Sunday, 15 April 2018

Week Ahead: Syria crisis, earnings rush among 10 things to keep the market on its feet

The week ahead is likely to be a busy one, with the earnings season getting underway. Geopolitical tensions on the Syrian front will also play a part.

  

Positive momentum in the market continued for the seventh consecutive session on Friday, helping benchmark indices post a healthy performance for the third week in a row.
The market shrugged off Syrian tensions that lifted crude oil prices to around four-year highs. Fall in March CPI inflation and better February industrial output growth boosted sentiment, but profit booking in the banking space and caution ahead of Infosys' earnings (due post market hours on Friday) caused volatility in the later part of the session.
For the week, the Sensex gained 1.7 percent and the Nifty rose 1.4 percent, while IT was the biggest gainer among sectoral indices, rising more than 5.5 percent.
Global markets were mixed this week amid geopolitical tensions over Syria and trade war concerns.
The next week is likely to be a busy one, with the earnings season getting underway, and geopolitical tensions on the Syrian front taking center stage.
Global clues, earnings and macroeconomic data to dictate market trend in the coming week. Apart from on-going geopoltical concerns and on-going earnings seasons, markets will now keep an eye on upcoming Karnataka State elections. Any new developments on that front will affect market swing.
Meanwhile, experts also see cues from the earnings front.
March quarter earnings are expected to provide further support to the market going ahead...Major companies which will announce Jan-Mar quarter earnings this week include CRISIL, Muthoot Capital, Tata Sponge, ACC, HDFC Life, Mindtree, IndusInd Bank, TCS, CDSL, HDFC Bank.
Syria attack to keep market volatile
US, British and French forces launched air strikes on Syria on Saturday morning, in response to a suspected poison gas attack that killed dozens of people.
The aim was to degrade its chemical weapon capabilities in what was the biggest intervention yet in the conflict by Western powers, according to a Reuters report.
The equity market does not like uncertainty and with a war-like situation, things could get really volatile for markets, not just in India but across the globe.
Indian markets are trading above key support levels and although a knee-jerk reaction cannot be ruled out, it would not be strong enough to derail the trend.
Nifty has not shown any correlation to such events in past. Syria is a relatively smaller country to be worried about and its impact should be minimal-to-negligible for Indian markets.
Syrian attack on markets would be minimal. The stock markets are valued with its future cash flows discounted to present value and unless the cash flows are dependent on such geographies, the impact on the stock market will not be significant.
Syria is a crude oil exporter but its 34th on the rank for crude export and is not material enough to alter the crude oil price for any inter-correlation impact of the stock market with commodities,
35 companies to declare their earnings
As the earnings season kicked off with the likes of Infosys declaring their results on Friday, the Street will wait for cues from many such companies. Over 30 companies are lined up to declare their March quarter and annual results next week.
These include DCB Bank, Gruh Finance, Jay Bharat Maruti, Orchid Pharma, ACC, Cyient, Sasken and Indiabulls Housing Finance, among others.
The quarter gone by is significant for the market as a recovery is being anticipated by experts, which is expected to shore up the Street going forward.
Infosys to react
Infosys declared its numbers for the March quarter on Friday and the Street will most definitely react to the developments.
The company's results were largely in-line with market expectations. India’s second-largest software services exporter reported a net profit of Rs 3,690 crore, which was in-line with a CNBC-TV18 poll of Rs 3,670 crore.
The stock closed 0.5 percent higher at Rs 1,169. It hit a low of Rs 1,150 and a high of Rs 1,185.90 during the session.
Brokerages are slightly cautious on the stock after its earnings announcement, and in some cases, there has been a cut in earnings estimates.
While Motilal Oswal has maintained a buy rating on Infosys, Dolat Capital has retained its sell rating on the stock as well. Prabhudas Lilladher, meanwhile, highlighted how lack of acceleration in core verticals is a concern.
TCS, HDFC Bank, IndusInd Bank to declare results
Some of the marquee names will also be announcing their results in the upcoming week. Heavyweights such as ACC, HDFC Bank, Tata Consultancy Services, IndusInd Bank, and HDFC Standard Life, among others, will declare their results.
Being index heavyweights, the Street will keep a close eye on their earnings trajectories.
Stocks in the news
ICICI Bank: BSE has sought a clarification from the bank on a probe by SEBI with regard to corporate governance issues.
Bharti Airtel: Delhi High Court has directed the company to modify its tagline of ‘Live and Free’ advertisements for the IPL.
Alok Industries: Lenders have reportedly agreed to a revised resolution plan.
United Spirits: The company's board has approved a stock split in the ratio of 5:1.
Reliance Industries: The company has raised Rs 3,250 crore from Japanese banks to fund capex plan.
Tata Group: Tata Projects won Mumbai Metro orders worth Rs 1,048 crore.
Metal stocks: The White House will reportedly decide on a rollback of tariff on Indian steel, aluminium.
Rane Brakes: The company reported a net profit of Rs 5.91 crore for the quarter ended March, compared with Rs 4.39 crore in the corresponding period a year ago.
ICICI Bank in focus
ICICI Bank continues to be on investors’ radar with new developments every day. Most recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is said to have initiated an inquiry into the corporate governance issues at the bank.
BSE too has asked for an explanation about the same from the lender. It remains to be seen how the lender reacts going forward.
Meanwhile, following Axis Bank chief Shikha Sharma’s cut in term duration, pressure is seen mounting on ICICI Bank’s board to decide on MD and CEO Chanda Kochhar's future at the bank.
Corporate Action
Apart from companies meeting for financial results’ declarations, stocks such as Philips Carbon Black will be in focus on the back of a stock split.
The ex-date for the split is April 19, with a face value split from Rs 10 per share to Rs 2 apiece.
Global Cues
Apart from developments from Syria, the market could keep an eye on key macro economic data from various nations.
For instance, Japan and the US will be releasing industrial production data, while the Chinese GDP numbers will also be declared next week.
Additionally, members of Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will be speaking on three occasions, which could give a few more cues to the Street.
Macro Data
Back home, while the market is looking to digest IIP and inflation trends, there will be a few more sets of data released. Wholesale price index (WPI) inflation for food, fuel, and manufacturing will be released on Monday.
Technical Factors
The Nifty made a ‘Doji’ type of candlestick pattern on the daily candlestick charts and a bullish candle on the weekly charts.
The index has managed to climb all walls of worry this past week and as long as the 10,350 level remains intact, traders are advised to stay with long positions.
The next possible target on the Nifty is placed above 10,600 levels, experts suggested.
A 'Doji' is formed when the index opens and then closes approximately around the same level but remains volatile throughout the day, which is indicated by its long shadow on either side. It appears like a cross or a plus sign.
The near term trend of Nifty continues to be positive and the next upside levels to be watched for coming week is 10,630 levels. The intermediate trend of Nifty is still down, the upside bounce of the last three weeks has not changed the broader negative status of the market. Creating trading long positions for small duration, profit booking at regular intervals, and a placing of strict stoploss could be a prudent trading strategy for next week.
MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Brace for impact on Indian markets on Monday as US fires over 100 missiles on Syria

