Latest news with #NikhilRungta


Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Can rising EPS estimates restore investors confidence despite tariff uncertainties?
Mumbai: Investors may have a reason to cheer amid elevated uncertainties over the fallout of tariffs in the near term. Analysts have increased the earnings per share (EPS) estimates of most large companies following the March quarter, reversing two straight quarters of downgrades. Of the companies on the Nifty 500 index tracked by at least five analysts or more, 315 saw EPS upgrades in the fourth quarter compared with the December quarter, according to data from Eikon. EPS estimate upgrades signal improving earnings outlook, boosting investor confidence and often driving stock prices higher. "After two consecutive quarters of disappointing earnings, we've now seen some early rounds of earnings upgrades from analysts across selective companies following the fourth quarter numbers," said Aniruddha Sarkar, chief investment officer and portfolio manager at Quest Investment Advisors. "Government capex picking up sharply in the last four months is largely responsible for the same, along with a pickup in consumer spending." Analysts had moderated the earnings outlook in the previous two quarters after profits slowed to single digits amid concerns over an economic slowdown. The EPS growth of Nifty 50 was at 4.1% in the June quarter and 8.9% in the September quarter from the year-ago periods. In January-March, EPS grew at 10.9% from the same period a year ago. The EPS growth for FY25 was at 9% year-on-year. Live Events Agencies Slowing corporate earnings and the resultant downgrades by analysts were reasons for the sell-off in Indian equities between September-end and March, as investors found stock valuations rich in the face of the squeeze in profitability. Money managers expect further recovery in earnings in the quarters ahead. The Nifty's EPS is expected to grow at about 13% on a compounded basis between FY25 and FY27, up from 10.9% in the fourth quarter, supported by a lower base of FY25, accommodative monetary policy, and continued government spending , said Nikhil Rungta, co-chief investment officer - equity at LIC Mutual Fund. "Banks benefited from improved asset quality, while the auto sector saw steady domestic demand and successful new launches," he said. "Government-led capex supported infrastructure and real estate, and a rural demand revival boosted consumption." The pace of upgrades will be crucial for determining the direction of the market. "We believe the first quarter of FY26 could see some more modest upgrades but the pace of upgrades across the broader market could pick up from Q2 onwards as the low base of FY25 will come into play," said Sarkar.


Economic Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Can rising EPS estimates restore investor confidence despite tariff uncertainties?
Live Events Agencies (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel Mumbai: Investors may have a reason to cheer amid elevated uncertainties over the fallout of tariffs in the near term. Analysts have increased the earnings per share (EPS) estimates of most large companies following the March quarter, reversing two straight quarters of the companies on the Nifty 500 index tracked by at least five analysts or more, 315 saw EPS upgrades in the fourth quarter compared with the December quarter, according to data from estimate upgrades signal improving earnings outlook, boosting investor confidence and often driving stock prices higher."After two consecutive quarters of disappointing earnings, we've now seen some early rounds of earnings upgrades from analysts across selective companies following the fourth quarter numbers," said Aniruddha Sarkar, chief investment officer and portfolio manager at Quest Investment Advisors. "Government capex picking up sharply in the last four months is largely responsible for the same, along with a pickup in consumer spending."Analysts had moderated the earnings outlook in the previous two quarters after profits slowed to single digits amid concerns over an economic slowdown. The EPS growth of Nifty 50 was at 4.1% in the June quarter and 8.9% in the September quarter from the year-ago periods. In January-March, EPS grew at 10.9% from the same period a year ago. The EPS growth for FY25 was at 9% corporate earnings and the resultant downgrades by analysts were reasons for the sell-off in Indian equities between September-end and March, as investors found stock valuations rich in the face of the squeeze in profitability. Money managers expect further recovery in earnings in the quarters Nifty's EPS is expected to grow at about 13% on a compounded basis between FY25 and FY27, up from 10.9% in the fourth quarter, supported by a lower base of FY25, accommodative monetary policy, and continued government spending , said Nikhil Rungta, co-chief investment officer - equity at LIC Mutual Fund."Banks benefited from improved asset quality, while the auto sector saw steady domestic demand and successful new launches," he said. "Government-led capex supported infrastructure and real estate, and a rural demand revival boosted consumption."The pace of upgrades will be crucial for determining the direction of the market. "We believe the first quarter of FY26 could see some more modest upgrades but the pace of upgrades across the broader market could pick up from Q2 onwards as the low base of FY25 will come into play," said Sarkar.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Can rising EPS estimates restore investor confidence despite tariff uncertainties?
