Info Edge (India) Ltd.Dividend Surge to 65% Amid Hiring Uncertainty

Info Edge delivered steady performance in Q3 FY26 despite an uncertain hiring environment, with standalone billings growing 12% YoY to ₹747 crores and revenue rising 14% to ₹765 crores.

The recruitment segment posted billings of ₹548 crores with an exceptional operating margin of 59%, demonstrating strong pricing power and operational efficiency. Management significantly enhanced shareholder returns by increasing the dividend payout ratio to 65% from 39% last year, declaring a second interim dividend of ₹2.40 per share, supported by robust cash generation of ₹376 crores and a healthy cash balance of ₹4,825 crores.

The company's AI-Rex platform gained early traction with 100+ clients and 20,000 mandates closed. However, management expressed caution regarding mid-market hiring trends, where growth has moderated to approximately 4%, and AI-driven headwinds impacting the Shiksha education business. JobHai continues its strategic expansion after achieving market leadership in Delhi NCR, with plans to replicate success in Mumbai and Bangalore. The 99acres platform gained market share, reaching 46% traffic share.