Muhurat picks for Diwali 2025: Siddarth Bhamre selects a cement champ, snacking star and a colourful play

Top Diwali picks from Asit C Mehta's Siddarth Bhamre

As the market enters Samvat 2082 with optimism and a touch of caution, Siddarth Bhamre, Institutional Research Head at Asit C Mehta Investment Interrmediates, believes the coming year will be one of consolidation and selective opportunities. “This is when men are separated from boys,” he quipped, suggesting that while headline indices may deliver moderate returns, there will be no shortage of stock-specific fireworks for discerning investors.

JK Lakshmi Cement: The Solid Performer

Kicking off his festive line-up, Bhamre picked JK Lakshmi Cement, calling it a strong and reliable performer backed by robust expansion plans and improving margins. The company’s consistent financial performance and aggressive capacity additions make it a solid long-term bet.

“With capacity expansion and improved cost efficiency, JK Lakshmi is well-placed to benefit from rising demand in the construction sector,” Bhamre noted. He added that the stock continues to trade at attractive valuations compared to peers, making it a good long-term play.

“It’s a strong, steady performer — a classic case of strength meeting opportunity. It’s the first stock I’d serve on my festive portfolio thali,” he said. With a focus on expansion and volume growth, earnings momentum is expected to remain strong in FY25, aided by softer input costs. Target at Rs 1,076, implies an upside of over 25%.

Risks: High capital expenditure could temporarily elevate debt levels, and regional pricing pressure remains a key monitorable.

Also Read: Samvat 2082: From RIL to Eternal, here are the top Muhurat Trading picks from Kotak Securities

Bikaji Foods: To Spice Up Your Gains

Next on his list was Bikaji Foods, which he described as a “jalebi - twisty but delightful.” The snack maker has emerged as one of the most promising consumption plays, driven by rising disposable incomes, festive demand, and expanding distribution. With input cost pressures easing and brand recall strengthening beyond core markets, Bhamre expects a tasty mix of growth and profitability in the quarters ahead. “It’s that perfect festive snack — familiar, reliable, and always in demand,” he said. The company’s expanding product portfolio and growing presence in Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets are fueling strong growth. Margins are also expected to recover as raw material prices stabilise, while premiumisation could lift profitability further.

FMCG companies with strong brand value often trade at a premium. It may not be a multi-bagger, he explains, but considering its valuations it does offer a potential upside of 20–25%.

Risks: Aggressive spending on distribution and advertising in new markets.

Also Read: Chartist Talk: Centrum’s Nilesh Jain bets on 4 stocks for Muhurat Trading to generate alpha in Samvat 2082

Kansai Nerolac: A Splash Of Colour

Completing the trio is Kansai Nerolac Paints, which Bhamre describes as a stock "ready to add some vibrant colour to portfolios." After a phase of underperformance, the company is now well-positioned to benefit from a pick-up in industrial paints and a gradual recovery in decorative paints.

While Q2 may not be very significant for paint companies, Bhamre expects substantial growth in Q3 and Q4, driven by a low base effect. Around 45% of Kansai’s revenue comes from the industrial segment, where it enjoys a dominant 50–55% market share, particularly in automotive paints for cars and bikes. “With the automotive sector performing well, Kansai is a natural beneficiary,” he noted.

The management’s focus on operational efficiency and cost control, coupled with a strong balance sheet, further supports the investment case. “It’s a classic comeback story — steady, dependable, and ready to shine,” Bhamre added. He believes reasonable valuations and improving demand trends make it an attractive accumulation candidate for long-term investors.

Risks: Higher raw material costs and rising competitive intensity in the decorative segment could weigh on margins in the near term.

JK Lakshmi offers strength, Bikaji brings the festive crunch, and Kansai Nerolac adds colour and together, they make a dhamakedar combination for Samvat 2082, according to Bhamre.

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