March 27, 2026

TOP NEWS

 

Brigade: The company has launched two residential projects in Bengaluru—‘Brigade Lumina’ in Northwest Bengaluru (₹700 crore GDV, 4.11 acres, 2 & 3 BHK units) and ‘Brigade Belvedere’ in East Bengaluru (₹1,100 crore GDV, 10.75 acres, 773 units in initial phase). Both projects offer strong connectivity to key corridors and are positioned as net-zero carbon developments, reflecting the company’s focus on sustainability and premium housing.

 

Infosys Limited: The company has approved the acquisition of Optimum Healthcare IT for up to USD 465 million to strengthen its healthcare vertical and accelerate AI-led cloud and digital transformation capabilities. The acquisition enhances Infosys’ presence in the healthcare provider segment by adding domain expertise, clients, and synergies with its platforms like Topaz and Cobalt. Based on FY25 revenue of USD 275.9 million, the implied P/S multiple is ~1.7x (465 / 275.9). However, P/E cannot be calculated as profit data is not disclosed in the filing. The deal is strategically useful as it deepens Infosys’ healthcare consulting capabilities, improves cross-selling opportunities, and strengthens its positioning in high-growth AI-driven healthcare transformation.

 

Power Mech Projects: The company states that WBSEDCL has annulled the tender for a 250 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at Goaltore, resulting in a reduction of the order book by Rs. 1,563 crore. Negative

 

HFCL: The company approves a preferential issue of warrants worth up to Rs. 555 crore &  will set up a preform manufacturing facility through its arm, HFCL Technologies, with an estimated investment of nearly Rs. 580 crore. The company approves expansion and consolidation of its defence and aeronautics operations and plans to invest Rs. 175 crore with partners in its arm, HFCL Advance.

 

LIC: The company receives a tax demand of Rs. 7,100 crore, including interest, from the Income Tax Department. Negative.

 

Lupin: The company has received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application for Pitolisant Tablets, 4.45 mg and 17.8 mg. This product would be manufactured at Lupin’s Nagpur facility in India.

 

Graphite India & HEG: Graftech, an US based leading company announced it has informed that graphite electrode prices will increase by a minimum of $600 to $1,200 per metric ton, depending on region, effective immediately on uncommitted volume. Over the past three years, market prices for graphite electrodes have declined significantly in each of our key regions and remain below sustainable levels necessary to support continued investment and reliable long-term supply for our customers. In addition, current geopolitical developments are driving increases in our key input costs, including oil‑based raw materials, energy, and logistics. Positive

 

Prestige Group: Prestige, along with Arihant Group, has acquired a ~16.3-acre land parcel in Chennai with an estimated GDV of ~₹5,000 crore for a premium residential project.

 

MACRO WRAP

 

·         Mr. Trump extended the deadline for striking Iran by 10 days amid talks. Iran allowed 10 tankers through Hormuz and rejected the US plan, proposing its own terms, including control over Hormuz. Additionally, US Défense Department is considering sending as many as 10,000 troops to the Middle East. That would give Trump more military choices as the conflict with Iran unfolds

·         OECD: Global GDP growth is forecast at 2.9% in 2026 and 3.0% in 2027, driven by tech investment and easing tariffs, despite Middle East conflict uncertainty. Inflation for G20 economies is revised to 4.0% in 2026, moderating to 2.7% in 2027. US growth will slow from 2.0% to 1.7%, with inflation peaking at 4.2%. China's growth will ease to 4.4% and 4.3%. The Eurozone will grow 0.8%, recovering to 1.2%, while Japan's growth remains at 0.9%.

·         The OECD sharply increased its inflation forecasts for major economies, projecting the average G20 inflation to jump to 4% this year compared to its 2.8% December estimate. Negative for broader market as this will keep interest rates higher.

·         US equities suffered heavy losses during regular trading on Thursday before the deadline extension provided a late lifeline. The DJIA, the S&P500, and the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 1.0%, 1.7%, and 2.4% respectively. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell 1.5%. The Dollar Index edged up 0.3% to 99.90, EUR-USD dipped 30 pips to around 1.1530. Brent crude oil prices jumped 5.7% to USD108.00 per barrel. Gold fell 2.9% to USD4,376. Silver fell 4.4% to USD68.06.

