Top Stocks in Focus: Wipro, M&M, Bajaj Auto, Axis Bank, Lupin, Tata Communications, and Jio Financial Services
July 18, 2025 – The Indian stock market is witnessing notable movements as several key stocks capture investor attention ahead of trading on Friday. Amid a backdrop of weak earnings from banking and IT heavyweight sectors causing benchmark indices to settle lower on Thursday, several companies have released quarterly updates, corporate actions, and strategic announcements that are expected to influence market sentiment.
Market Snapshot
On Thursday, major indices declined on the back of disappointing first-quarter results from prominent sectors. The BSE Sensex dropped by 375.24 points, or 0.45%, closing at 82,259.24, while the NSE Nifty 50 fell by 100.60 points, or 0.40%, ending at 25,111.45. This market mood sets the stage for a watchful eye on stocks scheduled for news updates on Friday, July 18. Key Stocks in News
Wipro
Wipro, a leading IT solutions provider, reported a 9.9% year-on-year (YoY) increase in net profit to Rs 3,336.5 crore for the June 2025 quarter. Revenue showed modest growth, inching up 0.8% YoY to Rs 22,134.6 crore. The company also announced an interim dividend of Rs 5 per share, signaling confidence in shareholder returns.
Bajaj Auto
The two-wheeler manufacturer’s subsidiary, Bajaj Auto Credit, received board approval for enhanced financing limits. These include a non-convertible debenture (NCD) issuance limit raised to Rs 5,000 crore, an increased commercial paper issuance ceiling of Rs 3,000 crore, and a subordinated debt (Tier-2) limit up to Rs 750 crore. These measures are aimed at bolstering the company’s financial flexibility.
Axis Bank
India’s private banking giant Axis Bank reported a 3.8% YoY decline in net profit, which stood at Rs 5,806.1 crore for Q1 FY26. Net interest income saw a slight uptick of 0.8% to Rs 13,559.8 crore. However, the bank’s provisions surged sharply by 93.6% to Rs 3,947.7 crore, accompanied by increases in both gross and net non-performing assets (NPAs), reflecting asset quality pressures.
Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M)
The automaker approved participation in the rights issue of its logistics arm, Mahindra Logistics. M&M confirmed its intent to subscribe to equity shares equivalent to its rights entitlement and potentially to additional and unsubscribed shares at Rs 277 per share. Mahindra Logistics had earlier sanctioned a rights issue aggregating Rs 749 crore to support business expansion.
Jio Financial Services
The Reliance Group’s financial arm posted a net profit increase of 3.8% YoY to Rs 324.7 crore in the June quarter. Revenue surged 46.6% YoY, reaching Rs 612.5 crore, underscoring strong top-line momentum as the company scales its financial services portfolio.
Lupin
The pharmaceutical company disclosed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) completed inspections at its Pithampur Unit-3 and Unit-2 manufacturing facilities between July 7-17. The inspections resulted in the issuance of Form 483s with three and four observations respectively. Lupin is expected to address these observations to ensure compliance and maintain product approvals.
LTIMindTree
The IT services and consulting firm reported a 10.6% YoY rise in net profit to Rs 1,254 crore for the quarter ending June 30, 2025. Revenue increased 7.6% YoY to Rs 9,840.6 crore, while Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) rose 2.6% to Rs 1,506.5 crore. However, EBIT margins contracted to 14.3%, indicating margin pressures despite topline growth.
Tata Communications
The Tata Group telecom company registered a substantial 42.9% YoY decline in net profit to Rs 190.1 crore, despite a 6.6% YoY rise in revenue to Rs 5,960 crore. The board has approved a fundraising plan via the issuance of NCDs worth up to Rs 10,000 crore to strengthen its capital base and support growth initiatives.
Additional Corporate Moves
Dodla Dairy announced the acquisition of Osam Dairy, a premium East Indian dairy player, for Rs 271 crore. The transaction is expected to bolster Dodla’s regional presence and product portfolio in the dairy sector.
Tracxn Technologies revised its share buyback offer by increasing the buyback price from Rs 70 to Rs 75 per share while reducing the maximum number of shares being repurchased to 10.67 lakh shares, about 0.99% of total equity.
IndoStar Capital Finance completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary Niwas Housing Finance to Witkopeend BV, affiliated with global private equity firm BPEA EQT, for Rs 1,705.95 crore. Proceeds will be deployed to accelerate core business growth.
Veranda Learning Solutions embarked on a qualified institutions placement (QIP) issue starting July 17, with a floor price set at Rs 236.92 per share, aiming to raise capital for expansion.
Looking Ahead
With several companies reporting first-quarter earnings and initiating strategic corporate actions, investors have multiple factors to gauge. While some sectors grapple with profitability and asset quality challenges, others are embarking on fundraising and expansion plans, reflecting a mixed but dynamic market landscape.
Investors are advised to stay informed and consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions.
Published by Smart Money Mindset on July 18, 2025.