Market experts were disappointed with the subdued capex targets for FY25 and FY26, seeing it as a shift in the government's focus from capex towards consumption.
While PSU stocks took a hit from the Budget’s muted capex allocation, analysts expect an uneven impact across capex-linked sectors. While sectors like railways and infra, may struggle, defence could continue to hold ground.
Ashoka Buildcon wins a Rs 474 crore MMRDA project and secures additional contracts worth Rs 1,264 crore for major infrastructure developments, further strengthening its position in the industry.
The tepid growth in capex outlay is disappointing for companies in the roads and water segments, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities.
Prashant Jain views the Budget as positive for fiscal consolidation and job creation but remains cautious on manufacturing, industrial, and defence stocks
FM Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant infrastructure developments for Bihar, including new airports, medical facilities, and sports infrastructure.
With a heightened focus on developing highways, railways, and urban infrastructure, companies in these segments are poised for significant opportunities, said Axis Securities.
Morgan Stanley is bullish on India's infrastructure play as the government ramps up capex spend, with the note projecting upside in L&T, NTPC, Titagarh Rail Systems, and Ultratech Cement.
As India continues to attract global funds and shift towards consumer-driven growth, it presents compelling opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on its expanding economy and dynamic market environment.
So far this year, PNC Infratech stock has rallied 55 percent, outperforming benchmark Nifty 50, which rose nearly 7 percent during this period.
KNR Constructions provides Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services. Its major projects include roads and highways.
Dilip Buildcon's Q4FY24 standalone profit came in-line with estimates. Its FY24 revenue growth was over 4 percent on-year but importantly there was stability in EBITDA margin at 12 percent.
IRFC, REC, Power Finance Corporation, BHEL, SJVN, JSW Energy and GMR Airports are some of the direct beneficiaries of the increased capex spending announced in the budget on the Infrastructure, Power and Railways sector.
The industrial sector is the only one to have seen an influx of FII money every month since May 2022
Nomura has retained its target price for KEC shares, while Prabhudas Lilladher is bullish on the company’s long-term prospects.
In the past three months, shares of KNR Constructions have dropped 3 percent and in the past one year, they are down 2 percent.
HG Infra Engineering Ltd stock has given a return of 184 percent over the last 5 years, outperforming the benchmark Nifty, which has gained 69.30 percent over the same period
He believes, that investors would be willing to put money in long-term bonds that are tied to the income of infrastructure, such as a bridge or toll road as it would provide good source of long-term income.
Attractive valuations and NHAI order inflows in the second half of this fiscal are likely to pep up the two EPC stocks despite a lull in the sector.
The fourth quarter performance of infrastructure companies didn’t disappoint investors but it didn’t give enough comfort as well. In the BSE 500 population, infrastructure firms reported a neat 66.6 percent year-on-year growth in net profit at the aggregate level.
The PM highlighted the need to give a new direction to the overall infrastructure development of the country.
The breadth of the market favoured the declines with 592 stocks advancing and 1062 declining while 408 remained unchanged. On the BSE, 980 stocks advanced, 1454 declined and 172 remained unchanged.
PN Vijay, Portfolio Manager, askpnvijay.com advises traders to avoid infra stocks at current levels.
Rahul Mohindar, viratechindia.com advises traders to avoid infra stocks.
Sell infra stocks on rally except Punj Lloyd, says Sudarshan Sukhani, s2analytics.com.