Hot Stocks: 3 stocks expected to give 23%-49% return

Following the recent plunge in small-cap and mid-cap shares, ET looks at some of the latest stock recommendations by analysts. These stocks are expected to return between 23% and 49% as per analysts’ price targets.

Shriram Pistons & Rings
BROKERAGE: EMKAY GLOBAL
Price Target: Rs 2,450 CMP: Rs 1,647 Upside: 49%

• Initiate coverage with 'buy' rating as co has dominant 40-45% share in core products across segments
• Current valuations (PE Ratio), at 11 times FY26 earnings estimates is attractive, given company’s leadership market positioning and robust financials
• Value company at 18 times FY26 estimated PE Ratio, which is a 20% premium to peers- Craftsman and Sansera- on superior franchise and growth outlook.

Balrampur Chini
BROKERAGE: JM FINANCIAL
Price Target: Rs 500 CMP: Rs 356.8 Upside: 40%

• Current valuation of 10.5 times FY26 estimated earnings disregards positives
• Improving sugar prices with likely reduction in acreage in Maharashtra and Karnataka in the coming season
• Increased earnings from ethanol capacity; foray into polylactic acid can be as large as 15-25% of current market-cap

AU Small Finance Bank
BROKERAGE: MOTILAL OSWAL
Price Target: Rs 720 CMP: Rs 585 Upside: 23%

• Merger with Fincare SFB will augment AU’s loan book by 16%; combined entity to grow 25%
• Post-merger, AU will gain presence in high-yielding MFI and Gold loan segments
• Fincare's robust presence in southern India complements AU's stronger presence in the North