Nifty likely to consolidate in a 250-point range; buy these 3 stocks for returns up to 21%

Here is a list of top three stocks that could deliver up to 21% return in the next six months.

 

Equity benchmarks last week formed a strong bull candle and almost tested our earmarked target of 10,950, which is the 80 percent retracement level of the major leg of the decline (11,172-9,952).

Going forward, we expect the Nifty to enter into a healthy consolidation phase in a broader range of 10,950–10,700 over the coming sessions to form a higher base. Stock specific activity is likely to continue as we are going through the Q4 earnings season.

Over the past eight weeks, the Nifty has rallied almost 10 percent from its March low of 9,952, leading the weekly stochastic oscillator to trade in the overbought zone. Therefore, at current levels, the Nifty is likely to consolidate in a broader range of 10,950–10,700.

Considering the resilience of the current upmove, we shift the support base upward to 10,700, as it is the confluence of:

* 23.6% retracement (10,699) of the last upmove from 9,952 to 10,929

* Since March the index has not corrected over two percent, which is around 10,710 levels from Tuesday’s high of 10,929.

Structurally, the index remains on a strong footing, amid a robust price structure, as it has been seeing follow-through strength after forming a higher high and a higher low on the monthly chart for the first time since January, indicating resumption of an uptrend.

Thus, any breather from hereon would help the Nifty to form a higher base formation that would set the stage for the next leg of the up move.

Here is a list of top three stocks that could deliver up to 21% return in the next six months:

Apollo Tyres| Buy| CMP: Rs 294| Target: Rs 340| Stop loss: Rs 263| Return 16% | Timeframe 6 months

The share price of Apollo Tyres remains in a strong uptrend forming a higher peak and higher trough representing persistent demand at elevated levels.

The stock has formed an all-time high of Rs 307 during the middle of April 2018. The corrective decline from all-time high saw the stock to rebound and took support at major breakout area indicating resumption of the primary uptrend thereby providing a fresh entry opportunity.

Time-wise, the stock took just nine weeks to retrace its entire previous decline of 26-weeks from Rs 288 to Rs 228. Faster retracement of the major falling segment in less than half the time interval confirms the overall positive price structure and reinstates bullish momentum, which augurs well for the stock.

The stock has major support levels placed around Rs 260-265 as it is the confluence of the following technical parameters:

a) The lower band of the rising channel containing the entire up move since February 2017 around Rs 264

b) The long-term rising 50 weeks EMA, which has acted as strong support for the stock since August 2016

c) 61.8% retracement of the previous major up move (228-307) is placed around | 260 levels

We expect the stock to head higher towards Rs 350 in the medium term as it is the price parity of previous up move from Rs 230 to Rs 307 added to the recent trough of Rs 274 project upside towards Rs 350 levels in the medium-term.

Pfizer: Buy| CMP: Rs 2430| Target: Rs 2960| Stop loss: Rs 2,165| Return 21% | Timeframe 6 months

The share price of Pfizer India is in a strong uptrend forming a rising peak and rising trough and has recently registered a Flag breakout on the monthly chart highlighting the strength in the uptrend.

The stock offers a fresh entry opportunity at current levels from a medium-term perspective. It entered a sideways consolidation mode after hitting a 52-week high of Rs 2,369 in mid-February 2018 and, thereafter, oscillated in a price band of Rs 2,350 to Rs 2,050 in the last three months.

Pictorially, this sideways consolidation has taken the shape of a bullish Flag pattern as highlighted in the adjoining chart. The resolute breakout from the bullish Flag pattern in current months trade signals conclusion of the secondary corrective phase and resumption of the primary uptrend thus provides fresh entry opportunity.

The stock has major support in the range of Rs 2,150-2,200 being the confluence of 80 percent retracement of the previous up move from Rs 2,050 to Rs 2,549 and 12 months EMA.

Time-wise, the stock has seen a faster retracement of the last falling segment as nine weeks decline from Rs 2,369 to 2,080 was completely retraced in just four weeks signaling a robust price structure.

Based on the above technical observation, the stock is likely to continue with a positive bias and head towards Rs 2,978 levels being the measuring implication of the flag breakout.

The height of the pole of the flag 688 points (2369-1681=688) added to the breakout area of Rs 2300 which projects an upside towards Rs 2978 (2300+ 688=2978)

Berger Paints: Buy| CMP: Rs 281| Target: Rs 313| Stop loss: Rs 264| Return 11% | Timeframe 1 month

The share price of Berger Paints remains in an uptrend forming a higher peak and higher troughs. It has witnessed a strong rebounded on last Friday as it took support at the 38.2% retracement of previous up move (232- 287) placed at Rs 267 levels signalling positive bias.

