Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) witnessed a notable rise in its stock price during Thursday's trading session, surging by 5% and hitting its upper circuit limit of ₹56.47. This recent uptick in MTNL shares reflects a substantial year-to-date (YTD) growth of 69.94%.
The surge follows MTNL's announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NBCC (India) Ltd., a significant development for investors looking to invest in stocks with potential.
MTNL and NBCC sign MOU for new project
MTNL disclosed in an exchange filing that it has entered into a partnership with NBCC (India) Ltd. to develop a prime land parcel in Janakpuri, New Delhi. This 13.88-acre plot, located on Pankha Road, will be transformed into a state-of-the-art residential and commercial complex.
The collaboration between MTNL and NBCC, two renowned public sector enterprises, is expected to leverage their combined expertise to unlock the value of the property and create new opportunities for investors seeking to invest in stocks linked to infrastructure development.
High trading volume as MTNL gains momentum
Thursday's trading session saw increased investor interest in MTNL shares, with around 10.90 lakh shares traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), exceeding the two-week average of 8.97 lakh shares. The stock's turnover amounted to ₹6.13 crore, boosting MTNL's market capitalisation to ₹3,557.61 crore.
The rising volume and growing market interest in the stock indicate a favourable time to invest in stocks, particularly in the telecom and real estate sectors, as MTNL's strategic moves fuel optimism.
MTNL stock performance: Moving averages and indicators
MTNL's stock is trading above several key moving averages, including the 5-day, 100-day, 150-day, and 200-day simple moving averages (SMA). However, it remains below the 10-day, 20-day, 30-day, and 50-day SMAs.
The stock's 14-day relative strength index (RSI) stands at 41.92, suggesting it is in neutral territory. With such technical indicators, investors who wish to invest in stocks should keep a close eye on MTNL's performance for potential buying opportunities as the company continues to make strategic business moves.
Financial metrics and recent developments
MTNL's financials reflect a negative price-to-equity (P/E) ratio of 1.05 and a price-to-book (P/B) value of (-) 0.14. The company's earnings per share (EPS) stand at (-) 51.30, with a return on equity (RoE) of 13.66%.
Despite recent losses, MTNL's narrowing net loss to ₹773.5 crore for the June quarter, compared to ₹851.9 crore in the same period last year, indicates improved performance. These metrics, coupled with the company's recent initiatives, present an intriguing prospect for those planning to invest in stocks with a long-term view.
MTNL's strategic moves: BSNL agreement and share sale
In addition to the NBCC partnership, MTNL's board recently approved a 10-year service agreement with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL), further strengthening its operational capabilities. This agreement may enhance MTNL's revenue streams and operational efficiency, making it a more attractive option for investors who want to invest in stocks related to the telecom sector.
Additionally, MTNL is moving forward with plans to sell its shares in its overseas subsidiary, Mahanagar Telephone (Mauritius) Ltd., following guidelines from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). These strategic initiatives are likely to bolster MTNL's financial position and offer opportunities for growth.
MTNL's legacy and shareholding structure
Established as a Navratna company in 1997, MTNL holds a significant place in India's telecom sector. As per its website, MTNL's authorised capital stands at ₹800 crore, with a paid-up share capital of ₹630 crore, divided into 63 crore shares of ₹10 each.
The Indian government holds 56.25% of MTNL's equity shares, while the remaining 43.75% are owned by foreign institutional investors (FIIs), financial institutions, banks, mutual funds, and other individual investors. This diverse shareholding structure highlights the potential for growth, making MTNL a viable option for those considering how to invest in stocks with strong government backing.
Is it time to invest in MTNL?
With MTNL's recent MOU with NBCC and its strategic agreements, the company is poised for growth in both the telecom and infrastructure sectors. For investors looking to invest in stocks with potential long-term returns, MTNL offers a promising opportunity.
The company's stock performance, coupled with its ongoing projects, suggests a positive outlook for future gains. As always, it is advisable to consider market conditions and individual investment goals before making any decisions to invest in stocks.