low of 15332 and that too on fairly large volume, thanks to our growth engine
running out of steam. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) figures released mid-week neutralised the impact of the
Dow's rise the previous evening. Growth in Industrial Production was as low as 5.3% from 11.6% in January 2007. This is
mainly due to the slowdown in consumer durables and capital goods. Incorrigible optimists may, however, aver that such
a drastic fall is an aberration and that it will recover in coming months.
Despite the poor productivity numbers and the bear cartel in full swing, there is no reason to lose heart over such matters.
A sustained boom in investments with headroom for public spending accompanied by a low fiscal deficit can sustain
India growth story notwithstanding the threat of inflation and turbulence in global financial markets. At a breakfast
meeting with industry czars, the FM and his chief economic advisor appeared so upbeat and their body language
brimmed with confidence. This was in sharp contrast to the fear psyche prevailing on Dalal Street.
It is believed that Dalal Street displays the economic signals well in advance. But this time, the drastic fall and the lull
thereafter is more an outcome of the bear hammering than anything else. In the absence of robust FII inflows, rising oil
and gold prices, strengthening Yen, the losses suffered by traders in January'08 and the sowing down of global growth
makes out a sound case for the bear hug. The bear cartel is just taking advantage of this and going in for the kill. The FM
and his advisor were very candid when they admitted that impediments like high interest rates, inflationary pressures,
high oil prices, fiscal deficit balancing must be tackled effectively and the golden goose not killed by exploiting the
demand-supply gap. The importance of making social sectors like education and basic infrastructure more effective was
the need of the hour, they added. If we get this right, we could add two Singapore GDPs each year and if we don't, we
could end up adding two sub-Saharan Africas each year creating more hunger, more unemployment and more poverty.
The choice is ours. And if one can call a 8% or 8.5% growth rate a recession then a rethink of our outlook is a must.
As the Sensex has breached the January'08 low and created a double bottom pattern, it's time to take a closer look at
various investment ideas given hereunder.
Sensex: An estimated EPS of Rs.856 (FY08) and Rs.1040 (FY09) only discounts the Sensex by 18 times FY08 and 14 times
FY09 making it an aggressively bullish entry point. Historically, P/E multiples at such lows don't last long.
Maruti: Concerns over Tata's Nano are fading away and the boost in the budget to keep the demand on may give a better
multiple to its estimated EPS of Rs.54 (FY08) and Rs.63 (FY09). Heading for four digit price?
SBI: An expected EPS of Rs.1042 (FY08) and Rs.1163 (FY09). This core banking company with its immense reach is
available at a very low P/E.
HDFC: A leader in housing finance and a Sensex heavyweight is likely to report an EPS of Rs.40 (FY08) and Rs.472 (FY09).
Its growth momentum is maintained. Reverse mortgage for senior citizens is a new business to go in for. Lowering of
rates may shrink margins but maintain the bottomline on higher volumes.
Container Corporation: When container traffic is growing at 100% p.a. and with benefits granted both by the Railway
Budget and the Union Budget, this company's secular growth is underwritten. The investment in ports and port
development is yet to crystallise in stock price.
Reliance Communications: An EPS of Rs.24 (FY08) and Rs.19 (FY09), a big leap in its market share and value unlocking
in its Tower business and FLAG undersea cables makes this a great buy.
Sun Pharma: A strong franchisee network amongst all pharma players. Highest EBIDTA margin in excess of 35%, despite
sales growth of 25%, makes this scrip appear cheap. Added advantages are benefits from the Budget.
Glenmark Pharma: One of the best performing innovative pharma companies. A 33% to 42% rise in sales CAGR expected
from FY08 to FY10. This alone makes the company a must for your portfolio.