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3% to 5%

Manappuram Finance to invest Rs 250 crore in Asirvad Micro Finance, Buvanesh Tharashankar appointed as Group CFO, Board approves increase in borrowing limit to Rs 75,000 crore

* Manappuram Finance to invest Rs 250 crore in Asirvad Micro Finance
* Buvanesh Tharashankar appointed as Group CFO
* Board approves increase in borrowing limit to Rs 75,000 crore

Manappuram Finance approved a Rs 250 crore investment in subsidiary Asirvad Micro Finance, raised its stake to 98.56%, appointed Buvanesh Tharashankar as Group CFO, and increased its borrowing limit to Rs 75,000 crore. Shares closed with marginal losses.

shorts/business/manappuram-finance-to-invest-rs-250-crore-in-subsidiary-appoints-new-group-cfo

* Manappuram Finance to invest Rs 250 crore in Asirvad Micro Finance
* Buvanesh Tharashankar appointed as Group CFO
* Board approves increase in borrowing limit to Rs 75,000 crore

Manappuram Finance on December 26 announced that its board has considered and approved an additional investment of Rs 250 crore in its subsidiary Asirvad Micro Finance. It also announced that it has appointed Buvanesh Tharashankar as the Group Chief Financial Officer.

The shares of the company closed in the red with marginal losses at Rs 313.90 apiece, snapping a six-session gaining streak.
<h3><strong>Manappuram Finance's board okays investment in unit:</strong></h3>
The company's board on December 26 considered and approved the plan to invest up to Rs 250 crore in its subsidiary Asirvad Micro Finance Limited in one or more tranches.

<a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/finance-leasinghire-purchase/manappuramfinance/MGF01">Manappuram Finance</a> in February 2015 had acquired Tamil Nadu-based Asirvad Micro Finance with an AUM of about Rs 300 crore. Since its takeover, the AUM of the company has reached Rs 8,189 crore, according to the company's website.

The company will increase its stake in the subsidiary to 98.56 percent from 98.31 percent at Rs 51 per share.

The NBFC primarily offers microfinance loans to low-income women, fulfilling the credit aspirations of the unbanked and socially and economically disadvantaged population. Additionally, it provides MSME loans and loans against gold, which has seen a significant surge this year.
<h3><strong>Manappuram Finance appoints new Group CFO:</strong></h3>
Manappuram Finance's board has approved the appointment of Buvanesh Tharashankar as the Group Chief Financial Officer of the company. The Chartered Accountant, who comes with nearly three decades of experience across leading banking and financial services institutions, has served senior roles across <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/banks-private-sector/rblbank/RB03">RBL Bank</a>, Jana Small Finance Bank, Citibank in India and overseas.

"In his role as Group CFO, Buvanesh will provide strategic financial leadership across the Manappuram Group. He will work closely with the leadership team to strengthen financial governance, support long-term business strategy, enhance capital efficiency and enable sustainable value creation while ensuring strong regulatory and compliance standards," the company said.

His appointment has taken effect from today. Notably, Bindu AL shall continue to hold the position of Manappuram Finance's Chief Financial Officer and Key Managerial Personnel.
<h3><strong>Manappuram Finance's board okays proposal to hike borrowing limit:</strong></h3>
Manappuram Finance added that its board has approved the plan to increase the borrowing limit of the company to up to Rs 75,000 crore.
<h3><strong>Manappuram Finance share price history:</strong></h3>
Manappuram Finance shares have gained more than 9 percent in the past five days. Earlier during the day, the stock extended its sharp gaining streak to hit a 52-week high of Rs 318.90 apiece before losing steam.

The stock has gained more than 14 percent in the past six months, and is up around 64 percent in 2025 so far. Its P/E ratio stands at over 34.

Follow all <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/stock-market-live-updates-gift-nifty-indicates-a-muted-start-asian-markets-trade-higher-liveblog-13742638.html">LIVE updates</a> from the stock markets here.

<em>Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.</em>

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Manappuram Finance to invest Rs 250 crore in Asirvad MFI, appoints new Group CFO

Manappuram Finance on December 26 announced that its board has considered and approved an additional investment of Rs 250 crore in its subsidiary Asirvad Micro Finance. It also announced that it has appointed Buvanesh Tharashankar as the Group Chief Financial Officer.

