Ashish Kacholia, often referred to as the "Big Whale" of India’s stock market, has established himself as an expert at identifying future multibagger opportunities, particularly within the midcap and smallcap segments. With a diverse portfolio of 41 holdings valued at over ₹3,136 crores, Kacholia’s investments span various sectors, including hospitality, education, and manufacturing. Despite his impressive track record, he remains a low-key figure, allowing his investment acumen to speak for itself.
Early Career and Investment Philosophy
Kacholia began his career at Prime Securities and Edelweiss, later founding Lucky Securities in 1995. This venture marked the start of his impactful financial journey. By 1999, he partnered with renowned investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala to co-establish Hungama Digital, showcasing his ability to identify trends early on. Since 2003, Kacholia has focused on emerging industries, employing a disciplined, fundamentals-based strategy that has solidified his reputation as a quiet yet formidable force in the market.
Long-Term Holdings Worth Investigating
Given Kacholia’s decade-long commitment to certain companies, it’s essential for investors to explore what makes these firms stand out. Let’s take a closer look at two of his notable holdings to understand his investment rationale.
Carysil Ltd: A Growing Player in Kitchen Solutions
Founded in 1987, Carysil Limited specializes in manufacturing and trading Quartz and Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks, along with bath products and kitchen appliances.
- Market Capitalization: ₹1,827 crores
- Strategic Partnership: Collaborates with IKEA Supply AG (Switzerland) for global composite quartz kitchen sink production.
Kacholia has maintained a 3.52% stake in Carysil since December 2015. The company’s sales have soared from ₹252 crores in FY19 to ₹684 crores in FY24, showcasing a 22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over five years.
- EBITDA Growth: From ₹42 crores in FY19 to ₹131 crores in FY24 (25% CAGR).
- Net Profit Increase: Grew from ₹17 crores in FY19 to ₹58 crores in FY24 (27% CAGR).
The stock price has skyrocketed by 820%, rising from ₹70 in March 2020 to ₹643 as of March 20, 2025. This impressive growth highlights Carysil’s strong performance, making it a company to watch.
Shaily Engineering Plastics Ltd (SEPL): Precision Plastic Solutions
Shaily Engineering Plastics Ltd (SEPL) focuses on producing injection-molded precision plastic components for OEMs.
- Market Capitalization: ₹8,235 crores
- Clientele: Serves major companies like Wockhardt, Sanofi, and Sun Pharma.
Kacholia also holds a 3.22% stake in SEPL, which has shown substantial growth, with sales rising from ₹568 crores in FY22 to ₹644 crores in FY24 (6.5% CAGR).
- EBITDA: Increased from ₹82 crores in FY22 to ₹118 crores in FY24.
- Net Profit: Rose from ₹35 crores in FY22 to ₹57 crores in FY24 (27% CAGR).
The share price has experienced a remarkable 4,166% increase, climbing from ₹42 in March 2020 to ₹1,792 by March 20, 2025. This significant growth reflects investor confidence in SEPL’s operations.
Conclusion: The Value of Long-Term Commitment
Kacholia’s sustained interest in Carysil and Shaily Engineering Plastics Ltd prompts an important question for investors: what defines true, long-lasting value? It’s not solely about immediate gains, but recognizing the potential for sustained growth and excellence. These companies, each with unique trajectories, exemplify this principle.
While their financial indicators show promise, the real test lies in their resilience within the dynamic Indian market. Ultimately, Kacholia’s decade-long confidence in these stocks speaks volumes, urging investors to look beyond short-term fluctuations.
Disclaimer
This article aims to provide insights and data points for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. It is advisable for readers to consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions.
With over a decade of experience in market analysis, the insights shared herein represent personal views and are not associated with any financial advisory firm. Always conduct your research and consider your financial objectives before investing.
