Kamal Ghorui
Nomura has a buy rating on Petronet LNG with the target price cut to Rs 340 from Rs 370. Analysts said the crisis in West Asia may hurt the company’s near-term volumes. They cut the company’s FY27 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) by 23% as Ras Laffan may take months to come back online. They also said that in a recent interview with Reuters, Qatar Energy’s CEO said that the strikes have caused long-term damage to two of its 14 LNG trains which, according to the CEO, could lead to 12.8 million tons (~17% of capacity) to be offline for 3-5 years. Also understand from Petronet LNG’s management that India-specific trains were not damaged. Therefore, supplies to India might resume once the force majeure is lifted.HSBC has a hold rating on Blue Star with the target price at Rs 2,000. Analysts said the company is an expensive star of the cooling industry. It has a strong R&D and distribution network to help increase market share. Its commercial business absorbs seasonal fluctuations, but valuation is demanding.BofA Securities has a buy rating on HDFC Bank with the target price at Rs 1,175. Analysts said that the unexpected exit of the bank’s chairman adds to uncertainty, although fundamentals remain intact. Analysts believe the exit reflects personal differences between him and the senior management. The bank has demonstrated a consistent track record of best-in-class governance with no significant issues in over the past 25 years. Analysts remained constructive on the bank given current valuations and improving operating performance. Sustainable improvement in loan growth is the key to drive the next leg of re-rating, they said.Citigroup has upgraded Dr Lal Pathlabs to buy from sell with the target price at Rs 1,650. Analysts said India diagnostics has transitioned from COVID-era price wars to rational competition, as digital platforms curtailed cash burn and the predatory pricing regime is over (per managements). While local standalone/hospital competition persists, Dr Lal has maintained pricing discipline with no broad hikes. Despite this, analysts expect it to deliver 10–12% organic revenue growth, driven by core market gains, Tier 3/4 expansion, and a richer mix from specialty and Swasthfit offerings. The company’s EBITDA margins should remain strong at 28–29%, supported by operating leverage, better mix, cost control and supply chain efficiency. A robust, debt-free balance sheet with strong cash flows enables both organic growth and acquisitions. After its recent correction, valuations look reasonable with an attractive risk-reward backed by steady double-digit earnings growth and about 25% return on equity (RoE).Motilal Oswal Securities has a buy rating on Laurus Laboratories with the target price at Rs 1,280. Analysts said that the company has deepening innovator CDMO relationships with capability-led scale-up. It also has dedicated capacity build-out enabling high-growth adjacencies. Laurus Labs has a strategic joint venture with KRKA to build EU/Asia Pacific focused formulations at scale. The company also has a volume-driven antiretroviral (ARV) growth with stable pricing dynamics.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)
