Adani Ports stock rises 1.5%, top Nifty gainer today after Investec initiates with ‘buy’ call; check upside

Shares of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) rose over 1.5 percent on Monday to Rs 1,430.70, emerging as the top gainer on the Nifty 50 index after UK-based brokerage Investec initiated coverage on the stock with a ‘buy’ rating and a target price of Rs 1,715.

The brokerage’s positive view, implying an upside potential of nearly 22 percent, lifted investor sentiment in Adani Ports and SEZ stock even as the broader market slipped in the afternoon trade. Benchmark Nifty 50 was trading down 0.36 percent at 25,194 in the afternoon session.

Investec says ‘buy’ Adani Ports; cites scaling opportunity, global push

Investec said Adani Ports’ integrated network of 17 ports and terminals gives it a strong competitive advantage, allowing it to benefit from India’s expanding trade volumes and infrastructure growth. The brokerage expects a 13 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in EBITDA between FY25 and FY30, driven by scaling up existing ports and sustained international expansion.

It projects international cargo volumes to rise more than fivefold over the same period, led by the acquisition of NQXT and ramp-up at other overseas ports. Investec also emphasised the company’s improving balance sheet, noting that strong cash generation and disciplined capital management have enabled steady deleveraging. Net gearing has fallen to 0.6x as of March 2025 and is projected to be negligible by FY30.

The brokerage’s initiation adds to a growing consensus among analysts. According to data compiled by LSEG, Adani Ports carries an average “strong buy” rating, with a median target price of Rs 1,727 across major brokerages, said Reuters.

Sentiment supported by regulatory clarity and business resilience

Investor confidence in Adani Group companies has strengthened since the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) gave the group a clean chit in September in connection with allegations made by US short-seller Hindenburg Research. The regulator said it found no evidence of stock manipulation, insider trading, or related-party irregularities.

Adani Ports shares have now gained more than 17 percent so far in 2025, outpacing the benchmark Nifty 50, which is up around 6 percent this year.

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