Stock Picking - Art Or Science

Suven Life Sciences - Patent Granted

2007-12-27T19:56:00.000+05:30

Suven Life Sciences Ltd on December 27, 2007 has announced that the US Patent office has granted Product Patent # US 7,297,711 to Suven. This is Suven's first product patent granted in USA. The granted claims of the patent include the class of selective Serotonin receptor affinity compounds discovered by Suven and are being developed as therapeutic agents. According to the invention '711 patent disclosure, the compounds are useful in the treatment of neuro-degenarative disorders like Alzheimer's Parkinson, Schizophrenia and Huntington's.

Suven has so far filed 29 product patent applications through PCT covering more than 145 countries, out of which 5 patents are granted in various countries. There are several other patent applications from Suven Discovery Research are in the pipeline that have completed the administrative and technical diligence from the patent offices from major countries and would be granted shortly.

Suven has filed its first Investigational New Drug (IND) application with DCGI to conduct the clinical Phase-I study on their developmental candidate SUVN-502 and several candidates are in discovery pipeline undergoing GLP pre-clinical studies.

"We are very pleased by the issuance of this patent to Suven by US Patent office for our drug candidates that are being developed for CNS disorders which targets a $18 billion potential market opportunity" says Venkat Jasti, CEO of Suven.

New Stock Ideas - Strong Buy

2007-12-25T11:33:00.000+05:30

Buy following stocks for decent gains. Although, I don't think that they can be multibaggers but I recommend Strong Buy.

PNB Gilts
Greaves Cotton
Novartis
Ankur Drugs
Asian Granito

Jagran & Network18 Comes Together

2007-12-19T22:01:00.000+05:30

Jagran & TV18 To Launch Hindi Business Daily

Jagran Prakashan Ltd has informed BSE that Netwotk18, India's leading media conglomerate and the Company, one of India's most acclaimed print majors & publisher of India's largest read daily 'Dainik Jagran' have announced a 50:50 joint venture initiative in the business print space. The primary mandate of this JV will be to launch a Hindi business daily for the Indian market in 2008. Subsequently, this will be followed by other Indian language dailies focused on financial and economic news.

This JV will in effect create a new category of local language business dailies within the India print space, as this will be the first Hindi business paper to hit the market nationally. This venture also marks an expansion of print offerings from Network 18 into the dailies space, post the recent announcement of its magazine publishing arrangement with Forbes media and ownership control of Infomedia, India’s leading publishers in the B2B media space. This venture is also a reiteration of the Company's intent and commitment to provide its readers news and information in all genres.

The venture has been positioned to benefit from the respective competencies of TV 18 & the Company. Television Eighteen (TV18) is a recognized leader in the business media space, with a roster of brands across television, online and information terminal platforms such as CNBC-TV 18 & CNBC AWAAZ which are India's leading business channels, Moneycontrol.com which is India's No 1 financial news & information portal and Newswirel8, India's leading real time news & data platform. The Company publishes "Dainik Jagran", India’s largest read daily besides recently launched youth oriented compacts "I-Next" and "City Plus". TV 18 shall bring forth its expertise in business content to the JV, while the Company shall bring forth its print competencies including operational expertise, print and related infrastructure and distribution to the venture. Both TV18 & the Company have agreed to co-promote the offerings under the venture and exploit cross platform synergy opportunities present from both sides. It is noteworthy that 3 years ago, TV18 had launched CNBC AWAAZ, a consumer focused business channel, to cater to the needs of the Hindi business viewer. It soon emerged as a Leader in the Hindi business news segment & a major contributor to the expansion of business audiences in the country.

Mahendra Mohan Gupta, CMD, of the Company said "Our leadership in the Indian print space will further be strengthened with the launch of business dailies. This venture is based on a commonness of vision we share with TVI8 on a strong need for a high quality business print offering in Hindi and other languages. Our experience in the language media space has revealed a growing interest in specialized business news & information, which, this vehicle will enable us to cater. I am confident that we will live upto the expectations of our readers as hitherto and expand the financial market, in the geographies that are going to play a crucial role in the economic growth of the country in times to come".

Commenting on this announcement, Raghav Bahl, MD, Network18 added "The fact that "Bharat" is rapidly emerging as the key driver of the Indian economic opportunity is fairly evident. In recent years, business audiences have grown immensely in the Hindi heartland and regional markets, reflecting a democratization of enterprise & wealth creation across the nation. The leadership of CNBC AWAAZ is a strong affirmation of this new reality as well as indicative of a great need for language products across the business media spectrum. We are delighted to partner Jagran Prakashan as it will allow us to fulfill this need powerfully in the print space, by combining TV18’s strengths in business content with Jagran's intimate understanding of print markets"

The JV will be governed by a board, comprising of representatives from TV18 & the Company, which will oversee management plans and execution. The operational specifics in terms of brand name for the business daily, selection of the editorial and business team and so on is in the process of being formalized. The JV will be funded through an initial equity infusion from both sides followed by internal accruals & debt financing in the later stage.

