The Compass

Nestle's mid-teen profit growth depends on stable demand, lower costs

Domestic volumes surged and exports grew sharply in Q3FY26, aided by GST reforms, though higher raw material costs weighed on margins, with management prioritising growth over profitability

Budget 2026-27 boost, price hikes to support India's cement sector

The Budget allocation is up about 9 per cent in nominal terms and, given grant-in-aid, it would push effective capex for FY27 to Rs 17.1 trillion

Budget 2026-27: Higher borrowing plan, STT move hit market sentiment

A surprise STT hike in Budget FY27 triggered a sharp market sell-off, with banks and metals hit hard amid worries over borrowing, bond yields and financial conditions

Price volatility may cap the gains for Vedanta despite strong Q3

Despite strong Q3 earnings, improving margins and progress on demerger plans, volatile global commodity prices and high capex could restrain Vedanta's upside

Street gives thumbs up to L&T's Q3FY26, bullish on future prospects

L&T's Q3FY26 results show double-digit growth in P&M and services, strong margin expansion and a record order book, with overseas markets driving momentum

Slow demand recovery weighs on Asian Paints despite margin resilience

Asian Paints' Q3FY26 performance highlighted resilient margins and easing input costs, but slower-than-expected demand recovery and muted volume growth have raised concerns among investors and analyst

Earnings headwinds persist for JSW Energy after weak Q3 performance

The thermal portfolio has rising contracted offtake, with long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) accounting for 82 per cent of total power sales and volumes up 63 per cent Y-o-Y

Higher volumes, lower costs positive for UltraTech Cement stock

Market leader UltraTech Cement's Q3FY26 results beat consensus. Consolidated operating profit grew 35 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 3,920 crore

Project completions to drive earnings growth for Hindustan Petroleum

HPCL's earnings growth is set to accelerate as major projects like Vizag RUF come on stream, capex intensity falls, and operating efficiencies improve despite near-term risks

Competitive challenges likely to keep Eternal stock under pressure

Eternal reported Q3 FY26 net revenue of Rs 16,300 crore, up 20.7 per cent quarter on quarter and ahead of consensus estimates

Lack of valuation comfort in Persistent Systems despite strong growth

In 9MFY26, in rupee terms, PSYS's revenue grew 23 per cent, adjusted operating profit grew 39 per cent and adjusted net profit grew 40 per cent Y-o-Y

More gains for Hindustan Zinc depend on volume, LME price trajectory

Mined metal production for Q3 was 270 kilotonnes (kt) (247 kt in Q2), up 9 per cent quarter-on-quarter

Leadership continuity positive for ICICI Bank as provisions weigh on profit

Reversal of provisioning is also expected to support the stock going ahead

Strong Q3 performance, growth prospects to drive gains for HDFC AMC

Total assets under management (AUM) growth was 5 per cent, with 6 per cent growth in equity AUM and flat yields

Geopolitical turmoil, weak rupee cloud oil and gas sector outlook

Geopolitics, rupee weakness and volatile gas prices are clouding India's oil and gas outlook, even as low crude offers temporary relief to OMCs and CGD firms

Given improving prospects, rerating in ICICI Prudential stock is possible

ICICI Prudential reported steady VNB growth and stable margins in Q3FY26, with management guiding for stronger growth ahead, supporting the case for a stock re-rating

Strong order book, investment outlook likely to support defence stocks

Approvals have surpassed FY25 levels of Rs 2.2 trillion. The share of domestic procurement has risen from 54 per cent in FY19 to 92 per cent in FY25

Asset light model-based expansion likely to benefit Lemon Tree Hotels

The hotel company will see a restructuring with the separation of asset ownership from the brand and reorganisation, which will create two complementary platforms

Diversified infra players better bet amid weak road order inflows

Engineering and construction (E&C) order inflows remain subdued in Q3FY26 amid delayed approvals, funding constraints, and a high base

Strong Q3 showing, improved outlook positive for Godrej Consumer Products

Godrej Consumer Products flags double-digit volume growth in Q3 FY26 as home care and soaps rebound, with margins set to recover on lower palm oil prices