In a volatile market where indices fluctuate between 23,800 and 21,800, investors are often left confused. To decode the signals from the Indian and global markets, we sat down with seasoned market expert Sushil Kedia (Founder at Kedianomics). In this deeply insightful and candid conversation, Sushil Kedia unpacks the layers of volatility, shares his macro and micro market view, and gives out invaluable advice for every type of investor.

“The market is trying to confuse both the buyer and the seller.”

Kedia starts by highlighting how the market is currently in a phase where no one seems to be happy. “The buyer might suffer less, but the seller can get completely trapped,” he points out. Nifty has swung from 23,800 to 21,800 and is now on a path back upward. “We are possibly heading to 24,200, or even 25,000, but be ready for another shock.” He warns of sharp dips of 500-600 points on Nifty and even steeper corrections on Bank Nifty.

Time Frame Matters

Kedia emphasizes the importance of analyzing markets in multiple dimensions: indices, sectors, and timeframes. “Don’t just focus on index levels. There are sectors and specific stocks that are setting up for strong moves,” he says. While broader markets might remain range-bound, there are pockets of opportunity.

Bank Nifty & Sector Views

“Bank Nifty has shown a supernormal thrust, but that might not sustain,” warns Kedia. According to him, private banks like ICICI and Kotak are forming bull traps. On the flip side, he suggests, “Federal Bank is a buy today. There’s still life in some PSU and small finance banks.”

He is cautious on sectors like metals and cement, saying there’s still downside left. “IT might be bottoming out soon,” he notes. Large-cap IT stocks could give delivery-based buy signals in the coming week.

Top Picks Across Sectors

• Pharma: Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s, and Pfizer are on Kedia’s radar. “Pfizer looks ready to explode upward.”
• Engineering: “Larsen & Toubro is a firm buy on dips. Cummins and Siemens will take a little more time.”
• Auto Components: MRF, Seat, Bosch, and Sundaram Brake Lining are forming strong bottoms. “Ricco Auto and Automotive Axles also look promising.”
• Real Estate: “Prestige, Embassy, and DLF are already on a buy signal for delivery investors.”

He makes it clear: “Pick and choose. Don’t try to buy everything.”

“Work with discipline. This is not the time for leverage or MTF trading.”

Kedia emphasizes risk management over and over. “Delivery buying, no leverage, no margin trading,” he advises. In a fearful market, he believes the safest bets are stocks with consistent earnings visibility.

FMCG and Consumption Plays: These will act as safe havens. “In fear, PE ratio becomes irrelevant. What matters is earnings visibility,” says Kedia.

Gold: Overheated and Vulnerable

Despite gold being a traditional safe asset, Kedia remains cautious. “Gold is overbought, hyper-volatile, and due for a major correction,” he warns. He is not ready to go long until a proper reversal chart pattern forms.

On US Markets and Global Cues

“Every major global crisis has been followed by a wild bull run,” he reminds us. According to Kedia, investors who stay calm and accumulate during these volatile phases end up with disproportionate rewards later. “Look at Covid: portfolios created in that panic created wealth.”

Key Takeaways for Investors

• Be cautious in the short term but prepare to accumulate.
• Don’t depend solely on indices. Moreover, keep looking at stock-specific opportunities.
• Avoid leverage. Stick to delivery-based investments.
• Consumption, IT, and select pharma and real estate stocks are in early uptrends.
• Understand your financial needs: “How much is enough?”

Final Words

“You can’t wait until you’re 70 to look back and regret not trying what your heart wanted,” says Kedia as he closes the conversation. For him, discipline, clarity, and knowing your own priorities matter more than chasing market highs.

This conversation wasn’t just about market predictions, but about building a deeper understanding of how to invest smartly, live consciously, and know when to pause, reflect, and pivot.

Stay curious. Stay disciplined. And above all, stay invested wisely.

Checkout dynamic Trendlines for all the Indian Stocks at Tradealone: Click here.

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable shift in the world of IT jobs. Many people who once believed that tech was a secure and growing field are now facing uncertainty. Every year, some of the biggest companies quietly let go of their bottom 5-10% employees. While this is not new, the situation has become more complex and more widespread. So, what has changed? And more importantly, what can we do about it?

The Changing Landscape of IT Jobs

The most significant change has come from technology itself. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and advanced software tools, companies can now do more with fewer people. What this means is that the demand for certain traditional roles is declining.

Companies are not just firing employees; they are also hiring fewer freshers. Earlier, big IT companies hired tens of thousands of fresh graduates every year. These freshers were trained and deployed on projects. But now, with the future pipeline looking uncertain, companies don’t want to take the risk of hiring in bulk and not having enough work to give.

On top of that, salary hikes have become rare. Even top performers are receiving just 2-3% increments, which barely matches inflation. Meanwhile, hiring has slowed down significantly, making it difficult for even experienced professionals to switch jobs.

Why Do People Still Stay in These Jobs?

