Stocks to Watch: RIL, Jio Platforms, NTPC, Muthoot Finance, Bank of Baroda

Earnings and Falling Crude Put a Broad Set of Stocks in Focus

A firmer GIFT Nifty points to a positive start, but global losses and company-specific results could keep trading selective.

A positive local cue meets a weaker global backdrop

The GIFT Nifty was up 116.35 points, or 0.51 per cent, at 23,000 at 7.36 a.m., pointing to a potentially firm opening for domestic equities. That signal was not matched by overnight trading in the United States: the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.09 per cent, the S&P 500 lost 1.8 per cent and the Nasdaq Composite declined 2.8 per cent. Asian markets were mixed, making the opening indication only one part of the day’s setup.

Crude oil fell more than 2 per cent amid a slight de-escalation in West Asia tensions. Brent and WTI futures declined to $111.2 and $101.2 a barrel, respectively. The move is relevant to India’s market because oil-price swings can influence expectations around costs and inflation, but the source provides no indication of how long the decline may last. Investors will therefore be weighing the global cue alongside company-specific earnings.

Reliance, Jio and NTPC report higher profits

Reliance Industries reported a 32 per cent year-on-year rise in Q2FY27 profit to ₹29,250 crore, while gross revenue increased 27.8 per cent to ₹3.62 trillion. Its oil-to-chemicals business recorded a 44 per cent revenue increase, making that segment a key contributor to the reported growth. The results place both the energy business and the wider group’s performance in focus.

Jio Platforms posted 13.7 per cent growth in net profit to ₹8,387 crore and an 11.3 per cent increase in revenue to ₹47,485 crore. EBITDA rose 16.6 per cent to ₹21,879 crore; its margin expanded 250 basis points to 54.1 per cent, while average revenue per user reached ₹218.80. NTPC’s consolidated profit climbed 39 per cent to ₹7,030 crore, supported by higher generation and an improved plant load factor. Revenue rose 21 per cent to ₹54,270 crore and EBITDA increased 22 per cent to ₹15,627 crore.

Bank and gold-loan results have different watchpoints

Muthoot Finance’s standalone net profit rose 27 per cent to ₹2,977 crore, ahead of estimates of ₹2,687 crore. Net interest income increased 34 per cent to ₹5,364 crore, and consolidated loan assets under management grew 42 per cent to ₹2.09 trillion. However, deterioration in asset quality and higher credit costs remain important counterweights to the growth figures.

Bank of Baroda’s standalone net profit rose 35.8 per cent to ₹6,531 crore, with gains from the NSE stake sale supporting the result. Net interest income grew 9 per cent to ₹13,026 crore, while gross NPAs improved to 1.78 per cent from 1.99 per cent sequentially. The bank also raised its FY27 credit-growth guidance to 13–15 per cent and deposit-growth guidance to 11–13 per cent. Investors will need to distinguish one-off support from underlying income and asset-quality trends.

Other results and corporate actions add to the watchlist

NTPC Green Energy reported profit growth of 57 per cent to ₹137 crore and revenue growth of 53 per cent to ₹938 crore, but its results missed analyst estimates. Affle 3i’s subsidiary agreed to acquire Perion Network in an all-cash deal valued at about $420 million; completion is expected in early 2027, and the transaction is projected to support a revenue run rate above $700 million in FY28 while remaining net debt-free.

Elsewhere, PB Fintech’s profit rose 42.2 per cent to ₹192 crore, although EBITDA missed estimates and investors are watching proposed insurance-distribution regulations. Coal India reported record October supplies of 70.3 million tonnes. CDSL delivered profit growth ahead of estimates, while Nazara Technologies invested $77 million in its UK subsidiary as part of its acquisition of Bluetile and Bestplay. Vodafone Idea is also in focus after regulatory approval for Xavier Niel’s proposed 16.2 per cent stake in Vodafone Group.

Key Highlights

• GIFT Nifty indicated a firmer start, despite declines in all three major US indices.
• Crude futures fell more than 2 per cent as West Asia tensions eased slightly.
• Reliance, Jio Platforms and NTPC reported year-on-year profit growth.
• Muthoot Finance beat profit estimates, but asset quality and credit costs remain monitorables.
• Bank of Baroda raised its FY27 credit- and deposit-growth guidance.
• NTPC Green’s results missed estimates, while several other companies disclosed acquisitions or operating updates.

Investor Note: A strong opening indication does not settle the outlook for the session. Investors may want to assess the quality and durability of earnings growth, distinguish one-off gains from recurring performance, and track the stated risks before acting on individual stock developments.