The shares of the company closed in the red with marginal losses at Rs 313.90 apiece, snapping a six-session gaining streak.
Manappuram Finance's board okays investment in unit:
The company's board on December 26 considered and approved the plan to invest up to Rs 250 crore in its subsidiary Asirvad Micro Finance Limited in one or more tranches.

Manappuram Finance in February 2015 had acquired Tamil Nadu-based Asirvad Micro Finance with an AUM of about Rs 300 crore. Since its takeover, the AUM of the company has reached Rs 8,189 crore, according to the company's website.

The company will increase its stake in the subsidiary to 98.56 percent from 98.31 percent at Rs 51 per share.

The NBFC primarily offers microfinance loans to low-income women, fulfilling the credit aspirations of the unbanked and socially and economically disadvantaged population. Additionally, it provides MSME loans and loans against gold, which has seen a significant surge this year.
Manappuram Finance appoints new Group CFO:
Manappuram Finance's board has approved the appointment of Buvanesh Tharashankar as the Group Chief Financial Officer of the company. The Chartered Accountant, who comes with nearly three decades of experience across leading banking and financial services institutions, has served senior roles across RBL Bank, Jana Small Finance Bank, Citibank in India and overseas.

&quot;In his role as Group CFO, Buvanesh will provide strategic financial leadership across the Manappuram Group. He will work closely with the leadership team to strengthen financial governance, support long-term business strategy, enhance capital efficiency and enable sustainable value creation while ensuring strong regulatory and compliance standards,&quot; the company said.

His appointment has taken effect from today. Notably, Bindu AL shall continue to hold the position of Manappuram Finance's Chief Financial Officer and Key Managerial Personnel.
Manappuram Finance's board okays proposal to hike borrowing limit:
Manappuram Finance added that its board has approved the plan to increase the borrowing limit of the company to up to Rs 75,000 crore.
Manappuram Finance share price history:
Manappuram Finance shares have gained more than 9 percent in the past five days. Earlier during the day, the stock extended its sharp gaining streak to hit a 52-week high of Rs 318.90 apiece before losing steam.

The stock has gained more than 14 percent in the past six months, and is up around 64 percent in 2025 so far. Its P/E ratio stands at over 34.

Follow all LIVE updates from the stock markets here.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Aica Kogyo to buy 40.53% stake in Stylam Industries for Rs 1,525 crore, Stylam shares fell nearly 5 percent after the stake sale announcement, Aica Kogyo will nominate up to 8 directors to Stylam's board after the deal

* Aica Kogyo to buy 40.53% stake in Stylam Industries for Rs 1,525 crore
* Stylam shares fell nearly 5 percent after the stake sale announcement
* Aica Kogyo will nominate up to 8 directors to Stylam's board after the deal

Japan’s Aica Kogyo will acquire a 40.53% stake in Stylam Industries for Rs 1,525 crore at Rs 2,250 per share, prompting a nearly 5% drop in Stylam’s stock. The deal includes board changes and will be followed by an open offer to public shareholders.

shorts/business/stylam-industries-shares-fall-5-as-japan-s-aica-kogyo-set-to-acquire-40-stake-for-rs-1-525-crore

* Aica Kogyo to buy 40.53% stake in Stylam Industries for Rs 1,525 crore
* Stylam shares fell nearly 5 percent after the stake sale announcement
* Aica Kogyo will nominate up to 8 directors to Stylam's board after the deal

<a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/miscellaneous/stylamindustries/GL02">Stylam Industries</a> on December 26 announced that Japan’s AICA Kogyo will buy 40 percent stake in the company for Rs 1,525 crore.

The shares of the company fell 5 percent to trade at Rs 2,185 apiece after the announcement in the afternoon trade.

The stake acquisition will be done by the Japanese conglomerate in various tranches. Stylam’s promoters Pushpa Gupta, Dipti Gupta and Manav Gupta have entered into a share purchase agreement with the company to sell around 45.97 lakh shares, representing 27.12 percent stake, in two tranches.

Jagdish Gupta, Saru Gupta and Nidhi Gupta meanwhile have entered into a share purchase agreement with AICA Kogyo to sell up to 21.82 shares, representing 12.88 percent stake in the company, in two tranches at a price of Rs 2,250 per share.

The price of the transactions has been set at Rs 2,250 per share. This makes the total value of the transaction stand at Rs 1,525 crore for 6,779 crore shares (40 percent stake).

