Vedanta: The Indian stock market is open today, Saturday, February 1, 2025, due to Budget Day trading. In the previous session on Friday, benchmark indices extended their winning streak for the fourth consecutive session. Strong buying interest in auto, FMCG, and banking stocks drove gains, with the S&P BSE Sensex closing at 77,500.57 (+740.76 points, 0.97%) and the Nifty 50 at 23,508.40 (+258.90 points, 1.11%).
As investors brace for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2025 announcement, several key stocks are expected to remain in focus today. Let’s take a closer look at some of them and their latest financial performance.
1. ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation)
📌 Stock Performance: ONGC has been in focus due to fluctuating crude oil prices and recent earnings.
📊 Q3FY25 Results:
- Net Profit: ₹8,240 crore (-31.2% QoQ, below expectations of ₹9,484 crore)
- Revenue: ₹33,716.8 crore (-0.5% QoQ, beating estimates of ₹31,700 crore)
- EBITDA: ₹18,950 crore (+3.9% QoQ, exceeding the ₹17,686 crore estimate)
📉 Key Takeaway: Despite a drop in net profit, the company’s operating efficiency improved, and revenue surpassed expectations. Investors will watch for budgetary announcements regarding the oil & gas sector.
2. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
📌 Stock Performance: Sun Pharma continues to be a strong performer in the pharmaceutical space.
📊 Q3FY25 Results:
- Net Profit: ₹3,033 crore (+18.6% YoY, exceeding estimates)
- Revenue: ₹13,675.4 crore (+10.5% YoY)
📉 Key Takeaway: With strong revenue growth and positive earnings, the stock may see further upside, especially if the Budget includes favorable policies for the pharma industry.
3. IndusInd Bank
📌 Stock Performance: The stock witnessed a decline following weak quarterly results.
📊 Q3FY25 Results:
- Net Profit: ₹1,401 crore (-39% YoY)
- Net Interest Income (NII): ₹5,228 crore (-1.3% YoY)
- Interest Income: ₹12,801 crore (+11% YoY)
📉 Key Takeaway: Profit decline was a major concern, but higher interest income suggests stability. The banking sector’s response to budgetary allocations will be crucial.
4. Vedanta Ltd
📌 Stock Performance: Vedanta has been a standout performer in the metals and mining space.
📊 Q3FY25 Results:
- Net Profit: ₹3,547 crore (+76% YoY)
- Revenue: ₹38,526 crore (+10% YoY)
- EBITDA: ₹11,284 crore (+30% YoY)
- Margins: Improved by 517 basis points YoY to 34%
📉 Key Takeaway: The company’s cost optimization and ramp-up in production have led to strong performance. If the Budget includes incentives for infrastructure and manufacturing, Vedanta could gain further.
5. LIC Housing Finance
📊 Q3FY25 Results:
- Net Profit: ₹1,432 crore (+23.1% YoY)
- NII: ₹1,997.1 crore (-4.8% YoY)
📉 Key Takeaway: The stock may remain under pressure as net interest income missed estimates, though profit growth was healthy.
6. IRB Infrastructure Developers
📊 Q3FY25 Results:
- Revenue: ₹2,025.4 crore (+2.9% YoY)
- EBITDA: ₹984.1 crore (+13.2% YoY)
- EBITDA Margin: 48.6% (vs. 44.2% YoY)
📉 Key Takeaway: With a strong increase in EBITDA, the stock may gain momentum if the Budget includes higher infrastructure spending.
7. City Union Bank
📊 Q3FY25 Results:
- Net Profit: ₹286 crore (+13% YoY)
- NII: ₹587.7 crore (+14% YoY)
- Gross NPA: 3.36% (vs. 3.54% QoQ)
- Net NPA: 1.42% (vs. 1.62% QoQ)
📉 Key Takeaway: Improving asset quality and stable growth in net profit make this stock a potential candidate for gains post-budget.
8. Godrej Agrovet
📊 Q3FY25 Results:
- Net Profit: ₹109.9 crore (+32.4% YoY)
- Revenue: ₹2,449.6 crore (+4.5% YoY)
- EBITDA: ₹220 crore (+38.4% YoY)
📉 Key Takeaway: With rising EBITDA margins and steady revenue growth, the stock remains a strong performer in the agri-sector.
9. Karnataka Bank
📊 Q3FY25 Results:
- Net Profit: ₹283.6 crore (-14.3% YoY)
- NII: ₹792.8 crore (-4.2% YoY)
- NNPA Ratio: 1.39%
📉 Key Takeaway: Weak profit growth may weigh on the stock, but NNPA improvement is a positive.
10. Poonawalla Fincorp
📊 Q3FY25 Results:
- Net Profit: ₹18.7 crore (-92.9% YoY)
- NII: ₹672 crore (+24.7% YoY)
- AUM: ₹30,984 crore (+41% YoY)
📉 Key Takeaway: Despite a sharp profit decline, AUM growth suggests strong demand for lending.
Final Thoughts: Budget 2025 Expectations
As we approach the Union Budget 2025, investors should watch for:
✅ Policy support for PSU companies like ONGC
✅ Pharma incentives benefiting Sun Pharma
✅ Banking sector reforms impacting IndusInd Bank & City Union Bank
✅ Infrastructure push aiding Vedanta & IRB Infrastructure
With major announcements expected, today’s session could be highly volatile. Keep an eye on these stocks for potential moves before and after the Budget announcement.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct thorough research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.