The board of the company has “approved, in principle”, a proposal to undertake a share buyback of up to Rs 120 crore, SIS said in a regulatory filing.

This will be “at a maximum price of Rs 478.50 per equity share, representing a 10 per cent premium to the closing price on June 25, 2026,” it added.

The company estimates that around 25 lakh shares could be bought back under the proposed programme, although the final number may vary depending on the buyback price and other factors.

The company said the proposed buyback, which is subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, will take the total capital returned by the company to shareholders through dividends and buybacks to around Rs 720 crore since its listing in August 2017.

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“SIS has returned capital to shareholders in every phase after going public – first through dividends, then through buybacks,” it said, adding that the company has so far returned about Rs 600 crore to shareholders through four completed buybacks worth around Rs 420 crore and dividends of about Rs 180 crore.
The proposed buyback would add a further Rs 120 crore to the payout, it added. “Across four completed buybacks (Rs 420 crore) and its dividends (Rs 180 crore), the company has returned an estimated Rs 600 crore to its shareholders; this proposed fifth programme commits up to a further Rs 120 crore, taking the cumulative total to approximately Rs 720 crore,” the company said in a statement.

SIS had undertaken buybacks of Rs 100 crore in FY21, Rs 80 crore in FY23, Rs 90 crore in FY24 and Rs 150 crore in FY26.

During FY26, the company also paid dividends amounting to Rs 98.86 crore, taking total shareholder returns for the fiscal to about Rs 249 crore.

Commenting on the proposal, Group Managing Director Rituraj Kishore Sinha said the company has bought back nearly 86 lakh shares since listing and will continue to evaluate opportunities to return surplus capital to shareholders.

“The proposed fifth buyback, like the four before it, is expected to be accretive to both earnings per share and return on capital,” he said.

The mode of buyback and detailed terms will be finalised after obtaining necessary approvals under applicable provisions of the Companies Act and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulations.

NEW YORK — Shares of International Business Machines Corp rose modestly Monday, reflecting steady investor interest in the technology services leader’s strategic shift toward artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud solutions and enterprise software amid a competitive digital transformation market.

The stock advanced about 1.7% to around $276.28 in morning trading, adding to recent performance as IBM continues executing on its multiyear transformation plan under CEO Arvind Krishna.

IBM has repositioned itself as a hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence company, leveraging its deep enterprise relationships and expertise in mission-critical systems. The company’s Watson artificial intelligence platform and Red Hat open-source software have become central to its growth strategy.

Recent quarterly results showed resilience in key segments despite macroeconomic pressures on information technology spending. IBM reported solid demand for its consulting services and software offerings, with artificial intelligence-related bookings gaining traction.

The company’s focus on industry-specific solutions has resonated with large enterprises seeking to integrate artificial intelligence into existing workflows. IBM’s approach emphasizes responsible artificial intelligence deployment with attention to governance, security and explainability.

Hybrid cloud infrastructure remains a cornerstone of IBM’s business, enabling clients to manage workloads across private and public environments. Partnerships with major cloud providers complement IBM’s own infrastructure offerings.

IBM’s acquisition of Red Hat has strengthened its position in open-source technologies, particularly Kubernetes container orchestration and Linux-based solutions. This has expanded its addressable market in modern application development.

Artificial intelligence integration across IBM’s portfolio includes tools for data management, automation and decision intelligence. The company has highlighted use cases in financial services, healthcare, supply chain and customer service.

Monday’s share movement lacked a singular catalyst, suggesting continuation of positive sentiment from recent operational updates and broader technology sector stability. IBM shares have shown relative resilience compared to more volatile growth names.

Analysts maintain generally constructive views on IBM, citing its recurring revenue base, strong free cash flow generation and strategic investments in high-growth areas. Some have noted potential for margin expansion as artificial intelligence and cloud contributions increase.

IBM’s consulting business provides implementation expertise for digital transformations, helping clients navigate complex technology landscapes. This services revenue stream offers stability while creating opportunities for software and infrastructure sales.

The company’s research division continues producing breakthroughs in quantum computing, semiconductors and artificial intelligence algorithms. These innovations support both internal development and potential commercialization.

Global operations expose IBM to various economic conditions and regulatory environments. The company has emphasized geographic diversification and adaptation to local market needs.

