Stocks to buy: HDFC Bank to Zomato – Stockbox recommends top 10 picks to boost your portfolio in 2025

Stock to buy: domestic equity benchmark Sensex and Nifty 50 This was the fourth consecutive weekly gain since late July, the longest such gain, as consumer stocks got buoyed by a softening of domestic retail inflation and the return of foreign inflows. Blue chips are now down about 5.5 per cent from their all-time high on September 27, after slipping into correction territory in early November.

Despite significant volatility throughout the year, the leading indices have delivered strong returns to investors. NSE Nifty 50 Index Growing more than 13 percent year-to-date (YTD). D-Street analysts maintain an optimistic view of the market’s relative strength in 2025 based on strong macroeconomic indicators, interest rate cut bets and renewed foreign capital.

Also read: fpi pump Rs 22,766 crore in Indian equities; Will the influx continue in December also? experts are considering

In the current scenario, domestic brokerage Stockbox has released its top 10 stock picks for 2025. The brokerage suggests that the selected stocks will boost one’s portfolio over the next year, with an upside potential of 15-20 per cent over the next 12 months.

“Stockbox identifies top-performing stocks poised to drive growth in 2025, providing strategic insights for investors seeking strong returns. It highlights leading companies from various sectors, examining their strengths, opportunities and growth potential in the dynamic Indian market,” the brokerage said.

According to Stocksbox, Indian stock market 2025 offers diverse opportunities in banking, cement, hospitality and technology sectors. Strategic initiatives, strong fundamentals and regional growth prospects make these companies top picks. The top picks include major blue-chip stocks like HDFC Bank, Ambuja Cements, ICICI Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra and others.

Also read: US Fed to play ‘cut-and-pause’ to meet dual mandate of growth and inflation; Less rate cuts expected in 2025: Experts

Here are the top 10 stocks to buy in 2025:

1) Ambuja Cements: Current Market Price (CMP): 572.60, target price: 600, Upside: 19%

The current market price of Ambuja Cements stock is 572.60 and target price 600, which represents an increase of 19 percent. As a flagship company of the Adani Group, it is a leader in India’s cement manufacturing, with a current capacity of 89 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), which is projected to expand to 140 MTPA by FY28. strategic acquisitions, including Orient Cement And the integration of Penna Cement further strengthens its expansion plans.

2) Federal Bank:cmp: 213.20, target price: 250, Upside: 18%

Federal Bank, with current market value Target of 213.20 more 250, offers a gain of 18 percent. The bank has achieved record-high profits in Q2FY25, driven by its strategic focus on expanding CASA base and maintaining asset quality through restrained unsecured advances.

Under the leadership of its new MD and CEO, Mr. Manian, Federal Bank has set an ambitious credit growth guidance of 18 per cent for FY20. By avoiding high-cost deposits and following prudent lending practices, Federal Bank has cemented its position as a strong contender among medium-sized banks.

3) hdfc bank:cmp: 1,872.05, target price: 2,105, gain: 18%

HDFC Bank with current market price 1,872.05 and target 2,105, providing a gain of 18 percent. Following its merger, the bank is optimizing its loan-to-deposit ratio and replacing high-cost borrowings with low-cost deposits.

The rate cut expected in FY20 is expected to stabilize the net interest margin (NIM), which is estimated to increase from 3.47 per cent to four per cent over the next two years. With a strong focus on asset quality and efficient growth strategies, HDFC Bank remains a reliable long-term investment.

4) Hero MotoCorp:cmp: 4,572.90, target price: 5,717, gain: 18%

Hero MotoCorp, with current market price 4,572.90 and target 5,717, providing a gain of 18 percent. The company is poised for strong growth due to its entry into the EV market with its flagship models and upcoming e-scooter launch.

Improving rural and semi-urban demand and strong festive season sales have strengthened its market position. With a strong product portfolio and focus on both premium and traditional segments, Hero MotoCorp is well positioned for continued success.

5) ICICI Bank: CMP: 1,345.10, target price: 1,560, Upside: 20%

ICICI Bank with CMP Target of 1,345.10 more 1,560, providing a gain of 20 percent. The bank’s improved asset quality is reflected in the decline in GNPA and NNPA levels. 51 percent of its loans are linked to the repo rate. Expected rate cuts in FY20 are expected to stabilize its net interest margin (NIM).ICICI Bank’s cautious approach towards unsecured lending and consistent performance across core banking metrics makes it an attractive option for investors.

6) Indian Hotels Company: CMP: 855.85, target price: 930, Upside: 17%

With CMP of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Target of 855.85 more 930, offers a gain of 17 percent. IHCL follows an asset-light expansion strategy and ventures into areas such as Qmin and Amã Stays to capitalize on the growing domestic leisure travel market.

The company’s focus on improving EBITDA margins and leveraging supply-demand imbalance ensures strong growth. With a strong balance sheet, IHCL remains a major player in the hospitality sector and is well positioned for continued success.

Also read: Small, medium-sized private banks are on the rise: MK Global bets on Federal Bank. Karnataka Bank, Karur Vysya Bank

7) Lakshmi Organics Industries: CMP: 259.05, target: 295, an increase of 16%

With CMP of Lakshmi Organics Industries Limited, Target of 259.05 more 295, providing a gain of 16 percent. The leading company in acetyl intermediates and specialty chemicals has a 11 billion capital expenditure plan to double its ketene and diketene production. Operational improvements and new product launches have positioned Lakshmi Organics for significant revenue and EBITDA growth by FY28, positioning it well for long-term success.

8) Mahindra & Mahindra: CMP: 3,081.30, target price: 3,635, gain: 19%

With CMP of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M), Target of 3,081.30 more 3,635, providing a gain of 19 percent. The company boasts of a strong lineup of utility vehicles (UVs) and is making significant inroads in the EV market.

Strategic positioning of M&M’s reduces cannibalism among its models, while strong demand during the festive season supports its leadership in the domestic UV market, positioning the company for continued growth.

9) Mankind Pharma: CMP: 2,640.30, target price: 3,100, gain: 18%

Mankind Pharma Ltd., with CMP Target of 2,640.30 more 3,100, offering a gain of 18 percent. The company’s acquisitions of Bharat Serums and Panacea Biotech strengthened its chronic therapy and specialty product portfolio. With strong domestic market share and ongoing expansion in Tier-I cities, Mankind Pharma’s strategic initiatives and new product launches position it for sustained growth.

10) zomato:cmp: 288.40, target price: 325, Upside: 19%

With CMP of Zomato, Target of 288.40 more 325, providing a gain of 19 percent. The company’s leadership in food delivery and instant commerce, combined with Blinkit’s expansion and Hyperpure’s alternative revenue streams, positions Zomato for rapid growth. Growing internet penetration and changing consumer behavior have further strengthened its position, making Zomato a strong contender in India’s rapidly growing digital economy.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this analysis are those of the individual analysts or broking companies and not of Mint. We strongly advise investors to consult certified experts, consider personal risk tolerance and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions, as market conditions can change rapidly, and individual circumstances may vary.