Despite the current market turbulence sparked by geopolitical tensions and tariff-related headlines, smart investors are keeping their eyes on long-term opportunities—and Sneha Poddar, AVP and research analyst at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, has some compelling picks worth watching.

Poddar recommends a basket of five high-conviction stocks ideal for long-term portfolios, even as the India VIX surges and Nifty 50 stumbles. Her mantra? Focus on fundamentals, not the noise.

Let’s dive into the top stock ideas:

1. ICICI Bank: Steady Growth with a Tech Edge

ICICI Bank continues to shine with strong loan book growth—posting a 17% CAGR between FY22 and FY24—driven by robust traction in retail loans and business banking. The bank’s edge lies in its use of analytics to streamline customer acquisition and risk profiling.

• Strong asset quality: Provision coverage ratio of nearly 79%, plus a ₹13,100 crore contingency buffer.
• Digital-led growth: Despite a dip in CASA ratio to 40.5%, deposit growth is outpacing peers.
• Profitability outlook: Return on Assets (RoA) and Return on Equity (RoE) are projected at 2.2% and 17%, respectively, by FY27.

Poddar believes ICICI Bank’s combination of loan momentum, digital innovation, and disciplined cost management makes it a solid long-term bet.

2. Shriram Finance: Diversification Driving Resilience

Shriram Finance is building on its reputation as a consistent performer across economic cycles. The company’s well-diversified loan book and strong execution capabilities set it apart in the NBFC space.

• Lending muscle: FY25 Q4 disbursements are expected at ₹45,300 crore, with AUM climbing to ₹2.65 lakh crore.
• Synergy from merger: The expanded distribution network opens doors to cross-sell more products.
• Growth forecast: 18% AUM CAGR and 19% PAT CAGR projected over FY24–27.

Lower borrowing costs and stable credit quality position Shriram Finance well to ride out cyclical risks and accelerate profitability.

3. Varun Beverages: More Than Just a Summer Stock

Even with temporary headwinds like weather and weak consumption, Varun Beverages delivered impressive volume growth—12% in India and 23% globally. The company is also foraying into the fast-growing food-snacking segment.

• Strong Q1 outlook: 29% volume growth expected, with stable margins.
• Rural play: Investments in rural cooling infrastructure and wider distribution are paying off.
• CAGR estimates: Revenue, EBITDA, and PAT are expected to grow at 18%, 16%, and 27% respectively from CY24 to CY26.

According to Poddar, the recent correction offers a sweet entry point for long-term investors.

4. Indian Hotels Company: Hospitality on a High

The hospitality major is riding a wave of strong demand from weddings, tourism, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions). Indian Hotels is doubling down on its growth strategy with new properties in spiritual hubs like Ayodhya and Hampi.

• Robust growth ahead: FY25 revenue, EBITDA, and PAT are expected to grow by 31%, 34%, and 26%, respectively.
• Q4FY25 forecast: 28% revenue growth with an impressive 35.1% EBITDA margin.
• Strategic expansion: Over 2,800 rooms in the pipeline to meet surging demand.

Poddar believes the company's pricing power and market leadership make it a compelling hospitality play.

5. Castrol India: Shifting Gears with Innovation

Castrol is capitalizing on lower crude prices and strong brand positioning. Its latest tech centre in Patalganga is a step towards future-proofing through EV and data centre lubricant solutions.

• Profitability on track: EBITDA margins are projected at 23% for CY25 and CY26.
• Demand drivers: Low car penetration and industrial lubricant needs in India offer long-term growth opportunities.
• Strategic focus: Brand building, new products, and expanding distribution are key levers.

Castrol’s innovation-first approach and market dominance make it an attractive low-risk, high-potential stock.

Final Takeaway

Amid market volatility, these five stocks offer solid fundamentals, resilient business models, and strong future growth trajectories. As Sneha Poddar suggests, this could be the perfect time to accumulate quality stocks and ride out the storm with a long-term view.