Stocks to buy: Domestic equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty 50 logged their fourth straight weekly gain, the longest such streak since July end, buoyed by consumer stocks on easing domestic retail inflation and the return of foreign inflows. The blue chips are now about 5.5 per cent below their all-time highs hit on September 27 after slipping into correction territory in early November.
Despite navigating significant volatility throughout the year, the frontline indices have delivered robust returns to investors, with the NSE Nifty 50 index rising over 13 per cent year-to-date (YTD). D-Street analysts maintain an optimistic view of the market's relative strength in 2025 based on robust macroeconomic indicators, interest rate cut bets, and renewed foreign capital.
Also Read: FPIs pump ₹22,766 crore in Indian equities; Will the inflows continue in December? Experts weigh in
In the current scenario, domestic brokerage Stoxbox has released its top 10 stock picks for 2025. The brokerage suggests the chosen stocks will boost one's portfolio next year, with a potential upside of 15-20 per cent in the next 12 months.
“StoxBox identifies the top-performing stocks poised to drive growth in 2025, offering strategic insights for investors seeking robust returns. This highlights leading companies across diverse sectors, examining their strengths, opportunities, and growth potential in the dynamic Indian market,” said the brokerage.
According to Stoxbox, the Indian stock market 2025 offers diverse opportunities across banking, cement, hospitality, and technology sectors. Strategic initiatives, robust fundamentals, and sectoral growth prospects make these companies top picks. The top picks include major blue-chip stocks such as HDFC Bank, Ambuja Cements, ICICI Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, and others.
1) Ambuja Cements: Current Market Price (CMP): ₹572.60, Target Price: ₹600, Upside: 19%
Ambuja Cements stock has a current market price of ₹572.60 and a target price of ₹600, representing an upside of 19 per cent. As a flagship company of the Adani Group, it is a leader in India's cement manufacturing, with a current capacity of 89 million tons per annum (MTPA), projected to increase to 140 MTPA by FY28. Strategic acquisitions, including Orient Cement and the integration of Penna Cement, further strengthen its expansion plans.
2) Federal Bank: CMP: ₹213.20, Target Price: ₹250, Upside: 18%
Federal Bank, with a current market price of ₹213.20 and a target of ₹250, offers an upside of 18 per cent. The bank has achieved record-high profits in Q2FY25, driven by its strategic focus on expanding the CASA base and maintaining asset quality through restrained unsecured advances.
Under the leadership of its new MD and CEO, Mr. Manian, Federal Bank has set an ambitious credit growth guidance of 18 per cent for FY25. By avoiding high-cost deposits and adhering to prudent lending practices, Federal Bank has solidified its position as a strong contender among mid-sized banks.
3) HDFC Bank: CMP: ₹1,872.05, Target Price: ₹2,105, Upside: 18%
HDFC Bank, with a current market price of ₹1,872.05 and a target of ₹2,105, offers an upside of 18 per cent. Following its merger, the bank is optimizing its Loan-to-Deposit Ratio and replacing high-cost borrowings with low-cost deposits.
Anticipated rate cuts in FY25 are expected to stabilize Net Interest Margins (NIMs), which are projected to rise from 3.47 per cent to four per cent over the next two years. With a strong focus on asset quality and efficient growth strategies, HDFC Bank remains a reliable long-term investment.
4) Hero MotoCorp: CMP: ₹4,572.90, Target Price: ₹5,717, Upside: 18%
Hero MotoCorp, with a current market price of ₹4,572.90 and a target of ₹5,717, offers an 18 per cent upside. The company is poised for strong growth, driven by its flagship models and entry into the EV market with upcoming e-scooter launches.
A revival in rural and semi-urban demand and strong festive season sales strengthen its market position. With a robust product portfolio and a focus on both premium and traditional segments, Hero MotoCorp is well-positioned for continued success.
5) ICICI Bank: CMP: ₹1,345.10, Target Price: ₹1,560, Upside: 20%
ICICI Bank, with a CMP of ₹1,345.10 and a target of ₹1,560, offers a 20 per cent upside. The bank’s improved asset quality is reflected in reduced GNPA and NNPA levels. With 51 per cent of its loans linked to the repo rate, anticipated rate cuts in FY25 are expected to stabilize its Net Interest Margins (NIMs). ICICI Bank’s cautious approach to unsecured lending and consistent performance in core banking metrics make it a compelling choice for investors.
6) Indian Hotels Company: CMP: ₹855.85, Target Price: ₹930, Upside: 17%
The Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), with a CMP of ₹855.85 and a target of ₹930, offers a 17 per cent upside. IHCL follows an asset-light expansion strategy and ventures into areas like Qmin and Amã Stays to capitalize on the growing domestic leisure travel market.
The company’s focus on improving EBITDA margins and leveraging supply-demand imbalances ensures robust growth. With a strong balance sheet, IHCL remains a key player in the hospitality sector and is well-positioned for continued success.
Also Read: Small, mid-cap private banks on the rise: Emkay Global bets on Federal Bank, Karnataka Bank, Karur Vysya Bank
7) Laxmi Organics Industries: CMP: ₹259.05, Target: ₹295, Upside 16%
Laxmi Organics Industries Ltd., with a CMP of ₹259.05 and a target of ₹295, offers a 16 per cent upside. The company, a leader in acetyl intermediates and speciality chemicals, has an ₹11 billion capex plan to double its Ketene and Diketene production. Operational improvements and new product launches position Laxmi Organics for significant revenue and EBITDA growth by FY28, making it well-positioned for long-term success.
8) Mahindra & Mahindra: CMP: ₹3,081.30, Target Price: ₹3,635, Upside: 19%
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), with a CMP of ₹3,081.30 and a target of ₹3,635, offers a 19 per cent upside. The company boasts a strong lineup of utility vehicles (UVs) and is making significant inroads into the EV market.
M&M's strategic positioning minimizes cannibalization among its models, while the strong demand during the festive season further supports its leadership in the domestic UV market, positioning the company for continued growth.
9) Mankind Pharma: CMP: ₹2,640.30, Target Price: ₹3,100, Upside: 18%
Mankind Pharma Ltd., with a CMP of ₹2,640.30 and a target of ₹3,100, offers an 18 per cent upside. The company's acquisitions of Bharat Serums and Panacea Biotech strengthened its chronic therapy and niche product portfolio. With a robust domestic market share and ongoing expansion in Tier-I cities, Mankind Pharma's strategic initiatives and new product launches position it for sustained growth.
10) Zomato: CMP: ₹288.40, Target Price: ₹325, Upside: 19%
Zomato, with a CMP of ₹288.40 and a target of ₹325, offers a 19 per cent upside. The company’s leadership in food delivery and quick commerce, along with Blinkit’s expansion and Hyperpure’s alternate revenue streams, positions Zomato for exponential growth. Rising internet penetration and evolving consumer behaviour further strengthen its position, making Zomato a strong contender in India’s fast-growing digital economy.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations provided in this analysis are those of individual analysts or broking companies, not Mint. We strongly advise investors to consult with certified experts, consider individual risk tolerance, and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions, as market conditions can change rapidly, and individual circumstances may vary.
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