Stocks in Focus & Stocks to Watch Today - 21 July, 2025.

A host of big names announced their Q1 results, putting several stocks in the spotlight today. Reliance Industries delivered a strong set of numbers with its net profit soaring 76.5% to ₹30,783 crore, helped by a ₹8,924 crore gain from selling listed investments. Revenue grew 6% to ₹2.73 lakh crore, while EBITDA margins improved to 21.2%. Its digital arm, Jio Platforms, also posted healthy growth with an 18.8% jump in revenue and a 24.9% profit rise, supported by a higher ARPU of ₹208.8. HDFC Bank reported a 12.2% profit growth to ₹18,155 crore. While net interest income grew 5.4%, provisions spiked over 5 times. However, the bank declared a 1:1 bonus issue and a ₹5 special dividend, which may boost investor sentiment. ICICI Bank also posted solid numbers, with a 15.5% increase in profit and stable asset quality. JSW Steel saw profit zoom 158.5% to ₹2,184 crore and announced acquisitions worth over ₹900 crore to strengthen its portfolio. In other notable performances, Yes Bank’s profit jumped 59.4% to ₹801 crore, and JK Cement reported a 75% profit rise to ₹324 crore, with fresh expansion plans. IndiaMART, Aarti Drugs, Central Bank of India, and Punjab & Sind Bank all posted strong earnings and improved metrics. On the weaker side, Bandhan Bank saw profit decline by 65% and a rise in bad loans. RBL Bank reported a 46% drop in profit with worsening asset quality. India Cements slipped into a ₹131 crore loss, and MRPL posted a ₹270 crore loss due to weak revenue. Market Impact Summary The strong performance of heavyweight companies like Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank is likely to provide a positive boost to overall market sentiment. Reliance’s broad-based growth and Jio’s robust ARPU can lift index-heavy sectors like energy and telecom. HDFC Bank’s bonus and dividend announcements may attract buying interest in the banking space. Alongside ICICI’s solid earnings, these results could help the market stay resilient despite global headwinds.