Indian markets are trading above key support levels and although a knee-jerk reaction cannot be ruled out it would not be strong enough to derail the trend.

   

The Indian market closed the week on a buoyant note with Nifty above 10400 and Sensex successfully reclaiming Mount 34K for the week ended 13 April but with the US, British and French forces launching air strikes on Syria, the bull run seen back home could come under threat.
US, British and French forces launched air strikes on Syria on Saturday morning in response to a suspected poison gas attack that killed dozens of people, aiming to degrade its chemical weapons capabilities in the biggest intervention yet in the conflict by Western powers.
More than 100 missiles were fired from ships and manned aircraft, the allies struck three of Syria’s main chemical weapons facilities, Reuters said quoting US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Joseph Dunford.
Equity market does not like uncertainty and with a war-like situation, things could get really volatile for markets not just for India but across the globe.
“Historically, such attacks failed to derail the markets over a longer time horizon. But, in the short term markets may get rattled with such strikes. Hence, in other words, we can say that such incidents may provide a great buying opportunity for long-term investors,” Mazhar Mohammad, Chief Strategist – Technical Research & Trading Advisory, Chartviewindia.in told Moneycontrol.
Besides, this kind of information is already in public domain, although US President Donald Trump backtracked his words on Syria earlier this week which led to a rally in equity markets.
The strikes risked raising tensions in an already combustible region, but appeared designed not to trigger a military response from Russia and Iran, said a Reuters report. Nevertheless, Assad’s government and Russia responded angrily.
Russian officials on Friday warned of “consequences” after President Trump announced his approval of US-led military strikes in Syria against the Russian-backed regime of Bashar al-Assad, Fox News said.
Technically speaking, Indian markets are on a sustainable pull back mode as they are breaching critical resistance points on the upside successfully on a daily basis. The index is trading above its 200-days moving average (DMA), and 100-DMA last week.
Mohammad further added that as of now it appears that market shall find buyers on dips and 10350 itself can act as a strong support and in the worst case we may go down towards 10100-kind of levels and not more than that because of this issue.
Should investors back in India be worried?
Indian markets are trading above key support levels and although a knee-jerk reaction cannot be ruled out it would not be strong enough to derail the trend.
Nifty has not shown any correlation to such events in past. Syria is a relatively smaller country to be worried about and its impact should be very minimal to negligible for Indian markets.
Syrian attack on markets would be minimal. The stock markets are valued with its future cash flows discounted to present value and unless the cash flows are dependent on such geographies, the impact on the stock market will not be significant.
“Syria is a crude oil exporter but its 34th on the rank for crude export and is not material enough to alter the crude oil price for any inter-correlation impact of the stock market with commodities.
Agarwal further added that if Nifty does witness a selling pressure, it should find support within the 10200 – 10100 zone. Put congestions are extremely high in 10300 and lower strikes and there doesn’t seem to be any un-winding pressure yet.
MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Infosys likely to open flat on Monday; experts see up to 11% upside

Most analysts remains mixed about their outlook on the stock after the company's Q4 results, but see an upside of up to 6-11 percent from the current levels.

  

