TCS World 10K Bengaluru Onboards Sodexo To Elevate Race Day Experience

TCS World 10K Is The First Indian Distance Running Event To Be Served By A Globally Renowned Food Services Brand

* Tailored menus packed with superfoods, dietary diversity, and sustainable choices

* From live stations to post-run power boxes - nutrition meets innovation at every step

Procam International, the promoter of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, has onboarded Sodexo for the upcoming 17th edition of the World Athletics Gold Label Race, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 27th April 2025. In a first for India’s distance running circuit, Sodexo will serve as the food and beverage facilitator, bringing a professionally curated, and sustainability-driven culinary experience to the event. From energising packed meals for over 30,000 runners to fine hospitality for 1,500 dignitaries, this collaboration sets a new benchmark in race-day nutrition and mindful hospitality.

The association is an extension of TCS World 10K Bengaluru’s commitment to providing a smooth and premium race day experience to all participants and attendees - one that extends beyond the course and into every touchpoint of a participant’s journey. 

As part of this association, Sodexo expert chefs and nutritionists have come together to craft a reimagined, nutrient-rich menu for Procam Marquee. Featuring superfoods like ragi, oats, and quinoa, the menu strikes a balance between taste, performance, and planet-friendly choices, and will be served through engaging live culinary stations. In addition, Sodexo will offer thoughtfully curated, individually packed refreshments post-run that includes nutrition-forward, energizing food items with both function and flavour in mind.

Commenting on its maiden association with the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, Sambit Sahu, MD, Sodexo India, said, “The TCS World 10K Bengaluru embodies a commitment to a lifestyle of performance, wellbeing and sustainability. We’re proud to bring together Sodexo’s deep expertise in nutrition and sustainable practices to elevate the race day experience. From fuelling performance to aiding post-run recovery, nutrition plays a vital role, and our thoughtfully curated menu reflects this. With a focus on responsibly sourced ingredients and superfoods that support the body’s natural rhythm, every meal is carefully crafted. This opportunity allows us at Sodexo to demonstrate how food can power both individuals and a greater purpose, and we’re excited to serve meals that nourish, uplift.”

Speaking on the association, Vivek Singh, Joint MD, Procam International, said, “Partnering with Sodexo is a natural fit, given our shared values that include a focus on excellence, attention to detail, and a people-first approach. We want every participant and guest to feel the care, energy, and celebration the TCS World 10K Bengaluru stands for.” 

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru is a World Athletics Gold Label Race, a premier destination on the global road racing calendar. With a total prize purse of USD 210,000, the event brings together elite athletes from 12 nations and amateur runners from across India to celebrate health, fitness, and community. Visit https://tcsworld10k.procam.in/ for more details.

About Sodexo India

Sodexo India is fuelled with the brand purpose of creating a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. We provide a bouquet of 100+ service offerings to varied clientele — corporates, healthcare organizations, manufacturing locations, educational institutes and in remote environments. Our solutions range across food & catering, facilities management, technical services, workplace experience, energy management, and benefits & rewards services. Sodexo India is powered by a team of 50,000 employees who cater to 500+ clients at 1,100 sites daily. We harbour an inclusive, diverse, fair, equal, and positive work environment to improve the quality of life of those we serve, everyday.

For details, visit our website https://in.sodexo.com/home.html or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X.

About Procam International

Since its inception in 1988, Procam International has been the driving force behind the growth and development of sports management in India. Founded by the dynamic Singh brothers Anil and Vivek, Procam is India's premier sports management company and is involved in live events, sports consultancy, and live television production.

With astute planning and exemplary execution, Procam has a track record of conceptualising and promoting over 100 international events, across the disciplines of Powerboat Racing, Cricket, Football, Tennis, Distance Running, Squash, WWE, Horse Racing, Volleyball, among others. These events have elicited participation of the highest calibre of athletes and huge public interest and attendance.

Pioneers of the distance running movement in India, Procam International’s Big 4 – Tata Mumbai Marathon, Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Tata Consultancy Services World 10K and Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata— are global leaders in their respective distances. They have ushered in a running revolution that has helped redefine the health, fitness, and ‘giving’ paradigm of our country. For details visit https://procam.in

Transform Your Social Media Profile Into A Sales Catalog With GoDaddy's Show In Bio Tool

* 1 in 5 small businesses are run on social media, GoDaddy research finds

How a small business presents and sells its offerings can be the difference between success and failure. GoDaddy has launched Show in Bio to help small businesses increase sales and stand out on social media.

