Page 15 - The Compass

L&T Finance's strategic moves paying off, strong returns & growth expected

L&T Finance is strengthening its market position with a focus on asset quality and leveraging AI-powered platforms like Project Cyclops

Indus Towers' revenues hinge more on Vi turnaround than Africa plan

Indus Towers eyes Africa entry but analysts remain split on growth outlook as Vodafone Idea's turnaround and high capex weigh on sentiment

Favourable winds for steel stocks as China moves to cut production

Production curbs in China and a 3-year safeguard duty strengthen prospects for Indian steelmakers

Better demand, tailwinds keeping Street positive on 2-wheeler stocks

Stronger rural demand, festive inventory build-up and GST cut optimism are boosting sentiment on two-wheeler stocks, though valuations now near long-term averages

RIL's growth plans, Jio listing can lead to re-rating of its stock

RIL targets retail revenue growth of over 20 per cent CAGR for three years and has ambitions of becoming India's biggest FMCG player

Barring a few macro risks, oil marketing firms seem to be in a sweet spot

China today has the largest refining capacity globally, with its refining capacity to reach 21 million barrels per day (mb/d) in 2025

Paint companies hope for revival strokes amid demand surge after lull

Paint makers posted marginal Q1 growth after four quarters of decline, with demand aided by softer raw material prices and early festive season, though margins remain under pressure

Higher volumes, margins potential rerating triggers for FMCG companies

FMCG companies are seeing structural growth since categories like shampoos and detergents are under-penetrated

Volume recovery, attractive valuation positive triggers for Petronet LNG

Adjusted PAT, excluding the impairment adjusted for tax, was ₹945 crore in Q1FY26. Reported PAT of ₹842 crore includes the impairment

Cement sector prospects on the mend, but valuations may be hurdle

Cement demand is driven by government projects in infrastructure and housing, a rural rebound, and industrial capex

Outlook remains positive for private general insurers despite modest growth

Despite modest growth in the non-life insurance sector in July 2025, key segments like motor and fire insurance showed strength, while health faced challenges.

Margin recovery crucial for Swiggy re-rating despite strong Q1 growth

Swiggy posted 54% Y-o-Y revenue growth in Q1 FY26 but losses widened; analysts say margin recovery will be key for further stock re-rating despite strong GOV momentum

Timely execution of new capacities essential for gains in NTPC stock

The power utility is aiming to add 26-27GW of thermal coal capacity, and 60GW renewable energy (RE) capacity by FY32 mainly through listed subsidiary

Jio's data tariff move strong signal for Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea

Jio's increase in entry-level data tariffs could push its FY26 revenue up by 4-5%. This move is expected to trigger similar tariff hikes by Airtel and Vodafone Idea, benefitting the entire sector.

Large capex a key concern for BPCL amid crude oil price uncertainty

BPCL's Q1FY26 profit fell short of expectations as refining margins weakened, though marketing remained robust Analysts caution that rising capex could strain balance sheet

Macro headwinds likely to keep a cautious tab on Info Edge stock

Management says a large part of the current marketing spends is for brand building, which may be cut sharply if needed

Lower crude oil prices point to further downsides for ONGC stock

For ONGC Videsh or OVL, oil and gas production in the quarter stood at 1.75 mmt (down 2 per cent Q-o-Q) and 0.7 bcm (down 13 per cent Q-o-Q)

High valuation caps Nykaa's upside despite strong Q1 and margin gains

Nykaa posts 23% revenue growth and margin expansion, but lofty valuations may limit further stock gains

Buy-on-dips a better strategy as Cummins' strong prospects seem priced in

Cummins India Q1 profit rose on Powergen and exports growth, with analysts bullish on long-term prospects but cautioning that current valuations reflect the optimism

Voltas pins recovery hopes on festive demand after Q1 revenue slump

Voltas Q1 revenue fell 20% on unseasonal rains and weaker AC sales, with margins hit; management expects festive season and "second summer" demand to aid recovery