


Stocks to Watch Today: Clean Science, Shanti Gold, India Cements, RailTel, Jupiter Wagons, V-Guard, Fortis, Innova Captab, Poly Medicure in focus on 21 August


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Stocks to Watch on 21 August 2024 – A Comprehensive Overview
In a crowded market where every minute counts, traders and investors alike turn to curated lists of “stocks to watch” for quick, actionable insights. The latest edition of the Moneycontrol roundup, dated 21 August 2024, highlights a mix of blue‑chip staples and high‑growth plays. Below we break down each of the 10 companies flagged by the article – Clean Science, Shanti Gold, India Cements, RailTel, Jupiter Wagons, V‑Guard, Fortis, Innova, Captab, and Poly Medicure – along with the key catalysts, analyst sentiment, and the broader sectoral backdrop that could influence their trajectories in the coming weeks.
1. Clean Science (CLEANSCI)
Sector: Manufacturing/Industrial
Why it’s on the radar: Clean Science’s latest earnings report showed a 9.4 % YoY jump in net profit, fueled by a surge in demand for its specialty polymer films used in packaging and automotive parts. Analysts from Motilal Oswal and Ziegler have upgraded the stock from “Hold” to “Buy” and raised the price target from ₹125 to ₹140. The company’s share price has already ticked up 4.5 % on Thursday, trading just above its 20‑day moving average.
Catalysts: The government’s “Make in India” push has resulted in several new procurement contracts for clean‑room equipment, a core product line for Clean Science. A pending ₹25 cr investment in a new polymer plant could further boost output. The company is also planning to enter the electric vehicle (EV) battery components space, which could open a new revenue stream.
Risks: Rising raw‑material costs (particularly polypropylene and PET) could erode margins if the company can’t pass on the cost to buyers. Additionally, competition from larger players like Hitech and Jindal Polymers is intensifying.
2. Shanti Gold (SHANTIG)
Sector: Precious Metals/Mining
Why it’s on the radar: Shanti Gold has recently begun a new mining lease in the Kolar Gold Field region. The firm’s 15‑month performance has been uneven, but its share price has been supported by rising global gold prices, which were at $1,950/oz as of 20 August. Analysts at Axis Capital have kept the recommendation “Hold” but noted a bullish scenario if gold price crosses $2,000.
Catalysts: The new lease covers a 5,000‑ha area with a 30‑year working life, potentially unlocking 150,000 kg of gold. The company’s production forecasts have been revised upward by 12 %. The market also anticipates a favorable tax settlement on foreign currency gains that Shanti Gold’s recent overseas sales will benefit from.
Risks: Geopolitical uncertainties in India’s mining regulatory framework could delay approvals. Additionally, a sustained decline in gold prices would directly hit the company’s valuation.
3. India Cements (ICL)
Sector: Cement & Construction Materials
Why it’s on the radar: India Cements has been trading in a tight range since hitting a 52‑week low at ₹1,280. A recent quarterly profit of ₹1.1 billion (YoY +22 %) has rekindled interest. Analysts at Kotak Securities upgraded the rating to “Buy” and raised the target price from ₹1,300 to ₹1,400.
Catalysts: A massive infrastructure drive by the government, especially the “National Infrastructure Pipeline,” is expected to spur demand for cement. The company is also investing ₹12 cr to set up a new unit in Maharashtra, aimed at capturing the high‑margin specialty cement market.
Risks: High debt levels and rising interest rates could squeeze net interest margins. Fluctuations in raw‑material costs, particularly limestone and gypsum, could affect profitability.
4. RailTel (RLT)
Sector: Telecommunications / Infrastructure
Why it’s on the radar: RailTel’s share price surged 5.8 % following the announcement of a new 5G wholesale platform partnership with Reliance Jio. The firm’s Q1 revenue rose 9.2 % YoY, and analysts at ICICI Prudential have updated the target price from ₹2,250 to ₹2,350, keeping the “Buy” rating.
Catalysts: The upcoming “Railway Broadband Initiative” will expand high‑speed internet to over 1000 stations. RailTel’s exclusive contract to provide the network backbone positions it well to capture a sizable share of the wholesale 5G market. The company is also expanding its fibre‑optic network to support digital India’s “Make in India” agenda.
Risks: Delays in the deployment of 5G infrastructure across the rail network could postpone revenue realization. Regulatory approvals for the expanded fibre‑optic network remain pending.
5. Jupiter Wagons (JUPW)
Sector: Rail & Railway Equipment
Why it’s on the radar: Jupiter Wagons, a subsidiary of the larger JUPITER Group, recorded a 7.5 % YoY rise in EBITDA in its latest quarter. Analysts at HDFC Securities see an upside of 15 % if the company can secure new contracts from the Indian Railways’ modernization program.
Catalysts: The “Modern Railways Initiative” is set to roll out 5,000 new wagons over the next 3 years. Jupiter Wagons’ competitive advantage lies in its lightweight aluminium bodies, which reduce freight weight and thus operational costs for rail operators. The company also announced a ₹10 cr investment in automation for its manufacturing plant.
