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UBS sees Persistent Systems, Infosys, HCLTech better positioned, AI disruption may prolong IT sector de-rating, says UBS report, Recovery depends on business model transformation evidence

* UBS sees Persistent Systems, Infosys, HCLTech better positioned
* AI disruption may prolong IT sector de-rating, says UBS report
* Recovery depends on business model transformation evidence

UBS sees Infosys, HCLTech, and Persistent Systems better positioned amid IT sector de-rating, citing strong risk-reward. AI disruption may prolong valuation declines. Selectivity is key as companies adapt, with mid-caps and Infosys standing out.

shorts/business/ubs-cuts-it-valuations-sees-infosys-hcltech-persistent-as-top-picks

Shares of Indian IT services companies, including Infosys Ltd, HCL Tech Ltd, and Persistent Systems Ltd, may be better positioned amid an ongoing sector-wide de-rating, as investors shift focus from near-term demand recovery to long-term business model sustainability, according to a UBS report.

The brokerage has a more constructive view on Persistent Systems, Infosys, and HCL Tech, citing better risk-reward profiles. It upgraded Tech Mahindra Ltd to Neutral from Sell, reflecting recent valuation correction and improving margins, while downgrading Mphasis Ltd to Neutral from Buy as the expected turnaround has yet to materialise. UBS also initiated coverage on Coforge Ltd with a Neutral rating.

The brokerage said valuations across the sector have already declined 20-25 percent so far this year, but the de-rating phase may continue until there is clearer evidence of how companies adapt to artificial intelligence-led disruption. The debate has moved beyond demanding stability to whether AI-driven productivity gains will create new revenue streams or lead to pricing pressure and revenue deflation.

UBS introduced a new “VECTOR” framework to track how companies are responding to structural changes, covering Verticals, Employees, Contracts, Technology, Offerings, Regions and Revenue per Employee. Based on this, the report said mid-cap companies appear better positioned, with Persistent Systems and LTIMindtree Ltd leading, while Infosys stands out among large-cap peers.

The brokerage outlined a wide range of potential outcomes, drawing parallels with past technology disruptions. During the cloud transition between 2010 and 2019, incumbents saw about a 20 percent de-rating over two years before recovering 35 percent to 40 percent as new business models scaled. In contrast, a worst-case scenario similar to the Blockbuster versus Netflix shift between 1997 and 2010 could see prolonged disruption, with valuations falling sharply over time if companies fail to adapt.

UBS said AI-led productivity improvements could theoretically result in a 25 percent to 35 percent decline in IT services revenues if gains are competed away, though the actual impact is expected to be lower. The report noted that a higher share of fixed-price contracts could mitigate this effect, with every 20 percentage point increase in such contracts potentially reducing revenue impact by about 20 percent.

Despite the correction in valuations to below three-year averages, recovery will depend on visible evidence of successful business model transformation. UBS has reduced target multiples across the sector but maintained selective positioning based on relative strengths.

The report said selectivity will be critical as dispersion across companies increases in an evolving industry landscape shaped by artificial intelligence and changing delivery models.

UBS cuts IT valuations, sees Infosys, HCLTech, Persistent as top picks

Alkem Laboratories share price down marginally in the opening trade on March 23 despite the company received DCGI approval to manufacture and market Semaglutide Injection in India.

At 09:21am, Alkem Laboratories was quoting at Rs 5,204.05, down Rs 53.70, or 1.02 percent, on the BSE.

The company has launched its semaglutide pre-filled disposable injection pen at a price starting Rs 1,800 for a month’s dosage, which translates into a weekly cost of Rs 450.

Apart from disposable pen, Alkem is offering reusable injection pen for semaglutide administration for higher maintenance doses.

Alkem has received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for manufacturing and marketing semaglutide for type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic weight management as an adjunct to diet and exercise, subsequent to a review of its Phase 3 clinical trials conducted in India.

The company launched semaglutide injection in India under the brand names “Semasize”, Obesema” and “Hepaglide”.

Catch all the market action on our live blog

The company has received a ‘Certificate of GMP Compliance of a Manufacturer’ from the Malta Medicines Authority for its manufacturing facility located at Daman, India.

The said certificate is valid for a period of three years from December 9, 2025.

Also, earlier in this month, the Department of Pharmacy (Human Medicines) – Germany has issued 'Certificate of GMP Compliance of a Manufacturer’ to company's manufacturing facility located at Baddi, India, which valid for a period of three years from.

