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Mumbai: Major public sector undertaking (PSU) stocks are in sharp focus today as Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), LIC of India, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Hindustan Copper are scheduled to announce their Q3 FY26 results. Investors are tracking earnings growth, margin performance and interim dividend cues, which could drive stock-specific action during and after market hours.
Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL)
Indian Oil Corporation is expected to report year-on-year profit growth of 8% to 12% in Q3 FY26. The company had reported a profit of around ₹2,115 crore in Q3 FY25. For the December quarter, profit is estimated in the range of ₹2,280 crore to ₹2,370 crore, implying an absolute growth of ₹165 crore to ₹255 crore. Market participants will closely watch refining margins (GRMs), inventory gains, and the impact of crude oil price movements. Any positive commentary on marketing margins or dividend outlook could influence short-term stock momentum.
LIC of India
LIC is projected to post around 16% year-on-year growth in net profit for Q3 FY26. The insurer had reported a profit of ₹11,008.65 crore in Q3 FY25. Profit for the December quarter is expected at around ₹12,770 crore, reflecting an absolute increase of nearly ₹1,760 crore. Growth is supported by strong Annualised Premium Equivalent (APE) growth of around 22%, although margins are expected to soften slightly. Investor focus will remain on Value of New Business (VNB) margins and management guidance on demand trends.
Also Read: NHPC Q3 Results FY26: Profit ₹293 Cr, Declares ₹1.40 Dividend
Power Finance Corporation (PFC)
Power Finance Corporation is likely to deliver profit growth of 5% to 7% year-on-year in the December quarter. The stock remains on dividend watch, as the board is expected to consider a third interim dividend for FY26. Given PFC’s consistent payout ratio of over 30%, dividend-related announcements could act as a key trigger for the stock.
Hindustan Copper
Hindustan Copper’s Q3 FY26 results are expected to remain strong, supported by favourable global copper prices and healthy demand. The company had reported a profit of ₹186 crore in the previous quarter. Earnings growth is expected to remain on a high trajectory, in line with its long-term average growth trend. The board will also consider an interim dividend, keeping investor interest intact.
Investor Takeaways
Dividend announcements could lead to sharp stock reactions. Sector-specific metrics such as refining margins for IOCL, VNB margins for LIC, and dividend payouts for PFC will remain crucial. PSU stocks may witness post-results volatility, while management commentary is likely to guide near-term sentiment more than headline numbers.
Bottom Line
With multiple heavyweight PSUs announcing results today, market activity in PSU stocks is expected to remain elevated. Earnings growth within or above expected ranges, combined with clarity on dividends, will determine short-term price action and medium-term investor interest.