Top stocks to purchase: Stock recommendations for the week starting August 18, 2025 – check list

Stock market recommendations: According to Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, the prime inventory picks for the week (starting August 18, 2025) are HDFC Life, and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). Let’s have a look:

HDFC LifeHDFC Life delivered a wholesome efficiency in 1QFY26 with APE up 13% YoY to INR32.3b and VNB additionally rising 13% YoY to INR8.1b. Margins stood at a resilient 25.1%, reflecting product combine modifications. Shareholders’ PAT grew 14% YoY, pushed by regular development in current enterprise books. Gross premium elevated 16% YoY with ULIP share regular at 33% & PAR share enhancing to 27% from 14% final 12 months. Non‑PAR share noticed a short lived dip however is guided to get better in the direction of the mid‑20% vary in FY26. AUM expanded 15% YoY to INR3.6t, whereas EV rose 18% YoY to INR584b with RoEV at a strong 17.6% and solvency ratio at 192%. Management expects development momentum to strengthen in 2HFY26, aided by product combine normalization, robust banca partnerships, & increasing company channels.Hindustan AeronauticsHindustan Aeronautics (HAL) delivered an honest quarter with a slight income miss, offset by robust margins and better different earnings, leading to a PAT beat. EBITDA margin stood at 26.6%, supported by improved gross margins and decrease provisions. With GE engine provides ramping up for the Tejas Mk1A, plane deliveries are anticipated to speed up. A powerful manufacturing order e-book underpins execution development, with income projected to develop at a 24% CAGR and PAT at 17% CAGR over FY25–28. RoE/RoCE are anticipated to attain 22.2%/22.6% by FY28. The inventory has corrected from current highs and trades at enticing valuations. Tejas deliveries and order finalization for 97 Mk1A jets stay key development drivers. (Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the inventory market and different asset courses given by consultants are their very own. These opinions don’t symbolize the views of The Times of India)