This affordable tool offers flexibility for small business owners not yet ready to build a website, enabling them to showcase their products or services on social media profiles and interact with customers through channels like WhatsApp to close sales. Using artificial intelligence (AI) to quickly draft product information, such as name, description, and price, to create a personalized one-page sales catalogue in minutes, no technical skills are required to utilize the tool.

Entrepreneurs who run their business on social media are more confident using AI

Research from GoDaddy’s 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey found over one in five (21%) of small business owners in India primarily run their business on social media. This shift in small business ownership to social-first entrepreneurs heightens the importance of how a small business sells online.

GoDaddy’s research has found these social-first entrepreneurs are younger, more optimistic about business performance and more confident in their ability to leverage AI for their business. This trend reveals not only the growth potential of social-first businesses, but also how technology – specifically AI – is a key enabler to innovate, scale and thrive.

Start a business on social media with low spend and without the need to build a website

Show in Bio allows entrepreneurs to start a business quickly with low spend, even validating a business idea before launching it. While perfect for small business owners who may not have yet built a website, the tool also supports domain integration, allowing those with an established online presence to use their own domain for a seamless branded experience.

Key features and benefits include:

Centralize Your Links – Put all your important content in one shareable link.

Drive Engagement – Drive traffic to key offers and updates instantly by sharing your link in bio on social channels.

Showcase Products – Create a captivating catalogue with images and videos directly on your page.

Domain Integration – Use your own domain for a seamless and branded experience.

Save Time with AI – Generate quality product information and profile bios fast, no tech skills required.

“We’re supporting entrepreneurs to start their online business wherever it makes the most sense for them – including on social media,” said Apurva Palnitkar, Senior Director of Marketing at GoDaddy India. “The rise of social media in the last 20-plus years has captured a significant share of internet activity, but it hasn’t diminished the need for businesses to have their own brand and their own identity.

Show in Bio is an enhanced link in bio solution built to support small businesses run on social media, directly addressing challenges such as driving traffic, lack of technical skills and setting up a website while simplifying social selling.

About GoDaddy 

GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

Escape To The Hills: Marriott’s Dreamiest Mountain Getaways

As the summer sun climbs, there’s only one thing on every traveller’s mind—where can I escape the heat and find a little magic. Marriott Bonvoy invites travellers to trade sweltering cities for breezy forest trails, mist-kissed hills, and soul-soothing mountain views. Across India’s most serene destinations, specially curated experiences promise more than just a stay—they offer stories, sensory indulgences, and unforgettable family moments.

Whether you’re seeking a nature-narrated getaway, a hillside celebration, or a wellness escape in the clouds, these handpicked Marriott Bonvoy properties deliver distinct journeys tailored to every kind of traveller.

1. Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa: #NarratedByNature

Inhale the scent of coffee blossoms, wake up to birdsong, and feel your stress melt away in the heart of the Makkandur forests. Coorg Marriott is where nature narrates your days—from spotting over 355 species of birds to slow, indulgent mornings with wellness rituals and fresh local coffee. With spacious villas, INR 6000 resort credits, and kids under 12 staying and dining free, it’s your perfect monsoon escape just a scenic drive from Bangalore or Mangalore.

2. Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar: Festive Hillside Escape

Perched high above the valley, this festive retreat is where quiet luxury meets romantic indulgence. Begin your day with breakfast at The Berry Library and end with a candlelit dinner for two. Add in a complimentary spa voucher, in-room wine, and evening tea rituals, and you have the ultimate couples’ (or family) getaway—wrapped in cool breezes and panoramic views.

3. Fairfield by Marriott Dehradun: Rediscover the Doon Valley

Rediscover the charm of the Doon Valley, where every stay is wrapped in comfort, calm, and curated care. Think lavish buffet breakfasts, hi-tea indulgences, and flexible check-in/out so your holiday flows with your rhythm. With 15% off across F&B, including the cozy Plumeria Bakes & Brews, this is your cue to hit pause and reconnect.

4. JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa: The Majestic Family Escape

Towering above the clouds, JW Marriott Mussoorie offers more than a stay—it’s an experience carved into the hills. From a JW Garden-inspired welcome drink to a soulful Kachdi experience reimagined by chefs. Enjoy complimentary foot reflexology with spa bookings, 15% savings across services, and a daily buffet breakfast. Thoughtful extras like laundry service and parting souvenirs ensure your Himalayan escape lingers long after you leave.

5. Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa: Explore in Style

Set amidst 27 acres of evergreen serenity, Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar invites you to explore with elegance. Soak in infinity valley views from deep tubs, sip on signature cocktails at Longitude Bar, and dive into curated spa rituals. Whether you’re poolside with your crew or discovering local legends like Arthur’s Seat and Mapro Gardens, this is how you do Mahabaleshwar in style.

6. Courtyard by Marriott Shillong: Your Summer Sanctuary in Meghalaya

Welcome to India's Scotland of the East. Courtyard Shillong's summer package offers immersive local experiences—from curated waterfall trails (Nohkalikai, Krang Suri) to lakeside picnics at Umiam and hidden village treks to Mawlynnong. With buffet meals at Spectra, spa indulgences, live music, and a dedicated Gaming Zone upgrade, this is where adventure meets comfort. Book the ‘Rangoli Bihu’ or ‘Meghalaya Retreat’ package for the ultimate cultural-immersive staycation.

7. The Westin Resort & Spa Himalayas: Wellness with a View

A sanctuary in the sky, The Westin Himalayas near Rishikesh is where your mind, body, and soul come into alignment. Reconnect with yourself and your loved ones at this Uttarakhand gem. Families booking two rooms enjoy 25% off the second, designed with multigenerational travel in mind. Dine on Himalayan-inspired cuisine at Akasa, experience live Teppanyaki, and extend spa indulgence with complimentary upgrades. Kids can delight in the Hakuna Matata zone, while adults soak in mountain views from the infinity pool. Just a short drive from Rishikesh, The Westin offers a spiritual, scenic, and luxurious home in the hills.

This summer, go beyond the ordinary. Choose waterfalls over deadlines. Forests over phone calls. Choose moments that move you. Only with Marriott Bonvoy.

Nestlé India Strengthens Its Pledge To India's Hill Stations Through Project Hilldaari

~ Celebrates Earth Day, in Himachal Pradesh ~

Ahead of World Earth Day, Nestlé India reiterated its commitment to the planet by bolstering Project Hilldaari in the quaint cities of Palampur and Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh. Project Hilldaari is a Nestlé India initiative in partnership with PLAN Foundation and technical partner Recity India Pvt Ltd. Over the last five years, project Hilldaari has successfully developed inclusive and resilient models for waste management in select tourist cities of India. The project is currently operational in Ponda, Mussoorie, Mahabaleshwar, Munnar, Darjeeling, Dalhousie, Palampur, Panchgani and Junagarh.

Launched in October 2023, Palampur has been a striking example of the positive transformation in waste management through a collaborative, community-driven approach covering 12,900 households, 2,000 commercial properties, and serving an annual tourist footfall of approximately 8 lakhs. Project Hilldaari has achieved an impressive 82% waste segregation rate and 85% collection coverage in the city. The Project has also engaged 155 waste workers, who have undergone capacity-building training sessions.

Since its inception in June 2020 in Dalhousie, Project Hilldaari has diverted more than 1,219 MT of waste from landfills in the city. The Project has achieved a remarkable 82% waste segregation rate while engaging with 20 waste workers in the city.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India said, "The hills are among one of the most ecologically fragile ecosystems. Five years ago, we embarked upon an important journey with Project Hilldaari to bring about positive change through collective action and adopting sustainable waste management models.  Through a multi-stakeholder approach, the project has grown from strength to strength, transforming our vision into reality. As we move ahead, Project Hilldaari will continue to drive awareness, systemic improvement and dignity among the waste workers in India’s solid waste management landscape’’.

