Emkay Broker Research reports

We recently downgraded Dabur to REDUCE, given its weak execution. Dabur, in its Q4FY25 business update, noted a mid-single-digit decline in the domestic business, which is a key business concern in our view.

We re-iterate BUY on SRF with revised SoTP-based TP of Rs3,250 (rollover to Mar-27E; up by 4.8%), as we believe the worst is behind for all businesses of SRF and, going forward, we should see gradual pick up in specialty chemicals driven by stabilization of existing products and incremental contribution from newer products (largely Active Ingredients).

Union Bank hosted an Analyst Meet to give an update on its recent performance and outlook on growth, margins, and asset quality.

After the course correction in 3Q, Federal Bank hosted an analyst meet to unveil its long-term (next 3-5 years) business strategy (Plan 4.0) under the aegis of new MD & CEO KVS Manian (ex-Kotak), per which it plans to strengthen its core and tweak its asset/liability profile toward delivering sustained RoA of over 1.4% from 1.2% now.

Go Digit hosted an Analyst/Investor Day on 17-Feb-25 in Bangalore, for select analysts and investors where the management provided a detailed update on its business strategy and outlook.

Nalco posted a solid quarterly performance given EBITDA of Rs23.3bn (+21.1% vs Consensus; +26.1% vs Emkay; +50.3% QoQ), with the earnings beat led by higher alumina export volumes, while benefitting from elevated alumina prices.

JKI’s Q3FY25 performance was significantly impacted by high-cost inventory (major hit in Q3; guided to partial reversal in Q4) along with subdued demand from CV OEMs; this resulted in a largely flattish consolidated revenue performance.

Escorts (EKL) logged a strong Q3 with 8.5% growth in revenue from continued operations and 110bps QoQ EBITDA margin expansion to 11.4%. EKL has guided to robust domestic tractor industry outlook for 4Q (~15% YoY growth).

EIM reported a marginally weaker-than-expected operating performance as its renewed growth focus slightly hurt profitability. The company logged a 5% miss on our EBITDA estimate, amid lower ASP (down 2.4% QoQ) and weaker EBITDA margin at 24.2% (down by 100bps QoQ/190bps YoY).

REC reported a satisfactory quarter in terms of margins, credit cost, and asset quality, while growth in Q3 was a tad below expectations on account of higher repayment and resolution of NPAs; however, disbursement remained strong.