Analysts Identify Four Long-Term Stock Picks for 2026 Including UPL and IndusInd Bank
Market performance as of late February 2026 shows Indian benchmark indices demonstrating resilience amid global volatility. The Nifty 50 has maintained a position above the **25,700** mark, while the Sensex is hovering near **83,300**.
Brokerage firms are currently shifting focus toward select pockets of the market. Leading analysts have identified sectors with potential upside of **10% to 40%** based on robust domestic consumption and industrial growth figures.
Core Financial Picks
Top brokerage houses like Morgan Stanley and Emkay Global are maintaining a bullish stance on high-quality banking stocks. **IndusInd Bank** is a primary recommendation with a target price of **1,100**, offering a potential upside of **18%** from its current market price of **925**.
**State Bank of India (SBI)** also remains a top pick with a target price of **1,100**, driven by a clean balance sheet and massive scale. In the wealth management space, **360 One WAM** is gaining traction as professional advisory demand surges.
Infrastructure and Industry
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) continues to be the preferred choice for engineering and infrastructure, backed by a strong multi-year order book. In the materials sector, **JK Cement** has been assigned a target of **7,000**, reflecting the ongoing boom in residential housing and highway construction.
**UPL Limited** has received a "Buy" rating from Elara Capital with a target of **980**. This suggests a potential upside of **44%** from its current level of **676**, specifically as the company reorganizes its crop protection business into separate listed entities.
Technology and Telecom
The shift toward AI services is benefiting major IT players. **HCL Tech** is positioned with a target of **2,150**. In the telecom sector, **Bharti Airtel** remains a conviction pick for many firms, with target prices reaching as high as **2,365** due to dominant market share and rising data realization.
Economic Context
The broader market is supported by strong macroeconomic indicators. India's GDP growth for the current fiscal year is estimated at **7.4%**, the fastest among major economies.
* **Manufacturing Growth:** Surged to **8.4%** in recent months.
* **Inflation:** Eased significantly, with urban rates staying below **1%** in some cycles.
* **Institutional Activity:** Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) have provided a cushion against foreign outflows, with net purchases exceeding **14,000 crore** this month alone.
Investors are keeping a close watch on the upcoming **NSDL IPO** and **HDB Financial Services IPO** as primary market activity remains a key driver for sentiment through the remainder of the quarter.