#1021 Are Investors Ignoring India’s Best Value Stocks? Sanjeev Prasad | Govindraj Ethiraj | The Core Report

<p>Are investors ignoring India’s best value stocks while chasing the next big opportunity? In this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Sanjeev Prasad, Managing Director &amp; Co-Head at Kotak Institutional Equities, about value investing, Indian stock market valuations and why some large-cap stocks are struggling to attract attention.Sanjeev Prasad explains why he believes investors have become too focused on predicting stock prices. He examines how retail savings, mutual fund inflows and momentum investing influence market behaviour, often overshadowing a more important question. Is the business worth what you are paying for it?The conversation explores the divide between large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap stocks. Sanjeev Prasad discusses why newer manufacturing, defence, electronics and consumer technology businesses command investor attention, while mature industries generate less excitement. He explains why stronger earnings growth matters, but does not justify buying at any valuation.Using HDFC Bank and ONGC as examples, Sanjeev Prasad examines why he sees overlooked value in established companies. He discusses how concerns about management, government intervention and past performance can weigh on sentiment. His approach to identifying value stocks starts with comparing the share price with the business’s earnings potential.Are IPO investors assessing companies or chasing listing gains? Sanjeev Prasad explores IPO valuations, offers for sale and how much fresh capital supports new investment. He also discusses why foreign investors may participate in India’s IPO market while selling shares in the secondary market.What could restore confidence in Indian equities? The discussion covers crude oil prices, corporate earnings, capital gains taxation and foreign portfolio investment. Sanjeev Prasad also questions whether concerns about AI and Indian IT services are overshadowing opportunities across the wider economy.At the heart of the conversation is a bigger question. Are investors buying businesses for their long-term value, or hoping someone else will pay a higher price? Sanjeev Prasad explains why looking beyond market sentiment remains central to his investment approach.Chapters:01:14 Sanjeev Prasad on Indian Equities02:02 Why Investors Are Focusing on Price Instead of Value04:21 Euphoria in Mid and Small Caps, Despair in Large Caps06:06 How Retail Money Is Driving Market Behaviour08:34 Are In