Ms. Neha Sasikumar, Director, PLAN Foundation said, “At PLAN Foundation, we believe that sustainable change is only possible when communities, institutions, and individuals come together with a shared purpose. Project Hilldaari is a powerful example of this spirit — one that uplifts waste workers, empowers citizens, and builds resilient urban ecosystems. Our focus has been on bringing about a behavioural change at the grassroots. As we approach World Earth Day, we remain committed to strengthening these partnerships and building more inclusive and circular waste management models across India.”

Over the last 5 years, Project Hilldaari has successfully diverted approximately 47,000 MT of waste from landfill through source segregation. The Project has been successful in achieving around 81% of source segregation across 64,000 residential and commercial waste collection points across all locations. The Project has also helped professionalize almost 1,650 waste workers across these nine locations.

Britannia Marie Gold Her Start-Up Show Returns With Season 2, Offering Rs 10 Lakh Golden Grants To Women Entrepreneurs

~In collaboration with GroupM Motion Entertainment and Mindshare, the show premiered on April 19 on JioHotstar~

Britannia Marie Gold announces the launch of Season 2 of Her Start-Up Show. Launched in partnership with GroupM Motion Entertainment and Mindshare, it is the first-ever national reality series dedicated to women entrepreneurs from across the country, a platform to showcase their ideas. The show, which premiered on JioHotstar on 19th April, features 40 finalists competing for the Rs 10 lakh Golden Grant

Conceptualized by GroupM Motion Content, Britannia Marie Gold Her Start-Up Show is more than just a series—it's a catalyst for change, empowering women to turn their ideas into impact through funding, mentorship, and national visibility.

The show is the culmination of the Britannia Marie Gold Her Start-Up Contest, launched in July 2024, which saw participation from over one lakh aspiring women entrepreneurs across India. From these, over 100 women underwent professional training, with 40 moving to the shortlisting stage. Every participant stands to receive 10 Lakh of Britannia Marie Gold Grant or mentorship, in addition to national visibility and ecosystem access. The standout top 10 performers will win the prestigious Rs 10 lakh Golden Grant, while the other promising women entrepreneurs will gain entry into the NSDC Women Entrepreneurs Mentorship Program.

Representing cities like Indore, Aurangabad, Coimbatore, Jammu & Kashmir, and more, the 40 contestants pitch ideas across food, fashion, sustainability, tech, and agri-solutions. The show is presented in six languages—Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada—with subtitles and audio options available on JioHotstar. Spread across eight episodes, two new ones drop every weekend from April 19 on JioHotstar, showcasing journeys from pitches to mentorship to the Rs 10 lakh Britannia Marie Gold Grant.

Hosted by actress Shriya Saran, the show features an all-star jury: actor-entrepreneur Neha Dhupia, MasterChef winner Shipra Khanna, artisan Ruma Devi, Suta’s Sujata Biswas, Aarti Gupta (Jagran Group), Riya Joseph (Britannia), and Shreshtha Gupta (NSDC India), to name a few.

Siddharth Gupta, General Manager - Marketing, Britannia, said, “Britannia Marie Gold’s journey of empowering women entrepreneurs began five years ago with a simple belief that millions of women across India have powerful ideas, and all they need is a platform to be seen and supported. What started as a nationwide contest has grown into a robust ecosystem with initiatives like HerStore and now, Season 2 of Her Start-Up Show. Each step has deepened our commitment to helping women ‘Do More, Be More’. We’re proud to partner with GroupM and Mindshare, whose belief in the power of storytelling has helped bring these entrepreneurial journeys to life. With this show, we not only celebrate ambition but also create access to mentorship, funding, and national visibility. Together, we remain committed to enabling every woman who dares to dream and dares to build.”

Ashwin Padmanabhan, COO, GroupM South Asia, “We have always believed in media’s power to spark movements, not just moments. Her Start-Up Show blends storytelling with purpose, driving real economic empowerment. The overwhelming response to Season 1 showed how deeply this platform resonated with women in one region. That’s why, in Season 2, we are expanding to six languages and a broader reach across India.  Thus, bringing every ambitious woman closer to the support she deserves. This show goes beyond visibility; it is about bringing dreams alive via action, impact, and a re-imagined future for women entrepreneurship.”

