Stocks to buy: From Coal India to JSW Energy, Axis Direct bets on these 5 stocks as India’s power demand heats up The brokerage firm Axis Direct has maintained Buy ratings on five power sector stocks, including Coal India, JSW Energy, and NTPC, citing strong demand, weather-related risks, and infrastructure expansion as key drivers. The analysis highlights the impact of El Niño conditions, which could intensify through fiscal year 2027, and the role of transmission network growth in supporting the sector. Axis Direct also noted that peak power demand in India is projected to rise significantly, with a forecast of around 270 gigawatts this summer, up from the previous all-time high of 250 gigawatts. The report emphasized that rising temperatures and geopolitical tensions are creating a volatile energy environment, which is boosting demand for thermal power generation. With El Niño potentially leading to hotter summers, cooling demand is expected to surge, while weaker monsoon conditions could reduce hydroelectric output. This combination is likely to increase reliance on thermal power producers and coal suppliers. Transmission capacity additions, including 1,895 ckm and 12,545 MVA of new infrastructure in February 2026, are also seen as a positive factor for the sector. Axis Direct’s analysis pointed to structural demand strength in India’s electricity market, with peak power demand reaching 245 gigawatts in January 2026. While this is slightly lower than the 250 gigawatt peak recorded in May 2024, the firm attributed the moderation to seasonal factors rather than a decline in underlying demand. The brokerage also highlighted a policy signal from the Minister of State for Power, which projected a 270 gigawatt peak for this summer, representing an 8% increase over the previous record.#coal_india #jsw_energy #axis_direct #ntpc #skipper
Power Stocks Surge Amid Rising Demand and Summer Outlook Shares of major power companies saw significant gains in early trading on Friday, March 13, driven by increased investor interest and expectations of heightened power demand. The sector's performance followed a 2.5% rise in the previous trading session, with several stocks climbing between 1% and 6%. Notable performers included NTPC Green Energy, Adani Power, JSW Energy, and Tata Power, though some stocks later dipped as the broader Indian stock market experienced a sharp decline. NTPC Green Energy led the pack, surging 6.5% on the day, while Adani Power rose 3.5% after a 6% gain the prior day. JSW Energy shares climbed 2%, contributing to a 6% total gain in the last trade. Coal India and NTPC also saw marginal gains, hitting fresh 52-week highs on the BSE before stabilizing. The surge in power stocks is attributed to the peak power demand observed in March and the anticipation of a challenging summer season. According to a report by JM Financial, evening power demand reached 224.6 gigawatts (GW) on March 10, the highest recorded for the month, with a 7% year-on-year increase. During non-solar hours, renewable energy, hydro, gas, and coal sources operated at utilization rates of 67%, 28%, 87%, and 95%, respectively. Analysts note potential supply gaps in gas and hydro, which could lead to higher plant load factors (PLFs) for thermal utilities and the coal supply chain. The report also highlights geopolitical tensions, which may result in persistently high liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices and intense summer conditions, pushing coal-fired generation to meet evening demand.#tata_power #coal_india #adani_power #jsw_energy #ntpc_green_energy
Adani Power, Tata Power, Coal India shares surge over 7% as market expert highlights strategic buying opportunities Shares of Adani Power Ltd, Tata Power Company Ltd, and Coal India Ltd saw significant gains on Thursday, with the stocks rising by up to 7% during the trading session. Market expert Kiran Jani, Head of Technical Research at Jainam Broking, analyzed the performance of the three stocks, citing favorable factors such as the onset of early summer and growing concerns over the oil and gas sector. Jani emphasized that the stocks appear attractive for investors, particularly in the context of rising energy demand and geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets. He recommended a "buy-on-dips" strategy for both Tata Power and Adani Power, suggesting that investors should consider entering at key support levels while maintaining strict stop-loss measures. For Coal India, Jani noted that the stock looks promising at current prices, with a major support zone around the Rs 400–420 range. He predicted that the stock could potentially rise to Rs 500 in the coming period, provided it holds above the support levels. Investors are advised to monitor the stock closely and adjust their positions based on market movements. On Tata Power, Jani highlighted the Rs 390–380 range as an accumulation zone, urging traders to keep a stop loss below Rs 370. If the stock maintains its position above Rs 370, he expects it to move toward Rs 410–420 in the short term. For Adani Power, the major support lies around Rs 130–135, with the potential for the stock to rise to Rs 160–170 if it breaks through key resistance levels. The stock price movements were reflected in the market data, with Adani Power shares closing at Rs 149.10, up 7.38%, Coal India ending at Rs 470.15, a 5.34% increase, and Tata Power settling at Rs 402.#tata_power #coal_india #adani_power #kiran_jani #jainam_broking
