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Winter season hot stocks: As winter is around and it is expected that some stocks will gain stream. There are some company which do well during the winter season due to seasonal demands. The investors may pick stocks that usually get boost during winter days. Sell of woollen products, beauty-care products, among others, go up during the winter. However, investors often fail to pick out the right stocks. Here are some of the prospective stocks that Zee Business TV panel experts have taken a close look. Here are the stocks. 
 
Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail: &nbsp;The company has a wide range of domestic and international brands. The company's sell during the winter is expected to get a boost. Market analyst Sandeep Jain has recommended this stock with a target price of Rs 235. 
 
Tata Global Beverages: Jain said that the investors who have this stock in their portfolio already should hold it. He said that the stock may go up to Rs 360.

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Hindustan Unilever (HUL): Zee Business TV panel experts said that HUL stock is quite attractive. The company's products like cold cream and other winter products may give a boost to its earnings. HUL's earnings are expected to go up. 
 
Polycab India: The electrical products company may do well. The investors may look at this stock, experts said. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Winter season hot stocks: As winter is around and it is expected that some stocks will gain stream. There are some company which do well during the winter season due to seasonal demands.&nbsp;


Winter season hot stocks! Want to become rich sooner than others? These are shares to buy

Gold vs Gold ETF: Physical gold is one of the most preferred metals in India for investment. Keeping gold as an asset is an age-old practice in our tradition. However, over the years with financial inclusion, many unconventional products have come to the market. Now, many gold buying options are available in the investment world. One can buy physical gold, which is the traditional practice, can buy digital gold or invest in gold ETFs (exchange-traded funds). &nbsp;Gold offers liquidity to its owners and it is a good investment option when the stock market is down. If a person wants to buy gold as an investor, they can take a gold ETF or e-gold (electronic gold) from exchanges, as it is cost-effective. Physical gold involves the cost of keeping it safe. 
 
Experts say that there are advantages and disadvantages to keeping physical gold. There are now various options from which a person can choose the right investment that suits them the best.

Watch Zee Business LIVE TV here:

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Jitendra Solanki, a SEBI registered tax and investment expert, said that "If a person buys gold for investment purpose they should opt for gold ETF or e-gold of MCX. These are cheaper and safer options. However, one who wants to feel and touch the yellow metal, they can opt for any hallmarked gold." 
 
Deepesh Raghaw, a SEBI-registered investment expert, said, "Now there are various gold buying options available in the market. One can buy gold from jewelers or from stock exchanges. There are advantages and disadvantages of buying gold physical and buying over the exchanges. The investor has to consider their priorities while buying gold. If they are investing for short-term than physical gold is better, as they can sell it at any point in time. For the long-term, they can opt for gold ETF or e-gold." 
 
Gold bond is the only option where the investors can earn up to 2.5 percent interest. The difference between the buy price and the sale price will also come to their account. In case of exchange-traded gold, there might be sometimes liquidity issues that mean no buyer available to buy, Raghaw said. 
 
In physical gold, keeping it safe may incur a cost. In gold ETF also charges some money on the investment. Therefore, the investors should factor in all these costs involved in buying gold to maximise their returns on investment.

&nbsp;

Gold vs Gold ETF:&nbsp;Physical gold is one of the most preferred metals in India for investment. Keeping gold as an asset is an age-old practice in our tradition.


Gold vs Gold ETF: Which one is best suited to make money? Check what experts say

Diwali Muhurat Trading is considered to be an auspicious occasion for betting on share market. On this day, stock market opens for an hour so that people can bet on stocks. Diwali Muhurat Trading 2019 is around and the trading window will be available from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm today. Traders will be able to bet during this time. The investors should gather information on stocks that can give them good returns. Many people who even do not trade in stocks on regular days also bet on this auspicious day. It is important to pick the right share to get a good return. Here are five stocks that brokerage Motilal Oswal has recommended for Diwali Muhurat Trading 2019.&nbsp;

ICICI Bank: The brokerage has recommended this share for Diwali Muhurat Trading 2019 with a price of Rs 451 and target of Rs 520. Stop loss is kept at Rs 420.&nbsp; Upside gain potential is 15 percent, while the downside risk is 7 percent.

ICICI Lombard: Motilal Oswal has given a buy call on this call at a price of Rs 1,295 and the target is Rs 1,500. Stop loss is kept at Rs 1,205. Chandan Taparia, Derivative and Technical Analyst at Motilal Oswal, said that this share holds an upside potential of 16 percent, while the downside risk is 7 percent.

Bajaj Auto: The brokerage has recommended this share with a price Rs 3,122 and the target is Rs 3580. The trader should stop loss at Rs 2,910.

Voltas: Chandan Taparia, Derivative and Technical Analyst at Motilal Oswal, has recommended this share with a buy price of Rs 693 and the target is set at Rs 800. Stop loss is is kept at Rs 649.&nbsp;

JK Cement: The brokerage has given a buy call for this share with a price of Rs 1,121 and the target price of Rs 1280. The investors should keep stop loss at Rs 1,045.

