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Capital One: Series N Preferreds Look Attractive With A H2 2027/H1 2028 Horizon (Upgrade) (NYSE:COF.PR.N)

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Capital One office at 802 Delaware Ave., Wilmington, DE, USA

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I ventured into investing in high school in 2011, mainly in REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds, starting a fascination with markets and the economy that has not faded despite the years. More recently I have been combining long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts. I approach investing purely from a fundamental long-term point of view. On Seeking Alpha I mostly cover REITs and financials, with occasional articles on ETFs and other stocks driven by a macro trade idea.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. 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.

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Xanadu Quantum Stock Explodes 22% in Frenzied Session as Photonic Computing Hype Surges

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TORONTO — Xanadu Quantum Technologies shares rocketed more than 22% midday Wednesday, pushing past $28 as momentum in the nascent quantum computing sector continued to build on artificial intelligence breakthroughs and investor excitement over scalable photonic hardware.

Xanadu Quantum Stock Explodes 54% on Nvidia AI Models as
Xanadu Quantum Stock Explodes 22% in Frenzied Session as Photonic Computing Hype Surges

The stock, listed on NASDAQ under the ticker **XNDU**, traded at $28.06, up $5.16 or 22.53% by 12:47 p.m. EDT on April 22. Volume exceeded 4.3 million shares, far above the average, reflecting intense retail and institutional interest in one of the few pure-play quantum companies available to public markets.

The dramatic move caps a volatile but breathtaking run for Xanadu since its public debut. The Canadian company completed a business combination with SPAC Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp. on March 27, 2026, raising approximately $302 million and beginning trading on both Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange. What started as a modest post-listing pop has turned into a speculative frenzy, with shares surging hundreds of percent in recent weeks amid broader quantum sector tailwinds.

Analysts and traders pointed to Nvidia’s recent release of open-source “Ising” AI models — designed to accelerate error correction in quantum systems — as a key catalyst that reignited buying across quantum names. Xanadu, which specializes in photonic quantum computing, benefited disproportionately as investors bet on its unique approach using light-based qubits that promise greater scalability and room-temperature operation compared with superconducting alternatives.

“Photonic quantum is emerging as one of the most viable paths to fault-tolerant, utility-scale quantum computers,” said one technology analyst who initiated coverage with an Outperform rating on April 20. Several firms have highlighted Xanadu’s PennyLane open-source software platform, which has gained traction for quantum machine learning and hybrid quantum-classical workflows.

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Xanadu reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on April 9, detailing strong progress on its technology roadmap. The company announced 10 new strategic partnerships spanning hardware manufacturing, supply chain, R&D and commercial applications. It also highlighted ongoing negotiations for up to C$390 million in potential funding from the governments of Canada and Ontario to expand manufacturing and accelerate commercialization.

Founded in 2016 by CEO Christian Weedbrook, Xanadu has positioned itself as a leader in photonic quantum hardware and software. Its cloud-accessible systems and proprietary error-resistant photonic qubits aim to deliver practical quantum advantage for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and materials science to finance and logistics. The company also develops PennyLane, a widely used open-source library for quantum computing and application development.

The recent rally has been nothing short of explosive. Shares hit a 52-week high near $42.44 earlier in April, triggering multiple trading halts on the TSX as circuit breakers activated repeatedly. At one point, the stock soared more than 250% in a single week, briefly minting Weedbrook a paper billionaire before some profit-taking set in. Market capitalization has swung wildly but now hovers near $1 billion to $9 billion depending on intraday peaks, underscoring the speculative nature of early-stage quantum plays.

Unlike many quantum competitors focused on superconducting or trapped-ion qubits, Xanadu’s photonic approach uses silicon-based chips and light particles that can operate at room temperature and integrate more readily with existing semiconductor infrastructure. Executives have emphasized the technology’s potential for massive scalability, a critical requirement for solving problems beyond the reach of today’s noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices.

