Fundamental market expert Gaurang Shah has highlighted stocks where he sees long-term potential based on strong businesses, market share and growth opportunities. In the discussion provided, Astral and Page Industries emerged as two key picks, with a focus on staying invested through short-term volatility.
Astral Ltd. (NSE: ASTRAL)
Astral is one of Shah’s preferred long-term stocks, supported by its strong position in the pipes and fittings business. The company has also been expanding into adjacent categories such as adhesives and paints, which are becoming increasingly important contributors to its growth.
- Astral has an established position in India’s pipes and fittings market, supported by a wide product portfolio and strong consumer recognition.
- The company’s newer businesses have shown encouraging growth and contributed to better-than-expected results, according to the discussion.
- Government initiatives focused on household water connections and water infrastructure could provide a long-term demand opportunity for piping products.
- Astral’s established market position and consumer loyalty are important competitive advantages.
- Management expects double-digit piping-volume growth going forward, according to the interview.
- Shah recommends a long-term approach and suggests investors build their positions gradually rather than committing all their capital at once.
Why Astral stands out: The combination of a strong core pipes business, expanding product categories, infrastructure spending and brand strength provides a potentially attractive long-term growth story.
2. Page Industries Ltd. (NSE: PAGEIND)
Page Industries is another stock Shah remains positive on for the long term. The company has a strong presence in India’s innerwear, nightwear and loungewear markets and continues to benefit from its established consumer brands.
- Large market share Page Industries has a strong position in the innerwear and apparel market.
- Premium products Its expansion into luxury, leisurewear, loungewear and nightwear gives the company additional opportunities to increase its addressable market.
- Brand loyalty: Strong consumer recognition and product loyalty could help the company defend its market position.
- Competition: International brands are entering the Indian market, but Shah believes Page Industries’ established market position remains an important advantage.
- Long-term track record: The company has historically generated strong returns for long-term investors, according to the discussion.
- Buying on weakness: Shah believes investors with a long-term horizon can use periods of short-term weakness to gradually build positions.