Diwali Muhurat Trading is considered to be an auspicious occasion for betting on share market. On this day, stock market opens for an hour so that people can bet on stocks.


Diwali Muhurat Trading 2019 stocks: Motilal Oswal recommends these 5 shares

The liquidity crisis, changing buyer preferences, and growing concerns about affordability have made real estate developers to rethink the conventional wisdom of "bigger is better", and to significantly moderate unit sizes across the seven major cities. Data released by ANAROCK Property Consultants&nbsp;indicates that average apartment sizes in the top seven cities have shrunk by 27 percent over the last five years – from 1,400 sq. ft in 2014 to nearly 1,020 sq. ft in 2019. However, the national capital region (NCR), one of the worst-hit residential markets in recent years, has seen least decline of merely 6 percent during this period. &nbsp;The current average size of apartments in NCR is nearly 1,390 sq. ft, which is bigger than average flat sizes in Bengaluru, where the average size is 1,300 sq ft in 2019. 
 
Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Property Consultants, said Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) already has the smallest average apartment size among all top cities, and also recorded the highest drop of 45 percent from 960 sq. ft in 2014 to 530 sq. ft in 2019. Pune followed with a 38 percent reduction in sizes during this period, with the average apartment size currently at 600 sq. ft. Average sizes in both MMR and Pune are calculated on the carpet area while for the remaining cities it is based on the built-up area.

Watch Zee Business TV LIVE here:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;"The main southern cities of Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad have seen size reduction of 8 percent, 9 percent and 12 percent, respectively, over the last five years. What also makes these cities unique is that the prevailing average sizes of apartments are among the highest," said Puri. 
 
The current average size of properties in Hyderabad (at 1,570 sq. ft) is the maximum among the top 7 cities. Similarly, the average size of properties in Bengaluru is comparatively bigger (about 1,300 sq. ft), while in Chennai it is about 1,190 sq. ft. Meanwhile, Kolkata saw sizes reduce by 9% over the last five years to stand at 1,120 sq. ft. now against 1,230 sq. ft. in 2014. 
 
&nbsp;Why flat sizes are shrinking? 
 
Huge demand for affordable homes in metros, government’s credit subsidy benefits for affordable housing, &nbsp;which requires a home to be priced less than Rs 45 lakhs and not exceed 60 sq. mt carpet area or about 850 sq. ft built-up area (including overall loading). Small-size affordable segment helps buyers avail of the subsidies. Moreover, buying an affordable home also comes with GST benefits. The GST for affordable housing is 1 percent as against 5 percent for mid-segment homes. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The liquidity crisis, changing buyer preferences, and growing concerns about affordability have made real estate developers to rethink the conventional wisdom of "bigger is better", and to significantly moderate unit sizes across the seven major cities.


Affordable housing: Why flat sizes are shrinking? Here are the reasons

Visionet Systems, a technology solutions and business process management company, is planning to expand business and add manpower in India. In an email interview with Zee Business Online, Alok Bansal, Managing Director, Visionet Systems, talked about various aspects of business and startups in India.&nbsp;Excerpts: 
&nbsp; 
Since the business environment and customer profiles are quite different in India than in the US, was the process of expanding business in India smooth?&nbsp; 
&nbsp;With the emergence and growth of technology, we believe that disruptive technologies like AR and VR will continue to be used by the brands to communicate better with their customers. Our focus area will be on developing evolved products and new-age services with the brand’s suite of solutions, which will help companies engage meaningfully with their stakeholders.&nbsp;Over the next year, Visionet India plans to expand in the areas of enterprise mobility, retail technology, enterprise software development, and independent testing services. 
&nbsp; 
Do you have a hiring plan in India? How many people you are going to hire?&nbsp; 
&nbsp;Yes, we do have hiring plans in India. Globally we have recruited over 2,700 professionals and we are planning to strengthen our headcount by hiring 800 more over the next few months. We are adding up 25,000 square feet new office space in AMR tech park, Bangalore to accommodate around 800 people.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
What is your expansion plan? 
&nbsp;We are looking forward to expanding in India in terms of business. India has become a center stage for global growth. Of late, we have realised that one can't only focus on the&nbsp;delivery services from India, but also its driven strategy, sales and pretty much all sides of business, especially in BFSI (Banking, Financial Sector and Insurance), including the mortgage industry. We are now targeting business around AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), cloud computing, e-commerce, machine learning, artificial intelligence, etc. We are expanding the centre of excellence in India and targeting niche technology in the market.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
What is your view on Ease of Doing Business in India?&nbsp; 
&nbsp;Over the years India has made significant progress in making the system more streamlined and reliable for the businesses and startups across sectors. This is clearly reflected in the giant leap in India’s position and reaching 77th rank in the ease of doing business report by the World Bank. Along with streamlining businesses the unified tax regime like GST has made it simpler for many small businesses to operate across the country. This further propels the business potential of the country and boost economic growth. 
&nbsp; 
What is your turnover in India?&nbsp; 
&nbsp;Visionet continues to see a strong growth trajectory in India, and this year we plan to add on the workforce to the company’s strength. We have been growing at a 30 percent year-on-year (YoY)&nbsp;compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the last 5 years. We have aggressive plans to grow at an even greater pace. Also, we aim to expand in the areas of enterprise mobility, retail technology, enterprise software development, and independent testing services that will further add to the overall revenue growth of the company. 
&nbsp;

Over the next year, Visionet India plans to expand in the areas of enterprise mobility, retail technology, enterprise software development, and independent testing services.