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In February 2026, Xanadu and Mitsubishi Chemical announced a breakthrough in quantum algorithms for simulating extreme ultraviolet lithography processes used in next-generation semiconductor manufacturing. The collaboration demonstrated how photonic quantum techniques could accelerate R&D for advanced chip production, a development that resonates with the AI hardware boom driving demand for ever-more powerful processors.

The company’s public listing marked a milestone as the first pure-play photonic quantum computing firm to trade on major exchanges. The SPAC deal valued the combined entity at roughly $3.1 billion at announcement and provided a robust cash position to fund R&D and fabrication expansion. Xanadu has also secured grants through Canada’s Quantum Champions Program and maintains partnerships with organizations including DARPA.

Despite the hype, quantum computing remains an emerging field with significant technical and commercial hurdles. No company has yet achieved large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of consistent commercial advantage. Xanadu’s path forward depends on continued progress toward utility-scale systems, successful qualification with enterprise customers and effective execution on its expanded manufacturing plans.

Wall Street has taken notice. Northland Securities initiated coverage with an Outperform rating in recent days, while other firms have highlighted the sector’s long-term potential even as near-term volatility remains elevated. Options activity has shown heightened interest, with traders betting on both continued upside and potential pullbacks after the parabolic moves.

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Xanadu’s 52-week range stretches from a low near $6.97 shortly after listing to the recent peak above $42, illustrating both the opportunity and risk inherent in frontier technology stocks. Year-to-date gains have exceeded 100% for many holders who bought near the debut, though sharp reversals have also occurred.

Company leadership expressed optimism in recent commentary. With a strengthened balance sheet and new board and executive additions, Xanadu aims to scale its quantum computers and deepen collaborations across hardware and applications. Gross proceeds from the listing, combined with anticipated government support, provide runway to push toward fault-tolerant architectures.

For investors, Xanadu represents a high-risk, high-reward bet on the quantum revolution. Proponents argue that photonic advantages — including easier networking of qubits and compatibility with fiber-optic infrastructure — could give the company an edge as the industry shifts from laboratory experiments to cloud-based commercial services.

Skeptics caution that memory of past quantum hype cycles and the capital-intensive nature of the technology warrant caution. Valuation multiples remain stretched, with traditional metrics such as price-to-earnings offering limited insight into a pre-revenue or early-commercialization business focused on long-term breakthroughs.

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As trading continued Wednesday, some market watchers speculated whether the latest surge reflected fresh sector momentum or simply momentum trading in a thin-float name. Broader technology indices showed mixed performance, but quantum-related stocks again outperformed on selective buying.

Xanadu has no immediate earnings report scheduled in the coming days, but investors will watch closely for any updates on partnership expansions, technical milestones or deployment of additional cloud quantum resources. The company’s PennyLane platform continues to see adoption in academic and industrial research, providing a software moat that complements its hardware ambitions.

From a Toronto startup backed by venture heavyweights including Bessemer Venture Partners, Tiger Global and OMERS to a publicly traded entity with billions in peak market value, Xanadu’s journey encapsulates the excitement surrounding quantum technologies. Its story blends Canadian innovation, government support and the global race to harness quantum mechanics for computing power that could reshape entire industries.

Whether this week’s gains prove sustainable or give way to consolidation, one theme remains clear: investor appetite for quantum computing plays has sharpened as artificial intelligence demands ever-greater computational resources. Photonic approaches like Xanadu’s are gaining attention as a potential bridge to practical, error-corrected quantum systems.

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As the broader tech sector grapples with AI infrastructure costs and the search for the “next big thing,” companies at the intersection of quantum and classical computing are drawing fresh capital and scrutiny. Xanadu, once a privately held pioneer, now finds itself at the center of that spotlight — writing a volatile but compelling chapter in the quantum computing narrative.