·         The US 2Y yield surged 10bp to 3.99%, while the US 10Y yield rose 8bp to 4.41%. This aggressive sell-off spilled over into the Asia-Pacific session, with Australian yields rising early Friday, reflecting a global market adjusting to a "higher-for-longer" rate regime dictated by the energy shock.

·         China’s industrial profits rose 15.2% year-on-year in Jan–Feb 2026, beating expectations, before Middle East tensions drove oil prices up about 50% and lifted raw material costs. Earnings stabilized in 2025 after years of decline. While stronger metals prices and policy efforts eased deflation, rising input costs now threaten margins, benefiting upstream energy firms. Producer prices may turn positive in March, ending deflation, but profitability remains weak, with margins at a record-low 5.3% in 2025. Sentimentally Positive for industrial commodities

·         US initial jobless claims rose by 5,000 to 210,000 in mid-March, meeting expectations but below last year's average. Continuing claims fell by 32,000 to 1,819,000, below expectations, tying the lowest since May 2024. This contrasts with February's weak jobs report. Federal employee claims fell by 59 to 584.

·         South Asian economies face additional pressure after a cyclone forced the curtailment of output at three Australian LNG plants, which together account for around 8% of global liquefied natural gas supply. The shutdown, caused by severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle in Western Australia, has further strained Asian energy markets already impacted by disrupted shipments from Qatar, pushing regional LNG prices up by more than 90%.

 

INVESTMENT CALL

 

Stock Update: APL Apollo Tubes Ltd– Sector tailwinds to drive growth.

Reco: BUY                CMP: Rs.1,999             Target: 2,460

 

  • EBITDA/tonne has stayed above Rs. 5,000 for the past two quarters, as strong volume momentum made the management upgrade EBITDA guidance to a minimum of Rs. 5,500 and volume growth guidance to ~20% for FY26 and FY27.
  • Domestic hot-rolled coil prices have risen to ~Rs. 56,000/tonne, on extension of safeguard duties, which bodes well for realisations given APL Apollo’s 5–8 day cost pass-through model.
  • Capacity expansion is on track – to rise to 8 mtpa by FY28, and further to 10 mtpa by FY30.
  • We maintain a Buy rating with a price target of Rs 2,460, on robust guidance, capacity ramp-up, and structural demand.

Particulars

FY25

FY26E

FY27E

FY28E

Revenue

20,690

23,290

27,942

31,633

Operating Profit

1,199

1,914

2,318

2,699

OPM (%)

5.8

8.2

8.3

8.5

Adjusted PAT

757

1,276

1,586

1,950

y-o-y growth (%)

3.4

68.6

24.3

23.0

Adjusted EPS (Rs.)

27.3

46.0

57.2

70.3

P/E (x)

73.6

43.6

35.1

28.6

P/B (x)

13.2

10.6

8.5

6.8

EV/EBITDA (x)

41.9

25.6

20.6

17.1

RoNW (%)

19.4

27.0

26.9

26.5

RoCE (%)

21.6

31.5

32.0

32.8

 

 

OTHER NEWS

 

JSW Steel: Company acquires 92.19% quity stake and the shareholders loans of Minas De Revuboe for $74.24 mn

 

Manaksia Steels: Company proposes 250,000 tonnes per annum capacity addition for cold rolled coils at Haldia.

 

Aurobindo Pharma: The company’s subsidiary, CuraTeQ Biologics, has entered into a marketing and distribution agreement with STADA Arzneimittel AG, a leading European healthcare and pharmaceuticals company. Under the agreement, STADA will market and distribute two EMA-approved biosimilars developed by CuraTeQ in select European Union territories, including France and Germany.

 

Trent: The company has approved the private placement of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) worth up to Rs. 500 crore.

 

Sula Vineyards: The company has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with Moet Hennessy India Private Limited to acquire Chandon’s world-class estate in Dindori, Nashik, unlocking a high-quality, scalable platform for the company’s next phase of growth. Spread across 19 acres, the estate comprises a highly advanced wine production facility with an annual capacity of 4.5 lakh litres, scalable up to 13 lakh litres. The property also features an ultra-premium visitor centre, a banquet facility, and 5 acres of vineyards, offering a premium immersive wine tourism platform. Collectively, these features make it a perfect setting for developing a landmark destination wine resort.