Planning to hire 800 people in India: Alok Bansal, MD, Visionet Systems

Startups have welcomed the government's move of doing away with angel tax levied on startups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). There are 21,417 startups across the country registered with DPIIT. &nbsp;Angel tax has been a bone of contention for long as the tax department served notices to many startups which received funds in 2018.&nbsp; 
 
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her maiden budget in July said that the entrepreneurs and investors who file requisite declarations and provide information on returns will not be subject to scrutiny on the valuation of shares premium under the Act. 
 
Roma Priya, founder of Burgeon Law, said, “The withdrawal of angel tax will boost more investment in India's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Angel Tax had caused a hindrance which created an encumbrance for both investors as well as the start-up community. The new move will attract more domestic investors, while giving the liberty to start-ups to try their hands at new things, without facing the heat." 
 
It was a long-standing demand from startups as it would often deter investors from putting funds. Sitharaman, during the Budget speech, said that any startup with any income tax issues can approach the dedicated cell under the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) set up by the government. 
 
Dipali Mathur Dayal, founder &amp; CEO&nbsp;of The Natturel and Kool, said, "This move was much needed as there had been a reluctance amongst both the parties during fundraising. This should hopefully ease the angel rounds because in the current law a person with less than 50 lakhs of tax return and 2cr of net worth was not eligible to invest as angel. Now that is being lightened, this will tremendously boost India's entrepreneurial ecosystem while attracting more investors." 
 
The withdrawal of angel tax is a major relief for entrepreneurs and investors and the entire startup ecosystem. There was a lack of clarity and the provisions were very interpretational. It could have created more challenges to the already ailing investment sentiment, said Suresh Rangarajan, CEO of Colive. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;Angel tax has been a bone of contention for long as the tax department served notices to many startups which received funds in 2018.&nbsp;


No angel tax on DPIIT registered startups - Here's how this move may help entrepreneurs

Indian stock indices today bounced back to the positive territory after the US President Donald Trump said trade talks with China were "very productive". Since the start of the year, the market has been quite volatile and BSE Sensex oscillated between 35,000 and 40,000. It is difficult to make investment decisions in stock markets when stocks fall and rise too fast. However, information is wealth. Right information can help investors pick out profitable stocks. Here are the reports of brokerages on these five stocks:

Divi’s Laboratories (BUY): 
Divi’s Laboratories (Divi’s) posted a softer-than-expected Q1FY20. Topline grew 17 percent year-on-year (YoY) on a tough base, but declined sequentially in what is a seasonally weak quarter, said Edelweiss. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin came in soft around 33 percent, as the low-margin active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) made the product mix unfavourable. Management guided for FY20 constant currency revenue growth of 10 percent, and stable EBITDA margin YoY of 38 percent. Besides, the company expects to conclude its Rs 16.9 billion capital expenditure (capex) by the end of FY20, of which it has already capitalised Rs 1.1 billion.&nbsp; 
 
"Management expects benefits from this capex for capacity expansion to start accruing from FY21. Maintain ‘BUY’ with a target price of Rs 1,830." 
 
ONGC (BUY): 
Edelweiss said with the immensely bountiful KG-98/2 coming on stream and eligible for deepwater pricing, gas revenue would surge, which will be a key driver of earnings growth. Valuations continue to trend lower despite the overhang of LPG subsidy sharing abating. "We estimate a 9% EPS CAGR over FY19–21 while valuations remain undemanding at 4.4x FY21E PE. Maintain ‘BUY/SO’ with a revised TP at Rs 197/share." 
 
Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BUY): 
HDFC Securities said that inventory losses and shutdown of Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL)’s refinery has resulted in a muted 1Q performance. "However, we maintain our BUY owing to its impeccable refining assets and healthy free cash flows (Rs 66.55bn) over FY21-22E." 
 
Dr. Lal Pathlabs (BUY): 
The stock trades at 34.8x FY20E and 28.2x FY21E EPS. "We maintain ‘BUY/SP’ with TP of INR1,240 on December 2020E EPS. Our valuation uses PE methodology as DLPL’s business: i) is a low-capex, high-RoCE model, closer to domestic pharma and FMCG; and ii) has a strong brand equity in an underpenetrated domestic market with high growth momentum. Key risk to our call is regulatory intervention via pricing control," an Edelweiss report said. 
 