Infosys, which reported its results for the quarter ended March post market hours on Friday, could open flat with a positive bias on Monday.
The company's Q4 results met the Street's estimates, but its outlook for FY19 has unsettled investors.
Infosys lowered its operating profit margin band to 22-24 percent for FY19, after its net profit declined 28.2 percent sequentially to USD 571 million in Q4 FY18.
The drop in fourth-quarter profit was also because Q3FY18's results included a one-time gain of USD 225 million on account of the conclusion of an advance pricing agreement (APA) with the US Internal Revenue Service.
The company's guidance for annual constant currency revenue growth is at 6-8 percent and for dollar revenue is at 7-9 percent, both in line with market estimates.
However, it revised its EBIT margin guidance downwards to 22-24 percent from 23-25 percent earlier. This will include the impact of revised compensation for FY19.
The management attributed the fall in guidance to rising investments in digital/IPs, increased onsite hiring, and higher S&M (large deal pursuits). The stock could open flat with a positive bias on Monday, and dips, if any, could be used to buy it for the long term.
Infosys results were in line with expectations. Margins, however, were stronger than expectations (24.7 percent vs expectation of 24.4 percent). The management looked confident for the stronger show in FY19 with revenues growing at 6-8 percent in constant currency terms as against 5.8 percent growth in FY18.
Margins, however, is expected to be growing at 22-24 percent (lower than FY18). Lower margins are due to higher spending in digital business. Infosys has a track record of delivering more than promised and we expect the same going ahead.
Salil Parekh, Infosys' new CEO, also announced plans to put up subsidiaries Skava and Panaya on sale in the post-results presser. The acquisitions were done under the leadership of his predecessor Vishal Sikka.
Most analysts remain mixed about their outlook on the stock after the company's Q4 results, but see an upside of up to 6-11 percent from current levels. The stock rose around 15 percent in the last one year.
Infosys' rapid acceleration in digital (26.8 percent of revenue and 7.2 percent CQGR over past 3 quarters) and trajectory of deal wins (12.3 percent YoY and strongest quarterly booking in last 6 quarters) are heartening, especially in view of the turmoil in the boardroom, which now seems far behind, say experts.
HDFC Securities, which has maintained a 'buy' call on Infosys, has put out a target price of Rs 1,300, which translates into an upside of 11 percent from current levels.
We believe Infosys is set for a revival, as investments are likely to lead on to quality growth. We reiterate our positive stance based on (1) scalability and momentum in large accounts, (2) digital scale (now a USD 2.8bn portfolio), (3) strong outlook for Europe/RoW, (4) recovery in North America BFS ahead, and (5) current valuations at greater than 20 percent discount to TCS.
The BFSI space grew by 0.1 percent on a QoQ basis in constant currency terms and is expected to pick up going ahead. On the other hand, retail is expected to remain soft in the near term.
The stock has already rallied in double digits from its lows and I see no reason why it can’t rally another 10-15 percent and if the BFSI space (which remained week this quarter) picks up on the US side with help the stock.
The other thing to look at is the impact of tax cuts which could result in increased spending towards IT budgets. I see no reason why this stocks can’t scale Rs 1,300 by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, brokerage firm Sharekhan has maintained its 'hold' rating on the stock, with a target price of Rs 1,250, which translates into an upside of 6 percent.
The company's management is hopeful of a pick up in spends by BFSI clients in CY2018, led by a ramp-up in deals in the insurance space and higher digital adoption by clients, it said.
Technical Outlook:
Infosys has entered a consolidation phase and is currently oscillating in a Symmetrical Triangle, following sharp moves in the previous quarters.
A sustained trade above Rs 1,100 this week can take it to the upper end of the pattern placed at Rs 1,185. Moreover, a breakout from the pattern on healthy volumes can extend the up move to Rs 1,250.
However, a close below Rs 1,100 could trigger a correction, which may drag it lower to levels of around Rs 1,020, experts suggested.
Currently, the stock is trading near the lower end of the range and it seems to be gearing up for a fresh rally. A multi-month rising trendline and a crucial weekly moving average are nearby.
"Thus this is a high probability level to initiate a fresh long position from trading as well as investment perspective. Hence, the investors can continue to hold on to the stock and can even look to add to the position at the current level.
The view that the strategy for traders should be to buy above Rs 1,140, with a stop loss of Rs 1,100, on a closing basis. The initial target on the upside will be Rs 1,200, with the potential to test the all-time high of Rs 1,279.
MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Midcaps look promising at current levels; 4 stocks that could return up to 25%

Compared to 2017, the mid-cap space looks promising at current levels, and investors always look for a sector that has more steam in it.

  

The Nifty witnessed a pullback rally from the psychological level of 10,000, mainly on the back of global indices, which are expected to head upwards. On the weekly time frame chart, we observed 3 White Soldiers, which is a Japanese candlestick pattern.

Formation of 3 White Soldiers usually acts as a trend reversal pattern. In the current market scenario, the existing pullback may continue towards 10,700, which is a 61.8 percent retracement of the previous fall.

Technically, stocks that are trading above 200-DMA are considered to have strength in the current market trend. Also, the same seems to be contradictory to an efficient market hypothesis, which denotes relative strength may continue in future. From this reference, one can consider this as a value buy at current levels.

Corrections in the price in recent times have been sharper or close to 20-25 percent. This creates a buying opportunity in (companies with) quality management and business.
Every falling knife is not bound to cut your hands. The recent correction was due to global sentiments and overvaluations in some of the stocks.
Higher time frame charts, mainly those on an yearly basis, are bullish. So it can create huge opportunity in the space and may outperform large cap stocks in times to come.
As compared to 2017, the midcap space looks promising at the current level and investors always look for the sector that has more steam in it.
As per RRG (relative rotation graph) analysis, IT sector is oscillating in the leading quadrant pointing towards the north, wherein relative momentum as well as relative strength is very high. So, IT may outperform the benchmark index in the coming week.
Here is a list of top 4 stocks that can give up to 25 percent return.
MindTree: BUY| Target Rs 1,000| Stop Loss Rs 750| Return 17 percent
Mindtree on the monthly charts posted the horizontal consolidation breakout. With supportive oscillator, RSI has also posted trend line breakout that confirms the action towards the north.
Mindtree may continue to march in an uncharted territory. The intermediate target is placed at Rs 1,000, and the stock has potential to travel beyond the Rs 1,000 levels. On the other hand, the intermediate support placed at Rs 750.
NIIT Tech : BUY| Target Rs 1,000| Stop Loss Rs 735| Return 9 percent 
The stock has posted the rising channel breakout with intermediate support placed at Rs 735. After the breakout, the stock posted through back towards breakout, and NIIT Technologies posted a pullback of more than 10 percent from the recent top.
With the secular uptrend being intact on the higher time frame chart, such a pullback should be capitalised on as a buying opportunity for adding more longs given the conviction in the structural trend. The intermediate target for NIIT Tech is placed at Rs 1,000.
LIC Housing Fin Ltd: BUY| Target Rs 650| Stop Loss Rs 530| Return 17 percent
LIC Housing Finance, on the higher time frame charts mainly (monthly) is moving in a clear uptrend. In the current scenario, it is unfolded into a corrective pattern, wherein correction has been completed at an important Fibonacci retracement of 50 percent of its previous bull move.
The recent move suggests that the stock is poised for an initial leg of up move towards Rs 650 and one can accumulate this stock on dips till Rs 550. A strong support is placed around Rs 530.
Exide Industries BUY| Target Rs 300| Stop Loss Rs 210| Return 25 percent
Exide Industries is currently trading at Rs 240 levels. The stock is poised for an initial run up to Rs 260-300 levels, which translate into an upside of 20 percent. However, the stock can have extended moves.
The stock made an intermediate bottom at Rs 192, which happens to be 61.8 percent Fibonacci retracement level for the Rs 170-250 range.
The immediate resistance for the stock is placed at Rs 250. If the stock closed above this level it will open the way for Rs 260–300 levels on the upside.
Oscillators such as RSI on the Weekly charts has posted a trend line breakout, which eventually pushed the RSI on the higher side, adding strength to the underline.
The stock can be accumulated at current levels or on dips till Rs 225-230 for an initial run-up to Rs 290-300. The stock has limited downside till Rs 220–210.
MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Nifty could see pressure at higher levels; Top six stocks which are looking attractive

