Top stocks to buy today: Stock recommendations for May 8, 2025

HSBC has downgraded Avenue Supermarts (D-Mart) to ‘reduce’ with the target price cut to Rs 3,500 from Rs 4,500. Analysts said there was a 7% miss on consensus EBITDA in the Jan-March quarter as competition dented margin. The company expects margin in mature metro towns to remain soft.Analysts cut their FY26/FY27 EPS estimates by 19%/21%.Macquarie has maintained its ‘outperform’ rating on HPCL with the target price at Rs 410. Analysts said Jan-March quarterly earnings were above consensus estimates as gross refining margin improved sequentially to $8.40/barrel, EBITDA was up 21% on an annual basis, driven by better-than-expected GRM and higher other income.Morgan Stanley maintained its ‘overweight’ rating on KEI Industries with the target price at Rs 4,391. Analysts said the company’s profit beat estimate reflecting cable & wire revenue growth of 35% on an annual basis. Within the cable & wire business, exports overshot analysts’ expectations, while domestic revenue growth was in-line. The company’s margin fared better than their estimate due to operating leverage and favourable mix.Jefferies has maintained its ‘buy’ rating on Polycab with the target price raised to Rs 7,050 from Rs 6,485 earlier. Analysts said the company posted its highest ever profit in FY25 as strong sales offset minor dip in operating profit margin. The company’s market share gains continued with organised share now at 26-27% vs 18% in FY19. Analysts do not see any financial impact from new entrants between FY25 and FY27. They estimate strong sales/profit CAGR.Goldman Sachs has raised its 12-month price target for Paytm to Rs 705 from Rs 480 earlier. Analysts now expect Paytm to be EPS positive by June this year against the earlier expectation in FY27. They said the company’s fundamentals were improving though still a few moving parts are yet to fire. They lowered their FY26-FY28 revenue estimates but raised adjusted EBITDA estimates.Disclaimer: The opinions, analyses and recommendations expressed herein are those of brokerage and do not reflect the views of The Times of India. Always consult with a qualified investment advisor or financial planner before making any investment decisions.