Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL), India's largest government-owned electrical industrial technology company, has captured the attention of investors with its recent stock movements. After a sharp correction following its quarterly earnings, the stock has now moved out of its consolidation phase, prompting several analysts to see a potential rebound. However, risks remain, making it an intriguing prospect for share market investment.
Technical analysis: Optimism for short-term gains
BHEL's stock has seen a staggering rise of nearly 500% over the past 20 months, despite a recent 21% correction from its 52-week high of Rs 335.40 in July 2024. LKP Securities is among the brokerage firms optimistic about BHEL, noting that the stock has broken out of its consolidation in the 2-hour timeframe. It has also gained momentum after finding support at the lower band of its falling channel. The Relative Strength Index (RSI), a key momentum indicator, shows a bullish crossover, further fueling optimism.
LKP Securities has predicted that BHEL could reach Rs 288 in the short term. However, a drop below Rs 254 could push the stock back into consolidation. Investors are encouraged to buy around the Rs 268 level, as shares were trading at Rs 267.75 on Wednesday. With a market capitalisation of over Rs 93,000 crore, BHEL continues to be a significant player in the share market investment landscape.
Fundamental outlook: Mixed signals
While technical analysts are positive, the company's fundamentals have shown some weaknesses. BHEL's Q1 results for 2024 revealed weaker-than-expected execution and profitability, contributing to a profit-booking phase. The company reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 211.40 crore in the June quarter despite revenue from operations increasing by 9.6% to Rs 5,845 crore. As of April 1, BHEL had an order book of Rs 1,31,600 crore, signalling strong prospects.
Antique Stock Broking has maintained a bullish stance, giving BHEL a target price of Rs 365 with a 'buy' rating. On the other hand, Kotak Institutional Equities has taken a more cautious approach, issuing a 'sell' rating with a target price of Rs 100, suggesting substantial downside risk.
A stock to watch
BHEL's technical rebound and mixed fundamental outlook make it a compelling choice for investors. While the potential for gains is evident, the risks of further consolidation should not be ignored. Investors need to monitor key levels and consider expert advice when making decisions about their portfolios.