Cement makers are reportedly set to hike prices by Rs 3-5 per 50 kilogram bag from Friday in northern, southern and western markets, third time in past three months on the back of an improved demand due to the government-led infrastructure spending and recovery in the housing construction segment.

Currently, cement is priced at Rs 250 per bag in the northern region and at Rs 260 in the western region. In South, prices hover between Rs 200 and Rs 230.

Bajaj Auto posted a net profit of Rs 475 crore for the third quarter ended 31 December 2009, which is nearly three times the Rs 164-crore profits posted in the corresponding quarter of 2008-09. Turnover surged 58% to Rs 3,166 crore (Rs 2,005 crore).

The quarter also saw the company register its highest ever motorcycle sales at 7,11,991 units, up 72% year-on-year. Exports at 2,73,902 vehicles were the highest to date and clocked a growth of 27%.

Telecom stocks may see action on reports the timeline for 3G spectrum auction remains uncertain, with the government unable to reach consensus on critical issues. The empowered group of ministers, headed by the finance minister, which met on 12 January 2010, could not reach any decision on the number of slots to be auctioned and the payment schedule.

Power producer NTPC on 12 January 2010 filed the draft prospectus with Sebi for its follow-on public offer. The government is divesting a 5% stake in NTPC.

IT firm Mastek saw its net profit slump 11% sequentially to Rs 23.5 crore in the quarter ended December 2009. The profit came in below its guidance Rs 27-29 crore, owing in part to forex translation losses.

Jet Airways India has registered a 53% increase in domestic passengers in December 2009 over the corresponding period the previous year, and a 28% increase in international traffic. The numbers do not include traffic for JetLite India Ltd, the low-fare unit of the company.

Bajaj Electricals has fixed 29 January 2010 as record date for subdivision of existing equity shares from each 1 equity share of Rs 10 each into 5 equity shares of Rs 2 each.

JMC Projects (India) secured an order worth Rs 355 crore to undertake construction of buildings for residential projects in Bangalore.

Credit Suisse sold 9.16 lakh shares at Rs 80.40 per share while Barclays Capital offloaded 9.75 lakh shares at Rs 80.90 per share in Subex Azure

Citigroup bought 3.75 lakh shares at Rs 186 per share while Nortel Networks sold 6.85 lakh shares at Rs 185.50 per share in Sasken Communication