Indian equity markets are poised for a cautious start on Thursday, October 22, 2026, as GIFT Nifty futures on the NSE International Exchange showed a dip of 91.30 points, or 0.40 percent, settling at 22,652. This muted sentiment is largely influenced by feeble global cues, including elevated crude oil prices and rising geopolitical tensions.
Key Stocks in the Spotlight
Several companies are expected to remain under investor scrutiny before the opening bell, driven by recent financial results, corporate actions, and other significant developments:
Fusion CX
The customer experience solutions provider is set to make its stock market debut today, October 22, 2026. The company successfully raised Rs 702 crore through its Initial Public Offering (IPO), which was subscribed 4.45 times between October 14-16, attracting over 2.63 lakh applications.
Bharat Electronics (BEL)
The state-run defense electronics firm has secured additional orders worth Rs 1,011 crore since October 13. These significant contracts include improved low-level light-weight radar systems, various communication equipment, sonar technology, jammers, upgrades, and essential spares and services.
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services (M&M Finance)
The non-banking financial company (NBFC) reported a robust 55 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase in net profit, reaching Rs 882 crore for the September 2026 quarter. Disbursements also saw a healthy rise of 22 percent YoY to Rs 16,499 crore, with Assets Under Management (AUM) growing 15 percent YoY to Rs 1.56 lakh crore. The company also noted an improvement in its asset quality.
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC)
The state-owned metal and mining enterprise presented a dividend of Rs 223.55 crore to the Gujarat Government. This dividend, amounting to Rs 9.50 per equity share, was initially recommended by the board on May 14 and subsequently approved by shareholders on September 30.
Indian Hotels Company
A part of the Tata Group, Indian Hotels Company recorded a 19 percent YoY jump in net profit, reaching Rs 379.85 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. Revenue for the same period climbed 22 percent YoY to Rs 2,484.32 crore. The company achieved an EBITDA of Rs 788 crore, with margins standing at 30.7 percent for the quarter.
Zydus Lifesciences
Zylidac Bio, an affiliate of the pharmaceutical giant Zydus Lifesciences and a biologics contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has announced a strategic partnership with biotechnology firm Prolific Machines. This collaboration aims to scale Prolific's platform from early-stage development through Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) production.
KEI Industries
The wires and cables manufacturer reported a 29 percent YoY surge in net profit to Rs 262.45 crore for the July-September 2026 period. Revenue increased by 38.5 percent YoY to Rs 3,776.42 crore, while EBITDA grew 29 percent YoY to Rs 311.63 crore, though margins narrowed slightly to 10.62 percent for the quarter.
NHPC
The state-run utilities company announced the Commercial Operation Date (CoD) for Unit 5 (250 MW) of its ambitious 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project. This project, located across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, comprises eight units, each with a capacity of 250 MW.
Persistent Systems
The IT services firm initiated its Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) issue on October 21, with the floor price for shares set at Rs 5,761 per share.
PC Jewellers
The debt-free jewellery maker reported a significant 58 percent YoY increase in net profit, reaching Rs 330.66 crore for the second quarter of FY27. Revenue also saw a 28 percent YoY rise to Rs 1,054.47 crore. EBITDA surged 74.4 percent YoY to Rs 310.45 crore, with margins improving to 29.4 percent for the reported quarter.
Tata Communications
The National Court of Spain has ruled in favor of Tata Communications (Spain) SL (TC Spain), a subsidiary of Tata Communications. The ruling annuls a resolution by the Central Economic-Administrative Tribunal, overturning a value-added tax demand of €15.51 million and a corresponding penalty of €18.10 million imposed by the Spanish Tax Agency.
SEAMEC
The offshore oilfield service provider has entered into a contract with HAL Offshore for the charter hire of its vessel, SEAMEC ANANT. This vessel will undertake inspection, maintenance, and repair jobs for ONGC. The charter hire period is approximately 1,225 days, subject to HAL's agreement with ONGC, with the total contract value estimated at around $55 million.