Zudio-parent Trent and DMart-parent Avenue Supermarts have stayed resilient amid the recent market weakness, gaining nearly 6% and over 11% respectively in the past month. Their steady outperformance has investors weighing which retail stock may deliver stronger returns going forward.

Shares of Trent have surged around 11% in the past week, but remain down nearly 9% in 2026 so far and about 15% over the past year. Over the longer term, however, the stock has rallied more than 189% in three years and around 439% in five years.

Meanwhile, Avenue Supermarts has seen only marginal gains over the past week, but climbed 11% in one month and 18% in 2026 so far. Over a longer horizon, the stock has risen over 27% in three years and 49% in five years.

Valuation check

Trent shares have a P/E ratio of 85.50, according to data on NSE. The Tata Group company’s market capitalisation stands at nearly Rs 1.4 lakh crore. DMart shares, meanwhile, have a P/E ratio of more than 100. The company’s market capitalisation stands at around Rs 2.87 lakh crore.

Notably, both stocks have P/E levels that would typically be considered very high, although the story of measuring valuations is more nuanced than that.

Earnings comparison

Trent reported a 3% rise in its December quarter consolidated net profit at Rs 513 crore compared to Rs 497 crore reported in the year-ago period. The company’s revenue from operations stood at Rs 5,345 crore in Q3 FY26, up 15% over Rs 4,657 crore posted in the corresponding period of the last financial year.Also read: BSE loses ‘cheap’ tag post 80% rally in one year. Can Q4 performance, NSE IPO drive rerating?

DMart, meanwhile, saw its consolidated net profit grow 18.3% YoY to Rs 855.92 crore in Q3 FY26, while revenue from operations witnessed a 13.3% YoY spike.

Which stock should you buy?

The Trent versus DMart debate today is essentially a choice between growth optionality and earnings stability, said Harshal Dasani, Business Head at INVasset PMS. Trent has delivered strong momentum, with sharp expansion in its Zudio format and continued traction in fashion retail. Its growth profile remains superior, driven by store additions, premiumisation and category expansion, the analyst said.

“However, that growth comes with higher volatility—fashion retail is inherently more sensitive to demand cycles, inventory risks and changing consumer preferences. The stock also trades at elevated valuations, which leaves limited room for disappointment in the near term,” he said.

According to Dasani, DMart offers a far more predictable earnings trajectory. Its core value proposition—everyday low pricing and high inventory turns—continues to drive steady footfalls and resilient same-store growth, even in a mixed consumption environment. “While its growth may appear slower compared to Trent, the quality of earnings, strong cash flows and disciplined expansion model make it a more consistent compounder,” he added.

Also read: HPCL, BPCL and IOCL shares slide up to 4% as crude oil reclaims $100. Where are prices headed?

At current levels, DMart appears better suited for investors seeking stability and downside protection, whereas Trent remains a higher-risk, higher-reward play that is more attractive on corrections rather than at peak valuations, Dasani concluded.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026 in Bangkok celebrates Thai culture with parades, performances, and water events, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Admission is free.

Festival Overview

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomes visitors to the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026 at Benchakitti Park. This five-day event, lasting until 15 April, merges cultural heritage with lively entertainment, establishing itself as one of Thailand’s premier Songkran celebrations. The opening ceremony, held on 11 April, was graced by Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, along with key figures from various sectors.

Cultural and Entertainment Highlights

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, highlights the festival’s universal appeal, blending Thai tradition with modern celebration. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Songkran strengthens its global festival status.

The event features a grand parade headlined by Opal Suchata Chuangsri, Miss World 2025, portraying this year’s Songkran deity. Visitors can explore the “Songkran 5 Regions” zone, showcasing regional diversity with performances, local crafts, and traditional activities.

Evening Performances and Accessibility

Top Thai artists, including Bodyslam and Tilly Birds, heat up the main stage nightly, with DJs spinning tracks at the EDM stage. Each evening culminates in a spectacular drone light display featuring over 1,200 drones. Safety is paramount, with extensive support from public agencies and event partners ensuring a seamless guest experience.

The festival is easily accessible via public transport from BTS Asok and MRT Queen Sirikit stations. For further updates, visit the Amazing Thailand Facebook page or contact the TAT Call Centre.

Source : Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026 opens in Bangkok

Other People are Reading

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump ignited fresh controversy Sunday night by sharing an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ healing a patient in a hospital bed, just minutes after launching a blistering attack on Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social.

