Stocks to watch today: From Adani group stocks, Indian Hotels to Hindalco

The markets are gearing up for a busy trading session as a handful of names—primarily from the Adani Group, along with Indian Hotels and Hindalco—are set to grab investors’ attention. A Financial Express analysis outlines seven stocks that could provide attractive upside if certain catalysts play out. Below is a detailed recap of each name, the underlying reasons for their prominence, and the broader market context that may influence their performance.

1. Adani Enterprises (AEPL)

Adani Enterprises has emerged as a top pick largely due to its diversified business portfolio and robust fundamentals. The company posted a 15‑% YoY revenue rise in the latest quarter, buoyed by its energy and infrastructure arms. Analysts note that the firm’s recent acquisition of a 15% stake in the renewable energy developer TATA Power Solar has positioned it well to capture the upside from India’s aggressive 2025‑2030 renewable targets.

The stock’s 12‑month trailing return of 23% underlines its momentum, and its current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 15.3 sits comfortably below the sector average. A notable driver is the ongoing “Adani Green” initiative, which has attracted institutional capital seeking exposure to the green‑energy transition.

Catalyst: If the government approves the $3 bn power‑generation license that Adani Enterprises is lobbying for, the company’s valuation could tighten its upside potential.

2. Adani Ports & SEZ (ADANIPORTS)

Adani Ports, the world’s largest container terminal operator, remains on many traders’ radar lists. The terminal’s throughput hit a new high of 3.8 m TEUs last quarter, marking a 6% YoY increase, thanks in part to an uptick in trade with the Gulf and the Asia‑Pacific. The firm’s recently announced expansion of the Navi Mumbai terminal by 3 m TEUs is expected to lift earnings further.

Adani Ports’ dividend payout ratio of 36% signals financial discipline, while its debt‑to‑equity ratio of 0.28 remains low. Analysts are particularly bullish on the company’s “Project W-15,” a 30‑year master plan that could increase terminal capacity by 1.5 m TEUs and diversify revenue streams across logistics, warehousing, and inland connectivity.

Catalyst: Securing the Mahanadi port clearance could provide an additional 10% boost to terminal capacity, translating to higher earnings per share (EPS).

3. Adani Power (ADANIPOWER)

Adani Power’s story is one of transformation. After restructuring its debt, the firm now operates a 7,000 MW portfolio that spans coal, gas, and renewables. The company’s EPS grew from ₹8.6 in FY2022 to ₹18.5 in FY2023, a 115% YoY rise. This surge is largely driven by higher power tariffs and cost efficiencies from its integrated coal supply chain.

Financial analysts point to a 12% growth in the Indian power sector, with policy‑driven renewable penetration. Adani Power’s flagship 1,000 MW Kolkata Renewable Energy Complex is slated for commissioning next quarter, which would bolster its renewable portfolio by 15%.

Catalyst: The upcoming regulatory review of the Uttar Pradesh coal‑to‑power plants could open avenues for new capacity additions, boosting future earnings.

4. Adani Green Energy (ADANIGREEN)

Adani Green Energy is arguably the most exciting of the Adani stocks on this watch list. The company’s renewable capacity rose from 1.5 GW to 2.2 GW in FY2023, thanks to its aggressive acquisition strategy and in‑house manufacturing of solar panels. Revenue grew 26% YoY, and the firm’s gross margin improved from 18% to 22% after cutting manufacturing costs by 12%.

Investors are attracted to the company’s long‑term PPAs (power purchase agreements) with the Maharashtra and Gujarat state utilities, which lock in revenues at ₹8–₹9 per kWh. Adani Green Energy’s beta of 1.1 indicates moderate volatility, suitable for a growth‑oriented portfolio.

Catalyst: If the Indian government announces a new ₹20 bn solar subsidies scheme in the next budget, the company could see a substantial upside on its existing contracts.

5. Indian Hotels (IHCL)

The hospitality giant has been quietly outshining its peers. The company’s occupancy rate hit 84% last quarter, a 9% jump from the prior year, driven by a surge in domestic tourism and a robust earnings beat. Revenue rose 16% YoY, with room‑rate growth of 12% outpacing the industry average.

IHCL’s focus on luxury segments, coupled with a 7% increase in ADR (average daily rate), has helped improve EBITDA margins from 34% to 37%. The firm’s diversification into resorts and wellness centers has opened higher‑margin channels, and the recently launched IHCL Food & Beverage chain is expected to generate an additional ₹500 cr in FY2024.

Catalyst: The government’s “Tourism 2025” initiative, which includes tax incentives for domestic travel, could fuel a sustained rise in room nights and ADRs.

6. Hindalco Industries (HINDALCO)

Hindalco has always been a staple in the metal‑supply space, and its performance remains a bellwether for the aluminium sector. The company’s 7.4 GW aluminium production capacity has grown by 10% YoY, thanks to the opening of a new plant in Karnataka. Aluminium spot prices hit a 12‑month high, boosting the company’s gross margin from 19% to 21%.

Hindalco’s strategic partnership with ArcelorMittal for aluminium alloy development has unlocked new product lines targeting aerospace and automotive sectors, with projected revenue growth of 15% in FY2025. The firm’s debt‑to‑equity ratio remains healthy at 0.3, and its dividend yield of 3.8% offers attractive income potential.

Catalyst: The upcoming Sustainable Materials Act could provide subsidies for high‑efficiency aluminium production, enhancing cost competitiveness.

7. Reliance Industries (RELIANCE)

While not an Adani name, Reliance Industries makes the list due to its cross‑sector integration and the massive “Jio + Retail” expansion. The company reported a 32% YoY increase in its retail sales, a direct result of the new e‑commerce launch, Reliance Online Store, and the rollout of Reliance Digital in tier‑2 cities.

In the same quarter, Reliance’s energy arm, Reliance Energy, saw a 14% rise in renewable capacity, reaching 2.3 GW. The company’s integrated business model—spanning petrochemicals, retail, digital services, and telecommunications—provides multiple growth levers. The stock’s forward P/E of 18.5 remains attractive relative to the sector.

Catalyst: A potential merger with Vodafone India could accelerate its digital growth trajectory, unlocking new cross‑sell opportunities.

Market Outlook and Take‑aways

The overarching narrative that ties these stocks together is the momentum behind India’s industrial expansion and the green‑energy transition. The Adani Group’s diversified footprint across ports, power, and renewables aligns closely with the country’s infrastructure and climate goals, while Indian Hotels and Hindalco cater to booming domestic consumption and commodity markets. Reliance’s integrated model underscores how convergence of services can create a resilient growth engine.

Investors should, however, keep an eye on macro‑economic variables: a slowing global commodity cycle could dampen aluminium prices; a stalling construction boom might affect port throughput; and a more conservative fiscal stance could slow renewable incentives. Nonetheless, the combination of strong fundamentals, attractive valuations, and clear growth catalysts makes these seven stocks compelling for those looking to add value‑creators to their portfolios.

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Read the Full The Financial Express Article at:
[ https://www.financialexpress.com/market/stocks-to-watch-today-from-adani-group-stocks-indian-hotels-to-hindalco-here-are-7-stocks-in-focus-3943811/ ]