Renewable energy player KPI Green Energy on Wednesday reported a net profit of Rs 155 crore in the fourth quarter of FY26, marking a jump of 46% from Rs 104 crore posted in the year-ago period.

The company’s revenue from operations came in at Rs 810 crore, an impressive 40% increase from Rs 578 crore recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.

The sharp gain in revenue was driven by strong execution momentum across renewable energy projects and higher contributions from key business verticals.

EBITDA rose to Rs 305 crore in Q4 FY25–26, marking an 80% increase from Rs 169 crore in the same period last year. This came on the back of a larger scale of operations, improved operating leverage and disciplined cost management.

Profit before tax (PBT) stood at Rs 214 crore, up 54% year-on-year from Rs 139 crore. The increase was largely supported by stronger project execution, a better revenue mix and improved operational efficiencies.

The company’s EBITDA margin improved to 36.6% from 28.3% year-on-year.
For the full year, total revenue came in at Rs 2,742 crore, marking a 56% increase from Rs 1,755 crore in FY24–25. KPI’s profit after tax (PAT) rose to Rs 509 crore, up 57% from Rs 325 crore, the company said in a regulatory filing.Alongside earnings, the company has recommended a final dividend of Re 0.25 per equity share and a special dividend of Re 0.15 per share following the successful energisation of its 1 GW IPP project. This takes the total dividend to Re 0.40 per equity share of face value Rs 5 each for FY25–26, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

KPI management said: The year marked important progress in the Company’s transition towards an asset-backed renewable energy platform, with strengthened long-term revenue visibility from contracted IPP projects, continued order wins from marquee customers, successful project energisation, financial closure of new projects and entry into utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems.

Investors cheered the Q4 results as KPI Green shares rallied 10% to an intraday high of Rs 501 on the BSE on Wenesday.

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

NEW YORK — Persistent online speculation about a possible divorce between Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds has surged in recent weeks, fueled by the actress’s high-profile legal dispute with Justin Baldoni, yet sources close to the couple insist their marriage remains strong and the rumors are unfounded.

As of early May 2026, no divorce filings have appeared in court records, and the Hollywood power couple continues to present a united front through public support, joint appearances and dismissive responses to split chatter. The rumors gained traction after Lively’s lawsuit against her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director, which has drawn intense media scrutiny and personal attacks on the family.

Ryan Reynolds has directly addressed the speculation, publicly praising his wife’s strength and integrity during the legal battle. In a recent interview, the “Deadpool” star distanced himself from divorce talk and expressed admiration for how Lively is handling the situation, calling her “resilient” and emphasizing their solid partnership.

Origins of the Rumors

The chatter intensified after Lively attended certain events without Reynolds and amid reports of strain from the Baldoni lawsuit. Online forums and social media amplified unverified claims, with some suggesting the legal stress was taking a toll on their 12-year marriage. Tabloid headlines and TikTok videos speculated about everything from separate living arrangements to hidden tensions, often linking it to Lively’s public image challenges.

However, multiple insiders and recent sightings tell a different story. The couple was spotted together at a Wales football match in March 2026 showing affectionate moments, and Reynolds has repeatedly voiced support for his wife amid her professional battles. Blake Lively herself responded lightheartedly to a fan comment about the rumors on Instagram, writing “Haha they wish,” signaling the couple is unbothered by the noise.

Current State of the Marriage

Sources close to the family describe Lively and Reynolds as committed partners who prioritize their four children and shared life despite external pressures. The couple, who married in 2012 and are known for their playful public banter, has faced scrutiny before but consistently emerged stronger. Reynolds’ recent comments dismissing divorce talk align with this pattern of unity.

Friends say the Baldoni lawsuit has been stressful but has also brought the couple closer as they navigate the challenges together. No credible reports indicate separation or impending filings, and both continue to appear supportive in public and private.

Legal Battle Context

The divorce rumors are largely tied to Lively’s ongoing dispute with Justin Baldoni over “It Ends With Us.” The high-profile case, which involved allegations of harassment and a toxic work environment, recently saw some claims dismissed while others moved forward. The intense media coverage and personal attacks have spilled over into speculation about Lively’s personal life.

Reynolds has been vocal in his support, and the couple attended high-profile events like the 2026 Met Gala together, further countering split narratives. Insiders note that the rumors appear manufactured for clicks rather than rooted in reality.