Whirlpool (BUY): 
We expect Whirlpool of India (WHIRL)’s market share to improve with stock keeping unit (SKU) ramp up, aggressive marketing and distribution expansion, while maintaining tight leash on costs, Edelweiss said. "Hence, we estimate it to post 24% earnings CAGR and strong 60 percent free cash-to-PAT conversion over FY19–21. We maintain ‘BUY/SO’ with a target price of Rs 1,755. The stock is trading at 38x/31x FY20/21E EPS." 
&nbsp;

Divi’s Laboratories (Divi’s) posted a softer-than-expected Q1FY20. Topline grew 17 percent year-on-year (YoY) on a tough base, but declined sequentially in what is a seasonally weak quarter, said Edelweiss.


Divi’s Laboratories, ONGC to BPCL: which shares to buy? 

&nbsp;Apex trade body ASSOCHAM is going to launch "Startup Elevator Pitch Series", an initiative and a platform for budding entrepreneurs to pitch for funding and technology partners for their dream projects, from September 7, 2019. &nbsp;The ASSOCHAM Startup Elevator Pitch Series would be rolled out in 12 cities between September 7 and January-end 2020. The cities are Jaipur, Pune, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Raipur, Indore, Guwahati, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, New Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar. 
 
The format of Elevator Pitch will be such that the entrepreneurs and founders will be given 300 seconds to explain the concept and idea about a service or product to jury members, a statement from ASSOCHAM said. 
 
Besides Google Cloud vouchers for the selected ideas, there will an opportunity to get a direct entry into the accelerator programme with IncubateIND, a technology community network. 
&nbsp; 
“Through this unique initiative, Startups or potential Startups would be able to network with high net worth individuals and top of the line professionals and generate business or funding opportunities for themselves,” said Anil Khaitan, chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Startups. 
 
&nbsp;Khaitan said that the opportunity would be available for early-stage startups between 0-2 years of operations. Those aspiring to scale up would also get an opportunity for raising finance and/ or acquiring technology or even stitching a marketing partnership with venture capitalists, mentors or independent professionals of global repute. The Elevator programme is also open for the established startups between 2–5 years of operations. 
 
&nbsp;The statement said that the programme is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet initiative Startup India. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;Apex trade body ASSOCHAM is going to launch "Startup Elevator Pitch Series", an initiative and a platform for budding entrepreneurs to pitch for funding and technology partners for their dream projects.


ASSOCHAM to launch platform for startups to raise funding: Here is what you must know

Indian equity markets have been volatile for quite some time and in a span of six months the market oscillated between 35,000 and over 40,000 levels. Under such situation, picking out right stocks is not easy. However, information is wealth for investors. Here are the reports of brokerages on these five stocks: 
 
NTPC (BUY): 
Edelweiss said in its view after generating flat &nbsp;earnings per share (EPS) growth over FY16–19, NTPC would post a strong 15 percent CAGR over FY19–21 on the back of: 1) recoupment of under-recoveries; 2) 8GW of cumulative commercialisation of capacity; and 3) higher plant load factors (PLFs) amid stronger demand in the country.&nbsp; 
 
"The stock too is trading at an implied P/BV of 1.2x FY21E. All in all, NTPC remains our top pick in the utilities space. Government divestment/merger plans remain a key risk though. &nbsp;Maintain ‘BUY/SO’ with a target price of Rs 158." 
 
Hindalco (BUY): 
JM Financial said Hindalco's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of Rs 34.7 billion in 1QFY20, was in-line with its expections. However, the metal fundamentals remain stable with continued world ex-China deficit and China expected to turn into marginal deficit market (from surplus) in CY19. "We downward revise our estimates as we incorporate lower LME assumptions. Cost competitiveness in Hindalco's India operations driven by increased coal security, quick ramp–up of new capacities and high margins at Novelis/Aleris with higher proportion of automotive products in the mix continues to drive an upward earnings trajectory for the consolidated entity. Maintain BUY." 
 
BHEL (HOLD): 
BHEL reported a loss of Rs 2.2 billion in 1QFY20 with falling sales at Rs 45.3 billion (24% YoY). Execution in a few of its power projects is deferred to 2QFY20 on pending clearance pertaining to land, material dispatch and delayed equipment supply to BHEL. Although debtors’ collections improved in 1QFY20, JM Financial said it believed that working capital pressures may sustain with new orders having a) back-ended payments with near zero advances and b) State Gencos (49% of debtors) forming majority of new orders which typically have elongated payment schedules. Also, muted 1QFY20 sales could result in BHEL struggling to meet its FY20 MoU target of RS 330 billion.&nbsp; 
 
"Despite weak macros and muted 1QFY20 execution, we optimistically factor Rs 350 billion of OIs in FY20, which is within the RS 300-400 billion range prevailing since FY13. Maintain HOLD with a target price of Rs 80 (at 15x FY21 EPS)."&nbsp; 
 
SpiceJet (BUY): 
JM Financial &nbsp;SpiceJet is likely to emerge as the second-largest domestic airline with strong fleet addition and higher international presence. "We forecast a 60% EBITDAR growth over FY19-21E driven by scaling up of operations and higher spreads. We ascribe an EV/EBITDAR multiple of 7x to arrive at a fair value of INR 160. Maintain BUY."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

JM Financial said Hindalco's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of Rs 34.7 billion in 1QFY20, was in-line with its expections.&nbsp;


NTPC, Hindalco to SpiceJet: Which shares to buy? 