There has been a sharp upside bounce in Nifty in the last three weeks, but this is going to be a temporary trading bounce.

 

We have witnessed a sharp upside bounce in Nifty in the last three weeks, but this is going to be a temporary trading bounce, and there is a possibility of weakness in the market/broader market from the higher levels

The near-term trend for the Nifty is still positive, and the index which is still sustaining above the hurdle of 10,450-480 levels for this week is likely to have a positive impact for next week. Hence, one may expect upside levels of 10,650 by next week.

We have witnessed a sharp upside bounce in Nifty in the last three weeks, and this has given a space for beaten down sectors to outperform.
This is going to be a temporary trading bounce, and there is a possibility of weakness in the market/broader market from the higher levels. Hence, outperformance in the stocks can be used for creating trading long positions by placing strict stop losses.
The main trend of mid and small cap sector is down, and the current upside bounce is expected to halt at the higher levels. An investor should stick to profit booking from the long trading positions at regular intervals
The near-term trend of Nifty is positive, and there is no indication of any exhaustion of current upside bounce in the market. One may continue with trading long positions in the index/stocks and ride a trend. Place strict stop loss.
One may look to buy Escorts, Glenmark Pharma, DHFL, Jindal Steel, Tech Mahindra, Hindalco, and Wipro, at the current market for the next few weeks.
MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

FIIs pull out $250 mn from India amid trade war & geopolitical worries

As the Nifty has been absorbing global headwinds in the current up move, the upcoming quarterly results on the domestic front would be keenly watched.

The Nifty is likely to consolidate above the important support of 10,350. We have seen writing in 10,300 and 10,400 Put options. Hence, any decline in the Nifty should find immediate support above 10,350 for some time.
As the Nifty has been absorbing global headwinds in the current up move, the upcoming quarterly results on the domestic front would be keenly watched.
The technology pack has provided some momentum in the last few sessions. This space may have limited declines in coming days. The index heavyweights from capital goods, FMCG, auto and oil & gas are expected to support the index in case of any intermediate profit booking.
Open interest in the Nifty has increased with current upsides, which means longs are formed in the index. Also, the lower Nifty premiums do not justify the fact that market is getting overvalued in the short-term. Positive bias should remain till the April expiry.
Better monsoon expectation is another trigger, which has led some pullback in rural-specific stocks. Positional short traders seem to be exiting these stocks. Hence, they can see good upsides in days to come.
The surge in crude prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may lead to market consolidation. Otherwise, adverse news flows from a trade war perspective from the US and China are getting absorbed by the Nifty.
Bank Nifty: 25000 remains crucial level:
Starting the week on an optimistic note, the index finally managed to end well above 25,000, which was the previous week resistance.
A short covering play was seen in a few banking stocks whereas private sector banks witnessed a fresh round of long additions in which IndusInd Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank made new lifetime high levels whereas Axis Bank and HDFC Bank also supported the up move.
As the index moved above 25,000, writing positions of 24,700 and 24,900 Put strike have shifted to the 25,000 strike whereas open interest is well distributed in the 25,300 to 25,500 strike Calls, which has kept the index move in check near 25,300.
IVs remained choppy for the week. This is likely to trigger some positive sentiments, going forward. We feel a close above 25,300 is likely to take the index towards its sizeable Call base of 25,500.
The current price ratio of Bank Nifty/Nifty continues to remain near 2.40 levels. Last week, the index added huge open interest on April 12. Thrice in the week, bears tried to dominate but levels of 25,000 continued to act as a decent support.
We feel that unless the index holds above 25,000, the outperformance in banking stocks is likely to continue. Going forward, the ratio is likely to move towards 2.44.
Geopolitics, trade war risks continue to keep FIIs at bay:
Trade wars and geopolitical tensions marred the week. However, towards the end of the week, the constant escalation/de-escalation rendered these news flows to mere rhetoric and risk sentiment stabilised to favour risk-on.
In a U-turn, Mr. Trump asked to take a relook at re-joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multinational trade pact from which he withdrew the US in 2017.
During the week, FIIs continued to withdraw from the cash segment and took out US$250 million from Indian equities (in April their tally is over USD 500 million till now).
Outflows were also seen from other EMs with Taiwan seeing an outflow of USD 320 million. Indonesia and Thailand also saw outflows in the vicinity of USD 90 million each. However, South Korea saw inflows of USD 595 million.
In the F&O setup, the cautious undertone continued. There was fresh short in index future to the tune of USD 245 million. Index option buying of over USD 750 million was also unusually large, suggesting caution among participants.
Markets continue to remain focused on trade wars and geopolitical tensions escalation that is adversely impacting financial conditions and the global growth story.
The key gauge for assessing risk sentiment revolves around S&P 500, which despite the risk of shocks continues to hold February lows of 2535. Going ahead, this will continue to be a key pivot point.
If the index is able to move higher and end above 2675, it could trigger risk-on for other risk assets as well. This could very well reignite FIIs’ fund flow action into EMs as other variables like bond yields and dollar seem well anchored.
MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Monday, 9 April 2018

Will investors give a missed call to telecom stocks? Top 6 stocks to track in Q4

Telecom universe is likely to report a loss -- Idea’s loss is expected to remain elevated while Bharti Airtel is expected to post 80 percent year-on-year (YoY) decline in profits.