Live Events Agencies (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel Mumbai: Investors may have a reason to cheer amid elevated uncertainties over the fallout of tariffs in the near term. Analysts have increased the earnings per share (EPS) estimates of most large companies following the March quarter, reversing two straight quarters of the companies on the Nifty 500 index tracked by at least five analysts or more, 315 saw EPS upgrades in the fourth quarter compared with the December quarter, according to data from estimate upgrades signal improving earnings outlook, boosting investor confidence and often driving stock prices higher."After two consecutive quarters of disappointing earnings, we've now seen some early rounds of earnings upgrades from analysts across selective companies following the fourth quarter numbers," said Aniruddha Sarkar, chief investment officer and portfolio manager at Quest Investment Advisors. "Government capex picking up sharply in the last four months is largely responsible for the same, along with a pickup in consumer spending."Analysts had moderated the earnings outlook in the previous two quarters after profits slowed to single digits amid concerns over an economic slowdown. The EPS growth of Nifty 50 was at 4.1% in the June quarter and 8.9% in the September quarter from the year-ago periods. In January-March, EPS grew at 10.9% from the same period a year ago. The EPS growth for FY25 was at 9% corporate earnings and the resultant downgrades by analysts were reasons for the sell-off in Indian equities between September-end and March, as investors found stock valuations rich in the face of the squeeze in profitability. Money managers expect further recovery in earnings in the quarters Nifty's EPS is expected to grow at about 13% on a compounded basis between FY25 and FY27, up from 10.9% in the fourth quarter, supported by a lower base of FY25, accommodative monetary policy, and continued government spending , said Nikhil Rungta, co-chief investment officer - equity at LIC Mutual Fund."Banks benefited from improved asset quality, while the auto sector saw steady domestic demand and successful new launches," he said. "Government-led capex supported infrastructure and real estate, and a rural demand revival boosted consumption."The pace of upgrades will be crucial for determining the direction of the market. "We believe the first quarter of FY26 could see some more modest upgrades but the pace of upgrades across the broader market could pick up from Q2 onwards as the low base of FY25 will come into play," said Sarkar.


Business Mayor
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
LIC Mutual Fund reintroduces five flagship equity schemes; details here
As of April 2025, LIC Mutual Fund manages a total of 41 schemes, comprising 15 equity funds, 9 debt funds, 6 hybrid funds, 1 solution-oriented fund and 10 ETF, index and other funds. The fund house has a robust monthly SIP inflow. Overall, AUM has seen a notable rise from Rs 33,854 crore in March 2025 to Rs 37,554 crore in April 2025, registering a growth of 11%. Also Read | Nippon India Small Cap Fund exits IndusInd Bank, Adani Wilmar, 3 other stocks in April The funds that are being reintroduced are LIC MF Value Fund, LIC MF Small Cap Fund, LIC MF Multi-Asset Allocation Fund, LIC MF Dividend Yield Fund, and LIC MF Focused Fund. 'We are reintroducing these five flagship equity schemes, which have the potential to generate significant wealth for investors with diverse financial needs over the long term. We believe investment objectives of these funds will be aligned with aspirations of the young as well as new investors, catering to their diverse financial goals, and deliver better returns notwithstanding the challenging market conditions,' said Yogesh Patil, Chief Investment Officer – Equity, on the reintroduction of equity schemes. About these 5- flagship funds: (a) LICMF Value Fund Targets fundamentally strong companies trading below intrinsic value due to temporary market dislocations. Best suited for long-term investors seeking undervalued opportunities with solid financials and sound business models. Read More Capital Daily sees further GBP decline amid BoE policy stance Fund Managers: Nikhil Rungta and Mahesh Bendre (b) LICMF Small Cap Fund Invests in emerging, scalable businesses aligned with India's long-term growth. Focuses on early-stage, under-researched companies with high potential. Suitable for high-risk investors with a 5+ year horizon. Fund Managers: Nikhil Rungta and Mr. Mahesh Bendre (c) LICMF Multi-Asset Allocation Fund This fund aims to achieve