These stake acquisitions will be followed by an open offer to public shareholders. The open offer price marks a 2 percent discount from the previous closing price of Rs 2,300.50 apiece.

The parties also entered into a shareholders’ agreement regarding the overall supervision of the board after the stake transfer. The board will comprise a maximum of 15 directors, with Aica Kogyo Company being able to nominate up to 8 directors, each of whom shall be either executive or non-executive (non-independent) director and recommend one independent director to the board, in the manner set out in the SHA.

AICA Kogyo is Japan's leading manufacturer of chemical and building material products including high-pressure laminates, adhesives, coatings, and construction materials. The company has manufacturing bases across Asia and North America. Its India presence dates back to 2011 through AICA Laminates India Pvt. Ltd., which manufactures and markets decorative laminates under the ‘Sunmica’ and ‘AICA’ brands.

Haryana-based Stylam Industries is one of India’s largest exporters of decorative laminates and surfacing products. The company manufactures high-pressure laminates, exterior cladding, and other architectural materials under the ‘Stylam’ brand, with a significant presence in Europe, Asia, and West Asia.

Follow all <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/stock-market-live-updates-gift-nifty-indicates-a-muted-start-asian-markets-trade-higher-liveblog-13742638.html">LIVE updates</a> from the stock markets here.

<em>Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.</em>

Stylam Industries shares fall 5% as Japan's AICA Kogyo set to acquire 40% stake for Rs 1,525 crore

Stylam Industries on December 26 announced that Japan’s AICA Kogyo will buy 40 percent stake in the company for Rs 1,525 crore.

The shares of the company fell 5 percent to trade at Rs 2,185 apiece after the announcement in the afternoon trade.

The stake acquisition will be done by the Japanese conglomerate in various tranches. Stylam’s promoters Pushpa Gupta, Dipti Gupta and Manav Gupta have entered into a share purchase agreement with the company to sell around 45.97 lakh shares, representing 27.12 percent stake, in two tranches.

Jagdish Gupta, Saru Gupta and Nidhi Gupta meanwhile have entered into a share purchase agreement with AICA Kogyo to sell up to 21.82 shares, representing 12.88 percent stake in the company, in two tranches at a price of Rs 2,250 per share.

The price of the transactions has been set at Rs 2,250 per share. This makes the total value of the transaction stand at Rs 1,525 crore for 6,779 crore shares (40 percent stake).

These stake acquisitions will be followed by an open offer to public shareholders. The open offer price marks a 2 percent discount from the previous closing price of Rs 2,300.50 apiece.

The parties also entered into a shareholders’ agreement regarding the overall supervision of the board after the stake transfer. The board will comprise a maximum of 15 directors, with Aica Kogyo Company being able to nominate up to 8 directors, each of whom shall be either executive or non-executive (non-independent) director and recommend one independent director to the board, in the manner set out in the SHA.

AICA Kogyo is Japan's leading manufacturer of chemical and building material products including high-pressure laminates, adhesives, coatings, and construction materials. The company has manufacturing bases across Asia and North America. Its India presence dates back to 2011 through AICA Laminates India Pvt. Ltd., which manufactures and markets decorative laminates under the ‘Sunmica’ and ‘AICA’ brands.

Haryana-based Stylam Industries is one of India’s largest exporters of decorative laminates and surfacing products. The company manufactures high-pressure laminates, exterior cladding, and other architectural materials under the ‘Stylam’ brand, with a significant presence in Europe, Asia, and West Asia.

Follow all LIVE updates from the stock markets here.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Tata Steel shares drop 1% after Dutch subsidiaries face €1.4 billion claims, Residents near Dutch plants allege hazardous emissions and seek compensation, Tata Steel rejects claims as unsubstantiated and prepares to defend in court

* Tata Steel shares drop 1% after Dutch subsidiaries face €1.4 billion claims
* Residents near Dutch plants allege hazardous emissions and seek compensation
* Tata Steel rejects claims as unsubstantiated and prepares to defend in court

Tata Steel shares fell over 1% after its Dutch subsidiaries faced €1.4 billion in claims from residents alleging health damages from hazardous emissions. Tata Steel rejects the claims as unsubstantiated and says it will defend against the lawsuit.

shorts/business/tata-steel-shares-fall-1-as-subsidiaries-face-1-4-billion-in-claims-over-hazardous-emissions-in-netherlands

Midwest shares rose in Friday’s trade after domestic brokerage Motilal Oswal initiated coverage on the stock with a ‘Buy’ rating. Intraday, the stock rose 5 percent to Rs 1,701.10 per share.

