Stock Picks Today: L&T, Sun Pharma, SBI Life, Eicher Motors, And More On Brokerages' Radar

Brokerages have spotlighted opportunities across capital goods, insurance, mining, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals, with fresh calls on L&T, Sun Pharma, SBI Life Insurance, Eicher Motors, and Samvardhana Motherson, alongside their views on the cement and steel sectors and auto sales trends.

GS on SBI Life

• Maintain Buy with TP of Rs 2235
• Regulatory overhang on commissions remains, but SBI Life appears relatively insulated
• Management does not expect material disruption to the bancassurance model
• Growth guidance remains around 14%–15% on Individual APE
• Protection growth is not viewed as merely GST-led
• Margin outlook should be supported by mix shift and operating leverage, despite GST pressure
• Agency remains a medium-term growth lever, but execution is key
• Credit life bundling concerns appear limited for SBI Life

Citi on L&T

• Maintain Buy with TP of Rs 4650
• Robust Order Inflow Momentum Strengthens Medium Term Visibility
• Order wins strengthen visibility further
• Remains positioned for an execution recovery
• Reasonable valuations.

HSBC on Coal India

• Maintain Hold with TP of Rs 440
• Volume growth finally picks up
• Strong volume growth in August, dispatch growth picks up after 2 years of weak growth
• Strong power demand, and weak hydro generation creates strong thermal and hence coal demand
• Coal Inventories are at 3-year lows and regional coal price surge should drive E auction prices higher

UBS on Coal India

• Maintain Buy with TP of Rs 550
• Higher offtake and e-auction premium in August 2026
• Coal offtake up 6% YoY, though lags 13% YoY growth in power demand
• E-auction premium increased amid strong demand.

ALSO READ: Trade Setup For Sept 2: Nifty Support Stays At 24,000 In Range-Bound Market | Check Key Levels

GS on Eicher Motors

• Maintain Buy with TP of Rs 9400
• Demand visibility supporting steady capacity addition
• International business becoming margin neutral
• Eicher indicating broadening of customer base from formal workforce to informal & rural demand
• Management believes commodity may normalize and can raise prices later if it doesn't

HSBC on Sun Pharma

• Maintain Buy with TP of Rs 2120
• MFN deal removes tariff overhang for two years for Sun
• See limited impact of 2% on FY29 EPS estimate, and we wait for further clarity
• Tariff concerns eases

MS on Sun Pharma

• Uncertainty around tariffs has been an overhang, which is reduced
• Agreement delays Section 232 tariffs on Sun's innovative pharma products for over two years
• MFN related pricing adjustments could have some impact, which needs monitoring
• Medicaid is a small part of SUN's U.S. innovative sales, so earnings impact will be limited

Bernstein on Sun Pharma

• Maintain Outperform with TP of Rs 2235
• Agreement is strategically important because it both protects and expands Sun's $1.2-1.3bn innovative-medicines franchise
• Timing is particularly important for Ilumya ahead of its October 29 PDUFA date, but the agreement extends well beyond a single product
• More than two years of Section 232 tariff protection also safeguards margins across Gx portfolio and future Organon driven rollouts.

Jefferies on Cement Sector

• Cement: Pricing Softens, Volume Momentum Intact
• Cement prices were down 1% MoM in Aug amid monsoon-led weakness
• However, demand remains healthy, sustaining the 7-8% YoY industry growth
• East region saw the highest correction after outperforming other regions last quarter
• Currently factor in a 1% QoQ Industry price decline in Q2 & recovery in Q3
• Any deeper correction from current levels could pressure profit estimates
• East - price hike attempts rolled back, with another hike attempt likely in September
• West - Rs20/bag hikes were attempted in Aug but did not sustain; a further Rs20/bag is planned from 10th Sept but unlikely to sustain
• North - price increased by ~Rs10-20/bag in the middle of the month but reverted later on
• Central - Dealers in the region were optimistic on price increases in Sept, with a few stating Rs20/bag kind of hike announcements.
• South - Volume growth in the region has been strong, but Cement pricing has failed to see an uptick; companies continue to attempt new rounds of hikes in September.

ALSO READ: Metals Lose Glitter: Gold Falls 2%, MCX Silver Slumps Rs 4,000 — More Correction Ahead?

