Bajaj Finserv and Bajaj Finance posted solid bottom-line growth and declared handsome rewards for shareholders, Ambuja Cements delivered an exceptional operational performance, surpassing volume and margin expectations. In contrast, fashion retailer Trent reported a sharp dip in profits despite robust revenue expansion. Indian markets closed almost flat on Tuesday while Nasdaq closed 0.61 percent higher. TopNews Team has reviewed Q4FY25 performance across these four industry bellwethers.

Bajaj Finserv: Strong Growth and Steady Dividends Mark Q4 Performance

Consolidated Profit Surge: Bajaj Finserv reported a 14% year-on-year increase in net profit for Q4FY25, with earnings rising to Rs 2,417 crore, compared to Rs 2,119 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

Revenue Momentum: Total revenue grew by 14% YoY, reaching Rs 36,595 crore from Rs 32,041 crore in Q4FY24. The growth was largely driven by consistent performance across its lending, insurance, and investment arms.

Shareholder Reward: The Board declared a final dividend of Re 1 for FY25, which will be credited to shareholders by July 29, 2025.

Bajaj Finance: Resilient Profits and Generous Capital Return Plan

Profit Climb: Bajaj Finance’s consolidated profit after tax for the March quarter rose by 19% YoY to Rs 4,546 crore, reaffirming its position as one of India's most consistent NBFCs.

Investor Bonanza: The company declared a final dividend of Rs 44 per share along with a special dividend of Rs 12 per share. Additionally, the Board announced a stock split (1:2) and a bonus issue in a 4:1 ratio, significantly enhancing retail investor appeal.

Analyst Sentiment: According to Motilal Oswal (April 29, 2025), the company continues to maintain robust asset quality aided by efficient collections and a diversified loan book. Kotak Institutional Equities highlighted its pricing power in consumer and commercial finance segments, suggesting that this strength will help offset any margin compression pressures.

Ambuja Cements: Stellar Operational Performance Drives Standalone PAT Up 75%

Profit Spike: Ambuja Cements recorded a 75% surge in standalone net profit to Rs 929 crore for Q4FY25, reflecting a strong operational quarter. On a consolidated basis, however, PAT dipped 9% to Rs 956 crore from Rs 1,051 crore YoY, largely due to one-time adjustments.

Capacity Milestones: The company successfully completed the acquisition of Orient Cement and commissioned a 2.4 MTPA brownfield expansion in Farakka (West Bengal), along with debottlenecking 0.5 MTPA across various units.

Volume and Margin Performance: Ambuja achieved its highest-ever quarterly volume of 18.7 million tonnes (excluding Orient), up 13% YoY. EBITDA margins improved significantly, touching Rs 1,001 per metric tonne, a dramatic improvement from Rs 537 PMT in the previous quarter.

Liquidity Buffer: Cash and cash equivalents stood at a strong Rs 10,125 crore, giving the company ample flexibility for future expansions or acquisitions.

Trent: Revenue Rises But Profits Take a Hit

Profit Decline: The Tata Group-owned Trent posted a 55% YoY drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 318 crore for Q4FY25, compared to Rs 704 crore last year. Sequentially, the bottom line also contracted 36% from Rs 497 crore in Q3FY25.

Topline Growth: Despite the decline in profits, revenue grew 28% YoY to Rs 4,217 crore, up from Rs 3,298 crore. However, this was lower than the Rs 4,657 crore revenue posted in Q3FY25, indicating a sequential slowdown.

Retail Headwinds: The company, which operates fashion retail brands like Westside and Zudio, appears to be navigating margin pressures and inventory dynamics, common across the discretionary retail segment this quarter.

Sectoral Takeaways: What Investors Should Watch

Financials Outperform: Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Finserv have demonstrated continued strength in a high-interest rate environment. Their ability to expand the customer base, maintain asset quality, and diversify income streams offers investors confidence despite macroeconomic headwinds.

Capital Goods and Cement Shine on Execution: Ambuja Cements’ volume-led beat, coupled with margin expansion, reinforces the momentum in India’s infrastructure and construction sectors. The capacity additions and strategic M&A moves signal bullishness on long-term demand.

Retail Under Pressure: Trent's performance underscores the volatility in consumer discretionary spending. While revenues have expanded, pressure on margins and rising operational costs have dented profitability.