After opening on a lower note, Indian benchmark indices extended their downward momentum throughout the session, ending in the red.

The BSE and the NSE benchmark indices ended the week's last trading session on a lower note as investors rushed to book profits at higher levels.

At the closing bell, the BSE Sensex  closed lower by 200 points (down 0.2%)

Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty closed points 42 lower (down 0.2%)

HUL, Tata Motors, IndusInd Bank among the top gainers today

Bharti Airtel, SBI, and HCL Tech, on the other hand, were among the top losers today.

The GIFT Nifty was trading at  25,078, lower by 1.5 points at the time of writing.

The BSE MidCap index ended 0.9% higher, and the BSE SmallCap index ended 1.2% higher.

Sectoral indices were trading mixed today, with stocks in the media sector and the IT sector witnessing selling pressure. Meanwhile, stocks in the realty sector and the FMCG sector witnessed buying.

The rupee is trading at Rs 85.5 against the US$.

Gold prices for the latest contract on MCX are trading 0.4% lower at Rs 91,894 per 10 grams.

Meanwhile, silver prices were trading 0.7% lower at Rs 94,800 per 1 kg.
 

Block Deal Hits JSW Infra Shares

In the news from the port sector, shares of JSW Infrastructure dropped 3% after a large block deal involving 42.4 million shares.

A block deal worth Rs 12 billion (bn), involving 42 million shares of JSW Infrastructure.

JSW Group, led by Sajjan Jindal, is set to acquire a 75% stake in AkzoNobel India's paint business Dulux, for around Rs 120bn. To fund this deal, JSW is raising money through a block deal in JSW Infra and bringing in a private equity master.

JSW Infra rose 57% to Rs 5.2 bn in Q4FY25 compared to the same quarter last year.

Also, Q4FY25 results showed a 5% rise in cargo volume to 3.1 million tonnes, a 14% increase in revenue to Rs 13.7 bn and a 7% growth in EBITDA to Rs 7.3 bn.

For the full year FY25, revenue rose 20% to Rs 48.9 bn and EBITDA grew 17% to Rs 26.2 bn.

JSW Infra, founded in 2006, offers port and logistics services, including cargo handling, storage, and transportation solutions.

Shipbuilding Shares Soar to New High

Moving on to the news from the marine sector, shares of Cochin Shipyard surged 13% on Friday, hit over right month high at Rs 2,055.

The stock is up 42% for the six straight consecutive days.

Cochin Shipyard responded to a news report by stating that the company is also evaluating strategic options with multiple entities in various stages.

The Indian government is promoting shipbuilding and repair through initiatives like Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Recently, Cochin Shipyard and Maersk signed an agreement to explore partnerships in shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance in India.

Indian Government aims to make the country a major marine hub by 2047. Cochin Shipyard is well positioned to benefit from this, with potential orders from defence and commercial shipbuilding.

The Indian Navy plans including Rs 400 aircraft carrier, could be big opportunity.

Cochin Shipyard is discussing partnership with top shipbuilders from South Korea and Japan to boost production in India. Additionally, Europe's plan to replace 2500 vessels with eco-friendly ships could create a huge export opportunity.

Cochin Shipyard is a major shipbuilding and repair company in India, based in Kerala. Founded in 1972, its owned by the government of India and serves both domestic and international clients.
 

Abbott India Shares Surge on Strong Q4

Moving on to the news from pharmaceuticals sector, shares of Abott India surged after the company reported a 28% jump in its Q4FY25.

Abbott India's Q4 profit rose 28% to Rs 3.7 bn up from Rs 2.8 bn last year. Revenue increased to Rs 16.1 bn from Rs 14.4 bn.

For full year FY25, net profit jumped 17.7% to Rs 14.4 bn from 12 bn.

Annual revenue increased to Rs 64.1 bn from Rs 58.5 bn.

Abbott India's total expense for Q4FY25 increased by 6% to Rs 11.9 bn from Rs 11.9 bn in the same quarter last year.

Also, the company's board of directors have recommended a final dividend of Rs 475 per share of face value of Rs 10 for Q4FY25.

Abbott India is a multinational pharma company that makes and sells medicines in India. They have a factory in Goa and partner with other manufacturers. Their products cover various health areas like gut health, women's health and vaccines.

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