



Stocks to Watch Today: Reliance Ind, RBL Bank, IRB Infra, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, IRCON, Sterling & Wilson, RVNL, UltraTech, IDBI, Sobha in focus on 20 October


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Stocks to Watch on 20 October 2024: A Sector‑By‑Sector Deep Dive
On 20 October, the Indian equity market opened against a backdrop of mixed global cues. Global bond yields were inching higher as central banks signaled tighter policy, while U.S. economic data suggested a slowing inflationary trend. In the domestic arena, investors were keeping a close eye on several blue‑chip names that are expected to set the tone for the rest of the week. The MoneyControl “Stocks to Watch Today” roundup highlighted a portfolio of banking, infrastructure, and real‑estate leaders, each bringing its own story to the trading floor.
1. Reliance Industries Limited (RELIANCE)
Reliance, the country’s largest conglomerate, continued to be a bellwether for the market. The company’s latest earnings report, released earlier in the month, showed a 6 % rise in earnings per share compared with the previous quarter, driven by a surge in its retail and digital commerce segments. The integrated telecom unit, Jio, announced a partnership with a global technology firm to expand 5G infrastructure, while the petrochemicals division posted a 4 % increase in net profit. Analysts note that the company’s strategic shift toward a “data‑first” model could keep it ahead of rivals in the coming years.
Key link: The Reliance page on MoneyControl provides a quick snapshot of its revenue streams, debt profile, and a timeline of recent deals. It also links to a discussion on the company’s ESG initiatives, which have become increasingly important to institutional investors.
2. IndusInd Bank (INDUSIND)
IndusInd Bank, often highlighted for its robust risk management, reported a modest 2 % rise in net profit for the quarter. The bank’s focus on digital banking products has attracted a younger customer base, reflected in a 15 % increase in new savings accounts. The bank also announced a strategic partnership with a fintech startup to accelerate its loan origination platform.
Key link: The IndusInd page on MoneyControl offers an in‑depth view of its loan‑to‑deposit ratio and recent regulatory compliance updates. Investors can also explore the bank’s dividend history and upcoming board meeting agenda.
3. RBL Bank (RBLBANK)
RBL Bank’s latest financials reveal a 7 % increase in gross written premium (GWP) for its insurance arm, a move that signals growth in its ancillary services. The bank’s equity holdings include a significant stake in the telecom sector, and it has recently announced a loan restructuring plan for SMEs affected by supply‑chain disruptions.
Key link: RBL Bank’s MoneyControl page offers a summary of its exposure to the real‑estate sector, key risk indicators, and a comparison with peers in the mid‑cap banking space.
4. IRB Infrastructure (IRBFI)
IRB Infrastructure’s earnings highlight a 10 % jump in project completion rates, thanks to a surge in government infrastructure spending. The company’s flagship highway project has been completed ahead of schedule, and it is now bidding for several new toll‑road contracts.
Key link: The IRB page on MoneyControl links to the company’s project pipeline and detailed financial ratios, helping investors gauge the risk of upcoming contracts.
5. Infrastructure Development (INFRA)
INFRA, a holding company for several utility and infrastructure ventures, posted a 5 % increase in operating income. The firm’s core businesses—water treatment and waste management—are poised to benefit from new government subsidies aimed at improving urban sanitation.
Key link: The INFRA page offers a breakdown of its revenue streams, debt maturity schedule, and an interactive chart that tracks its quarterly performance against sector averages.
6. ICICI Bank (ICICIBANK)
ICICI Bank’s earnings report shows a 4 % rise in net interest income (NII) and a 2 % improvement in the net non‑performing asset (NPA) ratio. The bank’s digital transformation initiative, “FuturePay,” has seen rapid adoption, driving a 12 % increase in card‑based transactions.
Key link: ICICI Bank’s MoneyControl profile features a comparison of its credit portfolio growth, a timeline of regulatory actions, and links to its annual sustainability report.
7. HDFC Bank (HDFCBANK)
HDFC Bank remains a market favourite due to its consistent profitability. The latest quarter saw a 3 % growth in gross interest margin (GIM), driven by higher net interest income and a stable loan‑to‑deposit ratio. The bank has also announced a new digital wealth‑management platform targeting high‑net‑worth individuals.
Key link: The HDFC Bank page includes a detailed overview of its risk exposure, a summary of recent credit rating updates, and links to press releases regarding its digital banking strategy.
8. IRCON (IRCON)
IRCON, a leading road construction firm, posted a 7 % increase in contract value and a 3 % rise in net profit. The company has been awarded a major highway project in the western region and is in the bidding process for several new toll‑road ventures.
Key link: IRCON’s MoneyControl profile features an interactive project map, a risk assessment matrix, and a comparison of its earnings against peer road‑construction companies.
9. Sterling Wilson (STERLING)
Sterling Wilson, a luxury real‑estate developer, reported a 4 % uptick in net profit thanks to a strong demand for high‑end residential projects in Tier‑1 cities. The company’s flagship project, “Prestige Heights,” has achieved 80 % occupancy.
Key link: The Sterling Wilson page offers a portfolio of its completed and pending projects, an analysis of its construction cost trends, and a summary of its financing structure.
10. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL)
RVNL’s earnings reflected a 5 % increase in revenue from rail‑related contracts. The company’s upcoming “High‑Speed Corridor” project is set to begin in Q4, potentially boosting its revenue stream significantly.
Key link: RVNL’s MoneyControl page contains a detailed breakdown of its project pipeline, a snapshot of its government contracts, and a risk‑factor summary.
11. UltraTech Cement (ULTRACEMCO)
UltraTech Cement saw a 6 % rise in net profit, supported by higher sales volumes in the construction sector. The company is investing in a new cement plant in the southern region, expected to increase its production capacity by 15 % by 2025.
Key link: The UltraTech page provides an interactive chart of its production capacity growth, a breakdown of its cement‑type sales, and links to its ESG disclosures.
12. IDBI Bank (IDBI)
IDBI Bank posted a 3 % increase in net interest income, with a steady decline in the NPA ratio. The bank’s expansion into digital banking has attracted a new demographic of customers, leading to a 10 % rise in new account openings.
Key link: IDBI’s MoneyControl profile offers a snapshot of its loan portfolio by segment, a comparison with peer banks on liquidity ratios, and a summary of its upcoming investor relations events.
13. Sobha Limited (SOBHA)
Sobha Limited, a premium real‑estate developer, reported a 5 % rise in net profit driven by strong sales in its “Crestline” and “Pine Ridge” projects. The company’s expansion strategy includes a new residential township in Bangalore’s outskirts, aimed at the middle‑class segment.
Key link: Sobha’s MoneyControl page includes a detailed overview of its project portfolio, a breakdown of its gross profit margins by segment, and links to its latest shareholder meeting minutes.
Market Outlook for the Week
With the fiscal year ending in March, many of these companies are positioning themselves for a strong Q4 performance. The focus on infrastructure, especially highways and rail projects, suggests a positive momentum for the sector, while the banking conglomerates continue to benefit from a stable interest‑rate environment and a growing digital‑banking ecosystem.
Investors are advised to monitor key indicators such as net interest margins, asset‑quality ratios, and project pipeline updates, as these will play a pivotal role in determining the market trajectory over the next few weeks. The MoneyControl “Stocks to Watch Today” list offers a convenient way to stay updated on these and other high‑profile names as they release new financial data and corporate announcements.
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