AC Agarwal

PNC Infratech's stock surged nearly 12% today, marking its biggest single-day gain in six months. This performance was fueled by a notable achievement: the company earned a ₹4.4 crore bonus for the early completion of a ₹738 crore road project in Uttar Pradesh. The project, awarded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), was completed two months ahead of schedule - a testament to PNC's operational efficiency. 🚧 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐬 PNC Infratech continues to showcase its robust capabilities with an order book of ₹19,909 crore as of the September quarter. This figure has already surpassed the total order book of FY24, which stood at ₹15,400 crore. Road EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects remain the cornerstone, contributing 76% to the total order book. ⚖️ 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 Despite its strong fundamentals, sentiment around PNC has been clouded by recent regulatory setbacks. The Ministry of Roads (MoRTH) disqualified PNC and its subsidiaries from new tender participation for a year following a CBI case involving alleged bribery by four employees. 💡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 Brokerage firm Sharekhan remains cautiously optimistic. While factoring in medium-term uncertainties, it has revised estimates and valuation multiples for PNC. However, it retains a 'buy' rating on the stock with a price target of ₹400, reflecting confidence in PNC's long-term potential. 📊 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭? With a record-breaking order book and continued project execution excellence, PNC Infratech has a strong foundation to navigate current challenges and deliver sustained growth. What are your thoughts on PNC’s performance and outlook? Let’s discuss this in the comments below! Follow AC Agarwal for more market updates! #pnc #roadproject #business #indian #manufacturing #stockmarket

Bajaj Healthcare's shares surged nearly 3% in early trade today after announcing an exciting milestone: a new CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation) agreement with a UK/EU-based partner to develop 15 additional Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). This agreement builds on the 15-molecule contract signed earlier this year, reflecting Bajaj Healthcare's growing footprint in the global pharmaceutical value chain. According to an exchange filing, the expanded CDMO pipeline will include a mix of off-patent generic APIs and innovative APIs still under patent protection. Anil Jain, Managing Director of Bajaj Healthcare, shared the company's forward-looking plans, stating: "We are likely to secure additional CDMO deals with clients in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa once our site gains TGA approval." The recent approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia is a significant regulatory milestone, enabling Bajaj Healthcare to supply APIs to key markets like Australia and New Zealand. These developments underscore India's rising prominence as a global manufacturing hub, fueled by the "China+1" strategy to diversify supply chains. With the pharmaceutical industry projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 5-8% through 2028, India is well-positioned to capitalise on this demand, particularly from emerging markets across Asia. Notably, Bajaj Healthcare estimates that global drug spending will increase by over $600 billion, reaching a staggering $2.3 trillion by 2028. This achievement reflects Bajaj Healthcare’s commitment to cost-effective innovation and manufacturing excellence. It also highlights India's strategic role in meeting the rising global demand for high-quality pharmaceutical products. Follow AC Agarwal for more business updates! #pharma #healthcare #stockmarket #business #growth

CE Info Systems, the parent company of MapmyIndia, has officially reversed its decision to invest in a new consumer-facing business led by Rohan Verma, son of CMD Rakesh Verma. The announcement, made via an exchange filing on December 9, followed significant feedback from shareholders and sparked a sharp rally in the company's stock price, which surged over 16%, fully recovering losses from the previous weeks. The Board clarified that the decision to backtrack on its planned equity and debt investment stems from a commitment to prioritise the core business. MapmyIndia will continue to focus on its high-performing B2B and B2B2C segments, which represent over 99% of revenues and have a proven track record of profitability. The management reaffirmed its strategy to invest in these segments for sustainable growth, while retaining full control of its consumer-facing retail brand, Mappls. Previously, MapmyIndia had approved an investment of ₹10 lakh for a 10% equity stake and ₹35 crore in convertible debentures for the proposed venture. This move drew criticism from minority shareholders and market participants, who questioned its alignment with shareholder interests. Analysts like Ambareesh Baliga and Sanjay Dutt raised concerns over potential “shortchanging” and related-party implications, while governance expert Shriram Subramanian highlighted risks to the company's core value. This reversal highlights the Board's responsiveness to shareholder concerns and its focus on safeguarding MapmyIndia’s core business. The market reaction underscores investor confidence in this realignment, marking a fresh chapter for the company’s growth strategy. What are your thoughts on this decision? Let’s discuss how governance and shareholder feedback are shaping corporate strategies today. Follow AC Agarwal for more market updates! #mapmyindia #business #stockmarket