Gitanjali Gems - Ties Up With Italian Company

2007-12-19T21:50:00.000+05:30

Gitanjali Gems - MoU With Mariella Bitrani Fashion Group, Italy

Gitanjali Gems Ltd has informed BSE that the Gitanjali Lifestyle Ltd (GLL), a wholly subsidiary of the Company is signing a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mariella Burani Fashion Group (MBFG) of Italy to form a Joint Venture in India by way of incorporation of a new Company. The proposed new Company will be jointly controlled by GLL and MBFG.

The Objective of the proposed joint venture is to significantly drive growth of MBFG's brands in emerging markets, particularly the Mariella Burani, Baldinini, Rosato, Calgaro and Facco collection in the Far East by capitalising on the expertise contributed by the respective partners. GLL will develop an extensive distribution network which is expected to include 32 monobrand and boutiques and 132 shop in exclusive multi-brands retailers. The Company will provide production, marketing, logistics and distribution expertise based on its extensive know-how of the Indian Market and its existing retail network. MBFG will contribute its consolidated experience in the design, development and international distribution of Italian lifestyle appered, leather goods and Jewellery collections.

MBFG designs, produces and distributes world wide a diversified and complementary range of Luxury apparel, footwear, leather accessory and jewellery collections under its own brands and under license for prestigious international designers. MBFG founded in 1960 by Walter Burani, Chairman & CEO of the Group and listed in the STAR segment of the Italian stock exchange since July 2000, is today international recognized public Company with an established position in the accessible luxury goods market. MBFG manager to provide top quality luxury goods at accessible prices by capitalising on the strength and flexibility provided by Italy's industrial districts, world renown for their excellence in the development of luxury products.

Source : Bombay Stock Exchange

Ramco Systems - Gaining Ground

2007-12-17T18:56:00.000+05:30

Ramco Systems - To Expand Aggressively Into The Retail Segment

Ramco Systems Ltd has announced that the Company has strengthened its position in retail segment by providing comprehensive applications and IT solutions with key orders from leading US based handcrafted Chocolatier Bissinger's, Subhiksha - India's largest supermarket pharmacy & telecom chain & Dutyfree Distribution Services Pvt Ltd - the supply chain Company based at SEZ Cochin.

Commenting on the success, Mr. Chetan Pathak, VP Enterprise Solutions, Ramco Systems, said, "Ramco is delighted to expand aggressively into the retail segment. In today's competitive scenario we provide retailers with a solution that further enhances their operational efficiency & reduces costs."

Ramco offers development, delivery and implementation of Web Services to the technology backbone of Subhiksha's proposed e-commerce portal merchandise management solutions to Dutyfree Distribution Services Pvt Ltd and a complete package of Ramco's Enterprise Solutions including Ramco's Food end Beverage ERP Software, Ecommerce, Retail Business Software, and Business Analytics solution to Bissinger's.

Ramco Enterprise Series - Merchandise Management System along with other components of Ramco's retail software solution provide retail Industry with a proven, agile and extendible option to meet their technology needs. Ramco has proven experience of more than a decade in the retail sector.

Source : Bombay Stock Exchange

Micro Technologies - Too Fast Too Furious

2007-12-13T19:08:00.001+05:30

Micro Tech Awarded "Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific, 2007"

Micro Technologies India Ltd has announced that the Company has been chosen as one of the "Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific, 2007" by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and was awarded as one amongst the fastest growing Companies for its technology and revenue growth in field of Security and Life support solutions. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is an organization of member firms around the world devoted to excellence in providing professional services and advice, focused on client service through a global strategy executed locally in nearly 140 countries.

The Company has also been profiled as one of the top IT innovators - 2007 by NASSCOM. The Company made innovation an important part of their growth strategies and the Company have managed to stand out and differentiate themselves in highly competitive, often adverse market conditions and carved a niche for themselves using breakthrough technological products and novel market initiatives in Security and Life support systems. NASSCOM is India's National Association of Software and Service Companies, the premier trade body and the chamber of commerce of the IT software and services industry in India.

Offering a wide range of Micro products that are both innovative and highly competitive, the Company provides its growing customer base with security solutions that are technologically advanced on one hand yet simple on the other and these awards and recognition are the testimonies to the unconditional hard work, concerted commitment and focused dedication of the Company who have vowed to cater the security needs of various organizations globally on a consistent basis.

The Company, a prominent name amongst techno-savvy Companies and IT research units in the entire country and is well positioned to be a significant force in the global economy of the 21st Century in the much-needed security devices, life support systems and web-based software. The contributions of the Company to the state, country and society at large have been recognized in various forums and it has received many prestigious awards for its excellence and innovative work including the Deloitte Technology fast 50 India, 2007.

This is an unprecedented achievement of the Company, which signifies the role of the Company, in maintaining the highest levels of performance in Security and Life Support Domain.

Source : Bombay Stock Exchange

Jagran Prakashan - Joins Hands With Yahoo

2007-12-05T19:59:00.000+05:30

Jagran & Yahoo Come Together To Launch Hindi Portal

Jagran Prakashan Ltd has informed BSE that Yahoo! India and the Jagran Group jointly announced the launch of a new co-branded Hindi news and current affairs Internet property. The new property will seamlessly integrate the largest Hindi content of Jagran with Yahoo! India's formidable online presence.

This pioneering agreement brings together India's number one Internet brand and a leading Indian newspaper conglomerate to provide the best of both online services and print media content for users and advertisers.