   

Telecom sector is expected to report yet another quarter of muted numbers except for Reliance Jio which should see double-digit revenue growth for the quarter ended March 2018, suggest experts.
Telecom universe is likely to report a loss -- Idea’s loss is expected to remain elevated while Bharti Airtel is expected to post 80 percent year-on-year (YoY) decline in profits.
The March quarter saw a fresh round of undercutting by telcos, with lower price plans focusing on market share gains compared to profitability to gain the 15 percent revenue market share still lying with smaller operators, suggest experts.
EBITDA margins will continue to bear the brunt of revenue deceleration — estimate 300bps and 260bps dip in Bharti’s and Idea’s margins, respectively. Bharti Infratel’s (BHIN) revenue is estimated to grow mere 3.6% YoY due to industry consolidation and incumbent operators’ focus on enhancing capacity rather than coverage.
Commentary on ARPU trajectory, timelines of Idea-Vodafone merger and update on Bharti’s Africa business will be key monitorables, it said. “With smaller operators—Aircel and RCOM—shutting shop, subscriber migration to large operators will be keenly monitored,” said Edelweiss.
Edelweiss further added that RJIO’s incremental subscriber market share and pricing outlook will be key factors to decide pricing pressure in the industry.
Timelines on Idea-Vodafone merger and update on anticipated cost synergies will be key drivers for Idea Cellular. Also, Bharti’s update on demerging Africa business will be in focus.
  
Bharti  Airtel Ltd: BUY
Motilal Oswal expects the consolidated revenue to decline by 1.4 percent on a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis (and 9% YoY) to Rs20,040 crore. Given the continued ARPU down trading on account of the renewed competition from RJIo, brokerage firm expects India wireless revenue to decline 4.4 percent QoQ (and 21% YoY) to Rs10,280 crore.
Kotak Institutional Equities expects Bharti to report India wireless revenues and EBITDA of Rs10140 crore (down 5.7% QoQ, down 22% YoY) and Rs300 crore (down 15% QoQ, down 37% YoY), respectively.
At a consolidated level as well, the prognosis for the quarter is weak. We expect a 10 percent QoQ and 15 percent YoY decline in consolidated EBITDA to Rs670 crore despite healthy trends sustaining for the Africa ops, it said.
According to Kotak, Bharti Airtel could report fall in Adjusted net income to Rs3769 crores, a fall of 169 percent on a QoQ basis, and 184 percent on a YoY basis.
Bharti Infratel : Neutral
Motilal Oswal expects the consolidated revenue to decline 2 percent QoQ (but grow 2% YoY) to Rs360 crore. Consolidation in the sector is likely to continue pressurizing tenancies.
The domestic brokerage firm expects 2 percent QoQ decline in tenancies leading to 2 percent QoQ decline in consolidated rental revenue to Rs2210 crore. The Adjusted net profit is likely to fall by 6.9 percent to Rs2557.30 crore compared to Rs2747 crore reported in the year-ago period.
Idea Cellular: BUY
Idea's revenues are expected to further decline by 5.8 percent on a QoQ basis on 9.2 percent dip in the ARPU. Edelweiss expects the voice and data realisations to plummet 15.2 percent and 9.5 percent respectively, leading to 8 percent and 13.9 percent rise in voice and data volumes, respectively.
The EBITDA margin is expected to further nosedive by 260bps QoQ to 16.2 percent, which would swell net loss to Rs1440 crore from Rs1280 crore in the previous quarter. Update on timelines regarding the merger with Vodafone, strategy to tackle subscriber churn to RJIO will be key monitorables.
Tata Communications Ltd: BUY
Tata Communications’ revenue is expected to grow 1 percent QoQ (decline 3% YoY) to Rs4160 crore on steady data revenues, offsetting the impact of muted voice revenue.
Data revenue is likely to grow 2 percent QoQ (6% YoY) to Rs2950 crore whereas voice revenue is expected to decline 2 percent QoQ (and 20% YoY) to Rs1210 crore.
Core EBITDA is expected to grow by 1 percent on a QoQ basis to Rs620 crore on the back of data EBITDA, and Core EBITDA margin should remain flat at 14.9 percent. Data EBITDA is expected to grow 3 percent QoQ to Rs550 crore.
Sterlite Technologies Ltd: BUY
Edelweiss expects Sterlite’s revenues to jump 31.5 percent on a YoY basis, with products revenues growing 31.2 percent YoY and software and services revenues clocking 33.2 percent YoY growth.
The EBITDA margins are expected to rationalise by 30bps on a QoQ basis to 23.8 percent. The product and services order book, commentary on adoption of 5G technologies are key monitorables, said the report.
Tejas Network: BUY
Tejas’s Q4FY18 revenues are likely to decline by 32.5 percent YoY due to delays in receiving certain large orders. Considering the large size of orders and customer concentration, revenues of Tejas are lumpy in nature, Edelweiss said in a report.
Due to a massive decline in revenues, EBITDA margins are also expected to nose-dive 330bps YoY to 22.4 percent. Guidance for FY19, commentaries on deal-wins in BharatNet Phase II and outlook in emerging.
MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Focus shifts to earnings that will decide market trend; top 17 stocks can give up to 99% return

Here is the list of top 17 stocks that can give up to 99% return.

