Markets remained range-bound and under pressure on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, continuing a consolidation phase as benchmarks extended their losing streak for a second straight session. The BSE Sensex slipped 239 points to settle at 81,312.32, while the Nifty 50 also ended lower by nearly 74 points at 24,752.45, impacted by selling pressure amid global cues and profit booking. As trading commences on Thursday, May 29, 2025, investor focus will be on corporate earnings announcements, regulatory developments, and strategic updates from various companies across key sectors including auto, pharma, real estate, and energy.

Several companies are under scrutiny due to regulatory actions and corporate governance concerns. A major development came from the banking sector, where the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) barred IndusInd Bank’s MD & CEO, Sumant Kathpalia, and four others from accessing securities markets, citing alleged insider trading violations. The regulator issued an ex-parte interim order and impounded Rs 19.78 crore allegedly gained from unlawful trades, a development expected to put pressure on IndusInd Bank’s stock. Separately, the Ahmedabad bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has initiated proceedings against Gensol Engineering, its promoters, and affiliated entities over allegations of corporate fraud and governance issues.

On the earnings front, several companies reported robust financial performances. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the Indian Railways’ catering and tourism arm, announced a significant 26% year-on-year (YoY) increase in net profit for Q4FY25, reaching Rs 358.22 crore. The company's revenue from operations stood at Rs 1,268.52 crore, while expenses rose to Rs 903.06 crore. Notably, the Navratna PSU also declared its first dividend post its status upgrade. Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), another public sector undertaking, posted an 11% YoY rise in net profit to Rs 1,250.98 crore compared to Rs 1,125.68 crore in the same period last year, and also declared a dividend along with its results. Specialty chemicals player Deepak Nitrite showcased a remarkable 106.4% surge in net profit to Rs 202 crore, with revenues climbing 14.5% YoY to Rs 2,180 crore; the company had previously rewarded investors with a Rs 7.5 per share dividend. Nuvama Wealth Management delivered a strong performance, with its profit after tax (PAT) surging by 41% to Rs 255 crore and revenue increasing by 29% to Rs 771 crore, driven by growth across its wealth, asset, and capital markets services. Avanti Feeds also reported a strong quarter, with a 39.6% jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 157.2 crore for Q4, and revenue rising 7.9% YoY to Rs 1,385.1 crore; its board has recommended a Rs 9 per share dividend for FY25.

Other companies presented a mixed financial picture for the quarter. Natco Pharma reported a 5% YoY increase in net profit to Rs 406 crore, with revenue growing 16% YoY to Rs 1,287.3 crore and EBITDA at Rs 548 crore. However, its margins experienced a slight dip, falling to 44.89% from 46.55% last year. Cummins India saw a 7.2% year-on-year decrease in its standalone net profit for Q4, which stood at Rs 521.4 crore, even as its revenue increased by 6.1% to Rs 2,456.9 crore. Despite the profitability pressure, the company's board declared a final dividend of Rs 33.50 per share. Birlasoft recorded a 4.3% rise in net profit to Rs 122 crore, but this was accompanied by a 3.4% fall in revenue. Furthermore, its EBITDA dropped sharply by 21.7%, leading to margin erosion to 13.18% from 16.26%.

Some companies faced notable headwinds. Footwear giant Bata India reported a significant 27.7% year-on-year decline in net profit for the quarter, amounting to Rs 46 crore. The company's revenue also dipped slightly to Rs 788.2 crore. Bata India’s EBITDA fell by over 26%, accompanied by a contraction in margins of over 200 basis points.

In strategic developments, Coal India has been declared the “Preferred Bidder” for the Oranga-Revatipur Graphite and Vanadium Block in Chhattisgarh. This lease, part of Tranche V auctions of critical and strategic mineral blocks, is to be executed within three years and marks a significant step in the public sector undertaking's diversification efforts beyond coal, enhancing its resource profile.

The market will also witness a new listing and anticipate numerous earnings reports. Today, May 29, marks the SME listing of Unified Data Tech Solutions on the SME Exchange, drawing interest from small-cap investors eyeing tech-focused growth stories. Additionally, over 320 companies are slated to report their earnings. Some of the major names to watch include Bajaj Auto, Samvardhana Motherson, Suzlon Energy, Alkem Labs, Ipca Labs, Prestige Estates, SJVN, NBCC (India), and Jubilant Agri and Consumer Products. These Q4 results announcements are expected to play a critical role in shaping sectoral trends and individual stock trajectories.

With a potent mix of regulatory actions, dividend declarations, earnings beats and misses, and strategic updates, May 29, 2025, is shaping up to be a stock picker’s day on Dalal Street. Investors and traders alike will have plenty to track as they navigate through a bustling news cycle and volatile market sentiment. Market participants are advised to stay updated with the numbers and market cues to make informed decisions.