As investors gear up for the Diwali Muhurat trading session, which marks the start of the new Hindu calendar year Samvat 2082, domestic brokerage Choice Institutional Equities has listed 15 stocks to consider this festive season, including Mahindra & Mahindra, Zensar Technologies and Bharat Dynamics. The brokers have selected stocks in different sectors, giving more weight to mid- and small-cap names. It assigned equal weightage to technology, defense, auto and auto ancillary stocks. Overall, the brokerage firm expects its recommended list of stocks to deliver up to 49% returns for investors over the next year. Pick projects nearly 50% upside for select stocks Top Tech Picks: Zensar Technologies has been one of the broker’s best bets in terms of upside potential as it believes the stock could scale up to ₹1,130, representing a 49.4% upside from its recently traded price, and it has a ‘buy’ rating on the stock. The brokerage highlights the company’s focus on AI-led innovative deals over vendor consolidation, which sets it apart from peers. Coforge also made it to the brokerage list, with an expected rise of 9.3% to ₹1,930 apiece, while maintaining a ‘buy’ rating on the stock. Cement sector: Another top bet on the list was Birla Corporation, with the brokerage maintaining its ‘buy’ rating, forecasting the stock to rise 38.9% to ₹1,650 apiece over the next year. The broker also picked another cement maker, Nuvoco Vistas Corporation, which it expects to rise 38.2% to ₹560 each from its Wednesday closing price of ₹405, while maintaining its ‘buy’ rating. Man Industries, a leading manufacturer of large diameter pipes, was also included in the brokerage list, with an expected jump of 18.8% to ₹480 apiece. Pharmaceuticals sector: Senores Pharmaceuticals was picked in the pharmaceuticals segment, citing strong revenue momentum, earnings acceleration and margin expansion, with the stock expected to rise 33.4% over the next year to ₹960 from ₹719 apiece. Jeena Sikho Lifecare is also expected to rise by 21.2% to ₹900 apiece. Energy sector: In the energy segment, the brokerage believes Gulf Oil Lubricants is poised for strong growth, backed by volume outperformance through an integrated approach, consistent investment in branding to build a competitive moat, and a focus on maintaining or increasing margins alongside volume growth. The brokerage has set a target price of ₹ 1,600, indicating upside of 31.3%, while maintaining its ‘buy’ rating. Defense sector: Among the defense stocks, Bharat Dynamics and Bharat Electronics were considered, with target prices of ₹1,965 and ₹500, indicating upside potential of 30.9% and 22.5%, respectively. Auto & Auto Support: From the auto sector, Mahindra & Mahindra and Lumax Auto Technologies were picked in the auto support segment, with target prices of ₹4,150 and ₹1,300, indicating jumps of 18.7% and 14% respectively. Liquor stocks: Choice also picked liquor stocks, including Allied Blenders & Distilleries and Radico Khaitan, which forecast gains of 8.9% and 13.5%, with target prices of ₹590 and ₹3,340, respectively. Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or brokerage firms, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Diwali Stock Picks: Zensar Tech, M&M, Coforge to Bharat Dynamics – 15 Muhurat Trading Picks by Choice Equity Broking
