Zomato and IRCTC Alliance: Stocks Climb to a 52-Week High

Zomato and IRCTC Alliance: Stocks Climb to a 52-Week High

By Author

Published on October 21, 2023

In a significant business move, Zomato, the renowned food tech giant, has entered into a collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), setting off a positive rally in its stock prices. This partnership marks Zomato’s venture into the expansive world of Indian railways, offering pre-ordered meal supply and delivery to passengers.

A Strategic Alliance

Initially, the project is set to roll out as a pilot at five major railway stations - New Delhi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Varanasi. Travellers can now easily book their meals via IRCTC’s e-catering portal, adding a layer of convenience and expanding food options during their journeys.

This collaboration allows Zomato to broaden its service spectrum, reaching out to the vast number of railway passengers across the country. On the other hand, IRCTC benefits by diversifying the food choices available to passengers, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Stock Market Response

The announcement of this partnership resonated positively in the stock market, with Zomato's share prices soaring to a 52-week high of INR 115. The shares settled at INR 113.90 during Tuesday's session and opened at INR 114.25 on Wednesday, showcasing the investors' positive sentiment towards this strategic alliance.

A Win-Win Situation

This partnership is expected to be a game changer. For Zomato, it’s an opportunity to tap into a new customer base, bringing their quality service to train passengers. For IRCTC, it ensures passengers have access to a variety of quality meals, enhancing their travel experience.

Zomato's entrance into the railway catering sector, combined with the company’s recent profitability, has instilled confidence among investors, reflecting in the surge of its stock prices. As the company navigates through the challenges of maintaining profitability amidst varying macroeconomic factors, collaborations like these play a pivotal role in sustaining growth.

Moving Forward

As both entities step into this promising journey, passengers can look forward to an enriched travel experience, marked by a variety of delectable meal options at their fingertips. The ease of accessing and enjoying a diverse range of culinary delights promises to redefine train journeys in India.

In the world of stocks, investors are keeping a close eye on Zomato, as strategic moves like these can significantly influence the company’s stock performance in the coming days. It underscores the dynamic nature of the market, where collaborations can not only expand business horizons but also create ripples in stock market trends.


Royal Caribbean Group raises dividend by 33% to $1 per share

Royal Caribbean Group raises dividend by 33% to $1 per share

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 14, 2025

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has announced a significant increase in its shareholder returns, declaring a 33% hike in its quarterly dividend. The company’s Board of Directors approved a dividend of $1.00 per common share, payable on October 13, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 25, 2025.

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said the move underscores the company’s confidence in its performance and long-term growth strategy. “Today’s dividend increase reflects both the strength of our performance and our commitment to return capital to shareholders. This increase in dividend, along with our ongoing share repurchase program, highlights our balanced approach to capital allocation, returning value to shareholders while funding future growth,” Liberty stated.

Royal Caribbean Group is a global leader in the vacation industry, operating a fleet of 68 ships across five brands that serve millions of guests annually. Its portfolio includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, as well as land-based experiences such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club collection. The company also holds a 50% joint venture in TUI Cruises, which manages brands like Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

With a reputation for innovation and guest-focused experiences, Royal Caribbean Group continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.


Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2025

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) announced its financial results for Q1 FY26, recording a net profit of Rs 13 crore. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 154 crore, a 14% increase year-on-year, while operating EBITDA grew 16% YoY to Rs 45 crore. The company maintained an industry-leading occupancy of 92%, reaffirming its leadership in the hospitality sector.

ASPHL’s growth is fueled by expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. The company recently signed an MoU to acquire and manage four leisure properties in Goa, Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala, adding 138 rooms under its brand. These steps align with ASPHL’s strategy to broaden its presence in high-potential tourism destinations and double its key count to 5,750 over the next five years.

Flurys, ASPHL’s iconic bakery and confectionery brand, now operates 102 outlets nationwide, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding its market presence while integrating modern amenities with rich cultural heritage.

Commenting on the performance, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, said,

"We have delivered an extraordinary and best-ever Q1, setting a strong momentum for the year ahead. With topline growth of 14% and EBITDA growth of 16%, we recorded India’s highest occupancy of 92% and maintained leadership in RevPAR in the upper-upscale segment. ARR improved by 13% and RevPAR increased by 12%. With nearly 600 new rooms added, including a 41% rise in our asset-light model, and nationwide Flurys rollout, we are poised to scale faster, enhance margins, and deliver exceptional shareholder value."

ASPHL’s strong performance in Q1 FY26 underscores its strategic focus on market expansion, operational excellence, and premium guest experiences.


Marriott Announces Dividend and Expands Share Buyback Plan

Marriott Announces Dividend and Expands Share Buyback Plan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

Marriott International, Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 67 cents per share on its common stock, reaffirming its commitment to delivering shareholder value. The dividend will be paid on September 30, 2025, to shareholders who are on record as of August 21, 2025.

Alongside the dividend announcement, the hospitality giant also revealed an expansion of its share repurchase program. The board of directors has authorized the repurchase of an additional 25 million shares of its Class A common stock. This comes in addition to the approximately 7.4 million shares that were still available under previous authorizations as of July 30, 2025.

Marriott has already bought back 6.4 million shares this year, amounting to $1.7 billion. These moves reflect the company’s continued confidence in its financial stability and long-term performance, aiming to strengthen shareholder value through strategic capital allocation.

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