The partnership will create a richer online Hindi user experience, with Jagran's original content across news, current affairs, sports, entertainment and other features. It will be complemented with Yahoo!s innovative, user-focused internet products and services offered in seven Indian languages, including Yahoo! Search, Mail and Messenger.

Under the terms of the agreement, Jagran and Yahoo! India will share graphical and keyword advertising revenue generated by the property with Yahoo! India managing the advertising sales and ad-serving for the new co-branded property. Both Companies will also partner in distributing Yahoo! India's search and small and medium business offerings.

"This exciting and strategic partnership between these two powerful media entities will redefine the Hindi Online User experience and take this to the next level" said Mr. Sanjay Gupta, CEO, JPL.

"This platform will help rebrand and rescale the Hindi online space and leverage the strengths of both the organizations in creating a very powerful online property. We looked for a partner that stood for leadership and credibility in the online media space, which understood the pulse of internet audiences and had a customer-centric focus as central to their business approach. Yahoo! India definitely represents all these and more" said Mr. Sanjay Gupta, CEO, JPL.

Source : Bombay Stock Exchange

Apologies For Not Updating The Blog

2007-12-01T13:51:00.000+05:30

Dear Readers,

I sincerely apologise for not updating my blog in recent past. I was very busy because of three back to back marriages in the family and I was travelling a lot for the last two months. I, still, have a little busy schedule ahead but I promise to resume frequent blogging and will come up with some good & interesting stock ideas.

Regards

Tweak Your Portfolio

2007-11-02T08:48:00.001+05:30

Nifty crossed 6000 and this blog has completed two years. If you follow Stock picking - Art Or Science and buy stocks recommended here, I suggest to raise 15-20% cash and also book loss in some of the non-performers. Also, the size of portfolio is too large for some of the investors, so in an attempt to reduce the size I am ditching some of the stocks but it is my nature to invest in maximum number of stocks. Hence, you will have to choose from the list and make your own decision.

R S Software
Rajshree Sugar
Federal-Mogul Goetze
Encore Software
Batliboi

I advise to book Loss/Profit in above mentioned stocks by exiting.

Greenply - Bumper Q2 Performance

2007-11-01T18:51:00.001+05:30

Greenply Industries Q2 Net Soars

Greenply Industries, a Rs 4.7 billion-worth manufacturer of plywood and laminates, on standalone basis, posted a 2.35 times jump in net profit to Rs 111.86 million, for the quarter ended September 2007, as compared with Rs 47.54 million for the same quarter, last fiscal.

Net sales for the quarter increased 27.41% to Rs 1,356.32 million, compared with Rs 1,064.47 million during the corresponding quarter, previous year.

Total income for the quarter also rose 29.08% to Rs 1,379.28 million, compared with Rs 1,068.50 million during the same quarter, a year ago. The diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the September 2007 quarter stood at Rs 6.58.

``We are in sync with our annual target and based on our current growth performance I am confident that we are in the right direction in garnering a larger chunk of the market share,`` as per the company`s spokesperson.

Amara Raja - King Of Batteries

2007-11-01T18:43:00.000+05:30

Amara Raja - Net Profit Up 94%

Industrial and Automotive Battery major Amara Raja Batteries Limited has recorded revenues of Rs. 2597 million (Net Sales: Rs. 2562 million + other income: Rs. 35 million), PBT of Rs. 315 million and PAT of Rs. 206 million for the second quarter of FY 2007-08. For the quarter ended Sep 07 the topline has grown by 94% while PAT rose 62% as compared to the corresponding quarter of last year.

Announcing the results, Mr. Jayadev Galla, Managing Director remarked that growth has been fed by good demand from the telecom, UPS and after market segments. “We have shown consistent growth over the last 10 quarters with equal contribution from both Industrial and Automotive divisions. Our expansion plans announced during the last one year are progressing as per schedule and will help to sustain this pace of growth,” he said.

“Our performance on profitability demonstrates the resilience of our business model. Improved realizations and superior management of key operating parameters has helped us to partially mitigate the adverse impact on account of steep increase in lead. While we continue to watch the lead price scenario very closely, we will work to reduce the impact on our margins as much as is possible,” he added.

“The financial position of the company continues to be comfortable. The stock split from Rs.10 to Rs. 2 announced during June has taken effect from 26th September 07,” observed Mr. K. Suresh, Financial Controller.

For the full year period ending March 2007, ARBL had recorded 67 % growth in revenues at Rs 7.45 billion (Rs. 4.46 billion in FY 2005-06). The PBT shot up by 91% to Rs. 712 million and PAT 97% to Rs. 470.4 million during the same period.

Amara Raja Batteries Limited, an Amara Raja-Johnson Controls Company with 26% equity from Johnson Controls, is the technology leader and is one of the largest manufacturers of Lead Acid batteries for both Industrial and Automotive applications in the Indian storage battery industry.

In India, Amara Raja is the preferred supplier to major telecom service providers, telecom equipment manufacturers, UPS segment (OEM & Replacement), Indian Railways and to Power, Oil & Gas among other industry segments. Amara Raja manufactures and sells automotive batteries under the brand name AMARON ® which is distributed through a large pan-India sale-service retail network.