In the early years of one’s career, expectations are low, and salaries are modest. People manage. But the real problem begins when someone with 10-15 years of experience is earning a high salary, and a younger professional can deliver the same results for less money. That’s when you become “replaceable.”

What Is the Solution?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some key takeaways that can help:

1. Know How Much Is Enough Most people never stop to ask themselves, “How much do I really need?” The goal shouldn’t always be to earn more. It should be to earn enough to meet your needs, and save and invest wisely. Once you hit that number, you can explore other opportunities, side hustles, or even take a break.

2. Plan Your Career in Phases Think of your career in 3-5 year chunks. Ask yourself: What skills do I need to learn in the next phase? Where do I want to be? Keep learning and adapting. Don’t assume that what got you here will get you there.

3. Upskill Continuously Technology changes rapidly. Tools and platforms that were popular five years ago may not be relevant today. Always be learning. Whether it’s cloud, AI, data analytics, or project management, pick something that aligns with your interests and strengths.

4. Build an Emergency Fund Have at least 6-12 months of living expenses saved. This gives you peace of mind and allows you to make better decisions when facing job uncertainty.

5. Explore Alternate Income Streams You don’t have to quit your job to start a side hustle. Start small. Teach, consult, write, or even create digital content. Diversifying your income can provide you more security than depending on a single paycheck.

6. Be Honest with Yourself Are you truly passionate about your work? Do you see yourself doing this in the long run? Many people continue just because they have to, not because they want to. But when you do something that aligns with your heart, the chances of success increase.

Final Thoughts

The IT industry is changing. Layoffs, slow hiring, and minimal salary hikes are all signs that the old way of working is fading. But this is not a reason to panic. Instead, it is an opportunity to reflect, re-evaluate, and reinvent yourself.

The key is not just to survive, but to grow in a way that matches your values, your needs, and your lifestyle.

Ask yourself: What does success mean to me? When you have that answer, the path ahead becomes a little clearer.

You don’t have to earn the most. You just have to earn enough. And live a life with fewer regrets.

Stay curious. Keep learning. Take calculated risks. That’s the best way forward in an uncertain world.

India’s defense manufacturing sector is in the spotlight—and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is taking center stage. In its latest coverage, leading brokerage Motilal Oswal has given HAL a BUY rating with a price target of Rs5,100, suggesting a 27% upside from its current market price (CMP) of Rs4,031 (as of April 2025).

This ambitious target isn’t just a number. It reflects HAL’s strong fundamentals, expanding order book, and India’s strategic push for defense indigenization.

Further speaking, let’s dive into what’s fueling this optimism.

📦 Strong Order Book = Revenue Visibility

One of the most compelling reasons behind the bullish outlook is HAL’s massive order book of Rs1.8 trillion (as of March 31, 2025). This provides clear revenue visibility for the next 3+ years, with upcoming contracts across multiple aircraft and helicopter platforms.

🔧 Recent Major Orders Include:

• Rs135B for 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft
• Rs260B for 240 AL-31FP engines
• Rs630B for 156 LCH ‘Prachand’ attack helicopters
• Rs52B for 100 RD-33 engines
• Rs29B for 25 Dornier aircraft

This robust order book is expected to ramp up HAL’s manufacturing segment significantly from FY26 onwards.

🛩️ Tejas Mk1A: The Key Near-Term Trigger

The Tejas Mk1A fighter jet program is a critical growth engine for HAL. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already ordered 83 units of the Tejas Mk1A, and an additional 97 aircraft (worth Rs650B) are in the proposal stage, contingent on timely engine supplies from GE Aerospace.

📆 Timeline:

• Engine deliveries from GE expected to start in FY26
• Aircraft deliveries to commence thereafter
• Expansion of HAL’s Nashik facility will aid faster production and integration

Motilal Oswal sees this as a key catalyst for re-rating the stock upward in the near term.

🌐 Shift from Licensed to Indigenous Manufacturing

HAL is actively transitioning from a licensed manufacturer to an indigenous defense OEM, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Key Platforms Now Fully Indigenous:

• Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas)
• Basic Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40)
• Dornier-228
• Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)
• Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH)

HAL is also expanding its vendor ecosystem through SMEs and private partners, including Tata Advanced Systems, L&T, and BEL.

This shift boosts profitability, self-reliance, and export potential—three pillars of long-term valuation growth.

📈 Financial Projections (FY25–FY27)

💰 Valuation:

• P/E: 25.9x on FY27E EPS
• Price Target: Rs5,100
• Valuation Method: Average of Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) and 32x P/E multiple

🛠️ Research & Development = Future-Ready HAL

HAL’s R&D intensity has significantly improved:

• 9.5% of FY24 sales invested in R&D (up from 6% in FY20)
• 10 dedicated R&D centers
• 1,000+ IPRs filed
• Collaboration with DRDO, IITs, IISc, and foreign OEMs

This positions HAL well for futuristic programs like:

• AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)
• TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter)
• IMRH (Indian Multi-Role Helicopter)

These projects are expected to begin contributing meaningfully post-FY29.