The post, timestamped April 12, 2026, at 7:49 p.m. EDT, quickly drew widespread backlash from religious leaders, Catholics and political opponents who labeled it “blasphemous” and “unhinged.” The image shows Trump in flowing white robes with a glowing hand placed on the forehead of a man lying in a hospital bed, surrounded by a nurse, a praying woman, military figures and symbolic American elements including the U.S. flag, fighter jets and what appear to be angelic soldiers.

The provocative visual came shortly after Trump posted a lengthy rant criticizing the first American-born pope for his recent comments on the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and other issues. In the preceding post, Trump called Pope Leo XIV “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” accusing him of catering to the “radical left,” supporting Iran’s potential nuclear ambitions and opposing strong U.S. actions abroad.

“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump wrote, adding that he preferred the pontiff’s brother Louis because “he gets it” in reference to support for the MAGA movement. Trump also claimed credit for Leo’s elevation to the papacy, stating the Church selected the Illinois native primarily because of his American citizenship to deal with the Trump administration. “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” he asserted.

The feud escalated as Pope Leo XIV, who has repeatedly called for peace amid the Iran tensions, described certain U.S. military rhetoric and actions as “truly unacceptable.” The pope has urged negotiations and de-escalation in the Middle East, where a fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance following failed talks in Pakistan and Trump’s announcement of a U.S. Navy blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Critics pounced on the AI image, with some social media users and commentators suggesting the patient resembled Jeffrey Epstein or a wounded veteran, though no confirmation exists. Religious figures decried the post as sacrilegious, especially during the Easter season. One Catholic commentator called it “deeply sick,” while others accused Trump of idolatry and playing God.

Supporters, however, viewed the image as a bold, meme-style statement of strength and healing in turbulent times, aligning with Trump’s long history of using provocative visuals and unfiltered rhetoric on social media. The post garnered thousands of likes, re-truths and replies within hours, reflecting the polarized reactions typical of Trump’s online presence.

This latest episode unfolds against a backdrop of high-stakes international developments. On Sunday, Trump announced that the U.S. Navy would immediately begin blockading ships entering or leaving Iranian ports via the Strait of Hormuz after peace negotiations in Islamabad collapsed without a deal. The move aims to counter what Trump described as Iranian extortion through tolls and to force reopening of the critical waterway, which carries about 20% of global oil supplies.

U.S. Central Command confirmed the blockade would target Iranian-linked traffic starting at 10 a.m. ET Monday, while allowing passage for vessels serving Gulf allies. Iran responded with defiance, warning of retaliation and floating the possibility of disrupting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea through its Houthi allies. Oil prices surged more than 9% in reaction, highlighting the economic risks.

Pope Leo’s calls for restraint in the conflict appear to have struck a nerve with Trump, who has framed his Iran policy as fulfilling campaign promises to project strength and prevent nuclear proliferation. The president has repeatedly issued ultimatums, including threats of strikes on Iranian power plants and bridges if the strait remained closed. A two-week ceasefire extension was agreed upon earlier after Pakistani mediation, but tensions remain high.

The Trump-Leo feud marks an unusual chapter in U.S.-Vatican relations. Historically, presidents have maintained respectful ties with the Holy See regardless of policy differences. Trump’s direct personal attacks, combined with the Christ-like AI imagery, have drawn comparisons to past controversies involving his social media habits, including previous AI-generated or altered images he has shared.

White House officials declined to comment directly on the Truth Social post when asked by reporters aboard Air Force One. Trump himself, when questioned about his criticism of the pope, reiterated that he was “not a big fan” and described Leo as “very liberal.” He defended his foreign policy approach, saying strong action was necessary to protect American interests and allies.

Faith leaders offered mixed responses. Some evangelical supporters praised Trump’s willingness to confront what they see as liberal influences in the Church, while Catholic organizations expressed dismay at the apparent mockery of sacred imagery. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops had no immediate statement, but individual priests and commentators took to social media to condemn the post.

The AI-generated nature of the image also sparked debate about the role of artificial intelligence in political communication. Trump has increasingly embraced AI tools for visuals, a trend that raises questions about authenticity and potential manipulation in an already polarized information environment.

As the Hormuz blockade takes effect Monday, analysts warn that escalation could further inflame the region. Shipping companies are rerouting vessels, insurance costs are rising and global markets are monitoring developments closely. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed to defend its waters, while the Houthis in Yemen remain a wildcard for Red Sea disruptions.

Trump’s Sunday night posts blend domestic-style attacks with international brinkmanship. By targeting the pope — a figure with immense moral authority for over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide — the president signals no limits in defending his agenda. The AI Jesus image, whether intended as satire, inspiration or provocation, amplifies the message in viral fashion.