Public and Industry Reaction

Social media remains divided, with some users fueling speculation while others defend the couple as one of Hollywood’s more stable pairings. Celebrity watchers note that Lively and Reynolds have long been targets for rumor mills due to their high visibility and successful careers.

Industry sources emphasize that both stars maintain busy schedules — Reynolds with film projects and his ownership stakes, Lively with her own ventures and family life — but prioritize time together. Their four children remain central to their decisions.

Looking Ahead

As the Baldoni case continues and summer approaches, observers expect the couple to maintain a relatively low profile while focusing on family. Reynolds has upcoming projects, including potential “Deadpool” developments, while Lively balances professional commitments with motherhood.

For now, the divorce rumors appear to be just that — rumors. The couple’s history of weathering storms together, combined with recent public affirmations, suggests their marriage is intact despite the noise. Hollywood relationships often face intense scrutiny, but Lively and Reynolds continue demonstrating resilience and unity.

Fans and followers are advised to approach unverified claims with skepticism and await any official statements from representatives. As of May 2026, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds remain married and appear committed to their life together, turning the latest rumor cycle into another chapter in their enduring partnership.

The situation remains fluid as public interest stays high, but current evidence points to a strong marriage weathering temporary storms rather than heading toward dissolution.

A lawyer for Spirit Airlines said Tuesday that the surge in jet fuel prices left the company with “no remaining way out” of bankruptcy and caused it to cease operations last weekend, while it seeks permission to sell assets on an ongoing basis and pay bonuses to remaining employees.

Marshall Huebner, a lawyer representing the airline, said at a bankruptcy court hearing that Spirit learned last Thursday that a proposed $500 million bailout from the Trump administration wouldn’t proceed due to the objections of some of the airline’s creditors.

Huebner apologized to customers and the American public on behalf of the airline and said that Spirit continued to operate on Friday, transporting 50,000 passengers, as it sought to wind down operations before making the news public.

Earlier this year, Spirit announced a plan to exit its second bankruptcy, but the plan’s assumptions about the costs the airline would face were upended by the outbreak of the Iran war, which sent oil prices surging and ultimately pushed jet fuel prices beyond what it could manage.

SPIRIT AIRLINES SHUTS DOWN IMMEDIATELY, STRANDING TRAVELERS: HERE’S HOW TO GET YOUR MONEY BACK

Spirit had been struggling to turn a profit before the fuel shock and has faced $100 million in fuel costs since March 1. Huebner noted that Spirit faced many hundreds of millions of dollars in high fuel costs over the rest of the year if it were to continue to operate.

The company is seeking approval from the court to pay $10.7 million in retention bonuses to employees who remain with Spirit while it winds down its operations.

The bonuses average $76,000 per participant and the request would see the top three executives paid more, though that amount was undisclosed. The U.S. Trustee, which is the Justice Department’s bankruptcy watchdog, raised concerns about the bonuses.

SPIRIT AIRLINES TO CEASE OPERATIONS AFTER FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BAILOUT FAILS TO MATERIALIZE

Spirit also raised concerns that it doesn’t have the funds to conduct an organized auction of its aircraft, engines and other equipment – so it’s seeking court permission to conduct fast sales or to abandon the equipment to allow the lenders to repossess.

The airline ceased operations on Saturday, canceling all flights as it began winding down operations “effective immediately.”

BUDGET AIRLINES SEEK FEDERAL AID AS SPIRIT SHUTS DOWN AFTER FAILED RESCUE

The company said that customers who booked flights directly with Spirit with their credit or debit card would automatically be refunded to their original form of payment. 

Most of those refunds were processed as of Saturday evening, though some may take additional time to process and appear in customer’s accounts.

Travelers who bought tickets through third-party vendors, such as travel agencies, will need to reach out to those providers to request refunds, according to the airline.

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Passengers who used vouchers, travel credits or loyalty points to book face more uncertainty, as those claims will be handled through Spirit’s bankruptcy process, with more details on the airline’s restructuring website.

FOX Business’ Sophia Compton and Reuters contributed to this report.

The shares of Punjab National Bank (PNB) jumped nearly 4% on Wednesday after the lender reported a 14% rise in net profit to Rs 5,225 crore for the fourth quarter of FY26 from Rs 4,567 crore in the same period last year, with brokerages maintaining their ‘Buy’ ratings but revising the target prices.

The PSU bank released its results on Tuesday. Its net interest income (NII) declined nearly 4% to Rs 10,380 crore in the January-March quarter of the financial year 2026, from Rs 10,757 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.

