ICICI Securities Limited Broker Research reports

HDFC Bank (HDFCB) reported Q4FY25 PAT of INR 176bn (RoA steady at ~1.9%) led by stable core NIM QoQ and contained opex. Deposits growth (14% YoY) remains driven by term deposits (20% YoY) while CA grew 18% QoQ (up 1% YoY) due to seasonality.

ICICI Prudential (IPRU) has successfully accelerated volume growth (5%/15% growth in total APE FY24/FY25; 22.3% growth in retail WRP vs 17.4% growth for the private industry in 11MFY25) backed by well-executed distribution/product initiatives.

Q4FY25 revenue growth slowed to 7% YoY. EBITDA margin declined sequentially for the first time after seven quarters. Given the sustained pressure on revenue growth and all-time high EBITDA margin, the earnings growth outlook remains weak for FY26.

We upgrade IDFC First Bank (IDFCFB) to BUY with a revised TP of INR 75, as the large proposed capital infusion (INR 75bn) improves visibility on superior loan growth/operating leverage (without any material dilution in book value) topped with inexpensive valuations.

Tata Elxsi (TELX) has reported a muted Q4FY25 print with revenue contraction of 5.3% QoQ CC, roughly in line with our estimate (of -5.9%) and falling below consensus.

Infosys’ weak guidance with a widened range of 0-3% YoY CC for FY26 is due to weak exit growth rate of -1.1% YoY CC, heightened uncertainty due to global tariff wars and lack of mega deals reflected in muted TCV of USD 11.6bn, down 34% YoY in FY25.

Niva Bupa has been able to deliver standout growth in health insurance premiums (~40% CAGR between FY20-25) while its improved scale and assets under management should help improve margins and earnings growth ahead (expect IFRS PAT CAGR of 53% over FY25-27E).

Home First Finance (Home First) was listed in Feb’21. Ever since, it has managed to stand out among peers in the affordable housing finance space, consistently delivering 6–8% QoQ growth every quarter.

Tata Steel (TSL) has embarked on a major transformation plan at Tata Steel Netherlands (TSN) – built on a multi-pronged approach to maximise production efficiencies, lower fixed costs, optimise product mix and margins.

In our view, ACI has a plethora of opportunities – each carrying strong value creation potential – along its path ahead. Right off the bat, the expansion in bromine derivatives, and thus, higher captive bromine consumption would likely provide a strong fillip to ACI’s bromine business.