Alkem Laboratories gets DCGI nod for Semaglutide Injection; share price fall marginally

DCX Systems share price jumped 9 percent in the early trade on March 23 following the company received purchase order from a domestic customer amounting to about Rs 563.45 crore.

At 09:18am, DCX Systems was quoting at Rs 178.85, up Rs 15.55, or 9.52 percent, on the BSE.

The said order is for manufacture and supply of Maritime Patrol Radar Systems (MPR) for the airborne application.

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On March 18, the company bagged a purchase order of Rs 12.81 crore to manufacture and supply of cable and wire harness assemblies from a domestic &amp;amp; international customers.

Earlier, in this month, the company won an order worth Rs 68.05 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics to manufacture and supply of custom-made antenna and power supplies for the airborne application.

Also, company announced the expansion of the manufacturing capabilities with the addition of oversized PCB assembly capacity at its wholly owned subsidiary, Raneal Advanced Systems.

The newly enhanced capability enables the company to assemble and test largedimension PCBs, catering to applications mainly in defense &amp;amp; aerospace and industrial electronics and advanced power systems.

DCX Systems shares rise 9% on winning purchase order of Rs 563 crore

Let's catch up on the latest news from the stock market.

From significant investments to major deals, quarterly earnings, appointments, and order wins, here’s a quick look at which stocks will be in focus in today's trade:

Stocks to Watch

HDFC Bank: HDFC Bank is currently navigating a leadership transition following the resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who cited differences related to personal values, ethics, and certain internal practices. In a related development, the bank has terminated three senior executives in connection with lapses identified at its Dubai branch. The Reserve Bank of India has since clarified that there are no material concerns regarding the bank's conduct, governance, or financial position. Keki Mistry has been appointed as the interim non-executive chairman for a period of three months to ensure continuity during this phase.

South Indian Bank: V.J. Kurian retires as Non-Executive Part-Time Chairman on March 22. Jose Joseph Kattoor (ex-RBI Executive Director) has been appointed, effective March 23, for 3 years (RBI-approved). Senior management elevations were also approved from April 1.

MM Forgings: Board meeting intimated for March 25 to consider raising funds via equity issuance, subject to approvals.

RITES: It has secured LoA for the maintenance of Indian Railways’ 1st high-speed test track. The 64-km-long dedicated test track is developed by RDSO and is designed for comprehensive testing of rolling stock.

P N Gadgil Jewellers Store: The company has executed a retail expansion in the jewellery chain with two new stores in Maharashtra.

Kirloskar Pneumatic: The Company announced allotment of 6,100 shares under ESOP/ESOS.

GE Vernova T&amp;amp;D India: The post-ballot results include updates on having appointed Rashmi Joshi as Independent Director for five years and re-appointed Sandeep Zanzaria as Managing Director &amp;amp; CEO for three years, while also approving related party transactions with UK Grid Solutions Limited.

Tata Steel: The company has commissioned a Rs 3,200 crore project in Punjab, introducing scrap-based EAF technology for low-carbon steel production.

Bulk Deals

Ashish Kacholia (ace investor) sold 10.78 lakh shares (8.25% stake) in Naman Industries Proxima at Rs 53.41 per share for Rs 5.76 crore, while buying 7.73 lakh shares in Aelea Commodities at Rs 120.5 per share for Rs 9.32 crore.

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund sold 7.21 lakh shares (0.53% stake) in NIIT at Rs 59.77 per share for Rs 4.31 crore.

Norges Bank sold 60.99 lakh shares (0.63% stake) in Zee Entertainment at Rs 72.73 per share for Rs 44.36 crore. FII exit pressure on media stock.

Chanakya Opportunities Fund I offloaded 2.49 lakh shares (1.07%) in Tridhya Tech at Rs 8.15 for Rs 20.29 lakh.

India Capital Management bought 1.64 lakh shares (0.61%) in Ganesha Ecosphere at Rs 828 for Rs 13.60 crore.

Pine Oak Global Fund sold 3.95 lakh shares (1.85%) in Monika Alcobev at Rs 240 for Rs 9.48 crore.

Stocks Trade Ex-Dividend

Power Finance Corporation: Interim dividend Rs 3.25/share — ex-date and record date March 23.

Castrol India: Final dividend Rs 5.25/share — ex-date March 23.

India Glycols: Interim dividend Rs 7.50/share — ex-date March 23.