The brokerage has set a price target of Rs 2,000 per share, implying an upside of about 23 percent from the previous closing price of Rs 1,625.40.

<a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/specialty-miningmetals/midwest/ML12">Midwest</a> is India’s largest producer and exporter of premium Black Galaxy granite. The company is vertically integrated across the granite supply chain and operates 20 mines. It reported revenue of about Rs 6.3 billion in FY25, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 21 percent over the past five years.

The brokerage noted that Midwest has an EBITDA margin of 27.4 percent, with a CAGR of more than 44 percent during the same period, higher than industry peers.

It expects the company’s overall revenue and EBITDA to post a CAGR of 36 percent and 47 percent, respectively, over FY25–28, supported by the Quartz and HMS businesses. Adjusted profit after tax is seen growing at a CAGR of 56 percent over the same period.

Midwest’s net debt stood at Rs 2.2 billion as of FY25, translating into a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.3 times. The brokerage expects the ratio to fall below 1 time on the back of rising operating profit.

Motilal Oswal said it values the company at 13 times FY28 estimated EV/EBITDA to arrive at the target price of Rs 2,000. The stock has gained 48 percent since its listing in October 2024.

<em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.</em>

Midwest shares rise 5% as Motilal Oswal gives 'Buy' rating, brokerage sees up to 23% upside

Midwest shares rose in Friday’s trade after domestic brokerage Motilal Oswal initiated coverage on the stock with a ‘Buy’ rating. Intraday, the stock rose 5 percent to Rs 1,701.10 per share.

The brokerage has set a price target of Rs 2,000 per share, implying an upside of about 23 percent from the previous closing price of Rs 1,625.40.

Midwest is India’s largest producer and exporter of premium Black Galaxy granite. The company is vertically integrated across the granite supply chain and operates 20 mines. It reported revenue of about Rs 6.3 billion in FY25, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 21 percent over the past five years.

The brokerage noted that Midwest has an EBITDA margin of 27.4 percent, with a CAGR of more than 44 percent during the same period, higher than industry peers.

It expects the company’s overall revenue and EBITDA to post a CAGR of 36 percent and 47 percent, respectively, over FY25–28, supported by the Quartz and HMS businesses. Adjusted profit after tax is seen growing at a CAGR of 56 percent over the same period.

Midwest’s net debt stood at Rs 2.2 billion as of FY25, translating into a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.3 times. The brokerage expects the ratio to fall below 1 time on the back of rising operating profit.

Motilal Oswal said it values the company at 13 times FY28 estimated EV/EBITDA to arrive at the target price of Rs 2,000. The stock has gained 48 percent since its listing in October 2024.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Titan shares hit a 52-week high after announcing lab-grown diamond brand beYon, beYon launches first store in Mumbai on December 29, more stores planned soon, Titan stock rose 37% in 8 months, market cap reached Rs 3.55 lakh crore.

* Titan shares hit a 52-week high after announcing lab-grown diamond brand beYon
* beYon launches first store in Mumbai on December 29, more stores planned soon
* Titan stock rose 37% in 8 months, market cap reached Rs 3.55 lakh crore.

Titan shares rose over 2% after announcing the launch of 'beYon', a new brand offering lab-grown diamond jewellery, with its first Mumbai store opening December 29. The company plans further expansion in Mumbai and Delhi, tapping into the growing LGD market.

shorts/business/titan-shares-hit-fresh-52-week-high-as-firm-set-to-launch-first-store-offering-lab-grown-diamond-products

* Titan shares hit a 52-week high after announcing lab-grown diamond brand beYon
* beYon launches first store in Mumbai on December 29, more stores planned soon
* Titan stock rose 37% in 8 months, market cap reached Rs 3.55 lakh crore.

The shares of <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/miscellaneous/titancompany/TI01">Titan Company</a> rose more than 2 percent on December 26 after the company announced that it is set to launch 'beYon' brand to offer lab-grown diamond jewellery.