a balance between risk and return by leveraging the diversification of different asset classes. It dynamically allocates across equity, debt and commodities (gold and silver) based on market conditions and economic outlook. This strategy is suited for long-term investors who are looking for superior risk-adjusted returns. Fund Managers: Nikhil Rungta, Sumit Bhatnagar and Pratik Shroff Also Read | BSE and One 97 among stocks that mutual funds bought and sold in April (d) LICMF Dividend Yield Fund Blends capital appreciation with dividend income by investing in companies with strong cash flows, consistent payouts and reinvestment-led growth. A fit for long-term investors seeking stable yet growing income. Fund Managers: Mr. Dikshit Mittal and Mr. Karan Doshi (e) LICMF Focused Fund A concentrated portfolio of up to 30 high-conviction stocks, backed by deep research and meaningful allocations. Offers flexibility across sectors and market caps which is ideal for growth-oriented investors seeking an actively managed yet focused strategy. Fund Managers: Jaiprakash Toshniwal and Sumit Bhatnagar


Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
LIC Mutual Fund reintroduces five flagship equity schemes; details here
LIC Mutual Fund has reintroduced five of its flagship equity schemes , aiming to enhance its product offerings, attract new investors, and align with evolving market dynamics. The relaunch of ' Funds in Focus Q1FY25' is also expected to enhance their appeal by integrating new technologies and implementing strategies to strengthen growth potential. As of April 2025, LIC Mutual Fund manages a total of 41 schemes, comprising 15 equity funds, 9 debt funds, 6 hybrid funds, 1 solution-oriented fund and 10 ETF, index and other funds. The fund house has a robust monthly SIP inflow. Overall, AUM has seen a notable rise from Rs 33,854 crore in March 2025 to Rs 37,554 crore in April 2025, registering a growth of 11%. Also Read | Nippon India Small Cap Fund exits IndusInd Bank, Adani Wilmar, 3 other stocks in April Best MF to invest Looking for the best mutual funds to invest? Here are our recommendations. View Details » The funds that are being reintroduced are LIC MF Value Fund , LIC MF Small Cap Fund , LIC MF Multi-Asset Allocation Fund , LIC MF Dividend Yield Fund, and LIC MF Focused Fund . 'We are reintroducing these five flagship equity schemes , which have the potential to generate significant wealth for investors with diverse financial needs over the long term. We believe investment objectives of these funds will be aligned with aspirations of the young as well as new investors, catering to their diverse financial goals, and deliver better returns notwithstanding the challenging market conditions,' said Yogesh Patil, Chief Investment Officer - Equity, on the reintroduction of equity schemes. Live Events About these 5- flagship funds: (a) LICMF Value Fund Targets fundamentally strong companies trading below intrinsic value due to temporary market dislocations. Best suited for long-term investors seeking undervalued opportunities with solid financials and sound business models. Fund Managers: Nikhil Rungta and Mahesh Bendre (b) LICMF Small Cap Fund Invests in emerging, scalable businesses aligned with India's long-term growth. Focuses on early-stage, under-researched companies with high potential. Suitable for high-risk investors with a 5+ year horizon. Fund Managers: Nikhil Rungta and Mr. Mahesh Bendre (c) LICMF Multi-Asset Allocation Fund This fund aims to achieve a balance between risk and return by leveraging the diversification of different asset classes. It dynamically allocates across equity, debt and commodities (gold and silver) based on market conditions and economic outlook. This strategy is suited for long-term investors who are looking for superior risk-adjusted returns. Fund Managers: Nikhil Rungta, Sumit Bhatnagar and Pratik Shroff Also Read | BSE and One 97 among stocks that mutual funds bought and sold in April (d) LICMF Dividend Yield Fund Blends capital appreciation with dividend income by investing in companies with strong cash flows, consistent payouts and reinvestment-led growth. A fit for long-term investors seeking stable yet growing income. Fund Managers: Mr. Dikshit Mittal and Mr. Karan Doshi (e) LICMF Focused Fund A concentrated portfolio of up to 30 high-conviction stocks, backed by deep research and meaningful allocations. Offers flexibility across sectors and market caps which is ideal for growth-oriented investors seeking an actively managed yet focused strategy. Fund Managers: Jaiprakash Toshniwal and Sumit Bhatnagar