Markets have been recovering after the BJP's landslide victory in Maharashtra elections. Moreover, FIIs have started turning net buyers again. Below is a 2-minute weekly market update covering the sector in focus in the upcoming weeks. Follow AC Agarwal for more weekly market updates! #stockmarket #business #india #healthcare

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised its GDP growth estimate for FY25 to 6.6%, a 60-basis-point cut from its earlier forecast of 7.2%. This adjustment brings the RBI's outlook closer to the Finance Ministry's Economic Survey projection of 6.5%-7%, indicating a more cautious stance on India’s economic trajectory. The revision follows a significant slowdown in Q2 FY24, with GDP growth falling to 5.4%—the lowest in nearly two years and well below expectations of 6.5%. In addition, the RBI trimmed growth projections for Q3 and Q4 of FY25, reflecting concerns over specific sectoral weaknesses. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: 1️⃣ 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 Economists like Rajani Sinha of CareEdge Ratings and Dharmakirti Joshi of Crisil suggest the Q2 slowdown is transitory and concentrated in a few manufacturing sectors. They expect growth momentum to pick up in the latter half of the year, driven by improved activity across broader sectors. 2️⃣ 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 A Policy Balancing Act Despite growth challenges, the RBI maintained its repo rate at 6.5%, prioritising inflation control. In October, retail inflation crossed the 6% tolerance limit, fueled by high food prices. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasised the importance of durable price stability for long-term growth. 3️⃣ 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬  The central bank expects food inflation pressures to ease in Q4 FY25, supported by better harvests and sufficient cereal buffer stocks. However, it remains cautious about potential risks from adverse weather events and geopolitical uncertainties. 4️⃣ 𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐭 The RBI retained its neutral monetary stance, signalling flexibility in rate adjustments. Analysts believe this reflects the bank’s confidence that economic activity bottomed out in Q2 and will recover. While some hoped for rate cuts to stimulate consumption, especially in segments like affordable housing, the RBI chose to stay cautious. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝? The continued focus on inflation underscores the RBI’s challenge in balancing growth and price stability. With economic recovery expected in the latter half of FY25, stakeholders will be watching closely for signals of policy shifts. Rate cuts, if introduced, could provide much-needed relief to consumers and boost key sectors like real estate and private consumption. This calibrated approach by the RBI highlights its commitment to navigating India’s evolving economic landscape. What are your views on the RBI policies? Follow AC Agarwal for more market updates! #rbi #economy #india #banking #financial

Indian equity markets are on edge as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) gears up for its bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. The Sensex and Nifty surged by 1% today, reflecting optimism, but market participants are closely watching if Governor Shaktikanta Das and the MPC will deliver measures like a repo rate or Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) cut to counter the economic slowdown. 📊 A survey by Bloomberg and Moneycontrol reveals that most economists expect the repo rate to stay unchanged at 6.5% due to persistent inflation and a neutral policy stance. However, a 50 basis point CRR cut is on the cards, potentially injecting ₹1-1.25 lakh crore into the banking system - a move that could boost credit growth and investments. 💰 Recent GDP data showing a slowdown to 5.4% for the July-September quarter has fueled calls for liquidity measures. Below are the views of some of the market experts 👇 👉 𝐊𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢 (𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬): The US has already started its rate-cut cycle, and while India is yet to follow, we expect easing by mid-2024. 👉 𝐀𝐣𝐢𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐚 (𝐒𝐕𝐏-𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠): Warned of potential market volatility if liquidity measures are not announced. A knee-jerk reaction is possible, especially in the banking sector. 👉 𝐊𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐡𝐢𝐚 (𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬): Advised a stock-specific approach, noting that indices at elevated levels might not offer a favourable risk-reward ratio. 📈 👉 𝐀𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢 (𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐚): Highlighted the need for action amid a cyclical slowdown. A CRR cut, even without a repo rate reduction, could provide the liquidity boost markets need. Will the RBI meet market expectations or take a cautious route? Follow AC Agarwal for more market updates! #rbi #economy #stockmarket #india

