Buy or sell: Stock recommendation by brokers for August 26, 2025

JM Financials initiated coverage on ITC Hotels with a sell rating and a target price of Rs 215. Analysts said although the hotels major delivered good numbers over FY23-25, due to limited incremental inventory getting commissioned till FY28, growth will be limited in the near term.

The company has an asset-light pipeline to further expand its footprint to over 200 hotels and about 20,000 keys by 2030. Analysts feel while robust cash generation can enable it to accelerate growth by way of inorganic acquisitions, they believe such an outcome is adequately priced in at current valuations.Kotak Institutional Equities has a buy on Reliance Industries with the target price at Rs 1,555. Analysts feel with a significant 33% decline in capex, R-Jio became free cash flow (FCF) positive and also enabled RIL to be FCF positive on a consolidated basis in FY25.

However, due to the higher retail/O2C (oil to consumers)/new energy capex, overall capex was flat on an annual basis at Rs 1.3 lakh crore. With capex not likely to rise much, and amid improving profitability of key businesses (ex-E&P), expect FCF to rise further.Goldman Sachs has a neutral call on TVS Motors with the target price raised tο Rs 3,430. Analysts said rare-earth metal shortage eases for Indian EV makers but no upside from GST cuts yet, as policy is still awaited.

TVS Motors’ launches are likely to strengthen leadership in ICE and EV scooter segments. The company is expected to launch an NTORQ 150 scooter and a new electric scooter soon. Analysts believe these launches should extend TVS’ market share leadership in Indian Electric and ICE scooter markets.Jefferies has a buy on Bajaj Finance with the target price at Rs 1,100. Analysts said that the management clarified that while the SME segment is seeing some pressure, stress isn't as high as feared; credit cost for FY26 can be near the guided range of 185-195 basis points of loans and loan growth can be 23-24% on an annual basis.

Rajeev's role as MD is till Mar-2028 and thereafter there would be a new CEO from internal candidates.

Bajaj Finance is among few large caps with +20% growth and return on equity (ROE).HSBC maintained a buy rating on Trent with the target price at Rs 6,500. Analysts feel for Zudio, only 12 cities (out of 235) have more than 10 stores each, with minimal (20%) store overlap. Assume 6% same-store sales growth (SSSG) over FY25-28, versus five-year average in high-double digits.

They see enough levers to achieve estimated SSSG.(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.)