The company supplies automotive batteries under OE relationships to Ashok Leyland, Fiat, General Motors, Hindustan Motors, Honda, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti, Hyundai & Tata Motors. The company is an exclusive supplier to Daimler Chrysler, Ford and Swaraj Mazda. The Company’s Industrial and Automotive batteries are exported to APAC, Africa and the Middle East.

Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), founded in 1885, is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its sales for 2006 totalled US$ 32.24 billion.

India Cements - Solid Foundation

2007-11-01T18:31:00.001+05:30

India Cements - Q2 Net Up Rs. 222.654 Cr.

India Cements Ltd. (ICL) has reported a record profit after tax of Rs. 406.05 crore on a gross turnover of Rs. 1,737.42 crore for the half-year ended September 2007, up from Rs. 229.91 crore on a gross turnover of Rs. 1,158.75 crore during the corresponding period last year.

The figures for the period under review include the financial performance of erstwhile Visaka Cement Industry, which was merged with ICL effective July 2006. The operating margin has improved to 39.7 per cent for the first half of 2007-08, up from 34 per cent in the same period last year.

The record profit comes even after providing Rs. 9.37 crore towards the estimated cost of employee stock option scheme. Further, an additional Rs. 15.02 crore has been provided on account of AS (Accounting Standard) 15 issued by ICAI towards leave salary cost. The profit after tax for the quarter ended September 2007 has improved to Rs. 222.65 crore on gross sales Rs. 896.09 crore, up from Rs. 117.32 crore on gross sales of Rs. 591.50 crore in the same period last year.

Addressing a press conference, N. Srinivasan, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, said the company controlled the cost better, improved the blending and reaped higher realisation. The average realisation for the second quarter was Rs. 3,900 a tonne, up from Rs. 3,600 in the first quarter. The average realisation for the first half was Rs. 3,751 per tonne, he added.

Mr. Srinivasan said the prices could go up from December. The firmness could persist during the entire last quarter, he added. Answering a range of questions, he said ICL had repaid debt to the tune of Rs. 250 crore during the first half.

Ramco Systems - Joins Hands With Corbus

2007-10-10T08:42:00.000+05:30

Ramco Systems - Corbus & Ramco Establish Global Partnership That Enhances Business Value

Ramco Systems Ltd has announced that Corbus and the Company on October 09, 2007 has announced a global partnership that significantly enhances business value delivered to its customer through improvement in their supply chain management.

The two companies are committed to provide a completely integrated, world-class solution that combines technology and outsourcing expertise and offered at extremely competitive price points. The partnership places Corbus amongst few companies world-wide to offer procurement outsourcing solutions on a SOA based technology platform.

"Our proven technology expertise combined with procurement outsourcing experience of Corbus promises a powerful value proposition for customers seeking flexible, reliable yet cost-effective solutions" says Guru Prasad, President, Global Consulting at the Company.

Source : Bombay Stock Exchange

Micro Tech - Providing Security To Shops

2007-10-07T11:25:00.000+05:30

Micro Technologies Launches An Innovative Shop Security System

Micro Technologies India Ltd has announced that the Company has unveiled their new and innovative product; Micro SSS (Shop Security System) by the hands of Commissioner of Police, Navi Mumbai, Mr. Ramrao Wagh (IPS). Micro Shop Security System provides security solution to retailers and shop owners. Micro SSS can be used to secure shops and provides a beneficial solution to the rising incidence of theft and vandalism on retail premises.

Micro SSS is an advanced shop security system that also uses GSM/ CDMA technology to warn its customers of various safety concerns on their premises such as unauthorized access, intrusions, power failure etc. Upon receiving information from the sensors, this system alerts the registered user of any unwanted access to their premises by sending a SMS Alert Message to their mobile phone anywhere in the world. With highest number of retail outlets in the world, India's growing retail sector is also facing a huge challenge in the form of rising security and safety concerns. Micro SSS is a much needed security solution to mitigate the growing incidences of crime in shops and retail stores, This solution has complete answer to thwart any crime on retail premises.

The expanding retail markets have increased the need for security and with this product retailers will be at ease when they are away from their premises. In addition, Micro SSS will reduce the need for security guards and security checks in retail stores, allowing for a better shopping experience for the customers.

In addition, Micro SSS offers a variety of key features and benefits for retailers, which also includes fire sensors, motions Sensors, with dynamic features like wireless door sensor, wireless shutter sensor, panic switch, Siren, battery backup, remote key chain etc. Also, some of the upcoming features of this technology include event recording, web interface and live viewing system.

Source : Bombay Stock Exchange

Jain Irrigation - Spreading Reach

2007-10-07T11:20:00.000+05:30

Jain Irrigation To Set Up New Plants

Jain Irrigation would invest around Rs 40-50 crore to set up a pipes and drip irrigation manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu and another in North India in the next six months.

The facility in TN would entail an investment of around Rs 20 crore and will come up shortly while the one to be set up in North India would take shape in about six months’ time, Jain Irrigation’s Managing Director Anil Jain told PTI here. “This will help us to not only increase our capacity but also extend our footprint nationally,” Jain said.