The up move was accompanied by a strong volume of more than 7x the 200 days average volume of 7 lakh share per day highlighting larger participation at support level thus offering a fresh entry opportunity to ride the next up move in the stock.

Among oscillators, the daily 14 periods RSI has recently generated a bullish crossover indicating positive bias in short-term.

We expect the stock to maintain positive bias and head towards Rs 314 levels being price equality to the previous rally from Rs 238 to Rs 287 added to the recent trough of Rs 265 project upside towards Rs 314 levels.

MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

These top 10 stocks can return up to 55% in 1 year

Analysts feel India, which imports more than 80 percent of its oil requirements, can manage to absorb up to $80 per barrel but beyond that it could be a major risk.

   

After a recent run-up, the market has been consolidating as investors digest outcome of the Karnataka election. It has started monitoring corporate earnings and the movement of the rupee and crude oil prices.

The rupee stabilised after hitting a fresh 16-month low of 68.15 against the dollar while the crude oil prices inched towards the $80 per barrel.

Analysts feel India, which imports more than 80 percent of its oil requirements, can manage to absorb up to $80 per barrel but beyond that it could be a major risk. “Along with geopolitical tensions, crude, rupee-dollar and rising US bond yields are some major risk to India.”

However, they are betting on an earnings recovery in FY19.

Nomura too is betting on an earnings recovery to take markets higher.

The global investment bank sees Nifty hitting fresh record highs in 2018. It expects the index to surpass its earlier record high of 11,171 recorded in January. “We see the Nifty scaling levels of around 11,380 by December,” it said in a strategy note.

Here is the list of 10 stocks that can return up to 55 percent over the next 12 months:

Lupin: Buy | Target - Rs 1,190 | Return - 55%

After taking Gavis acquisition related impairment of Rs 1,400 crore, Lupin reported loss of Rs 780 crore in Q4FY18. Adjusted for Gavis write off, PAT stood at Rs 350 crore, in line with estimates.

Lupin's US business performance was encouraging as revenues grew 5 percent QoQ to USD 224 million in Q4FY18. It was largely led by new product approvals during last two quarters and strong flu season. Although gSynthroid approval has been delayed to second half of FY19, we expect Lupin's US revenues to grow at least in mid-single digit in FY19, along with strong double digit growth in emerging market segments (including India).

With moderated R&D spend (10 percent of sales) and lucrative opportunities like gRanexa and gSythroid, we expect Lupin to largely maintain EBITDA margin in FY19. Lending strong support from valuations (20x P/E on FY18 EPS, 19x FY19E and 13x FY20E) which is at significant discount to peers, we maintain Buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 1,190 (20x FY20E).

RPP Infra Projects: Buy | Target - Rs 379 | Return - 50%

RPP reported strong result in Q4FY18 led by better execution and improved margins. The company achieved its guidance of Rs5bn sales and Rs 1,200 crore order book for FY18. It is guiding for Rs 700 crore sales and Rs 1,600 crore order book for FY19.

Positives also included improvement in working capital by 26 days led by significant reduction in debtor’s days. It further expects to reduce working capital by 10-15 days in FY19.

We believe the company is a good play on government’s increasing focus on improving rural infrastructure. We expect RPP to deliver sales and PAT CAGR of 31/35 percent, respectively, over FY17-20E. We maintain Buy at a target price of Rs 379.

Magma Fincorp: Buy | Target - Rs 230 | Return - 26%

Magma Fincorp was trading at subdued valuations due to its slippages from FY14 and peaking in FY16. The stock is currently trading close to 1.9x trailing book value and 1.5x FY20E book value. Considering the strong retail portfolio with 60-65 percent book classified for PSL category offering securitisation benefits, these valuations look reasonable.

We believe that for return on equity of 11-12 percent and return on assets of more than 2 percent by FY20, the stock can trade at 2.3x FY20 P/ABV. Exposure to general insurance business through Magma HDI remains an added positive.

Factoring in the new focused management and improving margins and return ratios we value Magma at Rs 230 per share, i.e. 2.3x ABV and 16x P/E on an FY20E basis. We have a Buy recommendation from a 12-15 month’s perspective.

Magma Fincorp was incorporated in 1988 and began by offering vehicle and equipment financing solutions to individuals and small businesses in India. It later included commercial vehicle, tractor finance, SME loans as well as insurance.