Cybersecurity remains a priority as enterprises face increasing threats. IBM’s security solutions integrate artificial intelligence for threat detection and response, addressing a critical enterprise pain point.

Sustainability initiatives include commitments to renewable energy for data centers and helping clients reduce their environmental footprint through technology. These efforts align with growing corporate environmental, social and governance expectations.

IBM’s dividend remains attractive to income-focused investors, with a history of consistent payouts reflecting financial discipline. The company balances shareholder returns with investments in future growth.

As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates, IBM positions itself as a trusted partner for enterprises wary of experimental approaches. Its emphasis on governance and integration with existing systems differentiates it from pure-play artificial intelligence vendors.

The hybrid cloud market continues expanding as organizations balance control, cost and scalability. IBM’s offerings aim to simplify multicloud management while ensuring security and compliance.

Monday’s trading occurred amid broader market movements in technology and industrial stocks. IBM’s performance reflects its mature business model compared to high-growth peers.

The company has streamlined operations through previous restructuring efforts, focusing resources on core strengths in artificial intelligence, cloud and consulting. This focus has improved efficiency metrics.

Industry analysts expect continued artificial intelligence investment across enterprises, creating opportunities for IBM’s software and services. Success depends on converting interest into large-scale deployments.

IBM’s Watsonx platform provides tools for building, deploying and governing artificial intelligence models. The company highlights its capabilities in data preparation, model training and risk management.

Partnerships with technology providers and industry leaders extend IBM’s reach. Collaborations help integrate its solutions into broader ecosystems that clients already utilize.

As IBM advances its strategy, investor attention centers on artificial intelligence revenue growth, cloud bookings and consulting margins. Consistent progress on these metrics supports valuation.

The technology services sector faces talent competition and pricing pressures, yet IBM’s scale and brand provide advantages in winning large contracts. Its focus on mission-critical systems enhances stickiness.

Monday’s gains contribute to IBM’s steady performance profile. The stock reflects a balance between growth opportunities in emerging technologies and stability from established businesses.

IBM’s century-plus history of adaptation in the technology industry underscores its resilience. Continued innovation while maintaining operational discipline positions it for sustained relevance.

The company’s role in enterprise digital transformation remains vital as organizations modernize legacy systems and adopt artificial intelligence. IBM’s expertise in both areas creates cross-selling opportunities.

As markets evaluate technology investments, IBM’s combination of growth initiatives and shareholder returns appeals to a broad investor base. Its trajectory will depend on successful execution in a dynamic competitive environment.

The Amulet Theatre in Shepton Mallet closed in 2011

A six-year dispute over proposals to convert a Somerset theatre into new homes has ended in defeat for the developer. The Amulet theatre in Shepton Mallet, which was built in 1975, has been the subject of repeated attempts to either reopen or repurpose the venue since it shut its doors in 2011.

Mr K. Newton submitted an application to Mendip District Council in July 2020 seeking permission to convert the building into seven flats, with a ground-floor retail unit intended to “offset the cost of maintaining the large property.”

Somerset Council (which succeeded the district council in April 2023) rejected the proposals in August 2025 – shortly following a series of pop-up summer performances organised by the ‘Buy the Amulet’ group, which is campaigning to restore the building to regular community use.

The Planning Inspector has now upheld the council’s ruling – leaving the door ajar for campaigners to intensify their efforts to acquire the building.

Planning inspector Verity Simpson conducted a site visit on May 12, subsequently publishing her decision on the Planning Inspectorate’s official website.

Ms Simpson observed that a portion of the theatre, including the main auditorium and stage, was currently operating as a commercial gym – though an application to formalise this arrangement had recently been turned down by the council.

She added: “There are no other performing arts or cultural venues within the town that are readily comparable with the Amulet.

“Moreover, it is clear that there is much local support for the building to be re-opened as a performance and community space.

“To this effect, a charitable community benefit society has been established; potential grant funding has been identified; and substantial funds have been raised from a community share offer, towards acquiring and refurbishing of the building.

“Whether or not the community benefit society are currently in a position to purchase the Amulet, the efforts of this organisation demonstrate the considerable local support and demand for the continued use of the appeal site as a theatre and community space.