The Maharashtra-based Jain Irrigation had recently set up one such facility in Hyderabad at an investment of Rs 30 crore. The Rs 1,300-crore Jain group, which is also engaged in food and fruits processing, plans to set up a processing plant in North India within the next 6-9 months.

“We plan to set up a plant in the agri-belt of North India. We will be identifying the location soon,” Jain said.

The company already has two processing plants in Jalgaon in Maharashtra and in Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. The processing unit is estimated to entail an investment of around Rs 30-40 crore and is likely to be set up in either Punjab, Haryana or Uttaranchal.

Jain Irrigation’s future strategy will be to continue its focus on its core businesses of drip irrigation and food and fruits processing.

Source : Business Standard

Performance Of Stocks Recommended

2007-10-01T13:54:00.000+05:30

Report Card For September 2007

A New Comprehensive List

What a joyful ride it has been since I started this blog. Well! I know that I am a Richer and Happier man but did YOU follow my blog? It has been a relatively good year for Midcaps & Smallcaps and most of my recommendations are from Mid & Small Caps basket. I am a firm believer that Midcaps with good management and fundamentally strong Balance Sheet give maximum return over a longer period of time. My faith in Peter Lynch has been reinstated again and again.

It’s almost two years since I started this Blog and High Time to tweak the portfolio. Hence, The Comprehensive List has been edited with some Addition and Deletion. It also includes stocks recommended by me during the year.

3i Infotech 95.50 (Ex Bonus)
ABC India 47.75
Aditya Birla Nuvo 868.30
Adlabs 340.65
Aftek Infosys 115.65
Agro Tech Foods 125.10
Alps Industries 82.00 (Ex Bonus)
Amara Raja Batteries 38.60 (Ex Split)
Asahi India 120.00
Ashapura Minechem 220.00
Aztec Software 185.20
Balaji Amines 113.65 (Ex Bonus)
Batliboi 52.35 (Ex Split)
Bilcare 640.05
Biocon 493.75
VIP Industries 120.00
Centurion Bank 21.55
Clutch Auto 125.00
Crest Animation 141.10
Crew B.O.S. 172.30
Deep Industries 30.00
Elder Pharma 262.80
Emami 127.25
Encore Software 30.15
Entertainment Network India Ltd. 256.95
FCI OEN Connectors 407.55
Federal-Mogul Goetze (India) Ltd. 315.55 (Ex Right)
Flex Industries 101.90
Gateway Distripark 220.75 (Ex Bonus)
Genus Power 156.85
GHCL 140.00
Gillete 871.55
Gitanjali Gems 229.70
Greenply 94.75
Hikal Ltd. 351.40
Hind Org Chemicals 40.85
Hind Sanitary 105.00
Hitachi Home 87.00
Honeywell Automation 1,088.45
Hotel Leela 66.90
Hyderabad Industries 260.00
India Cements 221.60
India Infoline 162.00
Infomedia India 178.55
Inox 144.45
International Combustion 335.00
ITC Ltd. 142.00
IVRCL Infra 146.80 (Ex Split)
Jagran Prakashan 210.80 (Ex Bonus)
Jain Irrigation 243.00
Jindal Stainless 97.40
JK Cement 197.70
JK Paper 62.00
Jyoti Structures 67.15 (Ex Split)
Kajaria Ceramics 45.70
Linc Pen 40.05
Macmillan 368.95
Madhucon Projects 300.00
Magma Leasing 165.00
Man Industries 192.00
Medicaps 92.00
Micro Technologies India Ltd. 261.70
Mirc Electronics 21.90
Navneet Publication 58.00
NIIT Tech 125.10 (Ex Bonus)
Northgate Technologies 505.55 (Ex Bonus)
NRB Bearings 91.80 (Ex Split)
Orchid Chemicals 210.00
ORG Informatics 172.55
Pantaloon Retail 299.35 (Ex Right & Ex Split)
Patel Engineering 347.95
Pokarna Ltd. 166.75
PSL Limited 277.85
Punj Lloyd 210.00
R S Software 116.45
Rajshree Sugar 140.00
Ramco Industries 1,400.00
Ramco Systems 317.25
Ramkrishna Forgings Ltd. 142.50
Ranbaxy Labs 362.35
Ratnamani Metal 270.60
Raymond 403.95
Reliance Energy 483.55
Reliance Infra 293.80
Sangam India 67.10
Saregama India 226.60
Savita Chemicals 226.80 (Ex Bonus)
Shashun Chemicals 84.35
Shipping Corp. 162.85
Shriram Transport Finance Company Ltd. 136.75
Simplex Infrastructure 300.20 (Ex Split)
SKF India 304.95
South East Asia Marine 175.00
SPEL Semiconductor 21.05
Spicejet 82.45
SREI Infrastructure Finance Ltd. 63.25
Sterling Holiday 70.52
Suashish Diamonds 104.60
Subhash Projects & Marketing Ltd. 230.00
Surya Pharma 140.65
Surya Roshni 64.15
Suven Life Sciences 19.75 (Ex Split & Ex Bonus)
Tata Elxsi 262.00
Tata Steel 380.30
Tata Tea 723.90
Transport Corporation of India 55.80 (Ex Split)
TTK Prestige 127.45
TV 18 389.30 (You also got Network 18 after my Recommendation.. keep it)
UB Holdings 262.40 (Ex Bonus)
United Spirits 496.75 (You also got McDowell Holdings after my Recommendation.. keep it)
Usha International 290.55
Vadilal Industries 27.00
Viceroy Hotels 112.00
Voltas 103.50
Wockhardt 445.00
WS Industries 60.10
Yes Bank 68.55
Zicom 145.00
Zodiac Clothing 294.95