  

Global cues are expected to dominate the equity market, but now the focus will gradually shift to corporate earnings as that will help investors to re-think their estimates for FY19.
After 2 percent rally in the past week, the consolidation is likely to continue due to global cues, but the more upside from hereon is largely dependant upon performance of March quarter earnings that will start in the coming week, experts suggest. Infosys is the first company to kick off earnings season.
“Going ahead, the focus of the markets will shift back to earnings which are likely to kick start from next week as well as future growth outlook by the various management. Earnings growth is also likely to be supported by a low base of Q4FY17," Teena Virmani, Vice President – Research at Kotak Securities said.
Hence, Rahul Sharma, Senior Research Analyst at Equity99, feels that over the next two months, the market will witness a lot of stock-specific movements as fund-managers will be re-balancing their portfolio to align with corporate earnings.
Overall, corporate earnings will grow in mid-teens after many years of single-digit growth. However, the markets have already factored in the earnings recovery in the current valuations, he added.
Globally, Virmani said concerns over global growth owing to trade war triggered by Trump tariff threat continued to remain. "Escalating trade standoff between US and China may continue to impact financial markets negatively."
Here is the list of top 17 stocks that can give up to 99% return:-
Titan Company | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 1,090 | Return - 16%
Titan's Q4FY18 turned out to be a good quarter for the Jewellery division, with retail growth coming in at mid-teens, despite no new collection launch. Growth was driven by successful diamond jewellery activation and the revised gold exchange policy.
Watches performed strongly in the quarter, aided by the multi-brand and e-com platforms.
Prescription Eyewear, too, sustained its growth momentum, while Sunglasses business continued to suffer.
We maintain Buy rating on Titan, with a revised target price of Rs 1,090 (valued at 55x March 2020E EPS, a 33 percent premium to the three-year average multiple, because of the strong earnings growth prospects – 26 percent EPS CAGR over FY18-20).
Power Grid | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 287 | Return - 45%
We analyzed the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) projects from the annual reports of Power Grid’s subsidiaries. Power Grid will generate more than 14 percent equity IRR (debt/equity ratio of 80/20) on its TBCB projects. The equity IRR on the three projects that are fully commissioned is around 24-38 percent.
Power Grid enjoys a competitive edge due to its (a) low cost of borrowed funds, (b) dominant position with suppliers and (c) vast geographical spread, which should continue driving
healthy returns.
Power Grid has around Rs 1 lakh crore of orders pending execution, providing strong visibility of EPS CAGR of around 12 percent over FY18-22. The earnings estimate factors in a 150bp cut in the regulated RoE (to 14 percent) in the next tariff regulations. However, with bond yield rising over the last few months, the extent of such cut could be lower, in our view.
At CMP, the stock is trading attractively at 1.4x FY20E P/BV for an RoE of around 16 percent and a CoE of around 10-11 percent, not appreciating any future growth potential.
If we were to assume no growth after FY20, which means PAT is available for dividend distribution, the stock is trading at an attractive dividend yield of around 11 percent for an assured return model and revenues backed by state-guarantees (g-sec yield is around 7 to 8 percent). We re-iterate our Buy rating with a DCF-based target price of Rs 287/share.
HDFC | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 2,225 | Return - 22%
HDFC is not just a play on rising mortgage penetration, but also on increasing financial literacy and financialization of savings in India. Having incubated several subsidiaries over the past two decades, HDFC derives almost 50 percent of its value from its subsidiaries, up from around 30 percent in FY13. In addition, there are still some segments, like health insurance, where HDFC is to yet to enter.
The core mortgage business is on a stable growth trajectory, despite intensifying competition. The corporate lending business, on the other hand, has witnessed a revival over the past few quarters, after 3-4 years of modest growth.
HDFC is well equipped to take care of its own growth and growth capital requirement of subsidiaries, with (a) large capital issuance of Rs 13,000 crore, (b) expected warrant conversion of Rs 5,390 crore, and (c) capital gains from HDFC MF (Rs 1,500 crore+). Of this, we expect Rs 8,500 crore to be utilized for HDFC Bank stake (already announced) and Rs 4,500 crore for other ventures (new segments like health insurance, stressed asset acquisition, investments in affordable housing projects, etc). As there are no firm announcements for Rs 4,500 crore, we have valued it at 1x cash.
Despite the huge capital raising, HDFC will still maintain core RoE of around 18 percent over the medium term. We use SOTP to value the company (core business at 20x EPS and 3.2x BV) and arrive at a TP of Rs 2,225. Buy.
Mahindra & Mahindra | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 889 | Return - 16%
M&M is a best proxy on a rural recovery in the auto segment. We expect continued growth in tractors, a strong recovery in the pick-up segment, and stabilisation in the market share in passenger utility vehicles.
We estimate 14 percent CAGR in the core business over FY18-20. The stock trades at 19.1x FY19E and 16.6x FY20E consolidated EPS, and core business (adjusted for value in subs after 20 percent hold-co discount) trades at around 13.9x/12x FY19/20E. Maintain Buy with an SOTP-based target price of Rs 889.
Shalby | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 320 | Return - 51%
The stock is valued at a P/E of 37x on FY17 diluted EPS which is at a discount to peers in listed space like Apollo Hospitals (52x), Narayana Hrudalaya (70x) and Healthcare Global Enterprises (112x) with much lower OPMs and single digit return ratios.
With due consideration to factors like a) leadership in orthopaedics and strong capabilities in other specialties, b) integrated and scalable business model enhancing its patient reach, c) only player in the industry to grow 2000+ beds without any non-promoter equity funding. Growth funded entirely through internal accruals and debt recently, d) strong Q3FY18 performance witnessed, e) market leader in the procedure of joint replacement surgeries with a 15 percent market share of all such surgeries conducted by private corporate hospitals in India in 2016, according to the F&S Report, f) payback Period best in class, g) best in class EBITDA levels - consistent EBITDA upwards of 20 percent against industry average of 12-15 percent, h) significant improvement in PAT going forward post repayment of debt, i) robust ROE of 28 percent as against single digit ROE of peers, we recommend investors to Buy with a target of Rs 320 on a conservative basis (P/E of 50x which is at discount to Industry P/E of 67x) at estimated FY19EPS for investors with a horizon of 9-12 months.