“I cannot establish that there is not a financially viable demand for its use as a community facility.”

Ms Simpson said the redevelopment of the building could adversely affect the town’s conservation area, highlighting the “collective and individual significance” of multiple listed buildings in the vicinity.

She continued by explaining that the Amulet’s brutalist design enabled it to “sit comfortably” alongside the older structures surrounding it, pointing to its “relatively simple, unfussy and lowly adorned exterior”.

She added: “The scheme includes a two-storey extension that would address the historic Market Place.

“This highly glazed addition would be incongruous with the distinctive yet simple exterior detailing more typically found on the Amulet building, and it would thereby harmfully erode the distinctive character of this building.

“Moreover, its scale and forward projection, and the amount and form of the glazing within it, mean that this extension would be a visually prominent and incongruous addition within the Market Place.

“Such development would distract from and reduce the experiential authenticity of the historic market place and the listed buildings within and around it.

“I am not convinced that the proposed scheme is the most appropriate and least harmful way of securing the public benefits associated with the re-use of the building.”

Around £128,000 has been recently secured towards purchasing the building through a community share offer – which will function along similar lines to a comparable initiative in Frome being coordinated by Mayday Saxonvale.

Reacting to the inspector’s decision, a spokesperson for the group said: “Both Somerset Council and the planning inspector agreed that although Shepton Mallet does need more housing, there is a stronger need for community facilities and the Amulet still has the potential to be reopened.

“They both said that our campaign and the strong community support show there is significant local demand.

“We opposed the planning appeal because it would have meant the permanent loss of Shepton Mallet’s only large-scale performance venue.

“There are many other empty buildings which could be converted for residential use, but there are no other buildings with the potential of the Amulet; which could be easily reopened to provide us with much needed community space and to reinvigorate the town centre.”

The shares of the company sharply surged to Rs 209.49 apiece on NSE on Tuesday morning. The stock has now rebounded 95% after hitting a fresh record low of Rs 107.59 apiece in May this year.

Saksoft is a niche technology specialist which provides a comprehensive suite of business transformation, information management, application development, AI accelerators and testing services.

Here’s what Saksoft’s technical charts indicate

Saksoft witnessed a decisive breakout from a prolonged consolidation, three sessions ago and has rallied sharply, backed by a strong surge in volumes, said Sudeep Shah, Head of Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities. He highlighted that the RSI has also broken out of its sideways range and is currently at 83, indicating an overbought condition.

“Meanwhile, the rising MACD histogram and upward-sloping MACD line signal strong bullish momentum. The stock is trading comfortably above its key short and long-term moving averages, reinforcing the positive trend,” he added.

Also read: PFC-REC merger | Which stock should you buy before the mega demerger creates Rs 11 lakh cr power financing giant

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However, the analyst cautioned that after a sharp 42% rally in just three trading sessions, some profit booking cannot be ruled out. “Immediate support is placed at 170–165, which coincides with the 200-day EMA and the bullish bias remains intact as long as the stock trades above this zone,” according to Shah.

Saksoft Q4 snapshot

Saksoft in May reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 35.93 crore for the January-March quarter of FY26, marking a nearly 20% increase from the Rs 30.03 crore net profit reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.
The firm’s income from operations meanwhile rose to Rs 248.84 crore during Q4 FY26, while expenses fell to Rs 208.92 crore.

Saksoft share price

Saksoft shares have jumped 46% in one month and 6% in 2026 so far. The shares of the company have gained 4% in one year.
In the longer term, the stock dropped over 15% in three years but gained 359% in five years.
Also read: Motilal Oswal’s top 4 banking picks ahead of Q1 earnings season. Do you own any?

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

Among individual stocks, LTI Mindtree fell around 3%, while Wipro, Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) declined over 2% each. HCL Technologies slipped around 2%, while Mphasis, Tech Mahindra, Coforge and Persistent Systems traded with marginal losses.

Traders are now pricing in three US Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, with the CME FedWatch Tool indicating about a 64% probability of a September cut. Earlier this month, however, a hawkish tone from the Fed had fuelled expectations that rates could remain higher for longer, raising concerns over weaker discretionary spending and weighing on IT stocks.