Gold is back to the positive territory after Thursday's sharp fall. The yellow metal (October future) bounced back to trade at 37,890, a 0.35 percent, a rise from the previous day's closing price, at 11.49 am on the MCX. The metal witnessed a correction over one percent on the MCX yesterday. Silver, which also fell over one percent in yesterday's trade, too rose over 0.61 percent. Gold prices had hit a new high of Rs 38,488 earlier this week. Manoj Kumar Jain, Director &amp; Head of Commodities, IndiaNivesh Securities, said on Zee Business TV yesterday that gold prices went up as the investors scrambled to find safe-havens to park their cash and now it is correcting as the stock market is back to the positive territory. 
 
As the investors were scrambling for a safe investment option amid US-China trade tensions, Spot gold was up 0.5% at $1,507.22 an ounce. &nbsp;The yellow metal has risen 4.6 percent so far this week, its best week in more than three years. US. gold futures also gained 0.6 percent to $1,519 an ounce. Gold has risen more than 17 percent so far this year, propelled by trade tensions and an increasingly dovish monetary policy shift by central banks amid fears of slowing growth, it said. 
 
"Gold seems immune to risk appetite and any positive developments in the U.S.-China trade war. With so much negative yielding debt out there, gold should not see any major selloff unless we see a major breakthrough with trade talks," Reuters quoted Edward Moya, market analyst at OANDA, as saying. 
&nbsp;

Gold is back to the positive territory after Thursday's sharp fall. The yellow metal (October future) bounced back to trade at 37,890, a 0.35 percent, a rise from the previous day's closing price, at 11.49 am on the MCX.


Gold prices bounce back to positive territory, silver follows the suit 

After a drastic fall for four consecutive trading session, the stock markets have been trading in the green for the second consecutive session today. When stocks fall, investors lose money. However, right information help minimise the risk. Here are the reports from brokerages on these 5 stocks: &nbsp; 
 
Lemon Tree (BUY): 
Edelweiss said that given the uncertain pricing environment, it is conservatively adjusting down Lemon Tree’s annual recurring revenue (ARR) expectation for FY20, leading to a 3 percent/4 percent cut in FY20/21E earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). We had initiated the stock citing valuation concerns (refer note), and lauded its best-in-class parameters and growth visibility. With the latter intact and the stock having corrected 20 percent since, the brokerage said that its concern around valuation is addressed. "Hence, we are upgrading the stock to ‘BUY’ with a DCF-based target price of RS 65 (Rs 69 earlier). 
 
Zensar Technologies (BUY): 
HDFC Securities maintains BUY on Zensar after its in-line 1QFY20. Strong deal pipeline, ramp-up of large deals and improving win-ratio provide revenue visibility. Margins are not showing signs of improvement despite revenue up-tick. "We cut multiple to 14x from 16x on slow margin recovery and rising on-site cost. Our TP of Rs 265 is based on 14x June-21E EPS." 
 
UltraTech Cement (BUY): 
Domestic volume growth of 3 percent led by ramp-up of UltraTech Nathdwara Cement Limited (UNCL), which operated at 60 percent utilisation level. Aided by higher prices, benign input costs and significant improvement in UNCL operations (PBT break even within two quarters), UltraTech operated at earnings before EBITDA/tonne of Rs 1,465 in Q1FY20 (+56.1% YoY/+37.3% QoQ), YES Securities daily report said. 
 
"We have increased our EBITDA/tonne estimates by 16.5%/12.9% for FY20/FY21. Expect net debt/EBITDA to decline to 1.38x by FY21. Valuing UTCEM at 16x EV/EBITDA on FY21, we increase our target price to Rs 5,087 (previously Rs 4,840). We have a BUY rating at CMP of Rs 4,243." 
 
Voltas (BUY): 
Voltas’ 1QFY20 results beat expectations. Net sales rose 24 percent YoY (13% above JM Financial estimate), as the unitary cooling products (UCP) segment reported a jump of 47 percent year-on-year (YoY) on a strong summer season (industry sales grew 36%) and an increase in market share to 24.1 percent vs. 23.5 percent in 1QFY19. Given the strong jump in sales, operating margins remained steady at 10.7 percent vs our expectations of a 70 bps decline on a high base. Its order book grew 3 percent YoY as inflows were up 40 percent YoY, said JM Financial daily report.&nbsp; 
 
"We remain positive on Voltas as a sharp reduction in room AC inventory (negative capital employed in the UCP division), increase in market share and favourable base are likely to be key earnings drivers in subsequent quarters and should help combat higher customs duty and adverse forex movement. We maintain BUY with a target price of Rs 625." 
 
