Brands
Hero MotoCorp posts strong results, announces huge dividend
MUMBAI: Hero MotoCorp is showing it still has plenty of energy to spare as it races ahead with a set of financial results that are far from tiring. The two-wheeler giant hit the road running this week, unveiling a performance that suggests the company is firmly in control of the Indian automotive market.
In a move that will surely have shareholders revving their engines with delight, the Board has declared a massive interim dividend of 5,500 per cent. That translates to a cool Rs 110 per equity share, with a record date set for 11 February 2026. It seems the only thing smoother than their latest bike’s suspension is their cash flow, with payments expected to be completed by 7 March 2026.
The numbers for the quarter ending 31 December 2025 tell a story of steady acceleration. Hero sold a staggering 16.97 lakh two-wheelers during the period, a slight climb from the 16.91 lakh sold in the preceding quarter and a significant jump from the 14.64 lakh sold in the same period the previous year. This surge helped propel standalone revenue from operations to Rs 12,328.38 crore for the quarter.
On a consolidated basis, the Group’s total income for the quarter reached Rs 12,784.58 crore, contributing to a nine-month total of Rs 35,281.05 crore. Profit after tax for the quarter stood at a robust Rs 1,275.15 crore on a consolidated basis, proving that despite a few bumps in the global economy, Hero is still firing on all cylinders.
Hero isn’t just focused on what’s under the hood; they are also looking at what’s over the roof. The company announced a strategic investment of up to Rs 7.92 crore in Solar Power Wheeling Projects. These projects are destined for their Haridwar and Neemrana plants, as well as their Global Parts Centre and Centre for Innovation & Technology in Jaipur. It’s a bright move that shows Hero is serious about harnessing the sun to power their manufacturing.
Furthermore, the company is doubling down on the future of electric mobility with an additional investment of Rs 275 crore in Euler Motors Private Limited. This primary infusion and secondary purchase will bolster their presence in the burgeoning EV sector, ensuring they don’t get left in the dust as the industry shifts towards cleaner energy.
While the machines are humming, the boardroom is also seeing some fresh faces. Prabhat Singh has been appointed as the new company secretary and compliance officer, effective from 5 February 2026. Singh, a fellow member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and a law graduate, will also take on the mantle of Nodal Officer.
It wasn’t entirely smooth sailing, however. The company noted an exceptional item, a provision of Rs 119 crore, related to the implementation of India’s new Labour Codes. Additionally, the taxman had previously knocked on the door with a Rs 178 crore demand, which the company is currently appealing, confident that their position will be upheld.
Despite these minor diversions, Hero MotoCorp’s latest results suggest a company that is not just maintaining its speed but actively seeking new lanes for growth. With a focus on sustainable energy, strategic investments in EV tech, and a dividend that’s music to investors’ ears, Hero looks set to continue its long-distance journey at the front of the pack.
Brands
ZEEL transfers syndication business, invests Rs 505 crore in IP push
Restructuring, stake buy and FCCB moves signal sharper content strategy
MUMBAI: In the content economy, owning the story is half the battle monetising it is the real game, and Zee Entertainment Enterprises is doubling down on both. The company has approved the transfer of its syndication and content licensing business to its wholly owned subsidiary ZI-IPR Enterprises, alongside an investment of Rs 505 crore aimed at strengthening its play in content intellectual property (IP) acquisition, management and monetisation. The move, effective April 1, 2026, will see the business transferred on a slump sale basis at book value, including all associated assets, liabilities and commercial rights effectively consolidating IP operations under a more focused structure.
At its core, the restructuring signals a strategic shift. As content consumption increasingly fragments across digital and global platforms, the value of IP lies not just in creation but in how efficiently it can be distributed, repackaged and monetised across markets. By housing its syndication engine within ZI-IPR Enterprises, ZEEL appears to be building a more agile and scalable ecosystem, one that can better extract value from its vast content library while adapting to evolving distribution models.
But the company’s ambitions are not limited to restructuring. ZEEL has also approved an investment of up to Rs 20.09 crore in Culture of Real Experiences (CORE), acquiring a 51 per cent stake in the entity. The move expands its footprint into the broader creative and experiential space, suggesting a push beyond traditional broadcasting into areas where content, culture and immersive experiences intersect.
At the same time, ZEEL has moved to tidy up its financials, approving the redemption of $23.9 million in outstanding foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) and cancelling an unused $215.1 million commitment. The twin steps are expected to ease pressure on its treasury, freeing up capital and improving financial flexibility as the company invests more aggressively in its IP strategy.
Taken together, the decisions reflect a company in recalibration mode streamlining legacy structures, sharpening its focus on content ownership, and exploring new avenues for growth. In a market where the lines between television, streaming and experiential entertainment are increasingly blurred, ZEEL’s latest moves suggest it is not just creating content, but building a system to make that content travel further and pay better.