Karnataka Bank: Buy | Target - Rs 163 | Return - 39%

Karnataka Bank (KBL) reported Q4FY18 PAT of Rs 11.8 crore, lower than estimate on higher credit cost, even while core profitability surpassed estimate. Slippages rose to more than 9 percent given RBI's recent asset reclassification norm and divergence impact.

Operationally, Q4FY18 clocked improving performance and was characterised by better revenue traction and controlled opex (up less than 8 percent YoY). Key monitorables: a) soft CASA accretion

(less than 7 percent YoY) at sub-28 percent; and b) around 40 percent coverage ratio, which will keep credit cost high.

While better revenue traction and controlled opex are likely to aid operating profit growth, elevated credit cost could cap earnings growth. However, higher share of retail (around 45 percent) and current valuation of 0.7x FY20E P/ABV lend comfort. Maintain Buy.

JSW Steel: Buy | Target - Rs 390 | Return - 16%

JSW Steel’s (JSTL) Q4FY18 EBITDA (adjusted for VAT incentives for prior years) came 11 percent ahead of consensus driven by better spreads.

Going ahead, we are upbeat on the company’s hunger for growth led by: 1) capacity addition of 6.7mt via INR444bn capex commitment through to FY21E; 2) USD 500 million investment in a US pipe & plate mill through to FY21E; 3) acquisition of 3mtpa Acero Junction Holdings in the US; and 4) potential acquisition of Lucchini Rail mill in Italy.

Taking cognizance of Q4FY18 numbers, we revise up FY19/FY20E EBITDA 5/14 percent. Maintain Buy with revised target price of Rs 390 (earlier Rs 340), implying exit multiple of 7x FY20E EBITDA. At CMP, the stock is trading at 6.5x FY20E EBITDA.

ACC: Buy | Target - Rs 1,817 | Return - 29%

ACC, a leading brand with pan India presence (8 percent market share), is set to benefit from the expected rise in industry clinker utilisation. While ramp up of its new Jamul unit led to 14 percent volume growth in CY17 (fastest in past six years), in the absence of fresh capacity addition, volume growth is expected to moderate to around 5 percent CAGR over CY18-19.

However, on upcoming cement price hikes (mirroring rise in industry clinker utilisations), EBITDA is estimated to increase at 16 percent CAGR over the mentioned period. With plans to merge ACC with parent company, Ambuja Cement (ACEM) shelved, both companies have agreed to enter into a master supply agreement (MSA) to trade goods and services.

While initial synergy benefit estimates (around 3-5 percent of PBT) appear insipid, calling off the merger will see both players pursuing expansions independently – a medium to long term positive. Factoring in strong balance sheet (around Rs 2,600 crore net cash) and return on equity (RoE) improvement, we value ACC at 12x CY19E EV/EBITDA. Maintain Buy with a target price of Rs 1,817.

JK Cement: Buy | Target - Rs 1,209 | Return - 26%

JK Cement (JKCE) is favoured mid-cap play owing to: 1) superior RoEs (around 16 percent) despite sub-optimal profitability in grey cement (around 50 percent of EBITDA) at less than Rs 500 per tonne; and 2) undemanding grey cement valuation of USD 78 FY19E EV/t (assuming 10x FY19E EV/EBITDA for white segment) turning further attractive to around USD 47 post completion of 4.2mtpa capex by FY20E end.

While JKCE has yet to finalise its capex funding mix, we see little cause for concern over potential equity dilution (if any).

Our scenario analysis, assuming around 7-10 percent equity dilution (around Rs 500-700 crore fund raising), suggests no major change to target price. While increase in net debt levels is inevitable (irrespective of funding mix), we believe the rocksteady white segment entails potential to cushion against any volatility in grey cement.

Calibrating for FY18 performance, recent trends in cement prices and fuel costs, while we prune FY19E EBITDA by 6 percent, we keep it largely unchanged for FY20E. Maintain Buy with target price of Rs 1,209.

Shree Cement: Buy | Target - Rs 20,544 | Return - 25%

Shree Cement (SRCM) is an investors' delight given positives like: 1) continuous gain in market share; 2) sharp focus on cost driving margins superior to peers; and 3) sustainable high RoEs (more than 17 percent). SRCM will also benefit from ~70% capacity exposure to North region where industry clinker utilisations are turning lucrative.

SRCM recently announced an acquisition of UAE-based Union Cement Company (UCC) at enterprise value (EV) of USD 305 million (EV/t of USD 76). Given strong balance sheet (net cash of around Rs 2,900 crore in FY17) and robust cash flows, there could be concerns of future global acquisitions.