China’s recent decision to tighten control over graphite exports has triggered a significant rally in the share prices of Indian electrode makers HEG and Graphite India. Today, HEG shares surged 10%, reaching a six-year high, while Graphite India rose 6%. This comes from Monday's double-digit gains, with HEG shares now up nearly 28% in just two trading sessions. Graphite, a crucial material for steel manufacturing and lithium-ion batteries, plays a pivotal role in industries like automotive and technology. As the world's leading graphite producer, China's move to implement stricter export reviews, especially for shipments to the US, has far-reaching implications. According to China's Ministry of Commerce, these controls aim to monitor the intended use of graphite amidst ongoing trade tensions with the US. The restrictions follow recent US-imposed curbs on the sale of memory chips and chipmaking equipment to China, escalating the trade conflict between the two nations. China's Ministry of Commerce has also announced bans on exporting metals like gallium, germanium, and antimony to the US, materials critical for semiconductors and satellite production. Globally, HEG and Graphite India face competition from larger players such as GrafTech International (formerly Union Carbide) and Japan's Resonac (formerly Showa Denko). However, the current geopolitical scenario could provide an opportunity for Indian players to enhance their market presence. With graphite's increasing importance in lithium-ion batteries, the market is projected to expand significantly. According to Statista, the global graphite market is expected to grow from $14 billion in 2022 to $38 billion by 2028. Concurrently, the market for lithium-ion batteries is forecasted to surpass $100 billion by 2025, fueled by the surging demand for electric vehicles (EVs). As the world grapples with the implications of China's export restrictions, Indian electrode manufacturers are poised to benefit from this evolving dynamic. The current developments underscore the strategic importance of graphite in driving technological and industrial advancements globally. Follow AC Agarwal for more market updates! #china #graphite #business #stockmarket #india

Swiggy has delivered impressive results for Q2 FY25, showcasing resilience and innovation in the food tech and grocery delivery space: 📊 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞: The company reported a 30% YoY revenue increase to ₹3,602 crore, up from ₹2,763 crore last year, driven by a rising number of transacting users. 💡 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬: Losses reduced by 5% YoY, standing at ₹626 crore compared to ₹657 crore in Q2 FY24. 👥 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞: Monthly Transacting Users (MTU) grew by 1 million QoQ, reaching 17.1 million - a YoY increase of 19%. Sriharsha Majety, MD & Group CEO, attributes this growth to "strong innovation and execution", emphasising the company’s commitment to enhancing customer experience. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: 👉 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐭: Swiggy’s 10-minute food delivery platform now accounts for 5% of all orders, reflecting a strong consumer response. 👉 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭: Operating in 54 cities, it delivers over 32,000 unique items in an average of 13 minutes, catering to urban households with unmatched convenience. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞: While Swiggy continues to focus on growth and innovation, its competitor Zomato posted ₹4,799 crore in revenue and ₹176 crore in profit in Q2 FY25. Swiggy’s debut public results highlight its drive to anticipate and respond to evolving consumer demands, ensuring convenience and excellence remain at the forefront. Quick commerce is reshaping urban consumption patterns, and Swiggy is leading the charge. Follow AC Agarwal for more market updates! #swiggy #business #fooddelivery #stockmarket

In a significant policy shift, the Finance Ministry on December 2 announced the removal of the windfall tax on aviation turbine fuel (ATF), crude oil, diesel, and petrol. This marks the end of a levy that was introduced in July 2022 to capture the extraordinary gains from surging global crude oil prices. The windfall tax, formally implemented as a Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED), was applied to domestic crude oil production and the export of petroleum products, including diesel, petrol, and ATF. It was revised fortnightly based on average global oil prices. The most recent adjustment, effective August 31, had set the tax on crude oil at ₹1,850 per tonne, while the SAED on exports was maintained at nil since September 18. This decision to scrap the tax comes amid a significant decline in global crude prices, which are now trading between $70-$75 per barrel. This decline reflects reduced demand from China, the world’s largest oil importer, easing tensions in the Middle East, and concerns of a potential oversupply in the market. The removal of the windfall tax aligns with changing market dynamics and underscores the government’s adaptive fiscal policies. It could provide much-needed relief to domestic oil producers and exporters, improving their profitability in a more stable oil price environment. This move not only stabilises India’s energy sector but also highlights the importance of monitoring global trends to craft responsive fiscal strategies. As the energy landscape evolves, such proactive measures ensure resilience and competitiveness in the global market. What are your thoughts on this development? How might it impact India's energy and export sectors? Follow AC Agarwal for more market updates! #crude #energy #finance #stockmarket #business

The markets have started recovering after the BJP landslide victory in Maharashtra. Below is a 2-minute weekly market update covering the sector that will remain in focus for the next few weeks. Follow AC Agarwal for more market updates! #stockmarket #update #banking #india