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Beyond Market Cap: A Nearly 19-Year Case For Dividend-Driven Emerging Markets

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Beyond Market Cap: A Nearly 19-Year Case For Dividend-Driven Emerging Markets

Three Dimensional Graph Of Volatile Data From Sticks And Spheres

peepo/E+ via Getty Images

By Christopher Gannatti, CFA

Nearly nineteen years is a long time in emerging markets. It spans both commodity price supercycles and commodity price collapses, the rise of China, the so-called ‘taper tantrum,’1 a pandemic

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L’Oreal’s quarterly sales up 6.7% on growth in US, emerging markets

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L’Oreal’s quarterly sales up 6.7% on growth in US, emerging markets


L’Oreal’s quarterly sales up 6.7% on growth in US, emerging markets

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Generac recalls portable generators sold at Costco over fire risk

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Generac recalls portable generators sold at Costco over fire risk

Generac Power Systems is recalling certain portable generators sold at Costco after identifying a defect that could cause gasoline to leak, posing a potential fire and burn hazard, according to a notice sent to customers.

The recall affects Generac GP9200E gas generators purchased between May 2025 and February 2026, Generac Power Systems said to Costco members. The affected serial numbers range from 3016786070 to 3016788388.

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The issue stems from the generator’s carburetor, which may leak fuel when the unit is first filled with gasoline, creating a risk of fire or explosion.

MACY’S RECALLS POPULAR KITCHEN ITEM OVER BURN RISK

generac home generator

A worker from Captain Electric makes final inspections on a newly installed 24-kilowatt Generac home generator. (George Frey/Getty Images)

Customers who have not yet filled the generator with fuel, or who experience any gasoline leakage, are being urged to stop using the product immediately. However, the notice states that generators that have already been used without any fuel leakage may continue to be operated.

generac gas generator

The recall affects Generac generators sold at Costco between May 2025 and February 2026, with customers eligible for repair or refund. (Generac Power Systems)

MORE THAN 30K WIRELESS POWER BANKS RECALLED AFTER REPORTS OF FIRE, EXPLOSIONS

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The recall applies only to units within the specified serial number range, and customers are advised to check their generator to determine whether it is included.

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
COST COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP. 1,004.15 -1.66 -0.17%

Owners of affected generators can arrange for a free repair through an authorized dealer or return the product to Costco for a full refund, according to the notice.

generac gas generator

Generac GP9200E portable generators are being recalled after a defect was found that could cause gasoline to leak, posing a fire hazard. (Generac Power Systems)

Generac is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of backup power equipment, with its products commonly used during outages caused by severe weather and grid disruptions.

OVER 1.1M POWER BANKS RECALLED AFTER REPORTS OF FIRES, EXPLOSIONS

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“The safety and safe use of our products is always our top priority,” told FOX Business in a statement. “We encourage consumers to stop using affected units and determine eligibility for a free repair. Consumers with generators that have previously been filled with enough gasoline to move the gauge off “E,” or have been used without any gasoline leakage, can continue use.”

Generac estimates that about 51,500 of the 149,400 affected generators were sold to consumers.

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FOX Business has reached out to Costco for further comment.

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Alger Focus Equity Fund Q1 2026 Commentary

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Alger Focus Equity Fund Q1 2026 Commentary

Fred Alger Management, LLC (“Alger”) is a privately held $27.4 billion growth equity investment manager. Alger is a pioneer of actively managed, growth equity investing. Their journey over the past six decades has been defined by navigating change, embracing disruption, and investing in innovation.​​ Note: This account is not managed or monitored by Fred Alger Management, and any messages sent via Seeking Alpha will not receive a response. For inquiries or communication, please use Fred Alger Management’s official channels.

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Moody’s affirms ratings of seven Thai banks, revises outlooks to stable after sovereign rating update

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Moody's affirms ratings of seven Thai banks, revises outlooks to stable after sovereign rating update

Moody’s Ratings affirms the ratings of seven Thai financial institutions and revises their outlooks to stable from negative, following the sovereign rating upgrade from negative to stable.