JK Lakshmi Cement (BUY): 
JK Lakshmi reported a 13 percent revenue growth on the back of 11 percent realisation improvement. Realisations grew by 12 percent on a sequential basis. Capacity utilisation during the quarter was at 78 percent. Management estimates cement volume growth of 10 percent in FY20 to be fulfilled through higher blending, clinker purchase and lower clinker sale, JM Financial daily report said. "About 20MW CPP has been commissioned and benefits are expected to accrue from FY21. 0.8MTPA Cuttack grinding unit are expected to be commissioned by 2Q-end. Price stability and cost saving initiatives will be key for profitability in a seasonally weak quarter. We value the stock at 9x EVE. Maintain BUY with a target price of RS 440 (Mar 2020)." 
&nbsp;

HDFC Securities maintains BUY on Zensar after its in-line 1QFY20. Strong deal pipeline, ramp-up of large deals and improving win-ratio provide revenue visibility. However, Margins are not showing signs of improvement despite revenue up-tick.


Lemon Tree, Voltas to Zensar: Which stocks to buy?

Indian equity indices bounced back today though by a small margin after four consecutive sessions of fall this week. Thousands of investors lost crores of rupees due to downward movement of stocks. Picking out the right stock in a volatile market such as this is not an easy task. However, information is wealth for the investors. Here are the brokerages' reports on five prospective stocks:

Lupin (BUY):&nbsp;

Edelweiss said that the stock’s current valuation of 17.8x FY21E EPS – amid depressed earnings – offers an attractive entry point in its view. "A promising respiratory and biosimilar franchise may unlock value in the long run. We maintain ‘BUY/SP’ with a target price of Rs 900 (22x December 2020E earnings)."

Mahindra &amp; Mahindra (BUY): 
JM Financial said that slowing tractor growth and BS-VI transition pose near term challenges for the company. While near term challenges continue, valuation remains attractive. Pre-buy during 4QFY20 and successful BS-VI transition will be the key monitorables, the brokerage said. "Maintain BUY with a revised target price of INR725. Prolonged auto slowdown and weaker than anticipated monsoon are key risks."

Pidilite Industries (BUY):&nbsp; 
Edelweiss said Pidilite Industries’ (PIDI) Demand revival, entry in new markets/adjacent categories and anticipated demand shift from unorganised to organised players are envisaged to boost PIDI’s revenue and earnings. "As we roll forward we arrive at TP of INR1,486. At current market price, the stock is trading at 46x FY21E EPS. We maintain ‘BUY/SP’." 
 
Tata Steel (BUY): 
Tata Steel reported consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of Rs 55.3 billion, higher than JM Financial's estimate of Rs 53.5 billion, driven by out-performance in Indian operations. Its consolidated net debt witnessed an increase from Rs 949 billion at the end of March 2019 to Rs 1,030 billion reported in June 2019, driven by the acquisition of Usha Martin steel assets and IND AS 116 impact. The brokerage downward revise FY20/FY21 EBITDA/tonne to Rs 12,000 for Tata India and $45 for Corus (refer exhibits 5-8). "Tata Steel remains our preferred play given reduced exposure to Corus as operations get India heavy, consistent profitability contribution from Bhushan Steel and stabilising debt profile (potential deleveraging). Maintain BUY." 
 
HCL Technologies(BUY): 
JM Financial said that it expects the strong recovery in the organic revenue growth and clarity on the accounting/financial impact of the&nbsp; intellectual property (IP) acquisitions should help reverse the underperformance as against the Nifty IT Index in the recent period. "Maintain BUY with a revised target price of Rs 1,310 (INR 1,280 earlier)." 
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Edelweiss said that Lupin’s current valuation of 17.8x FY21E EPS – amid depressed earnings – offers an attractive entry point in its view.


Lupin, M&M to Tata Steel - Which stocks should you buy?

Spyne, an AI-based SaaS startup, which helps creative professionals such as photographers and corporations to leverage their content for business growth, has raised seed funding led by Smile group and other angel investors. The recent funding will be used to build deeper technology solutions to streamline and distribute massive offline content. 
 
The company is already working on a full spectrum of features - face detection, auto-tagging of millions of photos with relevant text to make them crawled by Google, and AI-based photo and video editing solution to reduce the edit time of projects from days to minutes, the startup said in a statement. 
 
The startup said that it has signed up more than 700 photographers in the last 10 months of launch and is looking to scale till 3000+ by the year-end. Spyne platform has enabled the photographers to share 10 million-plus images with their clients, generating 5000-plus favorable reviews for photographers, unprecedented in the domain. 
 
Launched in July 2018, Spyne is founded by Sanjay Kumar (IIT Kharagpur) and Deepti Prasad (Delhi School of Economics).&nbsp; 
 
“Our vision is to build a single platform for creative professionals, businesses and consumers across the globe to achieve their creative goals in the most effective manner. The digital photography industry is worth nearly $110B, with millions of photographers working as freelancers on various photography assignments, producing billions of images/videos every day. There is a huge scope of innovation in the ways how content is stored, edited and distributed to clients and social media platforms presently.” says Kumar. 
 
“The world speaks the language of visuals. Instagram’s growth is the biggest example. On one hand, you have creative professionals that require intuitive solutions to become more productive. At the other, you have businesses that need plenty of high-quality content to drive conversions.” says Deepti. 
 
