‘The litmus test for any M&A is long-term accretion to earnings and ROE'

NEELESH SURANA CIO, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Ltd.

With over 26 years of experience in equity research and portfolio management, Neelesh Surana has personally witnessed the Indian markets evolve. We speak with him regarding the science of mergers and acquisitions to gain practical insights. Surana also tells us his short- to medium-term outlook for the markets and which pockets he is betting on currently.

Rising inflation, spurred by the Russia–Ukraine conflict, has emerged as the latest challenge for the markets. Against this backdrop, what’s your near- to medium-term outlook for the market?

FY23 earnings will be erratic owing to the ongoing commodities spike and high interest rates. However, the consensus numbers for FY24 are intact, although the mix has changed. We would see downgrades in consumer-facing businesses, while commodity producers and exporters will benefit. The medium-term outlook for equity markets remains constructive, as we expect improved outlook in a few large sectors like banking, telecom, autos on low base, housing, etc. In addition, formalisation and a pickup in manufacturing are two key supportive trends. Overall, growth in corporate profitability will help navigate current headwinds.