“At Mindshare, we believe in building brands that don’t just sell but spark change. In its second season, Her Start-Up Show goes far beyond amplification, it’s about creating access, fuelling aspiration, and offering a platform to women entrepreneurs across India. We are incredibly grateful to our client, Britannia, for backing this bold vision and partnering with us to bring it to life. What started as a pioneering idea is now an award-winning show, with its impact resonating across markets and touching countless lives. With its expansion to a larger OTT platform, the show’s reach and influence have scaled significantly, finding its way into more homes, hearts, and boardrooms. These aren’t just stories; they are real journeys of transformation. Together with GroupM Motion Entertainment and Britannia, we are proud to drive a narrative where media becomes a powerful force for empowerment and enduring change.” Amin Lakhani, CEO, Mindshare South Asia.

Actress and host Shriya Saran said “Being part of Her Start-Up Show has been truly inspiring. It’s a powerful platform that gives women across India the opportunity to turn their dreams into reality. I’m proud to be part of a show that celebrates ambition, courage, and the spirit of women entrepreneurs.”

Britannia Marie Gold has always shown its unwavering commitment to empowering millions of women in their entrepreneurial dreams through initiatives like the Marie Gold HerStartup contest, previously known as MyStartup Contest and Her.Store. The Britannia Marie Gold Her Start-up Show is a continuation of that legacy, celebrating women who are shattering barriers and inspiring a nation.

Season 2 of Britannia Marie Gold Her Start-up show is streaming exclusively on JioHotstar.

Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report: 97% Of Breaches In APAC Fueled By System Intrusion, Social Engineering, & Web Attacks

* The report further identified Malware in 83% of APAC Breaches, 80% Linked to System Intrusion, and Ransomware Hits Half of All Cases

Verizon Business today released its 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), sounding the alarm on a surge of system intrusions across the Asia-Pacific region. The report reveals that 4 out of 5 data breaches in the region stemmed from such attacks - up from 38% the previous year. Collectively, 97% of APAC breaches were caused by just three tactics; system intrusion, social engineering, and basic web application attacks, highlighting the region's increasingly concentrated cyber threat landscape.

Now in its 18th year, the report analysed more than 22,000 security incidents, including 12,195 confirmed data breaches spanning 139 countries. Malware increased from 58% last year in APAC to 83% this year, with Ransomware accounting for 51% of breaches.

"This year’s report reinforces the growing complexity and persistence of cyber threats facing organisations worldwide. In the Asia-Pacific region in particular, external actors are targeting critical infrastructure and exploiting third-party vulnerabilities. The rising incidence of breaches highlights the imperative for businesses to reassess their risk frameworks," said Robert Le Busque, Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific for Verizon Business.

Key APAC Findings:

Social Engineering: The absolute number of Social Engineering breaches has been on the decline since 2021, it only accounts for 20% of breaches in 2025 due, in part, to the sharp increase of system intrusion

Malware: Malware in data breaches jumped significantly, from 58% last year to 83% this year with email being the key vector for distributing various types of malware

Ransomware:  Now accounts for 51% of the total breaches in this region and remains highly visible as threat actors often publicize breaches

Key Global Findings:

Exploitation of Vulnerabilities: This initial attack vector saw a 34% increase, with a significant focus on zero-day exploits targeting perimeter devices and VPNs

Ransomware: Ransomware attacks rose by 37% since last year, and are now present in 44% of breaches, despite a noticeable decrease in the median ransom amount paid.

Third-Party Involvement: The percentage of breaches involving third parties doubled, highlighting the risks associated with supply chain and partner ecosystems

Human Element: Human involvement in breaches remains high, with a significant overlap between social engineering and credential abuse

The 2025 DBIR also shed light on industry-specific trends, revealing an alarming rise in espionage-motivated attacks in the Manufacturing and Healthcare sectors, and persistent threats to the Education, Financial, and Retail industries. The report also highlighted the disproportionate impact of ransomware on small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

Verizon Business's 2025 DBIR serves as a wake-up call for businesses to take immediate action to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and mitigate the risks posed by evolving cyber threats. With the median ransom payment to cybercriminals last year being US$115,000, this is a significant amount for many SMBs. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, businesses can help safeguard their assets, protect their customers, and ensure their long-term success in an increasingly digital world.