Singapore, April 22, 2026 — Moody’s Ratings (Moody’s) has today affirmed the ratings of seven Thai financial institutions and changed their outlooks to stable from negative. The seven Thai financial institutions are Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited (BBL), Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIMT), KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited (KBank), Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited (KTB), Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited (SCB), SCB X Public Company Limited (SCBX) and TMBThanachart Bank Public Company Limited (TTB).

The rating action follows the affirmation of Government of Thailand’s Baa1 rating and the change in outlook to stable from negative. The other Thai banks are not affected by this sovereign rating action.

Key Actions

  • Moody’s affirmed the ratings of seven Thai financial institutions: Bangkok Bank (BBL), Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIMT), KASIKORNBANK (KBank), Krung Thai Bank (KTB), Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), SCB X (SCBX), and TMBThanachart Bank (TTB).
  • Their outlooks were changed from negative to stable, following the sovereign rating action on Thailand.

Sovereign Context

  • Thailand’s Baa1 sovereign rating was affirmed, with outlook revised to stable.
  • Rationale: reduced downside risks from US tariffs, manageable risks from Middle East conflict, improving investment momentum, and political stability from a sizeable parliamentary majority.

Bank-Specific Highlights

  • BBL: Strong capital and liquidity; ratings aligned with sovereign.
  • EXIMT: Government-backed, benefits from rating uplift despite weak asset quality.
  • KBank: Solid capital and profitability; risks from household and SME debt.
  • KTB: Largest state-owned bank; strong capitalization and buffers.
  • SCB/SCBX: Good profitability; SCBX rated slightly lower due to structural subordination.
  • TTB: Strong capitalization; risks from household sector exposure.

Entity-Specific Guidelines

BBL

The affirmation of BBL’s Baa1 foreign-currency (FC) deposit rating, (P)Baa1 FC senior unsecured medium-term note (MTN) program rating and baa1 BCA reflects the bank’s solid capital and credit reserves, as well as its strong funding and liquidity. These credit strengths mitigate asset risks arising from Thailand’s slowing economic growth and the bank’s sizable exposure to market risks. BBL’s Baa1 FC deposit and (P)Baa1 FC senior unsecured MTN program ratings incorporate our assumption that the probability of support from the Government of Thailand will be very high in times of need, but they do not benefit from rating uplift because the bank’s baa1 BCA is already at the same level as the sovereign rating.

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EXIMT

The affirmation of EXIMT’s Baa1 FC issuer rating, (P)Baa1 FC senior unsecured MTN program rating and ba3 BCA reflects the bank’s adequate capitalization and large credit reserves relative to its problem loans which mitigate the risks from its weak asset quality and modest profitability. The BCA also considers the bank’s good access to funding because of its policy role and strong linkages to the government, balanced by its weak liquidity. EXIMT’s Baa1 ratings also incorporate our classification of the bank as a government-backed institution, based on its policy role and full ownership by the Government of Thailand. As a result, the bank’s Baa1 ratings benefit from five notches of uplift from its ba3 BCA.

KBank

The affirmation of KBank’s Baa1 local-currency (LC) and FC deposit ratings, (P)Baa1 FC senior unsecured MTN program rating and baa2 BCA reflects the bank’s solid capital, strong funding and good profitability, which offset asset risks arising from its exposure to the heavily indebted Thai households and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). KBank’s Baa1 deposit and (P)Baa1 senior unsecured MTN program ratings are one notch higher than the bank’s baa2 BCA, based on our assumption that the probability of support from the Government of Thailand will be very high in times of need.

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KTB

The affirmation of KTB’s Baa1 LC and FC deposit ratings, (P)Baa1 FC senior unsecured MTN program rating and baa3 BCA reflects its strong capitalization and loan loss buffers, which mitigate asset risks arising from Thailand’s slowing economic growth. The BCA also considers the bank’s stable liquidity and strong deposit franchise, underpinned by its status as the largest state-owned commercial bank in Thailand.  KTB’s Baa1 deposit ratings are two notches higher than the bank’s baa3 BCA, reflecting our assumption that the probability of support from the Government of Thailand will be very high in times of need.