Most of photographers still use DVDs and USBs to share their content with customers and some have moved onto cloud-based solutions but, can the photographers deliver personalised experiences to the people viewing the content? Can an AI solution understand the photographer’s subjective enhancements on the images and replicate the same over the photographer’s next batch of images? Spyne is exploring this route, said Deepti. 
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Spyne, an AI-based SaaS startup, which helps creative professionals such as photographers and corporations to leverage their content for business growth, has raised seed funding led by Smile group and other angel investors.&nbsp;


AI-based SaaS startup Spyne raises funds to build deeper technology solutions 

The increasing use of Artificial intelligence, Big Data and IoT devices are changing the pattern of the healthcare business. Neha Rastogi, co-founder and COO of Agatsa, in an email interview with Zee Business online, talked about various aspects of healthcare business and innovations in this space. 
 
Do you think Budget 2019 was successful in addressing problems faced by startups? 
The Budget did address some major areas including simplification of tax compliances and income tax scrutiny. Further, the provision of expanding PMKY by including cutting-edge skills like AI, analytics and 3D printing, etc. are welcome steps. These will not only enhance skill levels among the start-up workforce, but also empower them to become more competent on a global level. Agatsa is also a tech-enabled company and our devices are based on these modern technologies. Hence, there is definitely some promise in the budget for us.&nbsp;

What are the measures needed to provide affordable health care services? 
Access to affordable healthcare is something that needs to be addressed urgently in India. First and foremost, we must emphasise on providing universal healthcare services by increasing the budgetary allocation as a percentage of GDP. The establishment of the National Research Foundation is a positive step, but adequate emphasis must also be given on domestic medical device manufacturers and cutting-edge healthcare innovators. The governmental support for domestic innovators like us would bring down the dependency on imported healthcare equipment and also make the services more affordable for the masses. 
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Support must be given in the form of easy credit flow, promotion of universal health insurance, and towards addressing the lack of tax incentives for hospitals and private healthcare providers keen to increase capacity in existing facilities as well as setting up new ones. The government must also put in place a dedicated infrastructure and innovation fund. The Indian healthcare system is battling a shortage of resources and infrastructure and such steps are the need of the hour. 
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Tell us about what you do at Agatsa? What are your USPs? 
Driven by the gaps in early identification of cardiac issues and affordable and accessible cardiac care in India, Agatsa has focused on creating its first range of products to address the critical area of cardiac disease diagnosis and management. 
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Using our combined technological expertise in mobile and healthcare devices, we have created a solution that is ideal for preventive cardiac care -- portable, affordable, and easy-to-use ECG devices. Our first product was SanketLife 2.0 – the world’s first and smallest 12- LEAD device that is small enough to fit into a car Key chain. Despite the portability and ease of usage, the cutting-edge technology used in SanketLife 2.0 captures complete medical-grade, high quality 12 LEAD ECG data and HRV on the go. SanketLife 2.0 is a complete leadless ECG solution, hence anyone can take ECG anytime and anywhere without the need of sticking electrodes to the body and leads attached to it.

In the year 2018, we came up with SanketLife Pro+, a hybrid of Leadless and Lead-based medical grade 12-LEAD ECG primarily for those medical practitioners who can take the single lead, 6 lead and 12 lead ECGs with or with leads. The leads are especially helpful for patients who are unconscious or very old patients who cannot hold the leadless device stably.&nbsp; 
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The SanketLife devices simplify the process by letting an individual or a doctor, quickly and accurately measure the ECG at home or clinic by a sensor-based digital device and optionally connect with a doctor and get a doctor-verified analysis within 10 minutes. These devices are clinically proven to have more than 98% accuracy compared to traditional ECG devices and are user friendly. The ECG readings generated are digitally shared via Android or iOS platforms in real-time. 
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How technology is changing healthcare space? 
Artificial intelligence, Big Data and IoT devices have touched every domain in the world and it is gradually now making its presence felt in Healthcare also. With the use of these technologies, a vast change can be brought in healthcare landscape like remote health monitoring, prediction of the possibility of having a disease etc. Connected devices are also being used to connect to a doctor remotely using meaningful health data and helping him diagnose a disease with his intelligence augmented with artificial intelligence. 
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At Agatsa, we have been harnessing the potential of latest technology to create path-breaking wireless hand-held ECG devices which are IoT in nature and are connected to smartphone app, cloud and doctor’s platform. They provide medical-grade ECG reports anytime, anywhere and get reviewed by real doctor and algorithms within a matter of minutes. In a country where cardiovascular problems are the biggest killers among non-communicable diseases, such technological innovations are critical 
&nbsp;

What are your expansion plans? 
Agatsa is actively selling it’s devices and services through various online mediums in business-to-consumer (B2C) segments. Our devices are present on Amazon, sanketLife.in and Agatsa.com. We are also selling to business-tobusiness (B2B) segments like home healthcare companies, pharma companies and hospital chains. We have recently launched our hybrid ECG model called SanketLife Pro+ which can be used as a Leadless and also as a Lead-based ECG device to take 12-Leads of ECG with our new innovation called ‘SwitchSy’. This is a simple converter to be used on your pocket device and it converts leadless device to a lead-based in seconds. 
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We have plans to scale up our sales and operations in hospitals and clinics around India with this innovation in small cities and districts and also globally.&nbsp;