The US Federal Reserve held interest rates unchanged after its June policy meet, but a higher number of policymakers expected a rate hike in borrowing costs later this year amid growing concerns about inflation lodged above the US central bank’s 2% target. In what was the first Fed FOMC meet under Chairman Kevin Warsh’s tenure, the American central bank acknowledged that inflation was “elevated relative to the Committee’s 2% goal”, which was attributed in part to “supply shocks that have driven price increase in certain sectors, including energy.”

Also read: Infosys, TCS, Wipro, other IT stocks fall after Fed’s hawkish tone. What’s ahead?

How Fed’s rate hikes impact IT stocks?

IT stocks derive a major portion of their revenue from the North American market. Rate hikes in US or inflation spikes in the country may impact discretionary spending in the country, which in turn can affect these companies.

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Notably, the IT stocks have seen sharp bouts of volatility this year so far. In the beginning of the year, new AI innovations spooked investors about the possibility of disruption in India’s much touted IT sector. The raging war in the Middle East further dampened sentiment on the overall market, with IT stocks being no exception, despite brief support from the falling rupee.
Recently, these stocks saw a new bout of selloff after Accenture’s softer outlook retriggered worries that enterprises remain cautious on discretionary spending related to IT consulting and digital transformation projects, even as investments in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity continue.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services company, will announce its results for the April-June quarter of FY27 on July 9, effectively kickstarting the Q1 earnings season for the IT pack. According to VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, the management commentary of the IT companies will be more important than the results themselves this season.

Also read: TCS to kickstart Q1 earnings on July 9, sets record date for potential dividend

(With inputs from agencies)

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

Plot 12, one of the last remaining development sites on Newcastle’s Quayside, has been put up for sale by Homes England. The two-acre site near the mouth of the Ouseburn is being marketed by Knight Frank, with bids invited by September 18.

One of the final major development plots on Newcastle’s Quayside has been placed on the market. Plot 12, a vacant site near the mouth of the Ouseburn, is being marketed by Homes England.

A succession of proposed schemes for the site have been put forward over the past two decades without coming to fruition. Numerous proposals have faced opposition from local campaigners seeking to preserve views of the Tyne from City Road and the historic St Ann’s Church.

The site’s steep gradient has also presented challenges for potential developments, although property agents marketing the plot suggest it is “suitable for a range of uses including high-quality residential, mixed-use development and boutique commercial or hospitality accommodation”. The surrounding area has undergone steady transformation over the past three decades, with hotels, apartments, offices and other structures erected along the waterfront.

Plot 12 spans approximately two acres and could serve as a “gateway development to the Ouseburn”, according to its selling agents. A brochure for the site acknowledges how earlier proposals have been rejected and describes a “rare opportunity to bring forward a carefully considered scheme that aligns with planning policy and the site’s exceptional character.”

The asking price for the site has not been disclosed, with interested parties directed to obtain this information from selling agents Knight Frank. Offers for the site are being sought by September 18, reports Chronicle Live.

Patrick Matheson, partner at property agents Knight Frank, said: “Opportunities of this scale and prominence on Newcastle Quayside are exceptionally rare. The combination of an outstanding waterfront location, excellent connectivity and development flexibility makes Plot 12 one of the North East’s most significant land opportunities currently available.

“The site sits at the meeting point of the established Quayside and the thriving Ouseburn district – both of which continue to experience strong demand from residents, visitors and businesses. We expect significant interest from developers looking to deliver a best-in-class scheme that complements the ongoing regeneration of this part of the city.”

Proposals for the site have been submitted in 2016, 2021 and 2024, though none have materialised. In response to one of those proposed developments, conservation group the Northumberland and Newcastle Society advocated for an “elevated public square with lower level development carried down the slope below” to safeguard views of the Tyne.

Following substantial development around the Millennium Bridge area on the Quayside during the 1990s, remaining riverside plots have been keenly pursued by developers. Multiple proposals have been tabled for the nearby Malmo Quay, while the vacant Spillers Wharf site has also attracted various schemes, including the Whey Aye Wheel.

The emergence of the neighbouring Ouseburn area as one of the most sought-after districts in the country has further fuelled demand for housing. Earlier this month, the city council’s planning committee gave the green light for 57 flats to be constructed on Lime Street, following a protracted planning dispute.