Besides, I am also tracking Aegis Logistics, LIC Housing, Marico, Southern Iron & Steel, Tayo Rolls, BL Kashyap, Sobha Developers, Parsvnath & Dolphin Offshore. These stocks can also be considered as my favourites, I am not recommending them at this point of time because I am not comfortable with the price at which they are trading. I sincerely urge all the visitors to do their homework thoroughly before buying any stock and if you feel comfortable then buy it. As I said earlier, I am not a good timer of market. Everybody knows that a correction is eminent, but when it will happen, nobody knows. I lost several opportunities in above mentioned stocks because I was waiting for a correction. All I can say is that the stocks mentioned above are good companies in good businesses with good fundamentals. Its the entry price I am not sure about.

Those who want a complete assessment of my recommendations may download this MS Excel File. Report Card.

HAPPY INVESTING

Micro Technologies - A Multibagger In The Making

2007-09-24T18:06:00.000+05:30

Micro Technologies Forays Into The Middle East

Micro Technologies India Ltd has informed BSE that the Company has come with an Understanding with Lazer Technology Solutions granting rights for the distribution of its selected security products in the Middle East and Egypt. It has been observed that there are fluctuations in the exchange rates but these fluctuations would not lay an impact in the net revenue of the Company and on the contrary this arrangement is expected to bring added benefit to the Company even during the current scenario.

Micro Products are already growing rapidly across India. The Company has started up with the distribution in Egypt and has received an overwhelming response in the Middle East. The Company being ranked No 2 in the recently concluded GITEX Technology Week where roughly 3,300 exhibitors from 82 countries spread out over 64,000 square meters of floorspace participate In itself speaks the success story of the Company in the Middle-East. Gitex 2007 is held in Dubai from the 8th to 12th, of September every year and is the Middle East's largest and most popular technology exhibition.

The safety and security products industry In Egypt is growing steadily and is governed by the Ministry of Interior, Government of Egypt. The Egyptian Government is looking for specialized Companies working in the field of security and other related business to become acquainted with the most up-to-date security technology available and the Company is well positioned to get into the market with its high-end technology.

The Company is a Leading provider of the much-needed range of security devices, life support systems and web-based software solutions to the global audience. The Company over the period of years have incepted some of the high-end security products, which address areas of concern right from mobile security to automobile security & Monitoring Systems. The Company got into the domain of security much before security was considered to be a major market and need was perceived. The Company products are globally recognized through its innovation, perfection and quality.

Lazer Technology Solutions has been a leading provider of IT solutions and services in several key domains. Its state-of-the-art software, technology and dedicated development team enable users to accomplish complex-tasks in web centric environment with relative ease with the aim of maximizing their business performance by providing seamless access to data. The focus is to provide an in-depth coverage of the customer's business requirements. They possess a strong world-class Infrastructural background with development centers in USA, India, UAE and sales offices around the world. Lazer Technology Solutions focused, strategic agenda crafts an environment where creative ideas flow and conversations generated informed and intelligent decisions.

Source : Bombay Stock Exchange

Suven Life Sciences - Keep Heart

2007-09-23T11:11:00.000+05:30

Suven, US Firm To Develop Cardiovascular Drugs

Hyderabad-based drug developer Suven Life Sciences will soon sign a formal agreement with a top US-based pharma company to jointly develop new drugs for cardiovascular diseases. As part of this, Suven will soon expand its drug development centre to accommodate about 500 scientists.

The company already has a drug discovery alliance with another US-based drug company, Eli Lilly.

“We are in talks with an MNC for drug development in the area of cardiovascular diseases and hope to sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) within a few months. We are, now, not in a position to disclose the identity of the partner,” said Venkat Jasti, chairman and managing director.

The two firms would develop drugs from the pre-clinical stage, including drug discovery, screening, identification and optimisation of potential clinical candidates.

Suven will expand its drugs discovery centre in Hyderabad with an investment of $25 million. Currently, the centre employs about 150 scientists. With the new drug discovery deal in place, the total strength will be increased to 500. The infrastructure would be in place within two years, he said.

Apart from this, Suven is likely to expand its drug discovery alliance with Ei Lilly for target discovery of more molecules in various therapeutic areas. Currently, Suven and Eli Lilly are working to develop drugs targeted for central nervous disorder (CNS) drugs.

Suven is one among the few drug discovery companies in India to rope in alliances with big pharma companies for joint drug research.

Suven has a rich pipeline of drugs under development for CNS disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and depression and other neourological disorders.

The other major deals in this space include Ranabaxy-GSK alliance to develop drugs for infections, metabolic and respiratory diseases and cancer, Biocon’s tie up with Bristol-Myers Squibb for various disease areas, Advinus and Merck’s collaboration to develop drugs for metabolic disorders, Nicholas Piramal-Eli Lilly programme to develop drugs for metabolic disorders and GVK Biosciences alliance with Eli Lilly to provide basic drug research services.