Cardiac care is expensive. So, do you have anything for the poor in your plan? 
Cardiac care is expensive when it is detected late and a procedure needs to be done. We are focussing on early detection and prevention or timely intervention rather than reactive treatment. Hence, SanketLife is also used for a community screening of underprivileged masses and helps in early detection of disease and reducing the financial burden on such people by timely intervention and proper management of the disease. Sudden cardiac death can impose a great financial burden on the whole family of deceased, SanketLife not only helps in right diagnosis at the right time but also remotely connect such patients to quality healthcare. 
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We have already deployed our devices in various PHCs of Rajasthan, Delhi and Tripura and we are constantly innovating to create more affordable and multi-utility devices in this sector.&nbsp; 
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What is India’s role in handling cardiac care? Compare the situation with global scenario. 
According to estimates, about half of all fatalities happen due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. Between 2005 and 2017, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVDs) grew at a CAGR of 9.2 percent and the conditions impacts 24.8 percent of all 25-to-69-year-olds in the country. Between 2005 to 2015, India lost $236 billion cumulatively due to heart disease, stroke and diabetes. On the global scale, CVDs caused 17.9 million deaths in 2016 which is 31% of the total deaths caused by NCDs all over the world. 
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In India, healthcare is now moving from the curative model to a preventive one. The healthcare industry is also tailoring its offerings according to the demands of the hour. Wearable and portable devices help us keep track of vital statistics including blood pressure, ECG, blood sugar, etc.&nbsp; 
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Regulating medical devices sector is a ‘priority’ in Health Ministry’s five-year plan. Your views. 
Indian medical devices regulations are undergoing drastic changes and for the better. Until now, only a few ‘invasive’ medical devices were only regulated which left innovators like us to have innovated ‘ non invasive’ ‘ diagnostic’ devices, in dark. The need of the hour is to promote innovation and development of devices and technologies that suit the Indian market conditions and are capable of providing affordable universal healthcare in the country.&nbsp;

What are the job opportunities&nbsp;in this industry? 
The healthcare and health-tech industry in India presents an immense potential to offer job opportunities. India being a land of innovators and technical experts, opportunities are immense in fields of high-tech medical devices and services. With technology venturing into healthcare field, electronics engineers, software developers, data scientists and bio-medical engineers have great career options in our industry in coming times.&nbsp; 
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The Budget did address some major areas including simplification of tax compliances and income tax scrutiny. Further, the provision of expanding PMKY by including cutting-edge skills like AI, analytics and 3D printing, etc. are welcome steps.


Artificial intelligence, Big Data, IoT changing healthcare biz: Neha Rastogi of Agatsa

Indian Institute of Technology Mandi’s technology business incubator Catalyst has invited application from startups for the third edition of its annual flagship event - Himalayan Startup Trek (HST).&nbsp; The event; to be held on September 14 and September 15t, 2019; will have about 30 speakers and 50 startups from across the country.&nbsp; IIT Mandi Catalyst will pick handful of startups with innovative ideas and provide incubation support. The shortlisted candidates will get Rs 16.5 lakh grant and investment through an on-campus residential program from IIT Mandi Catalyst.&nbsp;

Along with the budding entrepreneurs, it will be an opportunity for corporate and government organisations to join hands with IIT Mandi Catalyst and support initiatives that will benefit the society at large. Startups, innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs can apply for participation in the programme to pitch during this event and get an opportunity to meet investors/experts one-on-one. The last date to apply for the participation in the event is August 31, 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The event aims at bringing together the stakeholders of Indian Startup ecosystem and providing a platform to young entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas for incubation support and to raise funding from investors," said an IIT Mandi statement. Startup founders can fill in the application through the event website.

In the past two years, IIT Mandi Catalyst has disbursed over Rs 1 crore in grants and investments to more than 30 startups, out of which 16 are from Himachal Pradesh. Of these, four startups have progressed into the commercialisation phase. These startups have generated more than 60 employment and internship opportunities, it said.

Himalayan Startup Trek 2019, Puran Singh, Faculty In-Charge, IIT Mandi Catalyst, said, “HST 2019 is an event that is diligently curated to benefit the early stage startups. Entrepreneur-Talks, Tech talks and dedicated one to one time with startup experts will help shape the ideas of budding entrepreneurs. We invite startups from across the country to experience first-hand the startup ecosystem that IIT Mandi is building in the hills.”&nbsp;

The event will feature a portfolio of speakers ranging from experienced and young entrepreneurs, commercial investors to social impact investors, and technology experts and business experts. Early-Stage startups will learn about the fundamental aspects of running a business. Operational startups which already have some experience will get an opportunity to meet investors. Startups will also have a chance to interact with government officials and industry experts. 
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Indian Institute of Technology Mandi’s technology business incubator Catalyst has invited application from startups for the third edition of its annual flagship event - Himalayan Startup Trek (HST).&nbsp;&nbsp;


Bivekananda Biswas