Asset quality improved sequentially, with gross NPA ratio reducing to 2.95% in Q4 FY26 from 3.19% in Q3 FY26. Meanwhile, the Net NPA ratio reduced to 0.29% in the quarter under review, from 0.32% in the previous quarter.

Along with the Q4 results, PNB announced a dividend of Rs 3 per equity share, equivalent to 150% of the face value of Rs 2 each.

Jefferies on PNB

Jefferies maintained its ‘Buy’ rating for the shares of PNB, but reduced its target price to Rs 130 apiece from Rs 134 apiece. The latest target price implies an upside potential of more than 20% from the stock’s previous closing price of Rs 107.89 apiece on NSE.
The international brokerage said that the company’s profit beat expectation, as reversal of retirement benefits and write-back of provisions compensated for weaker NII. It highlighted that the bank’s loan growth was led by overseas and MSME segment. Corporate growth was broadly inline while retail was softer.
Jefferies said that the NII disappointed for another quarter with NIM contracting 5bps QoQ and 34bps YoY due to the impact of the repo rate cut and limited easing in deposit costs. Deposit growth remained stable at 9% YoY and with an LDR ratio of 72%, bank can continue to grow loans faster than deposits, the brokerage said. “Even as management expects a gradual NIM recovery, supported by a higher share of RAM loans, improved CASA mix, and lower incremental deposit costs, we see risks to guidance due to lower exit rate of margins,” it added.
It highlighted that bank benefited from the release of standard asset provisions of Rs 7 billion, following changes in the RBI’s large borrower framework. “We tweak earnings as we factor in lower margins, offset by lower opex & provisions. We expect the bank to deliver 12% Cagr in loans over FY26-29, credit costs of 0.4% and see the bank delivering ROA of 0.8% in FY27,” Jefferies said.

Motilal Oswal on PNB

Motilal Oswal Financial Services maintained its ‘Buy’ rating for PNB shares but reduced its target price to Rs 135 apiece. The latest target price implies an upside potential of more than 25% from the stock’s previous closing price.

“PNB reported a mixed quarter, with earnings beat led by controlled provisions and opex, while margins declined by 5bp QoQ. Provisions came in lower, aided by a reversal of standard provisions, while opex was lower due to a reversal in AS-15-related expenses. Business growth remained modest, and management guided for loan growth of ~12-13% in FY27. Asset quality trends were healthy, although slippages saw a marginal uptick on account of seasonality,” it said.

Elara Capital on PNB

Elara Capital held an ‘Accumulate’ call on the shares of PNB and cut its target price to Rs 125 apiece, implying an upside potential of around 16% from the stock’s previous closing price. PNB delivered softer Q4 FY26, and the overall trends have been volatile, the brokerage said.

“The investment argument thus relies on recovery potential than on core delivery, which we still believe has some catch -up to do. Following higher-than- expected NIM pressure, we prune our EPS by 2-3% for FY27E,” it added.

Emkay on PNB

Emkay retained its ‘Buy’ call on PNB shares but reduced its target price to Rs 135 apiece. “Considering moderate growth, margins, and pressure on treasury, we trim our earnings estimate by 5-7% and cut our target price to Rs 135 (based on 0.9x FY28E ABV + subs/investment value at Rs 10/share),” the brokerage said.

It cited the stock’s cheap valuations for the ‘Buy’ call.

PNB share price

PNB shares jumped nearly 4% to trade at Rs 111.74 apiece on NSE on Wednesday morning. After the release of the results on Tuesday, the stock closed nearly 1% lower. The shares of the company have fallen around 1% in one week but gained 3% in one month. The stock jumped 16% in one year.

From the lens of a longer term, the shares of Punjab National Bank have surged 109% in three years and more than 200% in five years.

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

Digital platforms have fundamentally reshaped the car rental and car sharing industry, replacing traditional, manual processes with seamless, app-driven experiences.

Today’s customers expect instant booking, transparent pricing, and flexible access to vehicles, all managed through centralized systems. As a result, businesses are increasingly adopting advanced car rental software to streamline operations, manage fleets in real time, and deliver consistent, user-friendly services across multiple channels.

Artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in this transformation, enhancing both efficiency and profitability. AI-powered tools enable dynamic pricing, demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, and personalized customer interactions. According to industry forecasts, the global car rental market is expected to exceed $140 billion by 2027, with a significant share driven by digital platforms and AI-enabled services. Similarly, car sharing is projected to grow rapidly, supported by urbanization and increasing demand for flexible mobility solutions.

