Stock calls for today: What brokerages are recommending for May 5, 2025

Emkay Global Financial Services has a ‘buy’ rating on Indian Oil with a target price of Rs 170. Analysts said the OMC major beat analysts’ estimates during its Jan-March quarters on several parameters on the back of better marketing margins and refinery inventory gains.The management indicated that FY26 is healthy so far, with stable refining and marketing boosted by lower oil prices. IOCL is engaging with the GoI for LPG compensation as well. Major projects like Panipat, Gujarat, and Barauni expansions would progressively commission during the next two years.
Motilal Oswal Financial Services has a ‘buy’ rating on State Bank of India with a target price of Rs 915. Analysts said the banking major reported in-line earnings as higher provisions and opex were offset by higher other income, while margins were broadly stable. The bank’s management expects NIM to remain under pressure due to the rate cuts. However, the bank has some offsetting levers like an increase in CD ratio, a higher MCLR-linked book, and yield benefits from the recent increase in MCLR rates.Credit grew 12% YoY, while the unsecured book (Xpress Credit) saw a flat trend. The bank has seen an increase in its domestic CD ratio. Fresh slippages were contained, which underscores improvements in underwriting standards.
Citigroup has a ‘buy’ rating on Indus Towers with a target price of Rs 485. Analysts feel the key positives for the stock are that all the past undisputed overdues from Voda Idea have now been cleared. In addition, free cash flow generation rose in Jan-March quarter. And estimated new tenancies from Voda Idea rose on a quarterly basis. They said Indus Towers has, however, delayed the dividend announcement that was widely expected and has, instead, set up a committee for recommendations to “enhance shareholder returns”.They feel that this delay could weigh on near-term stock performance pending further clarity.
Elara Securities India has reiterated its ‘reduce’ rating on CEAT with the target price at Rs 3,153. Analysts said during the Jan-March quarter CEAT’s revenue grew, led by healthy volume growth, while EBITDA margin growth was driven by contraction of raw material costs, and price hikes implemented across two-wheeler tyres. Analysts retained their cautious stance on the tyre sector, given a low EPS CAGR during FY24-FY27, and expectations of structurally high natural rubber prices during FY26-27.We are yet to factor in the CAMSO acquisition.
ICICI Securities has a ‘buy’ rating on Nippon Life India Asset Management (Nippon Life Mutual Fund) with the target price at Rs 720. Analysts feel the fund house is one of the better plays on assets under management (AUM) basis industry position, execution track record and valuation. A strong retail franchise and good fund performance have driven market share gains for Nippon Life AMC in equity and SIP flows. The fund house also maintains its industry-leading position in the passive and alternate funds segment.