SCB and SCBX

The affirmation of SCBX’s Baa2 LC and FC issuer ratings, as well as SCB’s Baa1 LC and FC deposit ratings, (P)Baa1 FC senior unsecured MTN program rating and baa2 BCA, reflects the group’s solid capital, strong funding and good profitability. These credit strengths mitigate asset risks arising from its exposure to the heavily indebted Thai households and SMEs, including the riskier loans at its consumer finance subsidiaries. SCB’s Baa1 deposit ratings and (P)Baa1 FC senior unsecured MTN program rating are one notch higher than the bank’s baa2 BCA, reflecting our assumption of a very high probability of support from the Government of Thailand in times of need. SCBX’s Baa2 issuer ratings are one notch lower than SCB’s Baa1 deposit ratings, reflecting structural subordination risk and a moderate probability of government support for the holding company.

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TTB

The affirmation of TTB’s Baa1 FC deposit rating, (P)Baa1 FC senior unsecured MTN program rating and baa3 BCA reflects the bank’s strong capitalization and loan loss buffers, which mitigate asset risks from its large exposure to the highly leveraged household sector in Thailand. The BCA also considers the bank’s good liquidity and stable deposit franchise which largely consists of stickier retail deposits. TTB’s Baa1 deposit rating is two notches higher than the bank’s baa3 BCA, reflecting our assumption that the probability of support from the Government of Thailand will be very high in times of need.

This rating action is based on a baseline scenario of a contained impact of the Middle East conflict on energy markets notwithstanding ongoing disruption to oil supply and limited damage to production or infrastructure.  Nevertheless, we recognize that the credit profiles may be susceptible to a more adverse scenario in the conflict, reflecting their activities in a sector exposed to the macro-financial conditions risk transmission channel, which could lead to a more consequential impact on creditworthiness.

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Actively managed ETFs surpass $1 trillion in US assets under management

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Citigroup says US ETF assets could hit $25T in assets by 2030

Investors are flocking to actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and recently pushed the amount of assets in the investment class above a notable milestone.

Actively managed ETFs surpassed $1 trillion in assets under management in the U.S., as investors look to find investment options that may outperform passive ETFs that track an index.

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“Active ETFs are exploding because investors want the best of both worlds, Wall Street strategy with Main Street pricing,” Ted Jenkin, managing partner for Exit Wealth Advisors, told FOX Business. “You’re getting flexibility to navigate volatile markets, potential tax efficiency, and in many cases a real shot at outperforming the index instead of just riding a mutual fund.”

The ETF market has grown across both actively and passively managed ETFs, but the two types have important distinctions.

COULD S&P 500 ETFS ALONE FUND YOUR ENTIRE RETIREMENT?

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Actively managed ETFs have surged in popularity in recent years, recently surpassing $1 trillion in U.S. assets under management. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

While passively managed ETFs are designed to track a benchmark such as the S&P 500, actively managed ETFs aim to outperform a given benchmark by having the portfolio manager adjust the investments within the ETF based on research or strategies they’re utilizing.

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“Both approaches serve an important role for retail investors – the difference comes down to intent,” Charles La Rosa, vice president and head of ETFs at Gabelli Funds, told FOX Business. 

“Active ETFs seek to provide thoughtful security selection, risk management and potentially differentiated outcomes, particularly during periods of volatility or in less efficient areas of the market,” La Rosa said.

US ETF ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT TO MORE THAN DOUBLE TO $25T BY 2030, CITIGROUP SAYS

Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Active ETFs aim to outperform a given benchmark by leveraging research and other strategies when adjusting portfolios for market conditions. (Adam Gray for Fox News Digital)

Fidelity Investments said that there are two types of actively managed ETFs that differ in how they disclose their holdings. 