Vedanta: Board meeting today (March 23) to consider 3rd interim dividend — potential ex-date/record implications post-decision.

Stock Trades Ex-Date for Rights

TIL Ltd

Sunrest Lifescience Ltd

Regal Entertainment &amp;amp; Consultants Ltd

Stock Trades Ex-Date for Bonus

Metropolis Healthcare

Stocks in F&amp;amp;O Ban

SAMMAN Capital

SAIL

Disclaimer: Moneycontrol is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.

Stocks in focus today: HDFC Bank, South Indian Bank, PFC, Castrol India, Vedanta, MM Forgings, RITES, Texmaco Rail, P N Gadgil Jewellers, India Glycols

US defence stocks outperformed after US-Israel strikes on Iran, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman saw mixed stock moves, Policy uncertainty and capital limits hinder stock gains

* US defence stocks outperformed after US-Israel strikes on Iran
* Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman saw mixed stock moves
* Policy uncertainty and capital limits hinder stock gains

US defence stocks outperformed the broader market after US-Israel strikes on Iran, but gains have cooled. Investors are cautious due to policy uncertainty and restrictions on dividends and buybacks. Boeing fell sharply after halting 737 MAX deliveries.

shorts/business/us-defence-stocks-hold-gains-after-iran-strikes-but-rally-cools-amid-spending-uncertainty

Shares of publicly traded US defence companies largely outperformed the broader market after the US and Israel carried out unprecedented strikes on Iran that sent global energy prices soaring, though the rally seen earlier this year has cooled.

Since February 26, defence stocks have largely held steady. Lockheed Martin fell 0.64 percent, RTX Corp (formerly Raytheon) rose 1.6 percent, Northrop Grumman gained 0.5 percent, and General Dynamics fell 0.3 percent. Boeing declined 12.3 percent after halting 737 MAX deliveries in March due to a machining error, while the S&amp;amp;P 500 Index fell 4.4 per cent over the same period.

The US and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory strikes by Iran on US bases in West Asia and Israel.

The muted reaction since the war started contrasts with sharp gains earlier. From the start of 2026 to February 26, Lockheed Martin rose a massive 33 percent, Northrop Grumman gained 25 percent, RTX Corp advanced 8 percent, Boeing added 6 percent, and General Dynamics climbed 5 percent, while the S&amp;amp;P 500 Index rose 1 percent.



According to a Wall Street Journal report, the limited reaction in defence stocks despite the conflict reflects investor focus on policy uncertainty around defence spending and capital allocation. US President Donald Trump has proposed a $1.5 trillion defence budget for fiscal year 2027, though details remain unclear. The plan was expected to be supported by tariff revenues, which have since been struck down by the Supreme Court, while the administration has yet to submit its formal budget proposal.

The report also highlighted increased scrutiny on defence contractors’ capital allocation. Earlier this year, an executive order restricted companies from paying dividends or conducting share buybacks until they demonstrate timely and cost-efficient project execution. Companies have since raised capital expenditure plans and refrained from providing clarity on buybacks, which could weigh on earnings per share in the near term.

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UBS cuts IT valuations, sees Infosys, HCLTech, Persistent as top picks

Alkem Laboratories gets DCGI nod for Semaglutide Injection; share price fall marginally

DCX Systems shares rise 9% on winning purchase order of Rs 563 crore

Stocks in focus today: HDFC Bank, South Indian Bank, PFC, Castrol India, Vedanta, MM Forgings, RITES, Texmaco Rail, P N Gadgil Jewellers, India Glycols

US defence stocks hold gains after Iran strikes, but rally cools amid spending uncertainty

Beverages Industry StocksCheck latest stock performance, list of stocks, earnings review & more details about the Beverages industry stocks.

Gainers/Losers

Industry Market Map

Earnings Review-undefined

Stock News

UBS cuts IT valuations, sees Infosys, HCLTech, Persistent as top picks

Alkem Laboratories gets DCGI nod for Semaglutide Injection; share price fall marginally

DCX Systems shares rise 9% on winning purchase order of Rs 563 crore

Stocks in focus today: HDFC Bank, South Indian Bank, PFC, Castrol India, Vedanta, MM Forgings, RITES, Texmaco Rail, P N Gadgil Jewellers, India Glycols

US defence stocks hold gains after Iran strikes, but rally cools amid spending uncertainty

Beverages Industry Stocks
Check latest stock performance, list of stocks, earnings review & more details about the Beverages industry stocks.