Container Corporation of India (Concor) has been the worst performer among major logistics & port stocks registering returns of about 4 per cent over the past three months as compared to 10-12 per cent for peers Gateway Distriparks and Adani Ports and SEZ. Uncertain outlook on the export-import (EXIM) trade front, market share loss, lack of progress on divestment, and weak June quarter results weighed on the stock. Volume and margin movement will be key triggers for the stock going ahead. As was the case in the previous quarter, margin performance was muted even in the June quarter. Operating profit in the quarter was down 17 per cent at Rs 391 crore missing estimates by over 15 per cent. Operating profit margins at 20.4 per cent, too, were down sharply by 350 basis points over the year-ago quarter.
These stocks are overvalued and, therefore, one should not adopt a buy and hold strategy.
Logistic players have seen a sharp correction at the bourses over the past six months as intense competition from new-age-tech startups, higher freight rates, and weak macros dented listed players' growth outlook. Analysts warn that the emergence of tech-based startups could weigh on organised players' profit-pool, and can potentially erode their market share. Thus, a stock-specific strategy would be prudent at this juncture with focus on companies that are rapidly innovating and investing in technology.
The change in the latest Budget will impact the sale and rent of SEZ units of companies like Adani Port, which has large SEZs in Mundra.
Real test of the rally in this segment will be the upcoming result season.
Experts caution that the rally in these stocks may fizzle out soon, as the overall market sentiment still remains weak.
The Sensex closed higher by 170 points at 26,128 and the Nifty rose 59 points to end at 7,943.
Markets ended at record closing highs for the second day in a row on institutional buying.
'GST will bring in much needed transparency and higher investments in the coming years and we hope that a few percentage points to India's GDP.'
ICICI Bank extended yesterday gains, rising 10% in two trading sessions
Ajit Mishra, vice president, Research, Religare Broking, answers readers' queries on stocks they own or want to buy.
Investors booked profits at higher levels despite the growth oriented Budget.
Ajit Mishra, vice president, Research, Religare Broking, answers your queries
Ajit Mishra, vice president, Research, Religare Broking, answers your queries