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Traditional actively managed ETFs, as well as passive ETFs, disclose their holdings on a daily basis, whereas semi-transparent active ETFs disclose their holdings on a quarterly basis.

GOLDMAN SACHS COMPLETES INNOVATOR CAPITAL ACQUISITION, LIFTING ETF ASSETS TO $90B

People outside the New York Stock Exchange.

Passive ETFs still have far more assets under management than actively managed ETFs. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Research from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Economic and Risk Analysis noted that last year, as active ETFs surpassed the $900 billion level, passive ETFs had over $8 trillion in total net assets.

The SEC’s research also notes that active ETFs had higher expense ratios than their passive peers, with asset-weighted passive ETF having operating expenses at 0.12% of net assets versus 0.49% for active ETFs as of 2024. 

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Equal weighted ETFs in both categories had higher expenses, with passive ETFs at 0.45% and active ETFs at 0.70%.

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Could UK interest rates go up?

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Could UK interest rates go up?

The interest rate set by the Bank of England affects mortgage, loan and savings rates for millions.

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Tata Communications Q4 Results: Profit falls 75% YoY to Rs 259 crore; co declares Rs 17.5 dividend

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Tata Communications Q4 Results: Profit falls 75% YoY to Rs 259 crore; co declares Rs 17.5 dividend
Tata Communications reported a sharp decline in its March quarter profit, with net profit falling 75% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 259 crore, compared with Rs 1,040 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations, however, showed steady growth, rising 9% YoY to Rs 6,554 crore from Rs 5,990 crore earlier.

The steep decline in profit was largely due to a high base in the year-ago quarter, which had benefited from exceptional gains, including a one-time gain related to a subsidiary transaction. In contrast, the current quarter saw no such gains, leading to a normalization of earnings.

On a sequential basis, profit declined 29% from Rs 364 crore in the December quarter, indicating some pressure on operational performance as well. Profit before tax stood at Rs 434 crore, down from Rs 914 crore a year earlier.

Despite the profit decline, revenue growth remained healthy, driven by higher demand for network and transmission services. Total income for the quarter rose to Rs 6,597 crore, compared with Rs 6,059 crore in the year-ago period.

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Network and transmission expenses increased to Rs 3,081 crore, reflecting scale-up in operations, while employee benefit costs rose to Rs 1,240 crore. Other expenses declined on a YoY basis, helping partially offset cost pressures.


Operating profitability remained under pressure, with profit before exceptional items at Rs 414 crore compared to Rs 336 crore a year earlier, but lower than the December quarter. Higher operating costs, along with the absence of one-off gains, weighed on overall margins during the quarter.
For the full year FY26, Tata Communications reported revenue from operations of Rs 24,803 crore, up 7% YoY, while profit stood at Rs 997 crore compared with Rs 1,837 crore in FY25, again impacted by exceptional items in the previous year.The board has also recommended a final dividend of Rs 17.5 per share (175%) for FY26. The dividend will be paid after shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting.

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How resilient leaders help their teams thrive through change

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How resilient leaders help their teams thrive through change

Resilience is one of those words that gets used a lot in business. But when you strip it back, it’s not complicated. It simply means being able to keep moving forward when things don’t go to plan.

And if the last few years have shown us anything, it’s that plans rarely stay fixed for long. Markets shift, technology moves quickly and economic uncertainty can appear with very little warning.

For leaders, especially those running small and medium-sized businesses, the challenge isn’t avoiding change. It’s helping your team deal with it.

In my experience, resilient businesses are almost always led by resilient people.

Over the past 25 years working in fire safety and security at Chubb, I’ve seen plenty of organisations face disruption. Some adapt quickly and come out stronger. Others struggle because uncertainty unsettles the team and slows decision-making.

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More often than not, the difference comes down to leadership. Resilient leaders create an environment where people stay focused, tackle problems head-on and keep moving forward even when things feel uncertain.

