Stocks-Sectors to watch today

Following are the stocks that are likely to be in spotlight today, April 15, based on major post-market news:

Stocks to watch

IT giant, Infosys to announce its quarterly and annual result today. Reuters expect that companies to report a modest rises in profits, which can range between 2% to 23%. Further DNA said that the market is expecting year on year guidance in the range of 20%. Shares of the company closed at Rs 1,422.45**.

Ambuja Cements reacting to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India announcement of imposing a ban on the export of cements with immediate effect. Arising out of the above developments, the company said it would not be able to export cement till such time the ban remain in force.

Kirloskar Brothers received an order worth Rs 1.66 billion from Damodar Valley Corporation - Kolkata. The contract is in respect of the Koderma Thermal Power project, Stage-I (2x500 MW): Water System Package at Koderma District, Jharkhand. Shares of the company gained Rs 3.5, or 1.51%, to end at Rs 235.5**. More...

Biocon is known to be in talks to acquire a US firm for USD 400 million, reports Economic Times. The deal will increase the company`s overseas pharmaceutical distribution network. Shares of the company gained Rs 2.1, or 0.49%, to end at Rs 434.75**. More...

Provogue India has raised Rs 4.77 billion for financing new malls and its expansion plans. In the last 10 days, Provogue has raised nearly Rs 9.34 billion, bringing down the promoter stake in the company from 49% to nearly 46%**. More...

JK Tyre & Industries, leading tyre manufacturer, announced the acquisition of 100% shareholding of a Mexican tyre manufacturing company, having 3 plants with capacity to manufacture 290 metric tons per day, for total consideration of nearly Rs 2.70 billion. Shares of the company declined Rs 0.3, or 0.26%, to settle at Rs 116.35**. More...

Lanco Infratech (LITL) secured two super critical power projects with an installed capacity of 3,300 MW in Uttar Pradesh. As per the terms of the bids, while 90% of power generated through the projects must be sold to the government of Uttar Pradesh, the remaining 10% could be sold by the successful bidder through the merchant market. Shares of the company declined Rs 1.9, or 0.48%, to settle at Rs 393.65**. More...

Sector Watch:

Chemicals and Fertiliser Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has said that spiraling prices in the global market will push the fertiliser subsidy bill by more than 100% to Rs 1,000 billion, reports agency sources. Paswan, however, ruled out any increase in fertiliser prices, by pointing out that `if you increase the rate of fertiliser, the indirect effect would be on the price of food grains` as cost of production would go up.

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 8.6% in February 2008, with capital goods growth rebounding to double-digit levels after falling to an inexplicable low of 2.1% in January, and consumer durables climbing out of negative territory. The consumer durable sector has also witnessed improvement, from a negative 3.1% in January, to a 3.3% growth in February 2007-08, which is near double of 1.8% in February 2006-07.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India imposed a ban on the export of cements with immediate effect.

**Closing price as on April 11, 2008. (Friday)