Looking where to invest? Check out CLSA's list of 7 midcap stocks

Here are top seven stocks from the midcap space:

Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail: BUY

Aditya Birla F&R offers a strong combination of India’s top-four apparel brands (Madura division) and one of the largest value-fashion retail networks (Pantaloons). The steps taken to turn Madura around should lead to sustainable same-store sales growth (SSG).

Pantaloons continue its store expansion, with the majority of the newer stores coming under franchise agreements. CLSA sees a large opportunity in women’s fast-fashion with limited competition.

FY21 is likely to breakeven by end of FY18. The innerwear business is ramping up rapidly and the distribution network has now expanded to more than 3,400 outlets.

Crompton Consumer: BUY

Crompton Consumer has set itself a target to be the fastest-growing company in the sector with an aim to create ‘disproportionate’ stakeholders returns.

Crompton has margin tailwinds with an opportunity to grow not only in its existing categories but also considerably expand its addressable opportunity.

A shorter credit cycle could help Crompton negotiate better vendor terms; offset near-term margin headwinds from higher ad and distribution expenses. Expansion into a new category by leveraging its strong distribution network and brand recall could lead to further stock rerating.

Crompton’s strong returns profile, robust growth expectations, and improvement in FCF justify premium valuations. Crompton remains our most preferred pick in the consumer durables and affordable housing space.

Century Plyboards: BUY

Century Plyboards is transitioning from a market leader in plywood to a complete interior-infrastructure-solutions provider by leveraging its brand strength and distribution network.

Its diversified raw material sourcing capability is its key competitive advantage. It has scaled up its laminates business operations and is further expanding its capacity about 50% to 7.2m sheets by FY18CL.

It has made a strong entry into the MDF market with an installation capacity of 198,000 cubic metres, around 35-40% of the total MDF capacity. The recent cut in GST rates also impacted its margins.

Jubilant FoodWorks: BUY

Jubilant FoodWorks, a play on the recovery in consumer sentiment and its growth focus and profitability should drive strong earnings growth.

Apollo Hospitals Ltd: BUY

Apollo Hospitals is seeing a turnaround in its existing and new hospitals.

Oberoi Realty and Godrej Properties: BUY

Both companies are major beneficiaries of the shift to organised developers after the implementation of RERA.

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