
ITC has corrected from ~₹500 to around ₹290. Is this a good time to enter, or is HDFC Bank a better buy?
Hi everyone,
I'm planning to invest around ₹10,000 in one stock and I'm currently confused between ITC and HDFC Bank.
ITC has corrected significantly from its peak of around ₹500 in September 2024 to around ₹290 now (around a 40–45% correction). From what I've read, the correction seems to be due to multiple factors:
- Slower growth in the FMCG business.
- Concerns over future cigarette tax/regulatory risks.
- Valuation correction after a strong rally.
- Investors rotating towards sectors with higher growth expectations.
However, despite the correction, the company still seems fundamentally strong:
- Strong balance sheet with very little debt.
- Healthy cash flows.
- Consistent profitability.
- Diversified businesses (Cigarettes, FMCG, Hotels, Paperboards, Agri, etc.).
On the other hand, HDFC Bank has also corrected, but much less. It's one of India's best private sector banks with a strong long-term track record, and many believe it could benefit as banking growth improves.
My investment horizon:
- Minimum: 3–6 months
- Maximum: 1–2 years
My goal is capital appreciation, not dividend income. I'm looking for around 20–30% returns over the next 1–2 years if possible (I understand there are no guarantees).
So I have a few questions:
- Is ITC currently a good entry after this correction, or is there still downside?
- Between ITC and HDFC Bank, which would you choose today and why?
- If you wouldn't buy either, which stock would you suggest instead in the current market and why?
I'm open to all opinions and would really appreciate hearing both bullish and bearish views before making my decision.
Thanks in advance! 😊