JPMorgan on Steel

• Cost pressures persist; reiterate being selective
• Domestic HRC prices have started increasing now, spreads are largely flattish
• Surprised by the sharp rally in SAIL
• Recent cost escalation is likely to weigh on its profitability, given its higher coke rate vs. peers
• Expect steel prices to be range-bound for now and anticipate a gradual recovery in spreads after the festive season
• JSW Steel remains preferred pick

GS on Samvardhana Motherson

• Maintain Neutral with TP of Rs 158
• Steady momentum in consumer
• Aerospace order backlog has expanded from $1.2bn in FY24 to $1.9bn as of date
• 3 recent acquisitions to contribute Rs 20000 cr
• Targeting standalone listing for 1-2 mature verticals over the next 3-4 years

Citi on Auto Sales

• Aug'26 Sales: YoY Trends Supported by Weak Base
• Channel Stocking Delayed Due to Shift in Festive Season
• Maruti: YoY volume growth healthy but not commensurate with the capacity
• Hyundai: Steady volume growth
• M&M: Strong UV volumes; modest growth in tractors
• Tata Motors PV: Another month of strong volume growth
• Tata Motors CV: Strong growth trends
• Ashok Leyland: Healthy volume growth
• Eicher Motors (Royal Enfield): Healthy RE volume growth

Jefferies on Auto Sales

• Demand Momentum Continues in August
• Auto demand momentum remained strong in August for 2Ws, PVs & trucks with registration up 24-29% YoY
• However, tractors grew just 3% YoY
• Estimate that domestic wholesales grew ~36-43% YoY for PVs & trucks, and ~10% for 2Ws & tractors
• August wholesales were in-line for Maruti, Hero Moto & HYUNDAI, and ahead for the rest.

CLSA Price Action – Laurence Balanco

• Outlook for the Nifty remains largely unchanged
• Price action continuing to consolidate beneath both the 200DMA and the June-July highs at 24,515-24,801
• Prolonged period of indecision reflects the lack of clear directional leadership within the large-cap universe
• Leaves the index trapped within the broader trading range that has been in place since the October 2024 peak
• Longer-term range is defined by support at 21,700-22,182 and resistance at 26,000-26,300
• Until either boundary is decisively breached, the path of least resistance is likely to remain sideways
• Beneath the surface, however, market breadth remains considerably more constructive
• NSE Midcap and NSE Smallcap indices continue to display significantly stronger technical profiles than their large-cap counterparts
• NSE Midcap Index remains in a well-defined uptrend following its breakout from the 2024-2026 trading range
• A development that continues to support an upside objective of 77,700-78,000
• NSE Smallcap Index breakout remains intact and continues to support an upside target of 25,000.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the investment advisers on NDTV Profit are of their own and not of NDTV Profit. NDTV Profit advises users to consult with their own financial or investment adviser before taking any investment decision.

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Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT Debate Settled, Says Piers Morgan. Gives Bizarre Reason

As Lionel Messi brings down the curtain on his international career, he ends a glorious chapter with one FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles. In comparison, his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo has only one major title to celebrate with Portugal, the 2016 UEFA European Championship. Messi's exit from international football has reignited the ultimate GOAT debate, with the football world still divided between him and Ronaldo, who created a duopoly in the sport for about 15 years. While many feel Messi edges the debate, British journalist Piers Morgan believes the Argentine maestro's international retirement has shifted the debate in Ronaldo's favour.

When Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, Morgan took to X (formerly Twitter) to compare the Argentine's national team goal tally with Ronaldo's. For Morgan, the fact that Ronaldo has scored more goals in international football than Messi is enough to settle the GOAT debate in the Portuguese star's favour.

"Breaking: Lionel Messi retires from international football, after scoring 125 goals for the Argentina national team, placing him second on the list of highest international goalscorers."

"Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 146 goals for the Portugal national team, the highest figure in the history of football at the international level. This settles the debate over who is the best player in history."

