Stock market recommendations: Coal India, and State Bank of India (SBI) are the top stock recommendations by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd for this week starting March 16, 2026.
| Stock name | CMP (Rs) | TP (Rs) | UPSIDE (%) |
| Coal India | 467 | 520 | 11% |
| SBI | 1047 | 1300 | 24% |
Coal IndiaCoal India remains well positioned to benefit from improving global and domestic coal market dynamics. Elevated LNG prices and tight global gas supply are prompting utilities to shift from gas-based generation toward coal, supporting stronger coal demand and pricing. The recent increase in coal prices is positive for realizations, particularly in the e-auction segment, which typically commands higher margins than long-term fuel supply agreements. At the same time, India’s rising electricity demand and continued reliance on coal for baseload power generation are expected to sustain robust offtake from the power sector. With a structurally low-cost production base, improving realizations from non-FSA and washed coal sales, and strong free cash flow generation, Coal India continues to maintain a resilient balance sheet and stable earnings visibility.State Bank of India SBI is strategically positioned to benefit from sustained broad‑based credit demand, with systemic loan growth above ~13% and management guiding for strong credit growth ahead. Healthy retail, SME and corporate segments, plus stable deposit funding and calibrated repricing, support a sustainable ~14% loan CAGR over FY26–28E. Margin resilience and operating leverage underpin a constructive profitability outlook. With domestic NIMs targeted above 3% and a stable cost‑to‑income trend, SBI stands to benefit from easing funding costs and improving fee income trajectory. Asset quality metrics remain healthy with benign credit costs, reinforcing earnings quality. Valuation and earnings delivery are supported by diversified subsidiaries and balance‑sheet strength, with improving capital cushions and risk discipline. We raise earnings by ~3%/4.3% for FY27/28E, with FY27E RoA/RoE of ~1.1%/15.9% with premium multiples given strong medium‑term growth visibility.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)