Brokerage: Axis Securities
RBL Bank | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 650 | Return - 17%
We met with the senior management of RBL and came back confident on its outlook and execution capabilities. Growth rates to remain healthy with benefits flowing from multi-channel distribution network. NIM to remain intact with granular retail franchise.
Some near-term challenges persists like asset quality pain in farm loan book and credit costs linked to demonetization-impacted MFI loans, which will ease over next few quarters.
We expect RBL to scale up materially without any significant teething issues while achieving best in class performance across major parameters.
RBL is transitioning from being a wholesale-focused regional player to an agile technology-leader with a diversified portfolio, focus on strategic niche customer segments, and pan-India aspirations.
Retain Buy with a target price of Rs 650.
Brokerage: HDFC Securities
Symphony | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 2,150 | Return - 20%
Symphony, once an almost bankrupt company, has risen from the ashes and become the global leader in air coolers. After suffering financial stress and restructuring, post 2005 the company focussed on a ‘one product, many markets strategy’. This has worked out well and revenues/EBITDA/APAT grew at 35/49/54 percent CAGR during the last 10 years.
Symphony commands 50 percent value and 42 percent volume share in India’s organised air cooler market, but its overall volume share is still at around 14 percent. It will ride the post-GST shift in the market from unorganised to organised players. Its strong track record of product innovation and a unique distribution model will help cement further gains.
Our bullishness on Symphony is based on (1) Rising demand for cooling products driven by growing disposable incomes, cheaper financing options and increasing up-country penetration of electricity, (2) A large unorganised air cooler market, (3) Symphony’s consistent product innovation, (4) Growing distribution reach (40,000 dealers targeted versus 30,000 now) over the next 2 years (dealer reach grew at 24 percent CAGR over FY10-17) and (5) Untapped opportunities in RoW markets. We model revenue/EBITDA/APAT CAGR of 22/28/29 percent over FY18E-FY20E, driven mostly by premiumisation.
Symphony’s high return on capital employed (RoCE) >100 percent, market leadership and multi-year growth visibility warrants high valuations. The stock has consistently traded at a premium to AC/appliance companies. Our valuation is based on 45x Mar-20 EPS, yielding a target price of Rs 2,150.
Initiate coverage with a Buy.
HG Infra Engineering | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 375 | Return - 17%
There are expectations of strong earnings growth in ensuing quarters.
HGI has been gaining a healthy traction for last two years on the backdrop of consistent order book addition and improving execution expertise.
While current order book of Rs 5,060 crore (4.8x FY17 revenue) provides robust growth visibility, HGI is expected to add more orders to its kitty mainly led by improvement in financial prequalification and
enormous opportunity in Roads & Highway segment.
We expect HGI’s revenue and earnings to clock 31 percent and 46 percent CAGR, respectively through FY17-FY20E. Further, current valuations at 18.4x / 13.7x EPS of FY19E / FY20E, respectively, look attractive considering less than 1x PEG ratio and strong return ratios.
We maintain fundamental Buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 375.
Ramkrishna Forgings | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 975 | Return - 17%
In Ramkrishna Forgings, there are expectations of healthy improvement in earnings in coming quarters led by visible improvement in automobiles volume especially in commercial vehicle (CV) segment.
RFL is the second largest forging company in India after Bharat Forge with an installed capacity of 150,000MT.
RFL derives more than 80 percent of its total revenue from Automotive segment (including exports) as auto volumes had been favourable over the years.
RFL has concluded its major expansion drive and is currently in the process of improving the utilisation of newly commissioned facility.
We expect RFL to generate free cash flow of Rs 460 crore over FY18-FY20E aided by low capex requirement and healthy margins.
We maintain Buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 975.
NBCC | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 295 | Return - 40%
In NBCC, there are expectations of healthy earnings in ensuing quarters. It continues to be a robust growth story owing to its PWO status and niche presence in redevelopment of government’s old colonies.
Notably, order book stands at Rs 80,000 crore (13.2x TTM revenue) and offers unmatched growth visibility, going ahead. Its key redevelopment projects i.e. Pragati Maidan (Rs 2,500 crore), Nauroji Nagar (Rs 3,000 crore) and Maharashtra Irrigation (Rs 1,000 crore) projects were started, which will start contributing to revenue from current quarter.
Further, NBCC is in negotiation or at advance stage of securing more projects in coming months i.e. Railway redevelopment, Dharavi redevelopment, etc.
A debt-free balance-sheet and superior return ratios augur well for the Company. We expect 30% CAGR in NBCC’s earnings through FY17-FY20E backed by robust order book and execution pick-up in
redevelopment projects.
We maintain fundamental Buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 295.
Federal Bank | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 119 | Return - 29%
Federal Bank is a Kerala based bank with the strong business presence in southern region of the country. Over the last few quarters, the bank has reported improvement in the business growth while the margin remained healthy at around 3.3 percent higher than close peers.
Advances book is well diversified with corporate book share at 40 percent, retail at 29 percent and SME at 32 percent, witnessing healthy growth in all these three segments. While the addition to NPAs also remained elevated due to spike in corporate and retail slippage, continued moderation in SMA-2 list indicates fresh slippage will decline in FY19.
