Ten prominent companies within the BSE500 index have announced a substantial increase in their profit after tax (PAT) for the March quarter, with several reporting more than a twofold jump. This robust performance, detailed in reports released by May 3, 2026, has led to significant stock movements and varied analyst recommendations.
Leading the Pack: Star Health, Eternal, and CPCL
Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd. showcased an astounding performance, with its Q4 profit soaring 218 times year-on-year to Rs 111.34 crore from a mere Rs 51 lakh in the prior year. YES Securities maintained a 'Buy' rating for Star Health, setting a revised price target of Rs 650, as the company prioritized profitability over higher growth. Its stock climbed 13 percent in April.
Eternal Ltd. also reported an impressive surge, with its bottom line increasing by 346.15 percent year-on-year to Rs 174 crore. Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFSL) issued a 'Buy' recommendation with a target of Rs 340, citing the stability of its FD business and the "generational opportunity" presented by Blinkit in disrupting retail and e-commerce. Eternal’s shares gained 7 percent in April.
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (CPCL) saw its net profit after tax climb 211 percent year-on-year, reaching Rs 1,399.72 crore. YES Securities maintained a 'BUY' rating, setting a target of Rs 1,246, attributing the strong performance to robust Gross Refining Margins (GRMs) and consistent throughput. CPCL's stock rose 11 percent in April.
Strong Performance from RBL Bank and Sterling and Wilson
RBL Bank Ltd. posted an 181 percent year-on-year rise in net profit, reaching Rs 244.42 crore. While ICICI Securities noted strong growth, it also pointed to a sharp contraction in Net Interest Margin (NIM) and potential elevated credit card stress in H1 FY27. Elara Securities suggested that the stock's current valuation already incorporates recent progress and residual risks.
Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Ltd. reported a 157.38 percent year-on-year increase in Q4 profit, totaling Rs 141.59 crore. This stock was a top performer in April, gaining 42 percent. Nuvama maintained a 'BUY' rating, despite cutting FY27/28E EPS estimates slightly, anticipating an acceleration in growth given the strong outlook.
Varied Analyst Outlook for Other Companies
Among other companies reporting significant Q4 profit jumps were Ceat Ltd. (156 percent rise) and IIFL Finance Ltd. (148 percent rise), whose stocks saw gains of 3 percent and 7 percent in April, respectively. Nuvama, however, downgraded CEAT to 'HOLD' from 'Buy', citing limited upside potential despite strong Q4 numbers.
The India Cements Ltd., Navin Fluorine International Ltd., and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd. (MMFSL) all reported bottom-line increases ranging from 110 to 142 percent. Elara Securities issued a 'Sell' rating for India Cements, believing its return ratios might remain structurally below peers. Conversely, JM Financial upgraded MMFSL to 'BUY' with a revised target of Rs 350, appreciating management's efforts to improve operating leverage and asset quality.
Investors are advised to conduct their own due diligence and consult with financial advisors before making any investment decisions, as market conditions and individual stock performances can vary.