“This year’s DBIR findings reflect a mixed bag of results. Glass-half-full types can celebrate the rise in the number of victim organizations that did not pay ransoms with 64% not paying vs 50% two years ago. The glass-half empty personas will see in the DBIR that organizations that don’t have the proper IT and cybersecurity maturity – often the SMB sized organizations, are paying the price for their size with ransomware being present in 88% of breaches,” said Craig Robinson, Research Vice President, Security Services at IDC. “While there is no magic pill to swallow that will alleviate the pain of cybersecurity attacks, Verizon’s leadership in educating the public on the types of attacker motives, tactics and techniques is a key head start in raising global awareness and cyber readiness”

Visit our Cybersecurity Awareness page to learn more about data privacy and Verizon’s efforts.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business is a global leader in providing communication and technology solutions to businesses of all sizes. With a comprehensive portfolio of services, including network, cloud, security, and collaboration solutions, Verizon Business helps organizations improve their operations, enhance their customer experiences, and drive innovation.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

HCL Technology Sees Soft Quarter; Uncertainty Limits Guidance

April 23, 2025

ADD 

CMP (Rs): 1,480 | TP (Rs): 1,600

HCLTech Q4FY25 performance was slightly below our estimate. Revenue declined 0.8% QoQ CC due to Software business seasonality. Services grew 0.7% CC QoQ, while Software declined 12.9%. EBITM declined by 150bps QoQ to 18%. New deal wins were robust at USD3bn (~50% of booking took place in March). Deal pipeline is near an all-time high even after strong bookings in Q4. Considering the uncertain environment with subdued discretionary spends and slow start of the year due to passing-on of productivity benefits in Q1, HCLT has guided to 2-5% CC revenue growth (same for the company and Services; ~1% contribution from CTG incrementally) in FY26, implying CQGR of +0.1% to +1.3%. The lower end of the guidance assumes further deterioration in demand while the upper end assumes a stable demand environment and certain large deal closures in Q1. We cut FY26-27E EPS by 1-2%, factoring-in the Q4 performance and FY26 guidance. We retain ADD while cutting our TP by ~6% to Rs1,600, at 22x Mar-27E EPS (earlier 23x).

Results Summary

Revenue declined 1% QoQ (-0.8% QoQ/+2.9% YoY in CC terms) to USD3.5bn, a tad below our estimate. EBITM contracted by 150bps QoQ to 18%, impacted by seasonality in the software segment (124bps decline). Services segment EBITM decline of 38bps QoQ was due to wage hike (-50bps) and investments in S&M (-34bps), partly negated by forex gain benefits (46bps). Services revenue growth was led by Telecom (13.7% QoQ in USD terms), Financial Services (4.6%), and Technology & Services (1.4%), offset by decline in Retail and CPG (-7.9%), Â Lifesciences & Healthcare (-4.6%), Â Public Services (-2.8%), and Manufacturing (-2.0%), respectively. HCLT announced a dividend of Rs18/sh. What we liked: Strong deal intake, closer to record-high deal pipeline even after healthy closure in Q4, ER&D momentum (deal booking grew 75% in FY25). What we did not like: Continued weakness in Manufacturing, Lifesciences, and Healthcare.

Earnings Call KTAs

1) Tariff and deglobalization are likely to impact growth in IT Services stemming from budget cuts and contract negotiations or delays (one large deal deferral by client in Q4). 2) Discretionary spending will be subdued amid ongoing macro challenges. Clients would need RoI justifications to undertake new tech projects amid macro uncertainty. 3) Retail and Manufacturing are expected to see a direct impact from tariffs; this impact is likely to spread to other verticals with a lag, maybe within a quarter. 4) Deal Pipeline remains strong and broad-based across service lines, verticals, and geographies, with AI and Gen-AI being integral components of almost every deal. 5) Four flagship AI offerings”AI Force (57 deployments among 22 clients in FY25; plans to deploy 100 clients by FY26-end), AI Foundry, AI Labs (delivered 500 AI engagements for 400 clients), and AI Engineering – saw substantial adoption and scaling in FY25. 6) AI-driven efficiency led to deflation; however, the company increased its wallet share with existing customers, as it bakes in AI-led productivity gains in its bids. 8) It added 1,805 freshers in Q4 (7,829 in FY25) and plans adding more freshers in FY26 (targets adding 2-3k every quarter).