✈️ MRO and Civil Aviation: New Frontiers

HAL is now exploring opportunities in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) for the civil aviation sector. Talks are underway with Airbus for MRO services on the A320 family. With India’s civil fleet growing rapidly, HAL’s foray into MRO could become a multi-billion-rupee business line over the next decade.

⚠️ Risks to Watch

Motilal Oswal also flags some key risks:

1. Delays in engine supply for Tejas Mk1A from GE
2. Payment delays from the Ministry of Defence
3. Slow finalization of major future orders (e.g., AMCA)
4. Rising competition from the private sector

However, these are seen as manageable risks given HAL’s strategic alignment with national defense objectives.

R&D Spending on the Rise

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) has been consistently ramping up its investment in research and development (R&D), reflecting a sharp focus on innovation and indigenous capability. Currently, HAL operates 20 production and 10 R&D centers across ten locations in seven Indian states. Between FY18 and FY24, R&D expenses recorded a strong CAGR of 10%, with the share of R&D spend as a percentage of sales rising from 6.0% in FY20 to 9.5% in FY24. This strategic focus has led to a significant jump in the number of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) held—from 108 in FY18 to 1,026 in FY24.

Collaborative Innovation and Strategic Partnerships

HAL complements its in-house R&D efforts with robust collaborations involving prestigious institutions such as DRDO, IITs, IISc, and foreign OEMs. These partnerships facilitate joint development of next-gen technologies and support technology transfers. Notable projects seeing major progress include HTT-40, LUH, LCA Mk1A, IMRH, and new engine developments like the 25kN Turbofan and 1,200kW Turboshaft engines. For FY25 alone, HAL has earmarked approximately INR 60 billion for R&D investment, primarily directed towards the IMRH and other critical programs.

Major MoUs Signed by HAL

Over the past few years, HAL has entered into several strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to bolster its development capabilities and expand its global footprint. These include partnerships with Airbus for establishing an MRO facility in Nashik, GE for manufacturing the GE-414 engine for LCA Mk2, and Safran Helicopter Engines for developing helicopter engines in India. Other MoUs include collaborations with IAI for UAVs and aircraft conversions, Rolls Royce for gas turbine manufacturing, and multiple foreign defense agencies and aerospace firms to enhance HAL’s civil and military aviation services.

Capacity Expansion for Timely Project Delivery

To meet growing demand and avoid delivery delays, HAL is aggressively ramping up its production capacity. The company aims to scale aircraft output from 16 to 24 units per year to support the delivery of 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft and an anticipated follow-up order of 97 more. A third production line at the Nashik division will be optimized to produce eight aircraft annually by FY26. Additionally, new assembly lines for HTT-40 trainers and Su-30 MKI aircraft are also being established in Nashik. HAL has announced a capex plan of INR 140–150 billion over the next five years (~INR 30 billion annually), targeting projects such as LCA Mk2, GE-414 engine, IMRH, AMCA, and civil MRO ventures.

Capex Growth Outlook

HAL’s capital expenditure is expected to grow at a CAGR of 29% over FY25–FY27. This steep increase reflects the company’s commitment to scaling its manufacturing base, integrating new technologies, and strengthening its capabilities in both military and civilian aviation segments. HAL is well-positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the defense and aerospace sectors, both domestically and globally.

Boosting Defense Exports

Although HAL’s exports declined at a 4% CAGR between FY16 and FY24, recent years have shown promise. HAL is now focusing on exporting its own indigenous platforms such as the LCA, LCH, LUH, and HTT, moving away from reliance on license-manufactured products. With India’s defense export target set at INR 350 billion by FY25 and INR 500 billion by FY29, HAL is actively pursuing international deals. Offices have been set up in Malaysia to leverage ROH opportunities, especially with the Sukhoi-30MKM fleet. HAL is also exploring markets in Vietnam, the Philippines, Egypt, the US, and Indonesia. Notably, it secured a contract worth INR 1.94 billion with the Guyana Government for two Hindustan-228 commuter aircraft and associated services.

Stock Information Snapshot

• Ticker: Bloomberg HNAL IN
• Market Cap: INR 2,695.6 billion / USD 31.1 billion
• Equity Shares: 669 million
• 52-Week Range: INR 5,675 / INR 3,046
• 12M Avg Daily Value: INR 11,262 million
• Free Float: 28.4%

Financials at a Glance (INR billion)

Key Ratios

Valuation Metrics

Shareholding Pattern (%)

📢 Final Verdict: A Stock with Strategic Moat and Long-Term Tailwinds

With HAL’s transition to full-scale indigenous manufacturing, expanding capacity, and strong tailwinds from India’s defense modernization, it’s no surprise that analysts are bullish.

Motilal Oswal’s Rs 5,100 target reflects confidence in HAL’s ability to:

• Scale up execution
• Drive profitability through indigenization
• Capitalize on long-term platforms like AMCA and TEDBF
• Enter adjacent businesses like MRO and civil aviation

For long-term investors looking for a high-conviction play on India’s self-reliant defense dream, HAL appears to be ready for take-off.

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