Amid market turbulence, Ambareesh Baliga bets on these 5 stocks

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Himadri Speciality Chemical, Shakti Pumps, Sagility India, EMS Ltd and Orkla India feature among his top picks.

Independent market expert Ambareesh Baliga has identified five stocks that are well placed to benefit once stability returns
Independent market expert Ambareesh Baliga has identified five stocks that are well placed to benefit once stability returns | Credits: Fortune India

The recent correction in Indian equities, driven by the West Asia crisis, a surge in crude oil prices, and sustained foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows, has created opportunities for investors willing to look beyond near-term volatility. The outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict on February 26 triggered a global risk-off sentiment, pulling the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 down nearly 6%, amid sharp declines in IT stocks and rising geopolitical tensions.

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The damage has been substantial, with the total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies eroding by ₹41 lakh crore as of April 8 compared to pre-conflict levels.

While markets saw a sharp relief rally on April 8, with the Sensex and Nifty rallying nearly 4%, following news of a temporary U.S.-Iran ceasefire, benchmark indices remain well below their February highs. Against this backdrop of volatility, market experts believe such corrections often throw up compelling entry points in fundamentally strong stocks, especially for investors with a medium- to long-term horizon.

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Independent market expert Ambareesh Baliga believes that periods of heightened volatility often create attractive entry points for investors who can look beyond short-term noise. He has identified five stocks that, in his view, are well placed to benefit once stability returns, supported by strong fundamentals and favourable sector trends.

One of his key picks is Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd, an integrated player in the carbon value chain. The company has been steadily moving away from commoditised products towards higher-margin specialty offerings such as carbon black, advanced pitch, and specialty oils. With about 30% of its revenue coming from exports and most raw materials sourced domestically, its exposure to geopolitical disruptions remains relatively limited. A strong balance sheet, including net cash of ₹371 crore, and healthy return ratios add further comfort.

Baliga is also positive on Shakti Pumps (India) Limited, which operates in the solar and electric submersible pump segment. The company has built a solid presence across agriculture, industrial, and residential markets, backed by a wide distribution network in India and exports to more than 100 countries. Its strong positioning under the government’s PM Kusum scheme and a healthy order book are helping it transition into a broader clean-tech solutions provider.

Sagility India Limited is another name on his list. The company, which offers operational and technology services to healthcare insurers and providers, has seen a sharp acceleration in growth over the past year. This has been driven by rising demand for outsourced healthcare services, and its scalable business model positions it well for sustained expansion.

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In the infrastructure space, EMS Limited stands out due to its focus on water and wastewater management projects. A large part of its current order book is still in the early stages of execution, while it also has a strong pipeline of upcoming projects. Going forward, execution and billing momentum will be key triggers that could unlock value.

Among others, Orkla India also features on his list. The consumer-focused company, which owns well-known brands such as MTR and Eastern, derives a significant share of its revenue from South India—a region marked by strong consumption trends. This positions it well to benefit from steady demand for packaged foods. Further gains in distribution, product mix, and channel strategy are likely to support its long-term growth trajectory.

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(DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by investment experts on fortuneindia.com are either their own or of their organisations, but not necessarily that of fortuneindia.com and its editorial team. Readers are advised to consult certified experts before taking investment decisions.)

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