In the latest trading session, the Nifty 50 index showcased notable performances from key players, with Hindalco
Industries Ltd. (NSE:HALC) leading the gains. The company’s shares rose by 2.31%, or 14.75 points, closing at ₹653.55. Tata Steel Ltd (NSE:TISC) followed with a 1.97% increase, adding 2.72 points to end at ₹140.76. SBI Life Insurance Company Ltd (NSE:SBIL) also experienced an uptick, gaining 1.74%, or 25.60 points, to finish at ₹1,495.40 in late trade.
Hindalco Industries Ltd. (NSE:HALC)
Hindalco Industries, a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, has been on a consistent upward trajectory. As of February 21, 2025, its share price reached ₹653.60, marking a 2.29% increase over the previous closing price of ₹638.95. Over the past month, the company’s share price appreciated by 6.30%, and over the last year, it surged by 27.67%. The company’s market capitalization stands at ₹1,46,877 crore, with a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 10.14 and a dividend yield of 0.53%. Notably, Hindalco reported a consolidated net profit of ₹1,463 crore on a total income of ₹23,916 crore for the quarter ended December 2024.
In Q2FY25, Hindalco reported a remarkable 123.3% year-on-year increase in net profit, amounting to ₹1,891 crore. Revenue from operations grew by 7.7% to ₹22,262 crore, while EBITDA surged by 56.5% to ₹2,749 crore, with an improved margin of 12.4%. The aluminium upstream segment saw an 80% rise in EBITDA per tonne to $1,349, with industry-leading margins of 41%. The copper business also set a record, posting an EBITDA of ₹829 crore, up 27% year-on-year.
Analysts remain optimistic about Hindalco’s prospects. Prabhudas Lilladher has maintained a ‘Buy’ rating on the stock, setting a target price of ₹696. The firm highlights Hindalco’s strong operating performance in its Indian aluminium and copper businesses, as well as positive management guidance regarding coal costs and upstream EBITDA.
Tata Steel Ltd (NSE:TISC)
Tata Steel, one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers, has experienced modest fluctuations recently. On Friday, the stock rose by 1.88% to ₹140.60, outperforming the BSE SENSEX Index, which fell by 0.56% to 75,311.06. Despite this uptick, Tata Steel remains 23.84% below its 52-week high of ₹184.60, achieved on June 18th. The trading volume reached 1.7 million shares, surpassing the 50-day average of 1.4 million.
The metals sector, including companies like Tata Steel, has faced challenges following geopolitical developments. Notably, the announcement of new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports led to a 3% decline in the metals index. Tata Steel and JSW Steel both saw their shares fall by approximately 4%, leading the laggards in the Nifty 50.
SBI Life Insurance Company Ltd (NSE:SBIL)
SBI Life Insurance, a prominent player in the Indian insurance sector, has demonstrated resilience in the market. The company’s shares have been on an upward trend, influenced by favorable policy announcements. The recent budget proposal to increase the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector to 100% for firms investing their entire premium in India has been a significant positive catalyst. This move aligns with the government’s vision of ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047.
However, the insurance sector has faced some headwinds due to changes in tax-saving incentives, impacting investor sentiment. Despite these challenges, SBI Life’s strong fundamentals and growth prospects continue to make it a noteworthy player in the industry.
The recent performances of Hindalco Industries, Tata Steel, and SBI Life Insurance highlight the dynamic nature of the Indian stock market. While Hindalco has showcased robust growth backed by strong financial metrics, Tata Steel faces challenges due to external factors such as international trade policies. SBI Life Insurance stands to benefit from favorable regulatory changes, despite certain tax-related challenges. Investors should consider these factors and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.
