CIE Automotive India Faces European Slowdown

CIE Automotive India is struggling with weak European sales, which dragged down its Q4 FY24 EBITDA margin by 43 basis points to 14.2%. European revenue fell 22%, hit by a 37.5% drop in commercial vehicle sales and 10% decline in light vehicles. Cost-cutting measures have been implemented, but a turnaround is expected only in H2 2025. Meanwhile, India operations grew 2%, with a focus on high-margin businesses like AEL and Billforge. CIE holds a ₹1,000 crore order book, with 25% linked to EV components. However, the stock is down 16% in 2025, and analysts have trimmed earnings forecasts due to weak demand.

Larisa Hotels Expands Post-Merger

After merging with AM Hotel Kollection, Larisa Hotels is expanding into metro, tier-II, and religious tourism markets under three brands. Recent deals include a 90-room hotel in Tirupati and another in Vrindavan. With 26 properties and ₹100 crore revenue, Larisa is shifting to professional hotel management and eyeing international expansion. India’s branded hotel inventory is set to cross 300,000 rooms by 2029, driven by business travel and religious tourism.

Nvidia’s Rollercoaster Start to 2025

Despite a $600 billion market wipeout in January, Nvidia has rebounded, down just 3% YTD. Retail investors remain bullish, pumping $5.7 billion into the stock this year. Traders are betting on a 9% post-earnings swing, with analysts expecting 59% profit growth and 72% revenue jump. Nvidia remains a key AI stock, reinforcing investor confidence.

UPI Goes Global

India’s UPI payments system is expanding internationally, allowing users to pay abroad seamlessly. Countries like UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, France, and Nepal have integrated UPI, removing the need for forex cards or conversion charges. This move benefits both Indian travelers and foreign businesses, positioning UPI as a game-changer in global payments.

Bengaluru Parents Struggle with Rising School Fees

Private school fees in Bengaluru are surging 10-15% annually, with some schools hiking fees by 30%. Parents are struggling with rising tuition, textbook, and transport costs, while salary increments lag at just 2-3%. Karnataka’s Education Minister admits limited control, but parents are demanding tighter regulations to curb excessive hikes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices