Instan tip

The fortnight’s burning question.
Are the third-quarter results a source of concern for India Inc.?

No. Subir Gokarn,
Chief Economist, Standard & Poor’s Asia Pacific The third-quarter results are consistent with macroeconomic conditions. The sectoral patterns seem to conform to the patterns we have observed in the macroeconomic indicators. In this sense, they probably have come more as a relief than a concern. This is not to understate the impact on employees, the supply chain and other stakeholders, who should be prepared for tough times.

Yes. Abheek Barua,
Chief Economist, HDFC Bank The third-quarter results are a mixed bag. Although there have been no major shocks, the quarter certainly marks the beginning of more disappointing numbers in times to come.

Yes. Hitesh Agrawal, Head
(Research), Angel Broking After many years, India Inc. has posted a decline in net profit for the quarter. While some of this could be attributed to the high base effect of last year, the fact that there has been a slowdown in demand and there is pressure on operating margins is a reality, too. Economic stability is necessary for the confidence to return.

—Compiled by Manu Kaushik