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Reliance Industries’ shares plummeted over 3% on Monday after the company’s Q1 earnings failed to meet analyst expectations, despite a positive outlook from brokerages. The decline in shares was attributed to a combination of factors, including the deferment of the IPO announcement for its telecom business to next year and results below Street estimates, leading to profit-booking.
The recent rally in Reliance Industries’ shares, which had gone up about 17% so far this year, came to a halt on Monday as investors weighed the conglomerate’s lower-than-expected Q1 earnings. The company’s stock ended at ₹1,428.6, down 3.2%, capping gains in the Sensex and Nifty, which ended 0.5% higher. According to Sumit Pokharna, VP, fundamental research, Kotak Securities, “Reliance shares had recently rallied on expectations of strong quarterly results and a potential IPO announcement for its telecom business. But, the management’s clarification that the IPO is deferred to next year had earlier led to some correction, and combined with results below Street estimates, we saw some profit-booking.”
Q1 Earnings Analysis
The company’s Q1 earnings report revealed a Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹30,681 crore, up 36.8% from the January-March quarter. However, its revenues from operations stood at ₹2,48,660 crore, down 6% from the previous quarter. The company had recorded a one-time gain from selling its stake in Asian Paints for nearly ₹8,900 crore.
Brokerages’ Outlook
Despite the decline in shares, brokerages remain positive on the company, with most retaining ‘buy’ and ‘add’ ratings post results. Price targets imply an upside of 8-19% from current levels. According to Nomura, “We see 3 growth triggers for RIL in the near term: scale-up of new energy business; Jio tariff hikes; and potential IPO/listing for Jio which has now been pushed beyond 2025.”
Key highlights of the brokerages’ outlook include:
* Scale-up of new energy business
* Jio tariff hikes
* Potential IPO/listing for Jio
* Price targets imply an upside of 8-19% from current levels
However, Hemang Jani, director at Finazenn, noted, “In the absence of clear catalysts, the stock may remain a laggard.” Jani also stated that Q1 results for O2C and retail businesses were below market expectations, while telecom unit results were in line with expectations.
Impact on Investors
The decline in Reliance Industries’ shares may have a significant impact on investors, particularly those who had invested in the company expecting strong quarterly results and a potential IPO announcement for its telecom business. The deferment of the IPO announcement to next year may lead to a decrease in investor confidence, at least in the near term.
What’s Next for Reliance Industries
Despite the current decline, Reliance Industries remains a significant player in the Indian market, with a diversified portfolio of businesses. The company’s focus on new energy, Jio tariff hikes, and potential IPO/listing for Jio may provide growth triggers in the near term. However, the absence of clear catalysts may lead to a lackluster performance in the near term.
In conclusion, Reliance Industries’ shares dropped 3% after Q1 earnings fell short of expectations, despite a positive outlook from brokerages. The decline was attributed to a combination of factors, including the deferment of the IPO announcement for its telecom business to next year and results below Street estimates. As the company navigates the challenges and opportunities in the market, investors will be closely watching its performance and waiting for clear catalysts to drive growth.
Keywords: Reliance Industries, Q1 earnings, IPO announcement, telecom business, brokerages, growth triggers, investor confidence, Jio tariff hikes, new energy business.
Hashtags: #RelianceIndustries #Q1Earnings #IPOAnnouncement #TelecomBusiness #Brokerages #GrowthTriggers #InvestorConfidence #JioTariffHikes #NewEnergyBusiness #IndianMarket #Sensex #Nifty.
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