Furthermore, adequate provisioning for NCLT 2nd list will ease pressure on provisioning front going forward. We recommend potential price of Rs 119 determined afterapplying 1.8 P/ABV (x) to FY20 adjusted book value per share of Rs 66.2.
Ajanta Pharma | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 1,740-1,809 | Return - 25-30%
Ajanta Pharma is well poised to foray in the US markets coupled with approval for its Dahej factory. Currently the stock is trading close to 52-week low, which provides investors an opportunity to buy in. Despite a challenging environment in the US, the management expects decent growth on the back of products launches in the next 18-24 months.
On the domestic front, the management expects FY18 growth to be impacted due to GST transition but return to growth trajectory in FY19.
The company has an upside potential of 25-30 percent in the next 12-18 months. We arrive at a target price in range of Rs 1,740-1,809 per share. Thus we assign a Buy rating on the stock.
Avenue Supermarts | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 1,590 | Return - 17%
Avenue Supermarts (D-Mart) promoted by Radhakishan Damani, owns & operates India’s most profitable supermarket, D’Mart. It offers products like Foods, Non-Foods (FMCG), general Merchandise and Apparel categories under 141 stores with 4.4 million square feet.
Food & Grocery constitutes around 67 percent of total retail industry, but organised retailers’ accounted only around 3 percent and expected to grow at 26 percent CAGR by FY20.
Mall additions and ‘everyday discount’ strategy helped to deliver strong revenue & PAT CAGR of 37 percent & 51 percent in the last 5 years.
EBITDA margin is higher among peers due to better asset-turnover and lean cost structure.
A revamp in the strategy by including leased stores along with the owned will accelerate pace of growth.
We estimate Revenue/PAT to grow at 34 percent/43 percent CAGR over FY18E-20E.
We initiate D-Mart with a Buy rating based on DCF with a target of Rs 1,590, implying P/E of 69x on FY20E.
Cochin Shipyard | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 625 | Return - 21%
Cochin Shipyard is the largest public sector shipyard in India deriving major revenue from Navy. The main sources of revenue are ship building for navy, coast guard, commercial and ship repair.
Current order book is Rs 2,337 crore (Q3FY18) and has visibility to garner around Rs 18,000 crore of orders over the next 2 years.
Additional, order visibility are L1 status on ASW-SWC of Rs 5,400 crore and Phase - III of IAC (Rs 10,300 crore).
Market leader in ship repair and poised to grow further led by JVs and MoUs.
Cash rich in spite of huge capex – Capacity to double in both the segment of ship building & repairs by FY22 with a total debt-free capex of Rs 2,760 crore.
Revenue expected to grow by 22.5 percent in FY17-20, led by 27 percent CAGR in ship building.
Owing to strong order book visibility and being a market leader in ship repair we value CSL at 17x on FY20E EPS initiating coverage with a target price of Rs 625, with a Buy rating.
TVS Motor Company | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 782 | Return - 22%
Recently, the stock price of TVS Motor Company corrected by around 22 percent from 52-week high of Rs 795 despite reporting good set of numbers in the recent quarters.
It has been consistently outpacing the 2-wheeler industry growth since FY15 with successfully gaining market share in both the motorcycles and scooter segments on the back of new launches. Further, TVS Motor has also gained pricing power given the feature rich products and strong brand recall.
TVS Motor has incurred a capex of Rs 550 crore by Q3FY18 for capacity expansion as well as product development toward the BMW products. The management has further guided a capex of around Rs 650 crore in FY18E and Rs 500 crore in FY19E, which includes investment in electric vehicle technology, investment in R&D and marketing & branding.
It has tied-up with BMW to manufacture sale in premium category, 250-500CC in the domestic market. The collaboration will enable it to gain foothold in the high-margin premium motorcycles segment, where it had only one model ‘Apache’.
With 4th largest 2-wheeler manufacturer, good response to new products in domestic market, continuously launches new products in domestic market, gaining market share in both the motorcycles and scooter segments, investment in electric vehicle technology and tie up with BMW, we value TVS Motor at 54.60x FY19E EPS of Rs 14.30 to arrive at target price of Rs 771, an upside of around 22 percent.
Motherson Sumi | Rating - Buy | Return - 15-17%
Motherson Sumi Systems (MSSL) through its step-down subsidiary, Samvardhana Motherson Automotive Systems Group BV (SMRP BV), announced the proposed 100 percent acquisition of Reydel Automotive Group (Reydel). Reydel manufactures interior components and modules (cockpit modules, instrument panels, door panels and console modules; products are similar to MSSL polymer range) for global automotive customers and has 20 manufacturing facilities spread over 16 countries.
Reydel derives 66 percent of its revenue from Europe, 28 percent from Asia and 6 percent from South America market.
As per management, the acquisition is EPS-accretive from day one and would add 10-12 percent to MSSL topline and 4-5 percent to earnings upon consolidation. The deal would take 4-6 months to conclude. We maintain Positive view on the stock and expect 15-17 percent returns in the next six to eight months.
GMR Infrastructure | Rating - Buy | Target - Rs 40 | Return - 99%
Amidst all the challenges in power and road sector, GMR has grown its airport assets from two to five (3 operational, 2 under development) which demonstrates company’s ability to grow a high margin and positive cash flow business. Airport assets accounted for 53 percent of the revenues and 82 percent of EBITDA. Passenger traffic has grown at a 5-year CAGR of 10 percent and 12 percent at its two marquee assets – Delhi and Hyderabad respectively and combined they handle 73 million passengers per annum.
The company’s debt has reduced from Rs 39,400 crore in FY16 to Rs 22,800 crore in H1FY18. The company entered debt restructuring agreement through SDR schemes which helped bring down leverage further. Consequently, Net Debt to EBITDA has improved from 12.3x to 6.3x.
Unlike other conglomerates, GMR group seems to be out of the problem as far as energy vertical is concerned.
Over last 3 years, GMR has successfully divested assets worth more than 120bn across airport, power, transmission, coal mines and road sector.
We believe that we have not seen last of such divestments as GMR has identified further assets which are non-core or non-strategic up for sale. This includes – Indonesian coal mines, road assets and monetization of land parcels at Kakinada and Krishnagiri SIR.
MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!