The shares of the company rose to a fresh 52-week high of Rs 4,006.90 apiece on Friday, snapping a two-session losing streak.
<h3><strong>Titan announces launch of 'beYon':</strong></h3>
Titan will launch the new brand 'beYon – from the House of Titan' with its first exclusive retail store in Mumbai being opened on December 29, the company announced in an exchange filing on December 26. It said that the brand will offer curated range of Lab Grown Diamond (LGD) jewellery, marking its entry into the emerging segment.

Titan plans to add more stores in Mumbai and Delhi in the near future. It said beYon will “cater to the adornment needs of women in lifestyle categories beyond watches, perfumes, sarees and handbags”.

Lab-grown diamonds, also called synthetic diamonds, are produced in controlled environments using advanced technology that mimics the natural diamond formation process. As the cost of natural diamonds continues to rise, lab-grown alternatives are gaining traction, particularly among budget-conscious consumers.
<h3><strong>Titan share price:</strong></h3>
Titan shares have gained nearly 3 percent in the past one month, and over 8 percent in the past six months. The stock has gained nearly 23 percent in 2025 so far.

The shares of the Tata Group-company jumped 167 percent in the past five years. After hitting a 52-week low of Rs 2,925 apiece this year in April, the stock jumped nearly 37 percent in around eight months to hit today’s record high level.

The company currently has a market capitalization of nearly Rs 3.55 lakh crore. Its P/E ratio stands at 93.5.

Follow all <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/stock-market-live-updates-gift-nifty-indicates-a-muted-start-asian-markets-trade-higher-liveblog-13742638.html">LIVE updates</a> from the stock markets here.

<em>Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.</em>

Titan shares hit fresh 52-week high as firm set to launch first store offering lab-grown diamond products

The shares of Titan Company rose more than 2 percent on December 26 after the company announced that it is set to launch 'beYon' brand to offer lab-grown diamond jewellery.

The shares of the company rose to a fresh 52-week high of Rs 4,006.90 apiece on Friday, snapping a two-session losing streak.
Titan announces launch of 'beYon':
Titan will launch the new brand 'beYon – from the House of Titan' with its first exclusive retail store in Mumbai being opened on December 29, the company announced in an exchange filing on December 26. It said that the brand will offer curated range of Lab Grown Diamond (LGD) jewellery, marking its entry into the emerging segment.

Titan plans to add more stores in Mumbai and Delhi in the near future. It said beYon will “cater to the adornment needs of women in lifestyle categories beyond watches, perfumes, sarees and handbags”.

Lab-grown diamonds, also called synthetic diamonds, are produced in controlled environments using advanced technology that mimics the natural diamond formation process. As the cost of natural diamonds continues to rise, lab-grown alternatives are gaining traction, particularly among budget-conscious consumers.
Titan share price:
Titan shares have gained nearly 3 percent in the past one month, and over 8 percent in the past six months. The stock has gained nearly 23 percent in 2025 so far.

The shares of the Tata Group-company jumped 167 percent in the past five years. After hitting a 52-week low of Rs 2,925 apiece this year in April, the stock jumped nearly 37 percent in around eight months to hit today’s record high level.

The company currently has a market capitalization of nearly Rs 3.55 lakh crore. Its P/E ratio stands at 93.5.

Follow all LIVE updates from the stock markets here.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Infosys raised entry-level salaries for freshers, up to Rs 21 lakh per annum, Nifty IT index fell over 1 percent, extending losses for third straight session, Analysts say salary hikes may pressure margins but boost AI talent retention

* Infosys raised entry-level salaries for freshers, up to Rs 21 lakh per annum
* Nifty IT index fell over 1 percent, extending losses for third straight session
* Analysts say salary hikes may pressure margins but boost AI talent retention

IT stocks fell after Infosys raised entry-level salaries for specialised roles, pushing the Nifty IT index down over 1%. Analysts say higher wages may pressure margins short-term, but long-term growth depends on AI, talent management, and global demand.

shorts/business/it-stocks-fall-up-to-3-after-infosys-hikes-entry-level-salaries-here-s-what-analysts-say

* Infosys raised entry-level salaries for freshers, up to Rs 21 lakh per annum
* Nifty IT index fell over 1 percent, extending losses for third straight session
* Analysts say salary hikes may pressure margins but boost AI talent retention

IT stocks declined on December 26 after <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/computers-software/infosys/IT">Infosys</a> raised its entry-level salaries for freshers, with compensation packages of up to Rs 21 lakh per annum for specialised technology roles. Analysts have commented on whether this will have a major impact on the stocks, and what lies ahead.

