Asian markets traded lower on Friday, following heavy selling on Wall Street overnight.

Japan's Nikkei 225 declined 0.9%, and the Topix fell 0.68%.

US stock market ended lower on Thursday, weighed down by a slump in chipmaker Nvidia shares, while data showed a cooling US economy.

Here's a table showing how US stocks performed on Thursday:

Source: Equitymaster

At present, the BSE Sensex is trading 841 points lower and NSE Nifty is trading 255 points lower.

Coal India, Reliance Industries and Shriram Finance among the top gainers today.

M&M, HCL Tech and Tech Mahindra on other hand are among the top losers today.

The BSE Midcap index is trading 2.2% lower and the BSE Smallcap index are trading 2.1% lower.

Sectoral indices are trading negative today with stocks in telecom sector, auto sector and IT sector witnessing selling pressure.

The rupee is trading at Rs 87.4 against the US dollar.
 

HCL Tech, Children's Minnesota AI Pact

HCL Technologies Ltd (HCLTech) has announced a strategic agreement with Children's Minnesota, a leading non-profit and one of the largest pediatric health systems in the US, to enhance operational efficiency, streamline service delivery, and improve patient care through AI-driven solutions.

Under this partnership, HCLTech will deploy its HCLTech AI Force platform to optimize Children's Minnesota's operational systems with a scalable and reliable digital solution.

The full-stack AI platform aims to streamline processes, reduce manual tasks, and facilitate data-driven decision-making, ultimately enhancing healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

According to Dave Lundal, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Children's Minnesota, the collaboration is expected to support the organization's commitment to providing high-quality care while ensuring operational innovations align with its mission of addressing the health needs of children and their families.

KSB Q4 Results

KSB, one of India's leading pump and valve manufacturers, reported robust growth in Q4, with net profit rising 33% YoY to Rs 730 million (m) from Rs 549 m in the same period last year.

Revenue from operations grew 20.5% YoY to Rs 7,264 m, driven by steady demand across key sectors.

Operating performance remained strong, with EBITDA increasing 26.5% YoY to Rs 850 m from Rs 672 m. Margins improved to 11.7% from 11.2% YoY, reflecting enhanced cost efficiencies and operational leverage.

The board has proposed a final dividend of Rs 4 per share (200% on the face value of Rs 2) for the financial year ending 31 December 2024.

KSB, part of the global KSB Group, is a key player in the building services, industrial, mining, and energy sectors, manufacturing high-performance pumps, valves, and systems for various applications.
 

PFC Inks Rs 268 Billion Pact

State-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has signed an initial agreement to provide Rs 268 billion in financial assistance to Madhya Pradesh's power utilities.

The funding will support capital expenditure projects for entities including Madhya Pradesh Power Generation Company Ltd (MPPGCL), Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Ltd (MPPTCL), and MP discoms.

PFC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Madhya Pradesh government to finance key infrastructure projects, including supercritical thermal units, solar power plants, hydropower station modernization, power evacuation networks, smart metering, and loss reduction initiatives under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). This initiative aims to strengthen energy security for both the state and the country.

The agreement was formalized at the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
 

Sanofi India Q4 Results

Sanofi India Ltd. (SIL) reported steady growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with revenue rising 9.7% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 5,149 m, compared to Rs 4,692 m in the same quarter last year.

EBITDA increased by 18.8% YoY to Rs 1,183 m, up from Rs 996 m, while operating margins improved to 23%, compared to 21.2% in Q4 2023. However, net profit declined by 33.7% YoY to Rs 913 m, down from Rs 1,377 m a year ago.

On a positive note, the board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 117 per equity share (face value Rs 10), subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

Sanofi India's recent partnerships in the cardiovascular (CV) and central nervous system (CNS) segments have supported expansion, with the company stating that execution remains on track. Additionally, its 'India for India' strategy continues to focus on go-to-market initiatives, operational efficiency, and innovation.

With nearly seven decades of presence in India, Sanofi remains committed to expanding product availability and driving efficiency improvements across its operations.

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