Cover Story

Tough Times Ahead
The market cap of BT 500 companies rose 23.4 per cent during 2017/18, but things could get difficult going ahead.

2018-11-18

Top 5 IT firms hired over 37,000 people in Q2, the highest since Sept 2015

Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Wipro, collectively added 28,748 employees to their rolls, a nearly 130% jump against the hiring figures for Q1FY19.

The Buzz

In a Hurry

Former SBI chief Arundhati Bhattacharya's joining the RIL board can't technically be faulted.

Local Funds to the Rescue

India, due to a surge in oil prices and a falling rupee, is at the top of FPIs' selling radar.

Bankruptcy Knocking

Jet Airways is perhaps one step away from being dragged to the bankruptcy proceedings by its lenders or trade partners.

Out of Charge

Electric car sales in fiscal 2018 declined 40 per cent - just 1,200 units, even as the government is pushing for at least a third of all new car sales by 2030 to be EVs.

It's A War

Reliance Jio is prepping for a mega fight in the wired broadband market. Recently, the telecom company acquired majority stakes in DEN Networks, Hathway Cable, and Datacom.

Permission Denied

Recently, Google updated the Google Play developer policy and limited the access third party apps get for user data.

Now Six Can Join Video Chat

When the company launched the video chat feature in June this year as part of its in-app direct messaging system, it supported four people.

Hashtag Activism

Hashtag campaigns continue to push issues often neglected by the mainstream.

A Marketplace For Rental Businesses

The Bengaluru-based firm enables renting out of goods, ensures vendor support and provides bespoke customer care.

Don't Jump The Gun

The jump in the direct taxes-to-GDP ratio may have taken place because the stock market was doing well, people were trading more and paying higher STCG taxes.

A Mixed Start

Net profit of 126 BSE500 companies that had declared results as of October 26 evening rose 14.1 per cent year-on-year on the back of 25.3 per cent jump in net sales.

Pipe Dream

If the entire quantity of crops produced this winter is purchased at the government fixed MSP, farmers will indeed benefit; but this is unlikely.

Barrelling Through

The US has only offered replacement of cargoes from Saudi Arabia to Indian refiners.

Consumer Sentiment Takes A Hit

Survey after survey shows that consumers are feeling gloomy about their prospects. that is something the government should worry about.

The Break-Out Zone

The Makeover Saga

A dive into the role of coal in a world dominated by renewables.

Best in Business

Mi Air Purifier 2S, from the house of Xiaomi, can be considered a great buy for its smart functionality and competitive pricing.

Steal The Deal

Of the three iPhones announced recently, the iPhone XR is the most affordable.

The Peripatetic Indian

Indians are mighty footloose, and a new book underlines the scale of the phenomenon.

A Toast To Grand Living

From exotic beach holidays to iconic museum tour to sporty and stylish couture, it is time for immersive experiences.

Voice Power

As tech giants integrate voice assistants with third-party hardware, one can enjoy these smart services without spending a fortune.

When Time Freezes

At 10 trillion frames per second, this new camera seemingly freezes time as you watch a dynamic phenomenon in super slow motion.

Beat The Big C

A little alertness and some healthy changes in lifestyle can go a long way in dealing with cancer risks.

No Electronics Please

Researchers at the University of Washington have been working on bringing connectivity to 3D-printed objects.

India's Most Valuable Companies 2018

On Right Track

An analysis of BT 500 data shows double-digit income growth and improvement in debt-servicing capabilities, though valuations are on the higher side.

BFSI Rules

Five out of six debutants in the top 100 rankings are from the financial services sector.

How We Did It

In the early days we based it on the market cap of the companies as on March 31. Like in everything else, there is change.

Caught In The Middle

A big transformation is happening in the global generic pharmaceutical industry. As a result, stocks of most major drug companies have done badly in the past one year.

Unstoppable

RIL bounces back to the No. 1 position after seven years, thanks to Jio and petchem expansion.

Course Correction

Strides Pharma Science attributes its underwhelming performance to a confluence of headwinds and execution challenges.

Chinese Checkers

China's crackdown on polluting steel plants helped HEG's graphite electrode business grow more than nine times.

On A Winning Streak

Strategies such as localisation as well as premiumisation and an entrepreneurial work culture have enabled HUL become the fifth most valuable company in BT 500.

Paying The Price

The oil explorer burnt cash to buy HPCL, pay large dividend and is now being pushed for a share buyback to help meet the governments disinvestment target. Can increase in crude oil prices rebuild market sentiment?

The Big Gainers

While American biggies Amazon and Walmart fight for their pound of flesh in India, Indian retailers have quietly stolen the show.

BT 500: India's Most Valuable Companies

Reliance Industries dethroned Tata Consultancy Services from the top spot, clocking growth of 50.8%. HDFC Bank retained the third position.

The Hub

On Cusp Of Change

Odisha has done well on GSDP growth. It is now looking to attract value-added players in the metals space and rev up its MSME sector.

The Devil In The Room

As the wave of #MeToo transcends over India Inc., companies will have to get their act together to provide a safe and secure work environment to all employees.

Facts and Figures

Around $2.71 bn value of minerals produced in Odisha in April 2017 to February 2018. The state accounted for the largest share of India's mineral production.

FROM THE MAG

Leaderspeak

"I consider challenges as opportunities to learn, grow and reinvent."

Editors note

Behind The Numbers

Our annual BT 500 issue tracks the stock performance of the top-listed companies in India and also their performance in terms of revenue growth and profit growth, apart from other parameters such as assets and debt.

Cover Story

PREVIOUS EDITIONS