Top stocks recommended by ICICI Securities in consumer sector

SUMMARY

Consumer companies’ growth is likely decelerated in the fiscal year 2020 on the back of a slowdown in rural demand and a high base, said ICICI Securities. The companies, which are focused on urban small-ticket products, are not facing any demand pressures yet, noted the brokerage in a research report. Avenue Supermarts, Bata, Marico, Nestlé and Titan are most likely to outperform or meet both revenue and margin expectations as they are predominantly urban focused. The brokerage believes that the sector will not die out anytime soon and gives top stock ideas from the sector that has immense potential to grow in earnings.

By CNBC-TV18Jul 9, 2019 10:27:18 AM IST (Updated)

Bajaj Consumer has recently appointed management consultant Bain for Strategy consulting, which could potentially accelerate its turnaround. The brokerage recommends 'Buy' on the stock with a target price of Rs 400. (company image)

Bata is expected to become to be a key beneficiary of the growth opportunity in the Indian organized footwear market driven by higher per capita consumption, Therefore, the brokerage initiates 'Add' on the stock with a price target at Rs 1,600.

Dabur receives 'Add' rating from the brokerages on near-full valuations and the likely short term growth pressure from current rural slowdown.

Emami gets 'Add' and a target price of Rs 320 on the back Kesh King sales that adds up to revenue growth and market share,

The brokerage recommends 'Buy" on ITC with target price of Rs 320 since we see multiple drivers for stock rerating from its current (relative) cheap valuations.

Jubilant Foodworks receives 'Buy" rating from the brokerage for its resilient fundamental model to capture growth against increased competitive intensity from food aggregators.

Jyothy Laboratories was initiated with 'Add' rating after the brokerage believes Ujala fabric whitener in the non-core markets and brand extensions in the non-whitener category will drive growth in the segment.

The brokerage recommended 'Add' for Marico with price target of Rs 400 on the back of substantial focus on premium segments /categories, aggressive participation at bottom-of-pyramid (not in base) and relatively low contribution from rural (35% of revenues) provide

Nestle was also given 'Add' rating with a target price of Rs 13,500 due to its marketing and sales activity driven revenue momentum in the company.

The brokerage gave 'Add' rating Titan with a target price of Ra 1,450 as the brokerage sees continuance of the virtuous cycle of market share gains int he company.

United Spirits was initiated with 'Add' rating and a target price of Rs 650 because of its portfolio premiumisation, improved the productivity of brand spends and competitiveness at point of sale (in free markets), franchised out tough-to-operate markets, focused on reducing costs and importantly improved working capital and OCF growth.

Westlife Development was initiated with 'Buy' rating with a target price of Rs 3470 as it continues to innovate and provide a strong value proposition.. (Source: pixabay)