PSU Market Movers and Shakers: Stocks to Watch, Buy, Hold, or Avoid This Week

Public sector stocks had a largely subdued week ending 29th August 2025, with several frontline banking and energy PSUs closing lower. Despite the muted performance, some counters remain attractive for value-seeking investors. Here’s a closer look at the PSU stocks to watch this week, along with buy–hold–avoid strategies.

1. Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC)

Market Snapshot

CMP: ₹121.20

52-Week High/Low: ₹183 / ₹108

1-Year Return: -33.06%

Valuations

PE: 23.74 (above sector PE of 17.35)

P/B: 2.91

Dividend Yield: 1.32%

ROE: 12.34%

Shareholding (June 2025)

Promoter: 86.36% (Stable)

FII: 0.93% (↓)

DII: 1.45% (↑)

Retail: 9.56% (steady)

Technical Outlook

Weak price momentum continues, with strong value-buying likely to emerge in the ₹95–105 zone.

Strategy:

Avoid chasing at current levels.

Accumulation Zone: ₹95–105

Upside Potential: ₹140–150 (medium term) once stability returns

Downside Risk: ₹95 (strong support)

Verdict: Hold and wait for dips. Limited margin of safety at current price.

2. Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL)

Market Snapshot

CMP: ₹119.94

52-Week High/Low: ₹144 / ₹99.15

1-Year Return: -12.93%

Valuations

PE: 16.31 (below sector PE of 18.09)

P/B: 0.84 (below book value)

Dividend Yield: 2.17%

ROE: 5.37%

Shareholding (June 2025)

Promoter: 65% (stable)

FII: 3.65% (↑)

DII: 17.31% (↑)

Retail: 10.45% (↓)

No. of shareholders: 19.08 lakh (↓ 6.74% QoQ)

Technical Outlook

Support Zone: ₹100–110

Target Price: ₹126–146 (3–8 months)

Stop Loss: ₹92 (closing basis)

Strategy:

Attractive valuations, trading below book value.

Accumulate on dips between ₹110–100 for medium-term gains.

Verdict: Buy on dips. Medium-term upside visible.

3. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) – A Quality Defence Play

Market Snapshot

CMP: ₹4,383.60

52-Week High/Low: ₹5,165 / ₹3,046

1-Year Return: -8.71%

Valuations

PE: 35.27 (vs sector PE: 57.78)

P/B: 8.38

Dividend Yield: 0.91%

ROE: 23.91% (robust)

Shareholding (June 2025)

Promoter: 71.64% (stable)

FII: 11.90% (↓)

DII: 8.67% (↑)

Retail: 6.66% (↓)

Total Shareholders: 13.03 lakh (↓ 3.66% QoQ)

Financials (Latest Quarter)

Sales: ₹4,819 Cr (+10.85% YoY, -64.82% QoQ)

Operating Profit: ₹1,282 Cr (+29.44% YoY, -75.78% QoQ)

Net Profit: ₹1,373 Cr (-4.03% YoY, -65.31% QoQ)

Technical Outlook

Accumulation Zone: ₹4,000 – ₹3,550

Stop Loss: ₹3,250

Target Horizon: 2–15 months

Strategy:

Volatility likely to test investor patience.

Suitable for long-term believers in India’s defence growth story.

Consider SIP-style averaging within ₹4,000–3,550 range.

Verdict: Accumulation candidate. Long-term story intact.

Key Takeaway for Investors

While the PSU basket has shown weakness this week, selective opportunities remain.

IRFC: Avoid chasing; wait for dips.

SAIL: Attractive valuations; buy on dips with medium-term targets.

HAL: Accumulate gradually; patience required for long-term gains.

👉 Investors are advised to focus on fundamentals and valuation discipline rather than short-term volatility.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for educational purposes only. Please consult your financial advisor before investing.