Key Points

Jefferies has added nine major Indian companies to its equity buy list including Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank. The investment bank projects Reliance will achieve double-digit EBITDA growth in FY26 driven by Jio tariff hikes and strong retail performance. HDFC Bank is showing strong signs of returning to lending with improved loan-to-deposit ratios and stable asset quality. Mahindra & Mahindra continues to dominate the tractor market with 43% share while the auto business benefits from expected industry growth.

Key Points: Jefferies Adds Reliance and 8 Major Stocks to India Buy List

  • Reliance expected to achieve double-digit EBITDA growth in FY26
  • HDFC Bank shows strong return to lending with improved loan-to-deposit ratio
  • Mahindra & Mahindra tractor market share increases to 43% in FY25
  • Passenger vehicle industry projected to grow at 8% CAGR through FY28
4 min read

Jefferies adds nine major players in buy list of India Equity strategy, including Reliance

Jefferies adds Reliance, HDFC Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra and 6 others to India equity buy list with bullish targets and growth projections for FY26-28.

"Fresh inclusion to Buys are Reliance, Coforge, Siemens Energy, Adani Ports, AWL Agri, Sun Pharma, Mankind and GMR Airports. - Jefferies Report"

New Delhi, September 11

Jefferies, in its India Equity Strategy buy list, has made fresh inclusion of nine major players from across the sectors.

The American multinational investment bank and financial services company added, "Fresh inclusion to Buys are Reliance, Coforge, Siemens Energy, Adani Ports, AWL Agri, Sun Pharma, Mankind and GMR Airports."

In its report, Jefferies added that the Reliance Industries (Mcap: USD 214 billion) is expected to achieve double-digit EBITDA growth in FY26, driven by three main factors: a tariff hike in Jio ahead of its IPO, strong growth in Retail supported by GST cuts during the festive season, and healthy profitability in its Oil-to-Chemicals (O2C) segment, which is up 15 per cent year-on-year so far in the Financial Year 2026 (FY26).

Over FY27-28, value is expected to emerge in its FMCG, data center, and New Energy businesses, with data centers and New Energy currently seen as option value despite strong growth potential.

The company is projected to deliver an 11 per cent consolidated EBITDA CAGR from FY25 to FY28, with Jio growing at 22 per cent CAGR due to two tariff hikes planned in FY26 and FY27, and Retail growing at 14 per cent CAGR driven by store expansion and same-store sales growth.

Currently, the stock is trading below its long-term average valuation, reflecting concerns about growth and assigning no value to New Energy and data centers.

However, with clearer visibility on double-digit EBITDA growth in FY26, the valuation multiple is expected to rebound, the report added. The price target of Rs 1,670 suggests a 21 per cent upside from current levels, the report added.

On HDFC, the report added that the Bank (Mcap: USD 168 billion) is showing strong signs of returning to the lending market, supported by a drop in its loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) from 110 per cent last year to 95 per cent now, stable asset quality--including in the SME segment--and healthy deposit growth.

The bank is expected to see deposits grow at a 16 per cent CAGR and loans at 12 per cent CAGR between FY25 and FY28, with the LDR improving to 87 per cent by March 2028.

This improved loan growth could ease investor concerns and help the stock rerate, the report added.

Although upcoming rate cuts may temporarily reduce net interest margins (NIMs) by around 30 basis points in FY26, better loan and funding mix, stable credit costs, and improved cross-selling are expected to boost core profits over time. The bank's asset quality remains solid, particularly with better-rated customers in SME and export sectors, and credit costs are forecasted to stay between 55-65 basis points over FY26-27, the report added. (ANI)

Mahindra & Mahindra (Mcap: USD 49 billion) earns about 40 per cent of its EBIT from its farm division. After an 8 per cent decline in FY24, tractor industry sales were mostly flat in the first half of FY25 but have grown 11 per cent year-on-year over the past 12 months. The tractor industry is expected to grow at a 9 per cent CAGR between FY25 and FY28, which is slower than the 8 per cent CAGR seen over FY05-23.

Mahindra's market share in tractors has increased from 40 per cent in FY19-22 to 43 per cent in FY25 (45 per cent in 1Q), with total tractor volumes, including exports, forecasted to grow at 9 per cent CAGR over FY25-28, the report added.

The remaining 60 per cent of Mahindra's EBIT comes from its auto business. After a strong 16 per cent CAGR from FY21 to FY24, India's passenger vehicle sales grew only 2 per cent in FY25 and dropped 1 per cent in the first quarter of FY26. However, growth is expected to pick up due to GST rate cuts, income tax reductions, and improved liquidity. The passenger vehicle industry is projected to grow at an 8 per cent CAGR over FY25-28, with SUVs expected to outperform cars, the report further added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see HDFC Bank back in focus. The improved loan-to-deposit ratio and stable asset quality make it a solid pick for long-term investors. Banking sector recovery is crucial for our economy.
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Michael C
While the analysis looks promising, I'm concerned about the broader market valuation. Many stocks are trading at premium multiples. Need to be selective despite Jefferies' recommendations.
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Anjali F
Mahindra's tractor business showing resilience despite rural challenges is impressive. With GST cuts and better rural liquidity, both auto and farm divisions should perform well. 🚜
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Sarah B
Interesting mix of large caps and mid caps in this list. Adani Ports and GMR Airports reflect the infrastructure growth story. India's logistics and infrastructure sector has huge potential.
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Vikram M
Sun Pharma and Mankind Pharma - pharma sector looking strong! With healthcare spending increasing in India, these companies are well positioned for growth. Good defensive picks too.

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