Anand Rathi Broker Research reports

Keener competition in Birla Corp’s core regions affected its Q3 performance where revenue/EBITDA declined 2.3%/34.5% y/y chiefly due to lower realisations.

One of the leaders in premium and mid-premium biscuits (a 5% share in North India), and other bakery items mainly in north India, Mrs Bectors Food Specialties manufactures and markets biscuits under its flagship brand ‘Mrs Bector’s Cremica’ and bakery items under ‘English Oven’.

The company's revenue stood at Rs. 47,797 Millions in Dec 24 quarter, showing a 3.9% increase compared to Rs. 46,004 Millions in the corresponding quarter of the previous year whereas there was a de growth of 6.4% on QoQ basis. In 9M FY25 basis, the company reported a revenue of Rs. 146,977 Millions a growth of 2.8% on annual basis.

Decent core operating performance and modest provisioning (~40bps) led to the Bank of Baroda’s strong profitability in Q3, its RoA coming at 1.15%. Asset quality improved.

Orient Electric’s lighting category retained industry-leading growth, while its ECD was hit by late winter. Margins expanded on cost savings, premiumization and operating leverage.

Broadly in line with our estimate, Maruti Suzuki’s Q3 standalone EBITDA grew 14% y/y to Rs44.7bn. Domestic volumes would clock a 6% CAGR over FY25-27 due to higher income levels, rebound of firsttime buyers, rural demand, launches and greater support by financiers.

Improved operating performance and moderate provisions led to Indian Bank’s strong profitability, with RoA up 6bps q/q to 1.39%. Headline asset quality and PCR improved. Ahead, we expect slippages to be modest. With stress from the legacy book recognised, the focus now shifts to profitability.

Healthy, 28% y/y, AUM growth, and greater productivity led to Bajaj Finance’s healthy 18% y/y consol. PAT growth. Despite premium valuations, we retain a Buy, on the best-in-class execution skill, improving productivity and stable asset quality

Broadly in line with our estimate, Bajaj Auto’s Q3 standalone EBITDA grew 6% y/y to Rs25.8bn. Our positive stance on the company is backed by 1) expectations of cyclical upturns in 2Ws (domestic/ exports); 2) its vigorous EV strategy and 3) margin expansion from rising economies of scale and cost-cutting measures.

Amid a weak demand-pricing environment, JK Cement’s presence in north and central India, along with lower fuel cost aided Q3 figures. While ongoing expansions are on track, the JV with Saifco Cement would help to diversify its presence.