Indian markets are expected to trade positive today as overall sentiment has improved. US markets closed with gains on Tuesday and global markets are looking positive after US-China tariffs were reduced. The latest round of corporate earnings paints a mixed picture of India Inc in Q4 FY25. While Bharti Airtel and Garden Reach Shipbuilders delivered stellar growth, legacy players like Tata Motors and Siemens faced earnings erosion. Sectors such as pharma and defense showed resilience, while diagnostics and consumer durables witnessed margin pressures. This diverse performance across marquee names offers critical cues for investors recalibrating portfolios as FY25 draws to a close.

Tata Motors Falters Despite Revenue Uptick

Tata Motors reported a sharp 51.74% decline in consolidated net profit, which dropped to Rs 8,470 crore in Q4 FY25 from Rs 17,552 crore in the previous year’s comparable period.

However, revenue from operations rose marginally by 0.39% YoY, reaching Rs 1,19,503 crore. The subdued earnings reflect operational headwinds, possibly from margin compression or higher input costs, even as sales volumes remained steady. Investors will be closely watching FY26 guidance and electric vehicle segment traction.

Siemens Disappoints with Double-Digit Earnings Drop

Siemens, a heavyweight in industrial automation and energy infrastructure, witnessed a 37.17% YoY drop in net profit, which stood at Rs 407.9 crore in Q4 FY25.

Revenues grew at a tepid pace of 2.57% YoY to Rs 4,259 crore, reflecting demand sluggishness or delays in project execution. The disconnect between top-line growth and bottom-line contraction may indicate elevated operational expenditure or muted margins.

GlaxoSmithKline Pharma Delivers Steady Upside

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals delivered a strong Q4 performance, with net profit rising 35.17% YoY to Rs 262.87 crore, fueled by 4.79% growth in revenues to Rs 974.37 crore.

This outcome suggests an improvement in product mix, possibly led by chronic therapy portfolios or new launches. The margin stability in a tough regulatory climate is commendable.

Bharti Airtel Posts Breakout Quarter

Telecom major Bharti Airtel stunned the street with a fivefold increase in net profit, jumping from Rs 2,071.6 crore in Q4 FY24 to Rs 11,021.8 crore in Q4 FY25.

Revenue also registered a 27.33% YoY surge to Rs 47,876.2 crore. The extraordinary growth is likely attributed to strong 4G/5G subscriber additions, ARPU improvement, and perhaps favorable forex movements. Airtel continues to solidify its position against Reliance Jio in India’s data-hungry telecom landscape.

Cipla’s Solid Double-Digit Profit Growth

Cipla maintained momentum, reporting a 30.12% jump in net profit to Rs 1,221.84 crore, with revenue climbing 8.47% YoY to Rs 6,597.72 crore.

This growth reflects strong domestic formulations performance, robust export traction, and possibly cost discipline. Cipla remains a stable bet in the pharma basket amid global regulatory uncertainty.

Bharti Hexacom Joins Airtel’s Success Bandwagon

Subsidiary Bharti Hexacom posted a 110.4% YoY rise in net profit, clocking Rs 468.4 crore in Q4 FY25, compared to Rs 222.6 crore in Q4 FY24.

Revenue rose 22.5% to Rs 2,289 crore, while EBITDA jumped 33% to Rs 1,167.8 crore. The gains were further boosted by an exceptional item of Rs 88.2 crore from deferred tax proceeds. As the company focuses on deeper regional penetration, its financials reflect robust scalability and margin stability.

Garden Reach Outshines with Record Profit

Defense public sector unit Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers reported a stunning 118.9% YoY jump in net profit, touching Rs 244.2 crore for Q4 FY25.

Its revenue from operations soared 61.7% YoY to Rs 1,642 crore, and EBITDA surged 141.8% YoY to Rs 219 crore. This highlights India's accelerated push toward naval modernization and indigenous defense manufacturing. A key player in the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision, Garden Reach continues to outperform peers.

Metropolis Healthcare Sees Margin Deterioration

Metropolis Healthcare experienced a 19.4% drop in net profit to Rs 29 crore, even as revenue rose 4.3% YoY to Rs 345.3 crore.

EBITDA declined sharply by 22% to Rs 62.3 crore, while the EBITDA margin fell from 24.2% to 18%. The contraction reflects elevated competition, cost pressures, or lower test volumes. The diagnostics space is experiencing margin volatility as post-COVID normalization continues.

VIP Industries Grapples with Demand Pressures

Luggage and travel gear major VIP Industries reported a wider loss of Rs 27.4 crore in Q4 FY25, compared to Rs 23.9 crore a year ago.

Revenues slipped 4.3% YoY to Rs 494 crore, while EBITDA declined 18.2% to Rs 6.3 crore. Margins shrank to 1.3% from 1.5%, as discretionary spending remains weak and input costs stay elevated. The stock remains vulnerable until signs of revival in the travel and tourism sector gain clarity.

Investor Takeaways

Positive Earnings Surprise: Bharti Airtel, Bharti Hexacom, and Garden Reach delivered above-expected earnings, making them strong contenders for near-term price momentum.

Stable Compounders: Cipla and GlaxoSmithKline Pharma maintained growth consistency, offering safety for long-term portfolios.

Caution Advised: Investors should remain cautious on Tata Motors, Siemens, VIP Industries, and Metropolis Healthcare due to margin and profit compression.