Top stocks to buy: Stock recommendations for today
Stock market recommendations: Poonawalla Fincorp, and Lenskart - these are the top two stocks to buy recommended by Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk for the week starting August 17, 2026:
Stock market analysts at Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk have identified Poonawalla Fincorp and Lenskart as the top two stocks to purchase for the week beginning August 17, 2026. Poonawalla Fincorp is diversifying into various lending sectors like gold loans, consumer durable financing, and education loans, with management concentrating on profitable expansion.
AI-driven efficiencies and a broader distribution network are expected to boost operating leverage and enhance earnings quality. During Q1 of fiscal 2027, new ventures contributed to 26% of disbursements and 17% of assets under management. Disbursement yields increased by 50 basis points quarter-over-quarter to 16.4%, and credit costs fell to 2.4% from 2.6% year-over-year.
Collection efficiency remained robust at 99.6%, indicating enhanced asset quality and portfolio maturity. The analysts anticipate 43% AUM and 117% PAT compound annual growth rates from fiscal years 2026 to 2028, with net interest margins at 7.6% and 7.7% in fiscal years 2027 and 2028, respectively. Operating leverage should reduce the capital intensity ratio to 43% by fiscal year 2028 from 52% in fiscal year 2026, facilitating profitable scaling.
Lenskart exhibited strong performance in Q1 of fiscal 2027, with EBITDA growth outpacing revenue, propelled by solid volumes and continued premiumization. Improved manufacturing capabilities, supply-chain integration, and a growing omnichannel presence are poised to drive growth while preserving healthy unit economics. The firm anticipates same-store sales growth amidst rising store density, with ample potential for expansion throughout India.
Internationally, the business is on an acceleration trajectory as technology and supply-chain integration progress, opening opportunities for network expansion. The analysts project 25%, 41%, and 50% revenue, pre-IND AS EBITDA, and adjusted PAT compound annual growth rates from fiscal years 2026 to 2028, with revenue growth of approximately 25% in both India and international markets.
Pre-IND AS EBITDA margins are expected to hit 18.5% in India and 12.5% in international markets by fiscal year 2029.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