The fall in the IT stocks pushed the <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/indian-indices/nifty-it-19.html">Nifty IT index</a> down more than 1 percent to end the session at 38,572.30, extending losses for the third consecutive session.
<h3><strong>What lies ahead for IT stocks:</strong></h3>
Indian IT stocks have been navigating a challenging environment as sector dynamics evolve, said Kalp Jain, Research Analyst at INVasset PMS. He noted that the recent announcement of <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/information-technology/techies-make-merry-infosys-hikes-entry-level-salaries-offers-up-to-rs-21-lakh-for-graduates-in-specialised-roles-13742171.html">Infosys hiking entry-level salaries</a> underscores the intensifying competition for digital talent.

“This move reflects broader attempts by firms to attract highly skilled professionals in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud and advanced engineering, where demand continues to grow,” he added.

However, the analyst added that the overall salary growth in the IT sector appears to be moderating, with average increments slated to ease slightly compared with recent years as companies balance cost pressures and margin discipline with talent retention. But wages and benefits have continued to rise in targeted areas, contributing to higher operating costs even as revenue growth slows in some segments.

“For IT stocks, the path forward may hinge on how effectively companies manage talent costs while maintaining competitive pricing, expanding service offerings and securing robust deal pipelines. Because wage structures remain a key cost component, investor focus will be on whether revenue and margin expansion can offset any near-term pressure from higher payroll expenses,” he concluded.

Siddharth Maurya, Founder &amp; Managing Director at Vibhavangal Anukulakara, however felt that hikes in salaries will not meaningfully alter sector valuations anytime soon. He said that Indian IT stocks are toggling between a volatile mix of earnings momentum, global demand, and talent costs.

“Investors continue to pay more attention to deal pipelines, margins, demand from key markets such as the U.S., and broader macro cues. IT stocks are likely to respond more to signals related to global demand and earnings outlook than to compensation changes,” he added.

Amid an expected acceleration in AI-led demand globally, Infosys is proactively positioning its workforce to be AI-ready, said Dhanshree Jadhav, Analyst – Technology Services, Choice Institutional Equities. She added that the salary hikes are aimed at curbing attrition and enhancing Infosys’ ability to attract high-quality freshers, especially at a time when entry-level salaries across Indian IT companies have remained largely stagnant, reducing their competitiveness versus start-ups.

"We believe the global IT industry is at an inflection point where strong sustained growth will increasingly be driven by upfront investments in talent and AI-led infrastructure to stay ahead of the curve," she said.

Infosys’s decision to raise entry-level salaries, especially for AI roles, shows how the IT industry is evolving, said Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd. In the short term, higher wages put pressure on margins and make investors cautious, he added.

"It also sets a new benchmark, pushing peers like TCS and HCLTech to offer similar pay, which could lift costs across the sector and keep IT stocks under pressure for a while. However, the long-term picture is more positive. The industry is moving away from mass hiring toward specialised skills. Companies that can effectively monetise AI, cloud, and digital services should be able to justify higher salaries and deliver more stable, higher-quality growth over time," the analyst said.

The stocks had earlier declined this week after the Donald Trump-led US administration said it was <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/coforge-tech-mahindra-other-it-shares-fall-up-to-1-as-us-scraps-h-1b-lottery-13740615.html">replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas</a> with a new approach that prioritises skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.

A press release announcing the new rule says it is “in line with other key changes the administration has made, such as the Presidential Proclamation that requires employers to pay an additional $100,000 per visa as a condition of eligibility.”
<h3><strong>Top IT losers today:</strong></h3>
<a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/computers-software/coforge/NII02">Coforge</a> shares were the top loser on the index, falling nearly 4 percent after <em><a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/information-technology/coforge-in-talks-for-1-bn-plus-acquisition-board-to-weigh-fundraise-13742584.html">Moneycontrol</a></em> reported that the IT services firm is in advanced discussions to acquire a global digital engineering company in a deal valued at over $1 billion, potentially marking one of the largest transactions in the sector.

<a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/computers-software/ltimindtree/LI12">LTIMindtree</a> shares fell over 2 percent, while Mphasis, Tech Mahindra and Tata Consultancy Services (<a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/computers-software/tataconsultancyservices/TCS">TCS</a>) shares fell more than 1 percent each. Persistent Systems, <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/computers-software/hcltechnologies/HCL02">HCL Technologies</a> and Wipro shares fell around 1 percent each, while Infosys shares closed  in the red with marginal losses.

