As the earnings season unfolds, investors are keenly observing the financial performance of publicly listed companies and evaluating their stock potential. Amidst a whirlwind of quarterly results, mergers, and shifts across sectors, Jefferies has identified a select group of companies that could be prime candidates for growth-focused investors.
Jefferies Highlights Key Stocks for Investment
In its latest analysis, Jefferies has reaffirmed ‘Buy’ ratings for several attractive stocks, including UltraTech Cement, Go Digit, and KFin Technologies. Here’s a closer look at why these companies are capturing the attention of this brokerage firm.
UltraTech Cement: A Strong Buy Recommendation
Jefferies continues to back UltraTech Cement, India’s leading cement manufacturer, with an updated target price of Rs 14,000 per share, indicating a potential upside of nearly 16%.
- The company showcased impressive performance in the last quarter, with EBITDA surging by 12% year-over-year, marking a significant recovery after three quarters of decline.
- The report highlighted that Unit EBITDA (LFL) jumped to Rs 1,270, reflecting a Rs 310 increase per ton compared to the previous quarter.
Jefferies anticipates that UltraTech’s recent acquisitions, including Kesoram and India Cements, will enhance profitability significantly over the next 12-24 months. The firm noted, “Despite a challenging FY25, we expect UltraTech to achieve 30% and 37% CAGR in EBITDA and PAT, respectively.”
Furthermore, the report emphasized UltraTech’s role as a key player in India’s infrastructure development, alongside its commitment to sustainability, with a target to source over 60% of its energy from green sources.
Go Digit: Promising Growth Ahead
With a target price of Rs 360, Jefferies has also maintained a ‘Buy’ rating on Go Digit, suggesting a potential upside of 17%.
- Go Digit reported a remarkable 120% year-over-year increase in its Q4FY25 profit, reaching Rs 1,200 crore, although this is against a low comparative base.
- While Gross Direct Premium Income growth was modest at 1%, the Net Earned Premium experienced a robust 13% increase, bolstered by improved retention rates.
According to Jefferies, "The strategic shift toward non-retail sectors and enhanced premium retention is accelerating Go Digit’s investment growth." The report also notes that increasing their equity allocation could enhance returns, albeit with higher volatility risks.
Despite facing some short-term challenges, Jefferies projects a 16% growth in Net Earned Premium from FY25 to FY28, alongside strengthened profitability, supporting their BUY recommendation and target price.
KFin Technologies: A Reliable Long-Term Investment
Jefferies has given a ‘Buy’ call for KFin Technologies with a target price of Rs 360, also reflecting a 17% upside potential.
- The firm believes that KFin is positioned for steady core growth in the mid-to-high teens, benefiting from increased investor engagement in capital markets and a rise in mutual fund assets.
- The company’s solid profitability based on IFRS standards and effective operational model make it an attractive long-term investment.
In summary, investors seeking growth opportunities should consider these recommendations from Jefferies. With strategic positioning and robust financials, UltraTech Cement, Go Digit, and KFin Technologies are poised to deliver substantial returns in the evolving market landscape.