This shift marks a clear transition from manual, reactive operations to proactive, data-driven decision-making. Companies that leverage real-time data and AI insights can optimize fleet utilization, reduce downtime, and improve customer satisfaction. In an increasingly competitive market, the ability to turn data into actionable intelligence is becoming a key differentiator for both car rental and car sharing providers.

Smarter Pricing and Demand Forecasting

As car sharing platforms scale, pricing and demand management become critical to maintaining profitability and competitiveness. Traditional static pricing models are no longer sufficient in a market where demand fluctuates by location, time, and user behavior. Modern platforms rely on intelligent, data-driven approaches to continuously optimize pricing and fleet utilization.

AI-Powered Dynamic Pricing

Advanced algorithms analyze multiple variables in real time to adjust pricing dynamically:

• Demand levels in specific locations or zones
• Time of day, day of week, and seasonal trends
• User behavior, booking patterns, and trip duration
• External factors such as events, weather, or traffic conditions

This allows operators to maximize revenue during peak demand while remaining attractive to users during off-peak periods.

Predictive Analytics for Demand Planning

Predictive models use historical and real-time data to forecast demand and optimize fleet distribution:

• Anticipating high-demand areas and repositioning vehicles accordingly
• Planning fleet expansion or reduction based on usage trends
• Identifying underperforming locations or time slots

With accurate forecasting, operators can ensure vehicles are available where and when users need them most.

Reducing Idle Vehicles and Increasing Revenue

One of the biggest challenges in car sharing is minimizing idle time. Smarter pricing and forecasting help:

• Increase vehicle utilization rates
• Reduce unnecessary fleet downtime
• Balance supply and demand more effectively

As a result, operators can generate more revenue from the same number of vehicles while lowering operational inefficiencies.

Real-Time Market Adaptation

In highly competitive urban markets, the ability to react instantly is essential. Real-time pricing adjustments enable platforms to:

• Stay competitive with alternative mobility providers
• Respond to sudden demand spikes or drops
• Launch targeted promotions or discounts when needed

By combining AI-driven pricing with predictive demand forecasting, car sharing platforms can create a responsive, efficient, and revenue-optimized ecosystem that adapts continuously to market conditions and user needs.

Enhanced Customer Experience Through Personalization

Personalization has become a key differentiator in modern car sharing platforms, where users expect fast, relevant, and intuitive interactions at every step of their journey. By leveraging data and advanced technologies, providers can tailor services to individual preferences, increasing customer satisfaction, loyalty, and overall platform engagement.

AI-Driven Recommendations

Artificial intelligence enables platforms to analyze user behavior and suggest the most relevant options in real time:

• Recommended vehicles based on past trips, location, and usage patterns
• Add-ons such as insurance packages, child seats, or extended rental time
• Customized rental packages aligned with user habits (e.g., daily commuters vs. occasional users)

These recommendations simplify decision-making and create a more intuitive booking experience.

Personalized Offers and Pricing

By analyzing historical data and preferences, platforms can deliver targeted offers that resonate with individual users:

• Discounts for frequently used routes or locations
• Loyalty rewards and personalized promotions
• Dynamic pricing incentives based on user engagement and demand patterns

This level of personalization increases conversion rates and encourages repeat usage.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide instant, 24/7 support, improving responsiveness and reducing operational workload:

• Assisting with bookings, modifications, and cancellations
• Answering common questions in real time
• Guiding users through the rental process step by step

This ensures a smooth experience without delays, especially during peak usage times.

Faster Onboarding and Verification

Automation significantly reduces friction during user registration and onboarding:

• Digital identity verification using document scanning and facial recognition
• Automated risk assessment to approve or flag users quickly
• Seamless account setup with minimal manual input

Faster onboarding allows users to start using the service almost instantly, improving first impressions and reducing drop-off rates.

By combining AI-driven personalization, automated support, and streamlined onboarding, car sharing platforms can deliver a highly tailored and efficient user experience. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also drives long-term retention and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving mobility market.

Operational Efficiency and Fleet Optimization

Efficient operations and optimized fleet management are at the core of successful car sharing platforms. As fleets grow and user demand becomes more dynamic, operators must rely on data-driven strategies and automation to ensure vehicles are available, functional, and profitable at all times. Advanced technologies make it possible to balance supply and demand, reduce operational costs, and maintain high service reliability.

