Emkay Broker Research reports

We consider media insights (link), of HUL looking to acquire the Minimalist brand, as positive. With 100% own capacity and differentiated approach to address skin- and hair-care needs of cohorts, Minimalist has rapidly logged Rs3.5bn in revenue for FY24, with a mid-single-digit margin.

We initiate coverage on Metro with BUY and DCF based TP of Rs1,500 (implied target multiple of 70x Dec-26 EPS). Metro is the epitome of financial discipline, given long-term mid-teen revenue CAGR and consistent rewards to shareholders (~30% dividend payout).

Over the past 12-18 months, investors were enthused by a large-cap stock delivering volumes growth CAGR of 7-8%, alongside an improving demand outlook resulting in solid earnings momentum.

In Teva’s litigation with Amneal which blocked Amneal’s launch of gProAir, the US Court of Appeals had recently asked Teva to delist its patents in contention. While the ruling was expected to clear the way for Amneal’s launch of gProAir, Teva has now filed a petition seeking an en banc rehearing.

HDFCB’s management reiterated its unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, arresting employee attrition, upgrading tech, and reducing regulatory friction.

Attended CEAT’s conference call on its recent strategic acquisition (press release) of Camso (maker of high-margin Off-Highway bias tyres and tracks for compact construction equipment) brand’s business assets from Michelin, along with 2 plants in Sri Lanka at ~1x CY23 EV/Sales, for USD225mn (similar to replacement cost; includes global Camso brand access)

Shriram Pistons (SPRL) has entered an agreement for acquiring 100% shareholding in TGPEL Precision Engineering (TGPEL), a manufacturer of high precision injection molds and components, at an EV of Rs2.2bn on a debt-free, cash-free basis (expected to close by end Dec-24; press release)

MHL announced its acquisition of Core Diagnostics—an oncology focused diagnostics chain with majority of its revenue derived from North/East India— for Rs2.47bn, thus valuing the company at ~2.24x EV/Sales on FY24 revenue

We initiate coverage on Sonata Software (SSOF) with BUY and TP of Rs780, at 30x Dec-26E earnings. In its International IT Services business, SSOF delivered ~26% revenue CAGR over FY21-24 and ~4.3% CQGR over the last 10 quarters which remain among the top quartile revenue growth performances.

HDFC Bank has largely outperformed its large private peers in the recent past, primarily on account of its relatively better margin, asset quality outcomes amid rising asset quality noises in unsecured loans.