Why leadership matters more than ever

There’s growing evidence that the quality of leadership has a direct impact on how well organisations cope with change.

The CIPD Good Work Index 2025 highlights how strongly supportive leadership and good line management influence employee engagement, motivation and wellbeing. The report shows that when people feel supported by their managers and trusted in their roles, they’re far more likely to stay motivated and perform well.

For SME leaders, that’s an important point.

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Resilience isn’t something that only large organisations with big HR departments can build. In fact, smaller businesses often have an advantage because leaders are closer to their teams and communication tends to be more direct.

That visibility means leaders have a real opportunity to shape how people respond when challenges arise.

Resilience is something you build

One of the biggest misconceptions about resilience is that it’s something you either have or you don’t. In reality, resilience is something that can be developed.

Teams become more resilient when they’re trusted to solve problems, encouraged to learn from mistakes and given the confidence to take ownership of challenges. For leaders, creating that environment starts with the way we react when things go wrong.

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It’s easy in business to look for someone to blame when a problem appears. But resilient organisations tend to take a different approach. Instead of focusing on who made the mistake, they focus on what can be learned and how the issue can be solved.

That shift in mindset builds confidence across the team. People feel safer speaking up, sharing ideas and taking responsibility.

Give people the space to step up

Another key part of building resilience is trust.

Strong leaders understand that people grow when they’re given the chance to think for themselves. When employees are empowered to make decisions and solve problems, they build confidence and adaptability. Over time, that confidence becomes one of the organisation’s biggest strengths.

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Transparency also plays a big role here.

Periods of change can easily create uncertainty. And when leaders stay quiet, people often assume the worst. Being open about challenges helps teams understand the bigger picture and encourages everyone to pull together.

It doesn’t mean having all the answers. It simply means being honest about the situation and focusing on what can be done next.

Leadership shouldn’t sit with one person

Another lesson I’ve learned over the years is that resilience doesn’t sit with one individual. The strongest organisations develop leadership across the whole business.

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Future leaders often appear in unexpected places, which is something I’ve discovered at Chubb through Building Great Leaders – a framework we’ve created to help our people develop their leadership competency, no matter what their role is. Someone who shows initiative, supports colleagues or steps up during a difficult project may well become a great leader with the right encouragement.

Businesses that invest time in developing people early tend to cope better when challenges arise. When people feel capable and trusted, they’re far more likely to step forward rather than step back. And that makes a huge difference when change inevitably comes along.

Culture sets the tone

In many ways, resilience spreads through culture. Teams take their cues from the behaviour of their leaders. If leaders remain calm, focus on solutions and encourage collaboration, those behaviours quickly become the norm.

But the opposite is also true. If leaders panic or avoid difficult conversations, that uncertainty spreads just as quickly.

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That’s why leadership development matters so much. It’s not simply about preparing someone for a management role. It’s about helping people develop the mindset and skills needed to navigate uncertainty.

Helping teams face whatever comes next

Change is part of business. Technology evolves, customer expectations shift and markets rarely stay still. Leaders can’t remove that uncertainty. What we can do is shape how our teams respond to it.

The most resilient organisations are the ones where people feel confident tackling problems, supporting one another and adapting when circumstances change. And that starts with leadership.

Because in the end, resilient leadership isn’t about having every answer. It’s about giving your team the confidence to face whatever comes next.

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Gary Moffatt

Gary Moffatt

Gary Moffatt is Managing Director at Chubb Fire & Security UK and Ireland, a leading provider of fire safety and security solutions. With a focus on connected technologies and 24/7 protection, Chubb helps organisations predict, prevent and respond to threats – safeguarding people, assets and property. Gary has spent more than 20 years with Chubb, progressing from one of the company’s first graduate scheme recruits to leading its UK operations. Drawing on extensive operational and commercial experience, he is a strong advocate for purpose-driven leadership and operational excellence. Gary is committed to delivering innovative, reliable solutions that protect people, enable business resilience and build lasting customer trust.

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