Asian Paints: The promoter group of this paints market leader recently pledged shares. On August 6, 3.2 lakh shares worth Rs 95.6 crore were pledged. This is the first set of pledges in Q2FY22. In the previous two quarters, promoters pledged 40 lakh shares (0.41% stake) worth Rs 1,157 crore. As of June 30, 2021, over 9% of promoter shareholding was locked in pledges.

ACC: This cement maker’s stock is up by nearly 11% in one month as cement companies are expected to benefit from capital expenditure cycles of manufacturing companies (automobile, steel, and chemical) in Q2FY22. Even after the rally, ACC’s valuations remain in check. Its trailing 12-month (TTM) price-to-earnings (PE) ratio is 21.9, against an average PE of 29.7, putting it firmly in the buy zone.

Eicher Motors: This two-wheeler and commercial vehicle maker’s stock is up by nearly 7% since the month began. This is after the company’s two-wheeler wholesales in July 2021 rose by 9% against the previous months. Analysts are still pessimistic about its Q1FY22 results given the second wave suppressed demand for two-wheelers and the rally in fuel and metal prices. The company will announce its results on August 12, 2021.

Dabur India: Brokers are sending mixed signals following this FMCG company’s results. The company’s Q1FY22 revenues rose by 6.5% YoY to Rs 2,696 crore, with net profits up by 8% to Rs 437 crore, with EBITDA margins down by 50 basis points. On one hand, Geojit BNP Paribas downgraded its rating on the company to ‘Hold’ from ‘Buy’ expecting commodity inflation to put pressure on its Q2FY22 margins. On the other hand, IDBI Capital upgraded its rating to ‘Buy’ from ‘Hold’ as the company hiked prices by 3% to offset this inflation. The average broker target price is 11% above the company’s market price.

Prestige Estates Projects: Expecting a recovery in housing demand, mutual funds have changed their mind on this real estate company. In June and July 2021, mutual funds purchased over 14.2 lakh shares in the company. This was after mutual funds sold nearly 20 lakh shares between February to May 2021. In one month, the stock is up by 17%.