Top Stocks to Buy: Stock Recommendations for March 16, 2026 Week Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd has recommended Coal India and State Bank of India (SBI) as the top stock picks for the week starting March 16, 2026. Coal India is highlighted for its strong position in the evolving global and domestic coal market. Rising liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices and constrained global gas supply are driving utilities to shift from gas-based power generation to coal, which is expected to boost coal demand and pricing. The recent rise in coal prices is beneficial for realizations, particularly in the e-auction segment, which typically offers higher margins compared to long-term fuel supply agreements. Additionally, India’s growing electricity demand and continued reliance on coal for baseload power are projected to sustain strong off-take from the power sector. Coal India’s low-cost production base, improving realizations from non-FSA and washed coal sales, and robust free cash flow generation support its resilient balance sheet and stable earnings outlook. State Bank of India is recommended for its strategic advantage in the credit market, with systemic loan growth exceeding 13% and management projecting strong credit growth ahead. The bank’s healthy retail, small and medium enterprise (SME), and corporate segments, combined with stable deposit funding and controlled repricing, are expected to drive a sustainable 14% loan compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over FY26–28. Margin resilience and operating leverage underpin a positive profitability outlook. Domestic net interest margins (NIMs) are targeted above 3%, with a stable cost-to-income trend. The bank also benefits from easing funding costs and improving fee income.#coal_india #e_auction #motilal_oswal_financial_services_ltd #state_bank_of_india #the_times_of_india
Coal India shares rise 4%, emerge as top Nifty gainer amid West Asia crisis: Here's why Coal India shares surged 4% on Wednesday, becoming the top performer in the Nifty 50 index amid growing concerns over the impact of the West Asia crisis on energy markets. The rise in the stock's value has sparked speculation about the broader implications of geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly as global energy prices remain volatile. Analysts suggest that the crisis has heightened demand for reliable energy sources, positioning Coal India as a critical player in the global coal supply chain. The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring energy security, stating it is fully prepared to address any sudden increase in coal demand. Officials noted that the country's coal reserves stand at approximately 210 million tonnes, sufficient to meet requirements for about 88 days. This level of stockpiling is seen as a strategic move to mitigate potential disruptions in supply chains, especially in light of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has raised concerns about the stability of regional energy exports. The surge in Coal India's shares has also been attributed to improved operational efficiency and cost management strategies implemented by the company. Recent reports indicate that the firm has successfully reduced production costs while maintaining output levels, making it more attractive to investors. Additionally, the government's focus on expanding coal-based power generation has further bolstered investor confidence in the sector. Market observers highlight that the West Asia crisis has created an environment of uncertainty, prompting investors to seek out stocks with strong fundamentals and government backing.#government #nifty_50 #west_asia_crisis #coal_india #coal_reserves
Energy shares gain in weak markets amid crude spike; Nifty Energy up 2% Shares of energy-related stocks saw significant gains on Thursday as crude oil prices rose, despite broader market weakness. The NSE Energy index, which tracks 40 energy sector stocks, surged by 2.14% to reach an intraday high of 36,914. This outperformed the benchmark Nifty50 index, which fell by 0.51% to 23,746. Thirty-four of the 40 energy stocks in the index closed in positive territory, while six ended lower. Adani Total Gas led the gains with a 9.52% rise, followed by NLC India and JSW Energy, both up around 8%. Other notable performers included Adani Power, Reliance Power, Jaiprakash Power Ventures, BHEL, Torrent Power, and Tata Power, all climbing over 5%. Coal India rose nearly 4%, and NTPC gained nearly 2%. Adani Green Energy also climbed about 2%, while Reliance Industries, India’s largest company by market cap, rose 1.29%. In contrast, several energy stocks fell, including Oil India, ONGC, GE Vernova T&D India, Power India, Siemens Energy India, and Thermax, which dropped up to 3%. The government stated that coal stocks in the country are sufficient to meet demand, with coal production and supply exceeding consumption this year. It reported that coal stocks at thermal power plants and mines totaled around 210 million tonnes, enough for 88 days. The Ministry of Coal highlighted that 6 million tonnes of coal are available at Singareni Collieries, over 15 million tonnes at commercial mines, and 14 million tonnes in transit. Thermal power plants held 54 million tonnes of coal, sufficient for 24 days at current consumption rates. The ministry also noted a 14% increase in coal supply to the non-regulated sector compared to the previous year.#adani_total_gas #coal_india #adani_power #jsw_energy #nifty_energy
Coal India rises after foreign brokerage raises target price Coal India's stock climbed 1.27% to Rs 449.05 following a foreign brokerage's decision to increase its target price for the stock to Rs 485. The brokerage cited reasonable valuations and improved earnings prospects as key factors behind the move. The firm expects Coal India's earnings to grow at a compound annual rate of 9% over the next three fiscal years (FY26-FY28), driven by higher e-auction premiums, rising dispatch volumes, and a recovery in power demand. The brokerage also revised its earnings estimates for FY26-FY28, raising them by 1% to 4%. This adjustment factors in stronger e-auction realizations, with dispatch volumes projected to grow at a 5% annual rate. Total dispatches are expected to rise from approximately 735 million tonnes in FY26 to around 810 million tonnes by FY28. The report highlighted the potential for a rebound in electricity consumption, particularly amid forecasts of intense summer conditions and weaker monsoon patterns, which could lead to higher power demand. The brokerage noted that rising international coal prices are positively impacting domestic e-auction premiums, further supporting Coal India's financial outlook. The company maintains a dominant position in India's coal market, accounting for about 60% of the country's total coal demand and nearly 75% of domestic coal production. The brokerage emphasized that Coal India remains an attractive investment due to its strong balance sheet, net cash position, and consistent dividend payouts. The state-owned company is primarily engaged in coal mining and production, with major consumers in the power and steel sectors. Other sectors, such as cement, fertilizers, and brick kilns, also rely on its coal supply. On a consolidated basis, Coal India's net profit fell 15.#power_demand #coal_india #e_auction #foreign_brokerage #steel_sector
Coal India shares gain as Jefferies turns bullish, JM Financial maintains cautious view Shares of Coal India rose 2 per cent in early trade on Wednesday, driven by renewed buying interest and positive commentary from brokerage firms. The stock traded at ₹448.05 on the NSE at 11.24 am, having climbed to an intraday high of ₹451.80 compared with the previous close of ₹443.55. The stock had previously reached its 52-week high of ₹461.55 on January 29, 2026. Global brokerage Jefferies maintained a buy rating on Coal India and raised its target price to ₹485 from ₹450, citing improving earnings visibility and favorable demand conditions. The firm noted that after a 21 per cent earnings per share decline over FY24–26E, the company’s earnings trajectory is expected to improve with a 9 per cent compound annual growth rate over FY26–28. Jefferies highlighted a recovery in power demand, driven by expectations of an intense summer and weak rainfall, which is likely to support higher coal volumes. It also pointed to firm global coal prices potentially improving e-auction realisations for the company. Despite a steady rise in captive coal production, Coal India has retained its dominant 60 per cent share in India’s overall coal demand. The company’s long-term demand outlook remains intact, with plans for annual growth of about 5 per cent over the medium term. Domestic brokerage JM Financial, however, maintained a more cautious stance after meeting the company’s management. The firm noted that both fuel supply agreement prices and e-auction prices have stabilised after recent surges and are expected to remain steady, barring temporary spikes due to supply-side constraints. Early trials aimed at replacing imported coal, which accounts for an annual requirement of 40–45 million tonnes, with domestic supplies have shown encouraging results.#nse #jefferies #coal_india #jm_financial #coal_demand
Jefferies raises Coal India target price, says valuation reasonable The brokerage firm Jefferies has increased its target price for Coal India, citing a reasonable valuation and improved earnings outlook. The firm raised its FY26–28 earnings estimates by 1–4%, driven by higher e-auction premiums and a modest recovery in dispatch volumes. Jefferies noted that Coal India’s earnings trajectory is expected to improve, with a projected 9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next three fiscal years, following a 21% decline in earnings per share (EPS) over FY24–26E. The analysis highlights a potential revival in profitability as power demand and realisations recover. Jefferies models dispatch volumes to grow at a 5% CAGR over FY26–28, with total dispatches rising from 735 million tonnes in FY26E to 810 million tonnes in FY28E. The firm expects Coal India to benefit from a rebound in electricity consumption, supported by forecasts of intense summer conditions and a higher probability of weak monsoons. It noted that subdued power demand had previously constrained dispatches, with volumes rising just 1% year-on-year in FY25 and declining 3% in 11MFY26. However, Jefferies believes this trend should reverse as structural demand for power strengthens. On pricing, the firm highlighted higher international coal prices as a near-term positive for domestic e-auction realisations. Global thermal coal benchmarks have risen about 16% over the past week, and Jefferies is incorporating an e-auction premium of 63–69% over linkage coal for 4QFY26–FY28, compared to a long-term average of 76%. The report noted that e-auction volumes account for approximately 10% of Coal India’s total dispatches.#jefferies #coal_india #nntp #e_auction #fy26
Adani Green Energy shares fell 6% on March 2 after Norway's $1.2-trillion sovereign wealth fund, Norges Bank, excluded the company from its portfolio citing concerns over alleged links to financial crime. The decision followed a similar exclusion of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd in May 2024, which the fund attributed to "unacceptable risk" of contributing to serious human rights violations in conflict zones. Norges Bank provided no specific details about the alleged misconduct tied to Adani Green Energy, though it previously excluded other Indian firms like Coal India and ONGC for issues ranging from environmental damage to tobacco production. The exclusion came as Adani Green Energy's shares traded 6.4% lower at Rs 886.65, despite domestic mutual funds having increased their stake in the company 10 times since 2025. Mutual funds now hold 3% of AGEL's shares, up from 0.3%, according to market data. The fund's decision contrasts with its historical performance, as Norges Bank has delivered a 6% annualized return since 1998, one of the lowest in the global investment landscape. Norges Bank's exclusion of Adani Green Energy aligns with its broader strategy of avoiding companies linked to "gross corruption or other serious financial crime." The fund, which manages over $43.9 million in AGEL shares, has also excluded firms like Walmart, Boeing, and Philip Morris for ethical and legal reasons. Meanwhile, Adani Ports, previously excluded in 2024, saw its stock rise 18% since the decision, highlighting the mixed market reaction to such exclusions. The move underscores growing scrutiny of corporate conduct, particularly in sectors like energy and infrastructure.#ongc #coal_india #adani_green_energy #norges_bank #adani_ports