Religious scholars note that portraying political leaders in messianic terms has historical precedents but often invites accusations of hubris or blasphemy. In this case, the timing — amid Easter observances and a real-world conflict involving questions of justice, peace and power — has intensified the outcry.

For now, the image and the accompanying rant have dominated online conversations, overshadowing even the grave geopolitical stakes in the Persian Gulf. Trump’s Truth Social remains his primary platform for unfiltered communication, where such posts frequently set the news cycle.

As Monday dawns with the blockade underway and diplomatic channels strained, the world watches to see whether the Hormuz crisis de-escalates or spirals, even as Trump’s latest social media moment continues to reverberate through religious and political spheres.

Whether the AI depiction was meant to project healing leadership or simply troll critics, it underscores Trump’s signature style: bold, boundary-pushing and impossible to ignore.

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of TSM. NVDA, GOOG, AVGO, MU either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Healthcare systems carry immense responsibility, yet many still struggle with inefficiencies that remain unnoticed until they affect patient care. Delays in data access, fragmented communication, and outdated infrastructure quietly create barriers that hinder both providers and patients. These gaps are rarely obvious at first glance, but their impact builds over time and leads to costly consequences.

Modern advancements offer a way forward. Strategic adoption of IT solutions for healthcare can address these overlooked issues and improve operational flow. This article explores the hidden gaps within healthcare systems and highlights how smart technology interventions can close them effectively.

Fragmented Patient Data Across Systems

Patient information often exists in separate systems that fail to communicate with one another. Electronic health records, lab reports, and billing platforms may operate independently, which leads to incomplete or delayed insights.

When healthcare providers lack a unified view of patient data, decision-making becomes slower and less accurate. Integrated systems ensure that all relevant information is accessible in one place. This reduces redundancy, prevents errors, and allows providers to deliver more informed care.

Communication Breakdowns Within Facilities

Clear communication is essential in any medical environment. Yet many facilities rely on outdated methods such as manual updates or disconnected messaging tools. This creates confusion among departments and delays critical actions.

Efficient IT frameworks can streamline communication channels across teams. Secure messaging platforms, centralized dashboards, and real-time alerts enable faster coordination. As a result, staff can respond promptly to patient needs and avoid unnecessary complications.

Limited Cybersecurity Preparedness

Healthcare organizations handle sensitive patient data, making them prime targets for cyber threats. Despite this, many systems lack strong security measures or rely on outdated protections.

Robust IT infrastructure enhances data protection through advanced encryption, monitoring tools, and threat detection systems. These measures safeguard patient information and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Strengthened security also builds trust between patients and healthcare providers.

Inefficient Administrative Workflows

Administrative processes often consume valuable time that could be better spent on patient care. Tasks such as appointment scheduling, billing, and record management can become overwhelming without proper systems in place.

Key areas where inefficiencies appear:

• Manual data entry increases the risk of errors
• Disconnected billing systems slow down revenue cycles
• Paper-based records reduce accessibility and accuracy

Modern IT services automate routine tasks and improve workflow efficiency. Automation reduces errors, accelerates processes, and allows healthcare staff to focus on more critical responsibilities.

Lack of Scalable Infrastructure

Healthcare facilities must adapt to changing demands, whether due to patient volume, new regulations, or technological advancements. Many systems struggle to scale, which limits growth and innovation.

Flexible IT infrastructure supports expansion without major disruptions. Cloud-based solutions, virtual servers, and scalable storage options provide the agility required to meet evolving needs. This ensures that healthcare organizations remain resilient and prepared for future challenges.

Gaps in Remote Care Capabilities

Remote care has become essential for improving access to medical services. However, many systems lack the infrastructure needed to support telehealth effectively. This limits patient engagement and reduces convenience.

Advanced IT solutions for healthcare enable secure telemedicine platforms, remote monitoring tools, and seamless virtual consultations. These technologies expand access to care, especially for patients in underserved areas, while maintaining high standards of service delivery.

Hidden gaps in healthcare systems often go unnoticed until they disrupt operations or patient outcomes. Addressing these challenges requires a thoughtful approach that combines technology with strategic planning. Strong IT frameworks improve data access, enhance communication, and strengthen security across healthcare environments. They also streamline administrative tasks and support scalable growth. With the right systems in place, healthcare organizations can operate more efficiently and deliver better care. The result is a more connected, reliable, and future-ready healthcare experience for both providers and patients.