Its first Investigational New Drug (IND), SUVN-502 for Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia, is currently undergoing the first phase of clinical trials in India.

Source : Business Standard

Simplex Infra - Plans To Foray Into Power Sector

2007-09-14T17:56:00.000+05:30

Simplex To Grow Through Power And Oil Drilling

Simplex Infrastructures, one of the top-five infrastructure solutions providers in the country, plans to foray into power transmission EPC business in India and abroad. For this, it is looking for a joint venture with established companies in the field.

“We are talking to a few players in India and abroad to join us as technical partners to form a joint venture. We are working on the construction of about five power plants in India and are bidding for the contracts of about 20-25 power plants coming up in India and abroad. Power and oil drilling will be a major area of growth for us in future,” said Amitabh Mundhra, director, Simplex Infrastructures.

Indian manufacturers such as RPG group-promoted KEC International and Kalpatharu are already among the largest transmission EPC players in the world.

The Rs 1,712 crore Simplex has an order book worth over Rs 7,000 crore, with over 25 per cent of the projects coming from the industrial infrastructure sector. The company was hopeful of achieving a turnover of Rs 5,000 crore by 2010, said Mundhra.

The eight-decade-old Simplex, with the heritage of executing the works of the Supreme Court and the Howrah bridge, had forayed into oil drilling a few months ago by bagging a $22 million contract from Oil India. Amitabh Mundra said the company had bought an oil rig from China with an investment of Rs 50 crore and would soon start drilling in Assam and Orissa. Soon, the company plans to bid for more drilling projects in India and abroad and add more rigs to emerge as a major Indian player in this field.

Currently, Simplex is executing refinery projects in Qatar, and four others in India, including a major contract for Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery.

Recently, Simplex also bagged the civil works for the liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal at Dahej. Works on the two-year project worth Rs 200 crore had taken off a few days ago, he said.

The Rs 300 crore civil work for the Kudamkulam nuclear power project is on schedule and will be completed by December.

A 500X2 mw, coal-based power plant in Raigad in Maharashtra, promoted by the Jindal group, a 660X2 mw coal-based power plant in Orissa by Vedanta Resources and a Rs 180 crore hydroelectric project awarded by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) are among the major power projects executed by Simplex.

Source : Business Standard

Gitanjali Gems - Launches Ivida Technologies

2007-09-08T10:33:00.000+05:30

Gitanjali Gems Launches IT Company

Gitanjali Gems, a Rs 1,250 crore jewellery company, today announced its foray in the information technology (IT) sector. The company has floated Ivida Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary, to launch its software, technology and telecom business.

The subsidiary will be essentially engaged in web development, infrastructure management and enterprise resource planning (ERP). Explaining the rationale behind the move, Sam George, director, Ivida Technologies, said, "The company intends to tap opportunities in the retail boom and the IT sector in general."

He also mentioned that technology will play a key role in Gitanjali’s expansion plans as the company is looking at automating all its retail operations.

Apart from addressing the IT requirements of the group company, the subsidiary will also cater to its independent clients. George said, "The company has bagged some US-based jewellery clients for the web portal operations. We are also in talks with companies to be their enterprise resource planning (ERP) partners in India." He further said that the third area of immediate concern for Ivida would be hardware and networking.

The company is also looking at partnering with solution providers like JDA, SAP and others for specific retail solutions. Subsequently, Ivida also aims to focus on media and graphics and knowledge processing outsourcing operations. Currently, it has a team of 30 people, which would be scaled upto 75 by the end of the first operational year.

Source : Business Standard

Genus Overseas - Electricity Goes Pre Paid

2007-09-08T10:23:00.000+05:30

Genus Launches RFID Based Electric Meters

Genus Overseas Electronics Ltd has announced that it has come out with a RFID based contactless smart card Pre Paid meter, which has distinct advantages over the conventional key paid based or plug in type card based Pre Paid Meters. The new developed product is in line with the 11th Power Plan recommendation on Pre Paid Meters.

The new product will ensure advance revenue collection for the utilities and with the Government policies aligning to promote the concept will have a huge market potential in coming years.

The pilots for the technology have already started in India and the product is getting an international acceptability. Recently Genus pre paid meters have been approved by Brazalian Utilities.

Genus is providing the complete infrastructure in terms of vending station, servers and relevant software and in all probability will ensure a better revenue recovery model for Electricity Utilities.

Genus is expecting very good orders for the aforesaid new product from State Electricity Board and Private Utilities.

For over a decade "Genus" has been providing Technically advanced Metering Products and Solutions through which Electricity Distribution Utilities have been able to control and reduce the Electricity theft and have also been able to improve the revenue recovery.

Source : Bombay Stock Exchange

Elder Pharma - Going To Bulgaria

2007-09-06T21:21:00.000+05:30

Elder Pharma Buys 51% In Biomeda Of Bulgaria

Mumbai-based Elder Pharmaceuticals has acquired 51% stake in Biomeda Group in Bulgaria for euro 5 million (around Rs 28 crore) in an all-cash deal. Biomedia has a turnover in the range of euro 10-12 million.

