MarketSmith India's Top Stock Picks for 26 November: Ethos & Coforge
Stock Recommendations: Ethos & Coforge for 26 Nov

MarketSmith India Unveils Stock Recommendations Amid Market Volatility

Indian benchmark indices extended their decline for the third consecutive session on Tuesday, 25 November, as investors remained cautious ahead of the monthly derivatives expiry. The Nifty 50 dropped 74.70 points, or 0.29%, closing at 25,884.80, while the Sensex fell 314 points, or 0.37%, settling at 84,587. Market weakness was widespread, with significantly more stocks declining than advancing, indicating broader market caution beyond the frontline indices.

Sectoral performance showed clear divergence, with heavyweight IT, FMCG, and select financial stocks dragging the markets lower. However, PSU banks, metals, and realty sectors demonstrated notable resilience amid the overall negative sentiment. Geopolitical developments provided some relief as crude oil prices dropped due to optimism surrounding potential Ukraine-Russia peace talks, though continued selling pressure from foreign institutional investors weighed on market sentiment.

Detailed Stock Analysis: Ethos Ltd

MarketSmith India recommends buying Ethos Ltd at the current price of ₹3,060, with an entry range between ₹3,030 and ₹3,090. The company represents a compelling investment opportunity as the market leader in India's organized luxury watch retail space. The firm is actively expanding its store network and making strategic entries into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, which positions it for sustained growth.

The company's investment appeal is strengthened by its increasing share of high-margin exclusive and luxury brands and strategic diversification into other luxury categories such as jewellery and accessories. Ethos maintains a healthy financial position with low debt and strong liquidity, supported by robust brand partnerships with global watchmakers. The growing contribution from online sales channels and enhanced customer loyalty through membership and service programs further bolster its growth prospects.

Key metrics for Ethos include a P/E ratio of 84.04 and a 52-week high of ₹3,202.07. Technically, the stock has reclaimed its 21-day moving average on above-average volume, indicating positive momentum. MarketSmith India has set a target price of ₹3,450 for the next two to three months, with a stop loss at ₹2,880.

However, investors should consider several risk factors, including the company's dependence on discretionary luxury spending, which is inherently cyclical. Other concerns include high working capital and inventory requirements, margin pressure from new store costs and rentals, exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations due to imports, and limited domestic manufacturing capacity. The stock also trades at premium valuations relative to peers and faces competition from new luxury entrants and online players.

Detailed Stock Analysis: Coforge Ltd

The second recommendation from MarketSmith India is Coforge Ltd, currently trading at ₹1,832. Investors can consider buying in the range of ₹1,820 to ₹1,840. The company's strength lies in its diversified vertical mix and strong digital transformation momentum, positioning it well in the evolving IT services landscape.

Coforge shows promising technical indicators with a trendline breakout pattern suggesting potential upward movement. The stock has a 52-week high of ₹2,005 and trading volume of ₹275.67 crore. MarketSmith India has established a target price of ₹2,000 for the next two to three months, with a stop loss at ₹1,760.

Key risk factors for Coforge include high client concentration and exposure to currency volatility, which could impact financial performance. Investors should monitor these factors closely when considering this investment opportunity.

Market Technical Analysis and Outlook

The Nifty 50's price action indicates the index is retreating from the upper end of a short-term consolidation channel, signaling hesitation after recent gains. The candle structure suggests mild profit-booking, though the broader trend remains positive with prices holding above key moving averages. According to O'Neil's methodology, the market status has shifted to a Confirmed Uptrend as it decisively surpassed its previous rally high of 25,670 to register a new 52-week peak.

Momentum indicators show cooling strength, with the RSI easing to around 54 from overbought territory, suggesting a pause in bullish momentum without indicating a reversal. The MACD line is flattening just above the signal line, reflecting diminishing buying pressure and potential near-term consolidation. On the downside, immediate support is placed at 25,850, while a stronger base near 25,700 remains pivotal for sustaining the broader uptrend.

Bank Nifty displayed similar patterns, forming its third consecutive bearish candle and indicating ongoing profit booking after recent upward movement. The index opened at 58,925.65, touched an intraday high of 59,166.15, and settled at 58,820.30. Despite this, Bank Nifty continues to exhibit strong resilience, remaining comfortably above its key moving averages, with the 21-DMA near 58,384 serving as a strong support zone.

Trade name: William O'Neil India Pvt. Ltd. Sebi Registration No.: INH000015543

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.