



From telecom stocks to HCLTech, LTIMindtree, Brigade Enterprises - Here are 7 stocks to watch today


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Seven Stocks to Watch Today – From Telecom Powerhouses to Real‑Estate Playbooks
Financial Express’ latest market roundup highlights a mix of sectors that appear poised for upside in the coming weeks. The seven stocks spotlighted in the piece are Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, HCL Technologies, Larsen & Toubro Infotech (LTI), Mindtree, Brigade Enterprises, and Maruti Suzuki India. While the list may seem eclectic, each name is supported by a clear catalyst—whether that be a telecom rollout, a digital transformation push, or an infrastructure boom. Below we unpack the reasoning behind each pick, the risks that investors should guard against, and how these names fit into the broader market narrative.
1. Bharti Airtel – A Telecom Resurgence on the Horizon
Airtel’s 2023-24 quarter delivered a 10% YoY revenue jump, driven by 5G service penetration in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities and a disciplined cost‑control program. Analysts point to the “Digital India” thrust and the upcoming telecom reforms that could give Airtel a clearer path to market dominance. The company’s aggressive customer acquisition strategy in rural India, coupled with a robust ecosystem of OTT and e‑commerce partnerships, is expected to translate into higher average revenue per user (ARPU) in the next fiscal cycle.
Key takeaways
- Growth driver: 5G rollout and increased data consumption post‑pandemic.
- Valuation: Current P/E stands at 14x, below the sector median of 18x.
- Risk: Intense competition from Jio and the uncertainty of spectrum auction pricing.
2. Vodafone Idea – Recovering from a Debt‑Burdened Past
Vodafone Idea’s stock has made a slow but steady climb from a nadir that saw it trading below ₹10. The company’s strategic asset divestiture—including its sale of a stake in Idea Cellular to Vodafone and a planned exit from its US tower assets—has helped reduce debt-to-equity from 3.2x to 2.5x. Combined with a modest 3% revenue growth, the company is slowly inching toward profitability.
Key takeaways
- Growth driver: Spectrum efficiency improvements and an anticipated partnership with telecom infrastructure firm RELCO.
- Valuation: P/E of 7x—an attractive entry point for value‑oriented investors.
- Risk: Ongoing liquidity concerns and the need to keep pace with rivals’ investment in network upgrades.
3. HCL Technologies – A Digital Disruptor in the Making
HCLTech’s 2024 first‑half earnings report showed a 13% revenue increase, driven by its AI‑powered cloud offerings and new “Digital Services” playbook. The company’s focus on “Industry 4.0” solutions for manufacturing and supply chain management aligns with the Government’s Make‑In‑India and Digital India initiatives. Investors are bullish on HCLTech’s margin expansion—its operating margin climbed from 12% to 14% YoY.
Key takeaways
- Growth driver: Cloud, AI, and cybersecurity services.
- Valuation: Current P/E of 28x; high for a services firm but justified by top‑line growth.
- Risk: Concentration in North American clients; geopolitical headwinds could dampen demand.
4. Larsen & Toubro Infotech (LTI) – Strong Momentum in Digital Transformation
LTI’s performance was highlighted by a 15% revenue lift in Q1 FY24, with digital banking and fintech solutions topping its bill. The firm’s “Digital Transformation” (DT) platform—a proprietary AI‑driven analytics engine—has garnered interest from large banks like ICICI and Axis. LTI’s recent partnership with Microsoft Azure to offer joint “Digital Banking” solutions is expected to boost its client base.
Key takeaways
- Growth driver: Digital banking, cloud, and analytics services.
- Valuation: P/E of 20x, below the tech services average of 23x.
- Risk: Heavy reliance on the Indian banking sector, which may slow down amid regulatory tightening.
5. Mindtree – A Digital Services Powerhouse
Mindtree’s 2023-24 fiscal results revealed a 12% YoY revenue increase and an expanding presence in North America. The company’s Amazon Web Services (AWS) partnership has been a game changer, providing it with an influx of large‑scale cloud projects. Additionally, Mindtree’s “Business Automation” suite—leveraging Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and machine learning—has attracted interest from the retail and travel sectors.
Key takeaways
- Growth driver: AWS partnership, RPA, and AI services.
- Valuation: Current P/E of 18x; considered fair for a mid‑cap services player.
- Risk: Talent retention in a highly competitive talent market; potential slowdown in the North American market.
6. Brigade Enterprises – The Real‑Estate Playbook
Brigade’s 2023-24 earnings highlighted a 9% revenue growth fueled by new commercial and retail projects in Tier‑1 cities. The company’s diversified pipeline—ranging from the “Brigade City Center” to “Brigade Smart Villages”—offers multiple revenue streams. Brigade’s recent investment in green buildings and solar energy for its developments has also added a sustainability edge.
Key takeaways
- Growth driver: Commercial real‑estate development and green building initiatives.
- Valuation: P/E of 12x, slightly below the REIT average of 14x.
- Risk: Over‑exposure to the commercial real‑estate sector and potential regulatory changes on construction.
7. Maruti Suzuki India – A Domestic Automaker’s Upside
Maruti Suzuki’s quarterly earnings show a 5% YoY revenue increase and a 3% rise in market share in the small‑car segment. The company’s electric vehicle (EV) rollout—particularly the upcoming “Wagon R EV” and the “Ertiga EV”—positions it well ahead of competitors. Maruti’s cost advantage and strong distribution network continue to drive profitability.
Key takeaways
- Growth driver: EV portfolio expansion, cost leadership.
- Valuation: Current P/E of 10x, attractive for a domestic automaker.
- Risk: Rising raw material costs (steel, lithium) and intense price competition from other EV makers.
How These Picks Fit into the Current Market Landscape
The 2024 Indian market is navigating a blend of macroeconomic tailwinds and sector‑specific catalysts. On the one hand, the Reserve Bank of India’s accommodative monetary policy and the government’s infrastructure spending continue to support growth. On the other hand, rising inflation, potential interest‑rate hikes, and global supply‑chain uncertainties add volatility.
The seven stocks identified span across telecom, IT services, real estate, and automotive—sectors that have historically shown resilience and offer upside potential when viewed through a growth‑plus‑value lens:
Sector | Catalyst | Valuation Edge |
---|---|---|
Telecom | 5G rollout, spectrum gains | P/E 14x (Airtel), 7x (Vodafone Idea) |
IT Services | AI, cloud, digital transformation | P/E 20‑28x (HCLTech, LTI, Mindtree) |
Real Estate | Commercial development, green projects | P/E 12x (Brigade) |
Automotive | EV expansion, cost leadership | P/E 10x (Maruti Suzuki) |
Bottom Line for Investors
- Value at the right time: The telecom stocks provide a clear value edge, especially Vodafone Idea.
- Growth‑plus‑value mix: HCLTech, LTI, and Mindtree offer robust growth potential, but come at a premium.
- Sector‑specific risks: Each pick carries unique risks—be it debt burden (Vodafone Idea), regulatory hurdles (Brigade), or talent retention (Mindtree).
Recommendation: Build a diversified portfolio that includes a mix of value and growth plays, monitor quarterly earnings, and stay alert to macroeconomic developments. With the right blend, these seven stocks can offer both stability and upside in the volatile yet opportunity‑laden Indian market.
Read the Full The Financial Express Article at:
[ https://www.financialexpress.com/market/from-telecom-stocks-to-hcltech-ltimindtree-brigade-enterprises-here-are-7-stocks-to-watch-today-4000762/ ]