With the acquisition, Elder will see the launch of many more products in Europe. Biomeda is Elder’s second acquisition in less than 45 days. Earlier, Elder bought 20% stake in London-based NeutraHealth through subscription of shares worth about Rs 47 crore.

"Biomeda is an unique acquisition. It is a manufacturer of oral dosage formulations. The acquisition will provide us the right entry vehicle to enter the Bulgarian market, leveraging Elder’s robust EU product portfolio and pipeline. Elder will enjoy a pan-European presence, covering all the key markets of Europe," said Alok Saxena, director (international), Elder.

"The Bulgarian market's skilled labour, which has an advantage in terms of lower labour cost compared to other European countries, attracted us. Being a member of the European Union, patent rules are in line with EU standards. Corporate tax and VAT are among the lowest in central and eastern Europe with low production costs."

Suashish - Diamonds Are Forever

2007-09-01T11:14:00.000+05:30

Suashish Diamonds Triples Its Net Profits In Q2 2007

Suashish Diamonds Limited, one of India’s leading diamond and diamond jewellery manufacturing and exporting groups, declared its financial results for the 2nd quarter ending 30th June 2007.

During the quarter, the company achieved a turnover of Rs.182.56 crores and tripled its PAT (profit after tax) from Rs.8.37 crores in 2006 to Rs.26.33 crores in 2007. in terms of year to date (YTD) H1, the company has also witnessed a topline growth in excess of 10% from Rs. 374.08 crores to Rs. 412.94 crores.

Ashish Goenka, Managing Director of the Suashish Diamonds said, “the company has performed exceedingly well, inspite of a marginal drop in y-o-y topline, the company continues to strengthen its bottom-line. we continue to focus on driving operational efficiencies, and enhance efforts to build our proprietary business”.

The decision of going downstream with higher focus on jewellery sales through retail chains and through its brand Ishi’s has paid rich dividends in the form of increased customer loyalty and substantially better-margins. suashish is a vendor partner to 5 out of the top 10 jewellery retailers in the world and is emerging as a leader in jewellery exports from india.

In India the local diamond jewellery segment has also grown by over 26% in 2006. the brand ‘ishi’s’ is well positioned to take advantage of growing consumer spends in the country’s changing retail environment. over the past year Ishi’s has done very well and is now available in over 130 outlets, spread across India and The Middle East.

The company is continuously investing in scaling up its operations and building infrastructure for sustainable growth.

Inox Leisure - Multiplexes In Fashion

2007-09-01T11:02:00.000+05:30

INOX Leisure Records 31% YoY Increase In Net Profit

Financial Highlights:

33% YOY growth in total revenues for Q12007-08 at Rs. 54.07 crores versus Rs. 40.53 crores in the same quarter of the previous year.
EBITDA for Q1 is at Rs. 17.48 crores compared with Rs. 13.56 crores in the same quarter of previous year, a growth of 29 % .
PAT has increased to Rs 10.96 crores versus Rs. 8.37 crores in Q1 2007, a growth of 31%

Operational Highlights:

Properties under operation up to 15 in Q1 2007-08 from 11.
Screens under operation up to 54 in Q1 2007-08 from 41 .
Footfalls up 38% to 2968373 in Q1 2007-08 from 2153818

The Board of Directors of INOX Leisure Limited (ILL) announced its results for the first quarter of the financial year 2007-2008, following its meeting on Monday, 30 July 2007 in Mumbai. For the quarter ended 30th June 2007, INOX reported a 34% increase in total revenues from Rs. 40.53 crores in 2006-07 to Rs. 54.07 crores in 2007-08.

The profit after tax for the quarter ended 30th June 2007 amounted to Rs. 10.96 crores, as compared to Rs. 8.37 crores in the corresponding quarter of the previous year – an increase of 31 %. EBITDA saw a growth of 29% from Rs. 13.56 crores in 2006-07 to Rs. 17.48 in 2007-08.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Deepak Asher, Director - INOX Leisure Ltd. said, “Our results reflect INOX’s ability to maintain its profit leadership position along with a high growth momentum. Going forward we remain focused on creating India’s largest network of world class multiplexes across the country."

Jagran Prakashan - Reaching To Masses

2007-08-01T12:24:00.000+05:30

Jagran Prakashan Q1 Net Up 51.62%

Driven by significant advertising revenue growth, Jagran Prakashan Limited (JPL), publishers of Hindi daily 'Dainik Jagran', on Friday reported a 51.62 per cent increase in its net profit for the quarter ended June 30.

The company said its net profit for the period under review stood at Rs 34.71 crore against Rs 22.89 crore in the corresponding period last year.

The media house's total revenues for the said quarter stood at Rs 192.27 crore, an increase of 34.69 per cent compared to Rs 142.75 crore in the last fiscal.

"We dedicated our efforts towards strengthening Dainik Jagran and various other initiatives. We are pretty positive about future of the media industry in general and business in particular," JPL Managing Director and Chairman Mahendra Mohan Gupta said.

The steady growth in the revenue has been driven by the significant growth in advertisement revenue, which grew by 42 per cent, at Rs 126.74 crore from Rs 89.22 crore, it said, adding revenue from businesses other than publication was Rs 11.49 crore.