Brands
JioHotstar launches signal-led commerce ads to target high-intent viewers
Instamart partnership brings intent-based shopping into live streaming ecosystem
MUMBAI: JioHotstar has introduced a new signal-led commerce advertising solution, aiming to help brands connect with consumers based on real purchase intent rather than broad demographic targeting.
The move marks a shift in how advertising works on streaming platforms, leaning into behavioural insights and commerce signals to reach audiences more precisely. Instead of targeting viewers simply by age or location, the new model focuses on what users are likely to buy next.
The capability has debuted in partnership with Instamart, which becomes the first brand to test the format. The integration allows viewers to move from watching content to exploring products through embedded calls to action within the streaming experience, effectively blending entertainment with instant commerce.
Timed around the ongoing TATA IPL season, the launch taps into one of the platform’s highest engagement periods. This gives brands access to large, highly attentive audiences, particularly during live sports when viewer engagement tends to peak.
Speaking on the development, JioStar head sports sales Anup Govindan said, “Signal-led advertising reflects our focus on creating value across the ecosystem, starting with consumers and extending to brands and advertisers. At its core, this is about identifying and understanding audiences through real purchase intent signals and going beyond what consumers watch to what they are likely to do next. We are enabling brands to engage audiences not just when they are watching, but when they are most receptive.”
Echoing the sentiment, Instamart SVP product Himavant Kurnala said, “Our partnership with JioHotstar closes the loop for brands, turning high-intent discovery into a seamless decision. By aligning premium entertainment with quick commerce, we are creating a more relevant and frictionless shopping experience for millions of households.”
The offering uses aggregated, privacy-safe data signals to ensure targeting remains compliant while still delivering relevance. It also builds on JioHotstar’s broader push into ad-tech innovation, alongside formats such as self-serve ads and interactive features like ‘Shop The Look’.
As streaming platforms increasingly double up as commerce gateways, JioHotstar’s latest bet signals where digital advertising is headed, less about who you are, and more about what you are ready to do next.
Brands
HCLTech delivers Rs 24 dividend as revenue hits Rs 1.3 lakh crore
IT giant delivers solid growth for shareholders with a major payout despite navigating global market shifts.
MUMBAI: HCLTech has clearly found the right code for financial success, proving that its operational strategy is more than just a quick fix for the digital age. The technology titan’s board of directors officially signed off on their year-end deliberations on 21 April 2026, revealing a set of annual results that suggest the company’s growth trajectory remains well-buffered against economic volatility.
The primary highlight for investors is the declaration of an interim dividend of Rs 24 per equity share (on a face value of Rs 2) for the 2026–27 financial year. Shareholders will not have to wait long for the processing of these funds; the record date is set for 25 April 2026, with payments scheduled to be completed by 5 May 2026. This follows a total dividend of Rs 54 per share already distributed during the 2025–26 fiscal year.
The consolidated annual results show a company operating at a high frequency across its global markets. Total revenue surged to Rs 130,144 crore for the year ended 31 March 2026, a significant jump from the Rs 117,055 crore recorded the previous year. Net profit remained robust at Rs 16,652 crore for the full year, despite a slight dip from Rs 17,399 crore seen in 2025. Quarterly performance also reflected steady momentum, with Q4 revenue reaching Rs 33,981 crore and net profit at Rs 4,490 crore, compared to Rs 30,246 crore in revenue during the same period last year.
The company’s diverse service portfolio played a balanced role in this financial performance. IT and Business Services remained the primary engine, contributing Rs 96,094 crore to annual revenue. Engineering and R&D Services showed strong growth, climbing to Rs 22,056 crore for the year, while HCL Software maintained a consistent stream of Rs 11,994 crore.
It was not entirely smooth scrolling, as the company had to account for specific financial hurdles. HCLTech faced a one-time impact of Rs 956 crore due to the New Labour Codes. Additionally, total expenses for the year rose to Rs 108,616 crore. This was largely driven by employee benefits, which reached Rs 74,143 crore, a figure that reflects the ongoing high costs of securing top-tier tech talent in a competitive market.
On the standalone front, the company reported a profit before tax of Rs 10,024 crore for the year. However, the final quarter saw a standalone loss of Rs 900 crore, which the company attributed to a material Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement (BAPA).
Despite the rise in costs, HCLTech’s financial “cache” remains substantial. Total assets grew to Rs 116,258 crore as of 31 March 2026, compared to Rs 105,544 crore a year earlier. The company’s cash and cash equivalents stood at a healthy Rs 8,195 crore at year-end, providing ample bandwidth for future investments and expansion.
As the global tech landscape continues to shift, HCLTech appears to have the right architecture to maintain its performance, ensuring that for its investors, the future remains highly user-friendly.