Follow all <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/stock-market-live-updates-gift-nifty-indicates-a-muted-start-asian-markets-trade-higher-liveblog-13742638.html">LIVE updates</a> from the stock markets here.

<em>Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.</em>

IT stocks fall up to 4% after Infosys hikes entry-level salaries: Here's what analysts say

IT stocks declined on December 26 after Infosys raised its entry-level salaries for freshers, with compensation packages of up to Rs 21 lakh per annum for specialised technology roles. Analysts have commented on whether this will have a major impact on the stocks, and what lies ahead.

The fall in the IT stocks pushed the Nifty IT index down more than 1 percent to end the session at 38,572.30, extending losses for the third consecutive session.
What lies ahead for IT stocks:
Indian IT stocks have been navigating a challenging environment as sector dynamics evolve, said Kalp Jain, Research Analyst at INVasset PMS. He noted that the recent announcement of Infosys hiking entry-level salaries underscores the intensifying competition for digital talent.

“This move reflects broader attempts by firms to attract highly skilled professionals in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud and advanced engineering, where demand continues to grow,” he added.

However, the analyst added that the overall salary growth in the IT sector appears to be moderating, with average increments slated to ease slightly compared with recent years as companies balance cost pressures and margin discipline with talent retention. But wages and benefits have continued to rise in targeted areas, contributing to higher operating costs even as revenue growth slows in some segments.

“For IT stocks, the path forward may hinge on how effectively companies manage talent costs while maintaining competitive pricing, expanding service offerings and securing robust deal pipelines. Because wage structures remain a key cost component, investor focus will be on whether revenue and margin expansion can offset any near-term pressure from higher payroll expenses,” he concluded.

Siddharth Maurya, Founder &amp;amp; Managing Director at Vibhavangal Anukulakara, however felt that hikes in salaries will not meaningfully alter sector valuations anytime soon. He said that Indian IT stocks are toggling between a volatile mix of earnings momentum, global demand, and talent costs.

“Investors continue to pay more attention to deal pipelines, margins, demand from key markets such as the U.S., and broader macro cues. IT stocks are likely to respond more to signals related to global demand and earnings outlook than to compensation changes,” he added.

Amid an expected acceleration in AI-led demand globally, Infosys is proactively positioning its workforce to be AI-ready, said Dhanshree Jadhav, Analyst – Technology Services, Choice Institutional Equities. She added that the salary hikes are aimed at curbing attrition and enhancing Infosys’ ability to attract high-quality freshers, especially at a time when entry-level salaries across Indian IT companies have remained largely stagnant, reducing their competitiveness versus start-ups.

&quot;We believe the global IT industry is at an inflection point where strong sustained growth will increasingly be driven by upfront investments in talent and AI-led infrastructure to stay ahead of the curve,&quot; she said.

Infosys’s decision to raise entry-level salaries, especially for AI roles, shows how the IT industry is evolving, said Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd. In the short term, higher wages put pressure on margins and make investors cautious, he added.

&quot;It also sets a new benchmark, pushing peers like TCS and HCLTech to offer similar pay, which could lift costs across the sector and keep IT stocks under pressure for a while. However, the long-term picture is more positive. The industry is moving away from mass hiring toward specialised skills. Companies that can effectively monetise AI, cloud, and digital services should be able to justify higher salaries and deliver more stable, higher-quality growth over time,&quot; the analyst said.

The stocks had earlier declined this week after the Donald Trump-led US administration said it was replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with a new approach that prioritises skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.

A press release announcing the new rule says it is “in line with other key changes the administration has made, such as the Presidential Proclamation that requires employers to pay an additional $100,000 per visa as a condition of eligibility.”
Top IT losers today:
Coforge shares were the top loser on the index, falling nearly 4 percent after Moneycontrol reported that the IT services firm is in advanced discussions to acquire a global digital engineering company in a deal valued at over $1 billion, potentially marking one of the largest transactions in the sector.

LTIMindtree shares fell over 2 percent, while Mphasis, Tech Mahindra and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) shares fell more than 1 percent each. Persistent Systems, HCL Technologies and Wipro shares fell around 1 percent each, while Infosys shares closed  in the red with marginal losses.

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Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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