Shares of HCL Technologies showed minimal movement ahead of the company's Q2 earnings announcement, which was scheduled for Monday, October 14, 2024. The company, India's third-largest IT services provider, was set to reveal its financial performance for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025.
Here's a detailed look at the recent trading activity, market expectations, and what it could mean for share market investment.
Trading performance: HCL Technologies ahead of Q2 results
As of 11:28 am, HCL Technologies' shares were trading at ₹1,840.15, showing a slight increase of 0.03% from the previous close of ₹1,839.65. The share opened at ₹1,846, hit a high of ₹1,854, and touched a low of ₹1,832.4 during the morning trading session. By 10:45 am, the stock had dipped slightly by 0.12% to ₹1,837.4 on the NSE.
The trading volume for the stock reached 5.17 lakh shares, amounting to a traded value of ₹95.27 crore. The total market capitalisation stood at ₹4,99,585.74 crore, while the free float market capitalisation was ₹1,94,117.26 crore.
Q2 earnings expectations: Moderate growth anticipated
Market experts have forecast a single-digit revenue growth for HCL Technologies in the July-September quarter of FY25, primarily due to a lower contribution from the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. The revenue growth is projected to be between 7.1% and 9.2%, translating to ₹26,672 crore to ₹28,710 crore on a year-on-year (YoY) basis.
For net profit, analysts expect an increase in the range of 5% to 15%, amounting to between ₹3,832 crore and ₹4,097 crore. These figures come after a strong Q1 FY25 performance, where HCL Technologies reported a net profit of ₹4,257 crore, reflecting a 20.46% YoY growth. The company's revenue from operations in Q1 surged by 6.7% YoY, reaching ₹28,057 crore.
Implications for share market investment
With the results for the second quarter on the horizon, investors are closely watching HCL Technologies. The stock's relatively flat movement indicates a wait-and-see approach among traders, who are likely cautious due to uncertainties in the BFSI sector. For those considering share market investment, this earnings season presents an opportunity to evaluate HCL Technologies' long-term growth prospects.
Analysts suggest that a single-digit growth rate may not spark a significant rally in the stock, but it could still be a stable choice for risk-averse investors who prefer steady growth. Considering the current market cap and earnings forecast, HCL Technologies remains a crucial player in the IT sector, which continues to be a popular choice for share market investment.
Other companies reporting earnings today
Apart from HCL Technologies, other major companies announcing their Q2 results today include Reliance Industries, Gopal Snacks Ltd, Alok Industries, Dr Lalchandani Labs Ltd, and Rajoo Engineers Ltd. Their performances could also influence overall market sentiment and present further opportunities for share market investment.
Conclusion
As HCL Technologies prepares to disclose its Q2 FY25 earnings, the company's shares are trading with minimal changes, reflecting the market's cautious stance. The projected single-digit growth in revenue and net profit indicates a stable but not spectacular performance. For investors eyeing the IT sector for share market investment, HCL Technologies may offer a balance between growth and stability, especially in a market environment marked by sectoral challenges.
The earnings report will provide clearer insights into the company's strategies and future prospects, helping investors make informed decisions about their portfolios.