Article Body
Stocks to Watch Today: January 2, 2026 — Banking, Auto, Pharma and PSU Counters in Focus
India's quick-service restaurant arena ignited with a seismic shift as two powerhouse franchise operators announced a bold union. The deal positions the combined entity as the dominant force behind iconic global brands in the world's fastest-expanding consumer market. Announced late on a crisp January 1 evening, the transaction promises streamlined operations and amplified scale at a pivotal moment when urban appetites crave speed and flavor.
South Indian Bank
Strong Q3 Business Update Lifts Sentiment
South Indian Bank enters focus after releasing a robust business update for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, reinforcing confidence around its operational turnaround.
-
Gross advances grew 11.27% year-on-year to ₹96,765 crore
-
Total deposits rose 12.17% year-on-year, signaling steady traction across liability products
The numbers reflect improving loan demand, particularly in retail and MSME segments, while deposit growth above system average suggests strengthening customer confidence. Market participants will also assess how this growth translates into net interest margins (NIMs) and asset quality trends when detailed financials are released.
For a bank that has spent recent years stabilising its balance sheet, this update positions South Indian Bank as a recovery-driven banking play heading into CY2026.
Hyundai Motor India
Export Momentum Offsets Flat Domestic Demand
Hyundai Motor India reported December 2025 sales data that highlights the growing importance of exports in its overall strategy.
-
Total sales: 58,702 units (+6.6% YoY)
-
Domestic sales: Marginal growth of 0.5% YoY
-
Exports: Jumped 26.5% YoY, driving headline growth
While domestic volumes remained largely flat amid high interest rates and competitive pressure in the passenger vehicle space, the sharp rise in exports underscores Hyundai’s increasing global integration and demand for India-made models overseas.
Investors will closely track whether export-led growth can continue in CY2026 and how it impacts margins, especially in a volatile currency environment.
Hero MotoCorp
Blockbuster December Sales Reinforce Revival Narrative
Hero MotoCorp delivered one of the most striking updates of the season, reporting a massive 40% year-on-year jump in total sales for December 2025.
-
Total sales: 4.56 lakh units
-
December 2024 sales: 3.25 lakh units
The sharp rebound reflects improving rural demand, festive season momentum, and stabilising input costs. Analysts will also watch for traction in premium motorcycles and electric mobility initiatives, which are critical for Hero’s medium-term growth.
With volume recovery now visible, the focus shifts to market share sustainability and profitability metrics in the upcoming quarters.
TVS Motor Company
Record-Breaking Quarter Strengthens Growth Outlook
TVS Motor Company remains firmly on investors’ radar after reporting exceptional sales performance.
-
December 2025 monthly sales: 4.81 lakh units (50% YoY growth)
-
Q3 FY26: Highest-ever quarterly sales in the company’s history
The company continues to benefit from strong execution across scooters, motorcycles, and electric vehicles. Its consistent export growth and expanding EV portfolio are reinforcing its positioning as one of the most agile players in the two-wheeler space.
Market participants may view TVS as a structural growth story rather than a cyclical trade, particularly as electric adoption accelerates.
RailTel Corporation of India
New Order Win Kicks Off 2026 Positively
RailTel Corporation of India started the new calendar year with a fresh order win, announcing receipt of a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from the Assam Health Infrastructure Development & Management Society (AHIDMS).
The order strengthens RailTel’s presence in the digital infrastructure and government technology services space. Investors typically track such wins for visibility into future revenue pipelines, particularly for PSU technology companies where order inflows are a key valuation driver.
RailTel’s expanding role in healthcare digitisation and public sector connectivity projects could remain a theme through FY26.
Aurobindo Pharma
Regulatory Update and Major Acquisition in Spotlight
Aurobindo Pharma is expected to see heightened activity following two significant developments.
1. USFDA Inspection Outcome
-
Subsidiary Apitoria Pharma (Unit-V) received a Form 483 with three procedural observations
-
Inspection conducted between December 1–12, 2025
While Form 483 observations are not uncommon, investors will assess their severity and the company’s remediation timeline, given the importance of the US market.
2. Strategic Acquisition Completed
-
Acquisition of the non-oncology prescription business of Khandelwal Laboratories
-
Deal value: ₹3,250 crore
-
Completion date: January 1, 2026
The acquisition strengthens Aurobindo’s domestic formulations portfolio and provides scale in branded generics, balancing regulatory risks with growth opportunities.
Time Technoplast
Regulatory Approvals Open New Growth Avenue
Time Technoplast gained attention after securing approvals from PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization) and TÜV Rheinland.
-
Approval for manufacturing high-pressure Type-3 composite cylinders
-
Capacity: 2-litre, designed for compressed gas applications
This development positions the company to tap into emerging opportunities in industrial gases, alternative fuels, and clean energy storage solutions. Over the medium term, such specialised manufacturing capabilities could support margin expansion and diversification beyond traditional packaging segments.
Multi Commodity Exchange of India
Stock Trades Ex-Split Today
MCX will be watched closely as it trades ex-split on January 2, 2026.
-
Stock split ratio: 5:1
-
Face value: Reduced from ₹10 to ₹2
-
Record date: January 2, 2026
While a stock split does not change fundamentals, it improves liquidity and makes the stock more accessible to retail investors. Short-term price adjustments are expected, but long-term focus remains on volumes, regulatory clarity, and product innovation at the exchange.
Market Outlook: What Investors Will Track
As markets reopen after the holiday period, traders and long-term investors alike will focus on:
-
Sustainability of sales-led recoveries in auto and two-wheeler stocks
-
Asset quality and growth trends in banking counters
-
Regulatory signals in pharma
-
Order inflows and execution visibility for PSU and mid-cap names
The diversity of triggers on display today highlights how earnings momentum and corporate actions are setting the tone for early 2026 trading.
Conclusion
January 2, 2026, presents a well-rounded list of stocks to watch, reflecting India’s evolving economic landscape. From banks showing balance-sheet strength and auto companies riding sales momentum to pharma firms balancing risk and expansion, the day’s developments offer meaningful cues for portfolio positioning. As the year unfolds, these names could play a pivotal role in shaping sectoral leadership on Dalal Street.
Comments