Intelligent Fleet Distribution

Modern platforms use predictive models to position vehicles where demand is expected to be highest:

• Analysis of historical usage patterns and real-time demand signals
• Dynamic relocation of vehicles across zones or cities
• Optimization of station-based and free-floating fleet models

This ensures higher availability for users while minimizing underutilized assets.

Predictive Maintenance

Instead of reacting to breakdowns, operators can anticipate issues before they occur:

• Monitoring vehicle health through telematics and IoT sensors
• Scheduling maintenance based on usage, mileage, and performance data
• Reducing unexpected downtime and extending vehicle lifespan

Predictive maintenance lowers repair costs and improves overall fleet reliability.

Automation of Core Operations

Automation streamlines repetitive tasks and reduces manual workload:

• Instant reservations and confirmations through mobile apps
• Automated check-in and check-out processes with keyless access
• Seamless billing, invoicing, and trip tracking

This improves operational speed and allows teams to focus on higher-value activities.

Fraud Detection and Security Monitoring

AI models enhance platform security and protect both operators and users:

• Detection of suspicious booking patterns or unusual behavior
• Real-time monitoring of vehicle usage and location
• Automated alerts and risk scoring to prevent fraud or misuse

By combining intelligent distribution, predictive maintenance, automation, and AI-driven security, car sharing platforms can achieve high operational efficiency and optimal fleet utilization. These capabilities enable scalable growth, cost control, and a reliable user experience in increasingly competitive mobility markets.

Integrations, Data, and Scalable Platforms

As car sharing platforms evolve, their ability to integrate systems, manage data effectively, and scale infrastructure becomes a key factor in long-term success. Modern mobility solutions are no longer standalone applications—they are complex ecosystems that rely on seamless connectivity between multiple technologies and data sources.

System Integrations as a Foundation

Integrating AI with existing systems is essential for creating a unified and efficient platform:

• Connection with CRS and reservation systems for real-time booking management
• Integration with ERP systems for financials, billing, and reporting
• Telematics integration for vehicle tracking, diagnostics, and remote control
• Payment gateway integration for secure, instant transactions

Strong integrations ensure smooth data exchange across all components, eliminating manual processes and enabling automation at scale.

Centralized Data Platforms

A centralized data layer allows platforms to collect, process, and analyze information from all connected systems:

• Real-time insights into fleet performance, user behavior, and revenue streams
• Unified dashboards for operational monitoring and decision-making
• Data consistency across departments and touchpoints

This centralized approach transforms raw data into actionable intelligence, supporting faster and more informed business decisions.

Cloud Infrastructure for Scalability

Cloud-based architecture plays a crucial role in supporting AI-driven platforms:

• Elastic scalability to handle growing user bases and fleet sizes
• High availability and performance across multiple regions
• Faster deployment of new features and updates
• Cost efficiency through on-demand resource usage

Cloud infrastructure ensures that platforms can expand without performance limitations while maintaining reliability and speed.

Technology Expertise and Implementation

Building such interconnected and scalable systems requires deep technical expertise. Companies like COAX Software have experience in developing AI-ready car rental and mobility platforms with advanced integrations, centralized data architectures, and scalable cloud solutions. Their approach focuses on creating flexible ecosystems that support real-time operations, automation, and long-term growth.

By combining strong integrations, centralized data management, and scalable cloud infrastructure, car sharing platforms can unlock the full potential of AI and automation. This creates a resilient, future-ready ecosystem capable of adapting to market demands and delivering a seamless user experience at scale.

Driving the Future with Intelligent Mobility

AI has moved from being an optional enhancement to a core component of modern car rental and car sharing platforms. From pricing and demand forecasting to personalization and fleet optimization, intelligent technologies now power every critical aspect of operations. Platforms that fail to adopt AI risk falling behind in a market where speed, accuracy, and user experience are key competitive factors.

Businesses that embrace AI gain clear advantages in revenue optimization, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Automated processes reduce costs and errors, while data-driven insights enable faster, smarter decision-making. At the same time, personalized experiences and seamless interactions help build stronger user loyalty and long-term engagement.

Looking ahead, the shift toward fully automated, data-driven ecosystems will define the next generation of mobility services. As AI, cloud infrastructure, and real-time data integration continue to evolve, car sharing platforms will become more adaptive, scalable, and efficient—reshaping how people access and experience transportation.