Stocks

Infosys Share Price ₹1,752 – Is It a Strong Buy?

Discover a detailed analysis of Infosys Ltd's share price performance, financials, and market position

Pardeep Sharma

Infosys Share Price Analysis: Infosys Ltd, one of India's leading IT giants, has seen notable performance shifts in its share price, attracting significant attention from investors. Currently priced at ₹1,752, Infosys has shown a minor decline of 0.76%, with its market cap standing at an impressive ₹7,27,249 crore. Known for consistent growth and robust returns, Infosys has maintained a strong position within the IT sector.

Key Metrics and Financials

Infosys exhibits strong financial metrics, highlighted by a high return on equity (ROE) and consistent dividend payouts. Over the past three years, Infosys has recorded an average ROE of 30.9%, reflecting the company’s efficiency in generating returns for shareholders. Additionally, Infosys maintains a healthy dividend payout ratio of 63.3%, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors. However, the stock trades at 8.04 times its book value, indicating a high valuation. Promoter holding is relatively low at 14.4%, which may be seen as a downside by some investors looking for strong insider confidence.

Peer Comparison in the IT Sector

Infosys competes with several prominent companies in the IT sector, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), HCL Technologies, and Wipro. In comparison, TCS leads with a market cap of ₹14,36,380 crore and a P/E ratio of 29.77. Infosys, with a P/E ratio of 27.0, is in a favourable position, offering a better valuation compared to some of its peers. In terms of quarterly net profit, Infosys reported ₹6,516 crore, a steady 4.73% growth, with quarterly sales at ₹40,986 crore. Infosys’s ROCE of 40% further underscores its competitive edge in delivering value.

Recent Price Trends

The chart shows the price trend of Infosys’s stock over the past year. In early 2024, the stock demonstrated volatility, with frequent peaks and troughs. The stock price witnessed an upward trend around June 2024, followed by consistent growth into August. 

During this period, Infosys’s price crossed its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, signifying strong momentum and investor confidence. However, from September onward, the stock began to decline, suggesting potential profit booking or sectoral adjustments. By late October 2024, the price dropped below the 50-day moving average, signalling a bearish trend.

The trading volume has also fluctuated, with notable spikes in December 2023 and mid-2024, indicating periods of high trading activity. These volume peaks often align with the price increases, suggesting heightened investor interest during upward price movements.

Dividend and Return on Equity

Infosys has a dividend yield of 2.16%, slightly higher than the industry median, offering regular returns to shareholders. The company’s focus on delivering consistent dividends appeals to long-term investors seeking stable income. Return on equity for Infosys is strong at 31.8%, reflecting efficient use of shareholder funds. This metric places Infosys in a favourable position, showcasing its ability to generate profits relative to equity.

Quarterly Financial Performance

Infosys reported strong quarterly financials, with sales of ₹40,986 crore in the recent quarter. The operating profit margin has been steady, around 24% over the last several quarters. Operating profit stood at ₹9,809 crore, demonstrating solid operational efficiency. The company’s EPS has increased, indicating growth in profitability per share, which aligns with investor expectations. Despite market fluctuations, Infosys has maintained consistent quarterly profits, underscoring its resilience within the IT industry.

The net profit for the latest quarter reached ₹6,516 crore, up from previous quarters, signifying a steady growth trajectory. Infosys’s profit before tax was ₹9,253 crore, reflecting healthy pre-tax earnings. The tax rate has remained around 29-30%, with a net profit margin consistent at 24%. Overall, Infosys’s quarterly financial performance reflects stability, despite broader market volatility.

Historical Financial Performance

Historically, Infosys has shown impressive growth in both sales and profits. Over the past decade, Infosys’s compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for sales has been 12%, with a profit growth rate of 9%. Over the last three years, Infosys’s profit growth has remained steady at 10%, while sales have grown by 15%. This growth is a testament to Infosys’s strong business model, technological expertise, and client base expansion.

The company’s historical operating profit margin has been stable, ranging between 24-29% over the years. This margin stability highlights Infosys’s ability to manage costs effectively, even as it expands operations and services globally. The stock price CAGR over the last five years has been 20%, reflecting a strong upward trend, particularly in recent years. These metrics underscore Infosys’s sustained financial health and shareholder value creation.

Technical Analysis and Moving Averages

The chart illustrates Infosys’s 50-day and 200-day moving averages (DMA), which are essential indicators of long-term and short-term trends. In early 2024, the stock price crossed above the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, marking a bullish trend. This upward momentum continued until around August 2024, with the stock consistently trading above these key moving averages.

However, in late October 2024, Infosys’s price dropped below the 50-day moving average, indicating a possible shift toward a bearish trend. If the price continues to move below this level, it may signal a consolidation or downward adjustment phase. The 200-day moving average remains an essential support level, and any sustained movement below it could indicate a long-term bearish sentiment. Investors often use these averages to assess potential entry or exit points, with the current positioning suggesting caution.

Prospects and Challenges

Infosys’s strong fundamentals and efficient operations make it a robust player in the IT sector. The company’s focus on digital transformation, cloud services, and artificial intelligence aligns with global tech trends, providing growth opportunities. Infosys has a diversified portfolio of clients across industries, which cushions it from sector-specific downturns. Its global presence further strengthens its ability to capitalize on digital transformation demands from both developed and emerging markets.

However, Infosys faces certain challenges. The stock’s high valuation, trading at over eight times its book value, may limit its appeal to value investors. Additionally, the low promoter holding of 14.4% could be a concern, as it indicates a limited insider stake, which some investors view as a sign of less alignment with shareholder interests. Market competition from major players like TCS, Wipro, and HCL Technologies adds to the pressure, requiring Infosys to continuously innovate and maintain operational efficiency.

Peer Performance and Industry Standing

In comparison to peers, Infosys holds a competitive position, with a market cap second only to TCS. The company’s P/E ratio of 27 is slightly below the sector median, offering a balanced valuation relative to growth potential. While TCS leads in terms of profitability and scale, Infosys maintains a strong ROCE of 40%, positioning it favourably in terms of efficient capital use. Among large-cap IT firms, Infosys’s dividend yield is among the highest, making it an attractive choice for income-focused investors.

Infosys’s quarterly performance, with steady profit and sales growth, showcases its resilience within the competitive IT landscape. Despite market fluctuations, Infosys has continued to report stable earnings, supported by its established client base and strong digital services.

Infosys Ltd remains a formidable player in the Indian IT sector, backed by strong financials and a strategic focus on digital transformation. While the stock has shown some recent declines, reflecting broader market corrections, its long-term fundamentals remain solid. High ROE, consistent dividend payouts, and a strong market presence make Infosys a compelling choice for both growth and income-focused investors.

The stock’s technical indicators suggest caution in the short term, with the price moving below the 50-day moving average. However, long-term prospects look promising as Infosys leverages its technological expertise and expands its global footprint. Investors are advised to monitor key support levels and market trends to make informed decisions regarding Infosys’s stock, considering both its growth potential and valuation concerns within the dynamic IT sector.

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