Indian stock markets are expected to open higher today, July 18, riding on the upbeat global cues. The GIFT Nifty suggests a strong start, and with that, several key companies have come into focus due to recent developments, earnings reports, or strategic shifts. For retail and institutional investors alike, staying updated with these names can provide valuable insight and trading opportunities in today’s session. Here’s a roundup of the top companies in the spotlight.
Wipro has announced its Q1 FY26 results, showing a year-on-year growth of nearly eleven percent in net profit. The company earned a profit of approximately three thousand three hundred crore rupees, a rise from the same quarter last year. However, there has been a sequential decline when compared to the previous quarter. Revenue also saw a small year-on-year growth but declined slightly on a quarter-to-quarter basis. Despite mixed numbers, Wipro remains a stock to watch, especially for those tracking the IT sector.
Axis Bank reported a slight decline in its Q1 net profit when compared to the previous year and a more noticeable fall on a sequential basis. The bank earned over five thousand eight hundred crore rupees in profit this quarter. Net interest income witnessed very modest year-on-year growth but dipped on a quarter-over-quarter basis. On the other hand, the bank’s operating profit grew significantly compared to the same period last year. This performance might influence how the stock behaves today, particularly as banking continues to be a sector under close observation.
Indian Hotels Company has delivered a strong set of numbers, marking a nineteen percent jump in net profit year-on-year. With a revenue rise of over thirty percent, the Tata group’s hospitality arm shows solid recovery and expansion, especially in the premium segment. The company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization stood strong, even though margins declined slightly. Investors interested in hospitality and tourism-related stocks may keep a close eye on this counter.
Vedanta is in the news for regulatory reasons. A report by a US-based short seller has raised questions about the company’s financial practices, specifically related to how it collects brand fees from Hindustan Zinc. The whistleblower-based report suggests that Vedanta might be violating agreements, which could have legal and financial implications. With both Vedanta and the Indian government holding stakes in Hindustan Zinc, this controversy could become a key risk factor.
In real estate, DLF is exploring the ultra-luxury housing space in Mumbai. The company already has a successful history of premium projects in Gurugram and now plans to expand that model to India’s financial capital. Though DLF is focusing on its current project for now, its entry into this high-margin segment could be a game changer in the real estate space.
ONGC has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with global energy player bp to collaborate on offshore drilling projects. The partnership will focus on Category II and III sedimentary basins across India, including the Andaman, Mahanadi, Saurashtra, and Bengal regions. This development is part of a broader strategy to boost domestic energy production and could signal strong prospects for ONGC in the coming quarters.
Meanwhile, Adani Group has made a significant move by exiting AWL Agri Business. It sold its entire stake in the venture to Singapore-based Wilmar International for over ten thousand crore rupees. This brings an end to one of India’s longest-standing joint ventures in the FMCG and agri business space. The strategic exit allows Wilmar to hold majority ownership and steer the business independently.
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India also made headlines by commissioning a new continuous galvanising line at its flagship facility in Hazira, Gujarat. This is a key milestone in the company’s sixty thousand crore rupees expansion plan. As steel demand picks up, this move positions the company to capitalize on both domestic and global opportunities in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
All of these developments reflect how dynamic and fast-moving India’s corporate landscape is. From quarterly performance to regulatory risks and strategic shifts, investors have a lot to process today. Stocks like Wipro, Axis Bank, Vedanta, ONGC, DLF, and others are set to remain in focus as the market opens.
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