BREAKING:
* Lionel Messi quits international football having scored 125 goals for Argentina, the second-highest number in football history.
* @Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 146 goals for Portugal, the highest in football history.
This settles the debate. pic.twitter.com/QcMc6m0ys2

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 31, 2026

READ | What Ronaldo Said When Messi First Announced International Retirement  

Confirming his decision to step away from international football, Messi stated that he had decided to end his Argentina chapter two days after the heartbreaking defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. However, he chose to postpone the announcement due to the health of his father, who passed away on 8 August.

"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than ever," he wrote at the end of the note posted regarding his retirement.

"It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come," Messi said on his official Instagram account. "I swear to you that I always gave it my all, not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football."

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iPhone 18 Pro Launch: 10 Biggest Upgrades Expected Ahead Of Apple's Sept 9 Event

Apple is preparing for one of its biggest product events of the year, with the company scheduled to host its launch event on Sept. 9. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are widely expected to be among the new devices unveiled at the event.

Apple has not yet confirmed the specifications of its upcoming iPhones. However, leaks and reports from publications including MacRumors, Macworld and Tom's Guide have pointed to several possible changes.

A20 Pro Chip

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip. According to MacRumors, the chip could be manufactured using TSMC's 2nm process, moving beyond the 3nm technology used for the current A19 Pro.

ALSO READ | iPhone 18 Pro Max: Five Upgrades That Could Make iPhone 17 Pro Max Users Switch

Bigger Battery

Battery life could be one of the more noticeable improvements in the iPhone 18 Pro series. MacRumors has reported that leaked information points to a battery capacity of 5,391mAh for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

For comparison, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to have a battery capacity of around 4,200mAh to 4,300mAh, according to leaked specifications compiled by 91mobiles. None of these figures has been officially confirmed.

6.3-Inch Display

The iPhone 18 Pro is not expected to get a major increase in screen size. MacRumors reports that the Pro model could retain a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max is expected to continue with a 6.9-inch panel.

LTPO+ Display

According to MacRumors, Apple could introduce upgraded LTPO+ display technology with the iPhone 18 Pro models. The newer technology could help reduce power consumption.

Variable Aperture Camera

The camera could receive one of the biggest upgrades. MacRumors reports that the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to feature a 48-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture.

A variable-aperture system can adjust the amount of light entering the camera, potentially giving the iPhone more flexibility when taking photographs in different lighting conditions.

Smaller Dynamic Island

Apple could also make the Dynamic Island smaller. MacRumors and Macworld have both reported on changes to the front-facing hardware that could allow Apple to reduce the space occupied by the Dynamic Island, giving users slightly more uninterrupted screen space.

Under-Display Face ID

The smaller Dynamic Island is also linked to possible changes in Face ID technology. Macworld has reported that Apple could move some Face ID components underneath the display.

Apple's New C2 Modem

The iPhone 18 Pro series is also expected to get Apple's next-generation C2 modem. MacRumors has reported that the C2 could bring improvements in cellular connectivity and power efficiency.

This would further Apple's move towards developing more of its own connectivity hardware rather than relying entirely on third-party modem technology.

ALSO READ | iPhone 18 Pro Vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: Display, Battery, Camera Differences To Know

New Connectivity Hardware

The iPhone 18 Pro could also receive an updated wireless connectivity chip. MacRumors reports that Apple is expected to introduce an N2 chip, following the N1 chip used in the current generation, which supports technologies including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread.

Colours And Design

Apple could also introduce new colour options for the Pro models. Recent reports have pointed to shades such as Dark Cherry, although the final names and availability remain unconfirmed.

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Duleep Trophy: Sooryavanshi Slams 92, East Zone Locked In Intense Battle

Central Zone vs East Zone, Duleep Trophy 1st Semi-Final Highlights: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi underlined his red-ball credentials with a 92 full of fire and brimstone, but East Zone failed to take an innings lead over Central Zone on the second day of the Duleep Trophy semifinal here on Monday. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey (4/66) and pacers Yash Thakur (3/66) and Aryan Pandey (3/43) shared all the wickets among them to bowl out East for 266, identical to Central's first innings total. In a match that has now been reduced to a second-innings shootout, Central are placed rather precariously at 45 for three at close. At stumps, Aman Mokhade (23) and Aryan Pandey (4) were batting, but pacer Mukesh Kumar dealt a huge blow to Central, dismissing skipper Rajat Patidar in the closing minutes of the day. (Scorecard)

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