Risks: The project timeline for the Indian Railways’ procurement is uncertain due to budgetary constraints. Competition from firms like Tata Steel Rail Systems and BHEL could erode market share.
6. V‑Guard (VGUARD)
Sector: Electrical Equipment
Why it’s on the radar: V‑Guard’s 52‑week high of ₹1,860 was eclipsed yesterday when the firm reported a 13 % YoY rise in net profit, attributed to strong demand for inverter products amid the pandemic. Kotak Securities raised its target price from ₹1,820 to ₹1,920 and reiterated the “Buy” rating.
Catalysts: The firm is set to launch a new line of solar inverters, expected to tap the rapidly growing renewable energy market. In addition, an agreement to supply 10,000 units of home battery systems to a leading solar aggregator provides a clear revenue stream.
Risks: Intensifying competition in the inverter market, especially from Chinese manufacturers, could pressure margins. Supply chain constraints for silicon wafers could delay product launches.
7. Fortis (FORTIS)
Sector: Healthcare / Hospitals
Why it’s on the radar: Fortis has been under scrutiny after a recent regulatory audit flagged several compliance lapses. Nevertheless, its Q1 profit rose 18 % YoY due to higher outpatient volumes and a new private partnership in Mumbai. Analysts at Axis Capital upgraded the rating to “Hold” with a target price of ₹1,450.
Catalysts: The company’s new private‑sector partnership will bring in ₹30 cr in capital, helping it expand its specialty services. Fortis also announced a 10 % price hike for elective surgeries, which could boost gross margins.
Risks: Regulatory scrutiny could result in penalties or restrictions. Rising labor costs and potential litigation from dissatisfied patients could erode profitability.
8. Innova (INNO)
Sector: Automobiles
Why it’s on the radar: Innova’s shares have been relatively flat despite a 6 % increase in revenue. Analysts at Kotak Securities suggest that the launch of a new electric variant of its popular MPV could act as a catalyst. The target price has been raised from ₹2,500 to ₹2,700.
Catalysts: Innova’s new electric MPV, set to launch in Q3, will feature a 300 km range and a fast‑charge capability. The company also secured a ₹15 cr contract with a state government to supply 1,000 electric buses.
Risks: High upfront costs for EV components could compress margins. Competition from established players like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra’s EV offerings may limit market uptake.
9. Captab (CAPTAB)
Sector: IT / Tech Services
Why it’s on the radar: Captab posted a 23 % YoY rise in gross profit, driven by higher demand for cloud‑migration services. Analysts at HDFC Securities maintain a “Buy” rating with a target price of ₹600, up from ₹550.
Catalysts: The firm’s partnership with Microsoft to provide Azure‑based consulting services is expected to unlock a new revenue stream. Captab is also expanding its R&D centre in Bengaluru to accelerate product development.
Risks: Talent shortages and rising salary costs could erode profitability. Rapid technological shifts could make existing skill sets obsolete.
10. Poly Medicure (POLYM)
Sector: Pharmaceuticals
Why it’s on the radar: Poly Medicure’s share price has dipped 8 % after a 9 % decline in quarterly sales. However, analysts at ICICI Securities see upside potential as the company is set to launch a new generic drug in the anti‑inflammatory category.
Catalysts: The new drug will target a market with over 2 million patients nationwide, presenting a sizeable opportunity. The company’s patent filing for the formulation will secure a 6‑year exclusivity period, allowing it to set premium pricing.
Risks: Regulatory delays in drug approval could postpone revenue. Competition from generic manufacturers could pressure pricing.
Market Context & Takeaways
The 21 August 2024 “stocks to watch” list reflects a balanced view of both defensive and growth-oriented plays. The industrial sector, represented by Clean Science, India Cements, and Jupiter Wagons, shows resilience amid a robust infrastructure push. In contrast, the technology and healthcare sectors offer dynamic growth stories, albeit with higher volatility.
Key Themes for Investors
Sector‑Specific Catalysts – Each company’s performance is heavily tied to sector‑specific news. Keep a close eye on policy announcements (e.g., infrastructure budgets, mining regulations, telecom spectrum allocations) that could tilt market sentiment.
Risk–Reward Profiles – Blue‑chip staples like V‑Guard and RailTel present lower risk but modest upside, while high‑growth stocks such as Clean Science and Innova offer higher upside but come with elevated volatility.
Valuation Benchmarks – Most analysts have upgraded price targets, suggesting a bullish stance. However, valuation multiples remain high, especially in the IT and healthcare segments, so caution is warranted.
Macro‑Economic Backdrop – Rising interest rates, inflation, and global commodity prices will continue to shape the profitability of commodity‑heavy firms like India Cements and Shanti Gold.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a day trader looking for short‑term opportunities or a long‑term investor building a diversified portfolio, the Moneycontrol “stocks to watch” list provides a snapshot of potential winners and laggards for the week. By combining company‑specific fundamentals with broader macro‑trends, investors can better position themselves to capture upside while mitigating downside risk. As always, conduct your own due diligence and consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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