a significant milestone by signing a crucial Project Implementation Agency (PIA) agreement with BSNL, while simultaneously navigating through challenging quarterly results. The state-owned enterprise continues to demonstrate its strategic expansion beyond traditional railway infrastructure development.

Major BharatNet Project Agreement

In a significant development, RVNL has formed a consortium with HFCL Ltd and Aerial Telecom Solutions Pvt. Ltd to execute a major digital infrastructure project:

  • Project value: ₹13,253 crore
  • Implementation timeline: 3-year construction period followed by 10-year maintenance
  • Maintenance fees structure:
    • First five years: 5.5% of capital expenditure annually
    • Next five years: 6.5% of capital expenditure annually

Q3 FY25 Financial Performance

The company's third-quarter results for FY25 showed mixed performance:

  • Net profit declined by 13.1% YoY to ₹311.6 crore
  • Revenue decreased by 2.6% YoY to ₹4,567.4 crore
  • EBITDA fell by 3.9% to ₹239.4 crore
  • EBITDA margin maintained at 5.2%

Stock Performance Analysis

RVNL's stock has shown mixed performance across different time frames:

  • Current trading price: ₹380.05 on NSE
  • Daily performance: +0.85%
  • Year-to-date correction: -11%
  • One-year return: +42%

Future Outlook and Business Prospects

Despite the quarterly decline, RVNL maintains a positive outlook:

  • Revenue guidance for FY25 maintained at ₹22,000 crore
  • The BharatNet project positions RVNL strategically in India's digital infrastructure development
  • Diversification beyond core railway infrastructure indicates potential new revenue streams

Company Background and Achievements

As a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Railways, RVNL has established itself as a crucial player in India's infrastructure development:

  • Established in 2003 with a focus on rail infrastructure development
  • Successfully completed major projects including:
    • Patna-Mughalsarai section doubling
    • Lucknow-Kanpur high-speed rail corridor
  • Operates with independent board and management structure

Strategic Implications

The new BSNL agreement represents a strategic expansion of RVNL's capabilities and market presence:

  • Diversification into digital infrastructure development
  • Long-term revenue visibility through the 13-year project duration
  • Contribution to the Digital India mission through BharatNet implementation
  • Enhanced position in government infrastructure projects beyond railways

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent financial advice. The views expressed are those of the sources cited and not necessarily those of this website or its management. Investing in equities or other financial instruments carries the risk of financial loss. Readers must exercise due caution and conduct their own research before making any investment decisions. We are not liable for any losses incurred as a result of decisions made based on this article. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment.

India's Revolutionary EV Policy: Import Duties Slashed from 110% to 15% as Global Automakers Show Interest

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India's Revolutionary EV Policy: Import Duties Slashed from 110% to 15% as Global Automakers Show Interest

In a landmark move set to transform India's electric vehicle landscape, the government is preparing to introduce a groundbreaking policy that will dramatically reduce import duties on premium EVs. This strategic decision aims to attract major global automakers and accelerate the country's transition to electric mobility.

Revolutionary Import Duty Reduction

The centerpiece of the new policy is a dramatic reduction in import duties for premium electric vehicles. Under the proposed changes, import duties will be slashed from 110% to just 15% for EVs priced above USD 35,000. This substantial reduction represents one of the most significant policy shifts in India's automotive sector in recent years.

Investment and Performance Requirements

To qualify for these reduced import duties, manufacturers must meet several stringent criteria:

  • Make a minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crore in India, excluding existing investments and real estate costs
  • Achieve a turnover of Rs 2,500 crore by the second year of operations
  • Scale up to Rs 5,000 crore by the fourth year
  • Reach Rs 7,500 crore by the fifth year

Implementation Timeline and Localization Goals

The policy includes specific timelines and localization requirements:

  • A 120-day application window once the policy is officially announced
  • Permission to import up to 8,000 premium EVs annually at the reduced duty rate
  • Mandatory achievement of 25% local value addition in the first year
  • Requirement to reach 50% localization within 5 years
  • Establishment of local manufacturing facilities within 3 years of approval

Tesla's Strategic Entry Plans

Tesla, one of the most anticipated beneficiaries of this policy, has already outlined ambitious plans for the Indian market:

  • Launch of a new affordable EV model priced between Rs 21-22 lakh by April 2025
  • Initial showroom launches in Delhi and Mumbai
  • Establishment of import operations near Mumbai
  • Market expansion to Bengaluru by Q3 2025

Global Automakers' Interest

The policy has attracted attention from other major automotive players:

  • Hyundai and Volkswagen have engaged in preliminary discussions with the government
  • Both companies are exploring opportunities to bring their premium EV models to India
  • The reduced import duties could lead to a wider range of global EV brands entering the Indian market

Market Impact and Future Outlook

This policy initiative is expected to have far-reaching effects on India's automotive sector:

  • Significant reduction in premium EV prices, making them more accessible to Indian consumers
  • Acceleration of EV adoption across different market segments
  • Development of a robust EV manufacturing ecosystem in India
  • Creation of new employment opportunities in the automotive sector

Approval letters for eligible manufacturers are expected to be issued by July or August 2025, potentially leading to a substantial increase in premium EV offerings in the Indian market by late 2025 or early 2026.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent financial advice. The views expressed are those of the sources cited and not necessarily those of this website or its management. Investing in equities or other financial instruments carries the risk of financial loss. Readers must exercise due caution and conduct their own research before making any investment decisions. We are not liable for any losses incurred as a result of decisions made based on this article. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment.