Page 2 - The Compass

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

Order inflow guidance, investment pickup vital for capital goods firms

With government capex growth moderating, investors will track Q3 order inflows and management guidance for signs of a private investment pick-up in capital goods

Growth triggers missing in Dabur amid weak hair oil, beverage sales

The update is on the lower side of earlier guidance of mid-to-high single-digit revenue growth in H2FY26

Steady demand, improving margins remain positive for Marico stock

The weakening trend in copra prices and the lower prices in the crude derivatives basket are positives

Domestic steel prices may rise in Q4 as safeguard duty curbs imports

Extension of safeguard duties until April 2028 provides a price floor for domestic steel, but weak exports, new capacities and global pressures are likely to cap further upside

Value over volume to drive jewellery growth in H2 amid higher gold prices

December quarter results for the sector are expected to be in similar lines to the September (Q2) quarter

Acquisitions, order book to drive growth for Samvardhana Motherson

Samvardhana Motherson stock is up 17 per cent from November lows as brokerages point to the AutoElectric acquisition talks, rising content per vehicle and an $87 billion order book

Loan growth, margins seen improving for banks in Q3 as credit costs ease

Banks are likely to see better loan growth and margins in Q3FY26, with PSU lenders outperforming as credit costs ease, unsecured loan stress moderates and recoveries remain steady

High growth potential may lead to more gains in Hindustan Copper stock

Copper prices remain firm in 2025 amid supply disruptions, tariff risks and low inventories. With global demand rising Hindustan Copper is positioned to benefit from the structural upcycle

Castrol India: Well oiled to grow, but valuations may limit sharp upside

The BP-Stonepeak transaction has brought Castrol India into focus, but while margins, cash flows and brand strength remain robust, expensive valuations may restrain near-term gains

Lack of triggers, weak demand may keep power stocks under pressure

Weak power demand and surplus capacity cloud near-term prospects, but energy transition, nuclear reforms and grid upgrades offer long-term opportunities across India's power sector

Muted Q3 likely, but volume gains and mix support Jindal Steel outlook

Indian steelmakers may see weaker Q3FY26 margins, but Jindal Steel's capacity expansion, rising volumes and higher share of value-added products could aid recovery

Growth potential and earnings factored into GE Vernova's valuations

A large HVDC order win, rising transmission capex and renewable energy push strengthen GE Vernova T&D's earnings outlook, but high valuations already price in much of the upside

Earnings upgrade ahead for Shriram Finance as MUFG deal boosts capital base

MUFG Bank's Rs 39,620 crore preferential investment could lift Shriram Finance's capital ratios, support faster AUM growth and a rating upgrade, though RoE may dilute near term

Higher prices, demerger to boost margins, unlock value for Vedanta

Vedanta's stock rally is driven by a strong metal cycle, silver-led upside at Hindustan Zinc, aggressive capacity expansion and progress on its multi-entity demerger

Eternal well placed as price war unlikely in quick commerce sector

Eternal remains the leader and Blinkit has the best financials and the best unit economics