However, these are overplayed as: a) management is focused to generate RoEs (for acquired companies) at least at par with the investment yield; and b) there’s no compromise on capex for targeted volume growth in India.

With multiple positives, we value SRCM’s robust India business at 16x FY20E EV/EBITDA and UCC at 8x. Maintain Buy with target price of Rs 20,544.

Muthoot Finance: Buy | Target - Rs 568 | Return - 35%

Muthoot Finance reported in-line PAT of Rs 450 crore (flat QoQ) in Q4FY18. Key highlights: a) modest gold loan AUM growth due to weak underlying demand; b) revenue momentum sustained benefiting from lower borrowing cost & higher recoveries from six-months’ overdue loans; c) borrower-wise classification norms led to further rise in GNPLs to 7.0 percent (5.6 percent in Q3FY18); and d) Cenvat credit (Rs 16 crore) & redemption of ULIP (keyman insurance of Rs 30 crore) supported earnings.

Muthoot’s other businesses—home finance, Belstar, insurance broking—scaling up well (10 percent of AUM). Given stability in the business along with RoA/RoE profile of more than 5/20 percent, we maintain Buy.

Tata Steel: Buy | Target - Rs 903 | Return - 45%

Tata Steel’s (TSL) Q4FY18 EBITDA at around Rs 6,500 crore surpassed consensus estimate, despite certain operating challenges, due to highest-ever standalone EBITDA of Rs 4,800 crore and domestic EBITDA per tonne of Rs 15,872—highest in 25 quarters.

Going ahead, we envisage the performance to improve as: 1) Kalinganagar (KPO) is back on track post an unscheduled shutdown in February; 2) Tata Steel Europe’s (TSE) downstream units are back on track; and 3) stable spreads in domestic & overseas operations.

In the medium term, we see following drivers: a) value realisation from the Bhushan Steel transaction; and b) definitive agreement with ThyssenKrupp (TK) on JV for European assets. Maintain Buy with target price of Rs 903, implying an exit multiple of 7.0x FY20E EBITDA.

MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Technical View: Nifty forms Bearish Belt Hold kind of pattern; MACD gives a sell signal

A ‘Bearish Belt Hold’ pattern is formed when the opening price becomes the highest point of the trading day (intraday high) and the index declines throughout the trading day making up for the large body.

 

The Nifty50 which started with a small gap on the higher side in morning trade on Thursday failed to garnet momentum as bears took control of D-Street in the first 15-minutes of trade. The index witnessed strong selling pressure throughout the session which made a ‘Bearish Belt Hold’ kind of pattern on the daily candlestick charts.

A ‘Bearish Belt Hold’ pattern is formed when the opening price becomes the highest point of the trading day (intraday high) and the index declines throughout the trading day making up for the large body. The candle will either have a small or no upper shadow and small lower shadow.

In Thursday’s price action, Nifty50 opened at 10,775.60 and rose marginally to 10,777.25 which made a small or non-existent upper shadow. The bears took control of D-Street in morning trade and pushed the index below its crucial support placed at 5-double exponential moving average (DEMA) placed at 10,737, and 13-DEMA at 10,712.

The index bounced back from its 20-DEMA placed at 10,670 to close 58 points lower at 10,682.70. The positive takeaway is that it managed to close above its support placed at 10,680.

But, bears are slowly tightening their grip on D-Street. The Moving Average Convergence and Divergence, popularly known as MACD, gave a 'sell' signal on the daily charts for the first time since March 2018.

MACD is one of the most effective trend-following momentum indicators, which can be used to spot a change in the short-term trend of the market.

The outlook has become slightly bearish as the index registers a 'sell' signal on the MACD; however, a confirmation will come if the index consistently trades below 10,700 levels.

In line with our projections, Nifty 50 continued its slide before signing off the session with a Bearish Belt Hold kind of formation. Hence, it appears that to culminate the corrective structure it will continue its downward swing below 10601 and may test its 50-day moving average, whose value is placed around 10550 levels, before bottoming out.

Hence, in the zone of 10,601 – 10,550 one can expect the correction to end and selectively look for stock specific opportunities. Meanwhile, daily MACD also generated a ‘sell’ signal confirming downward pressure on the markets,

Throughout the session the advanced decline ratio was skewed in favor of bulls suggesting that perhaps broader markets might have reached a value zone as many beaten down names from mid and small cap space clocked in decent gains. Strength on the upside can be resumed if the indices manage a close above 10,780 levels.

MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!