Discover top stocks to buy in 2025 for long-term growth: ICICI Bank, SBI, Axis Bank, NALCO, and Oberoi Realty with 18-38% upside potential. Expert picks from Nomura and Antique for savvy investors.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Imagine kicking off 2025 with a portfolio primed for steady, substantial gains—stocks that weather market storms and reward patience with double-digit returns. In the bustling Indian equity landscape, where volatility meets opportunity, brokerages like Nomura and Antique are spotlighting five standout picks. Leading the pack? ICICI Bank and SBI (State Bank of India), alongside Axis Bank, NALCO, and Oberoi Realty—stocks poised for 18-38% returns over the next year.
As of September 19, 2025, with India’s GDP humming at 7% growth projections and banking reforms fueling credit expansion, these selections aren’t just hot tips—they’re strategic bets on resilient sectors. Nomura’s bullish outlook on private and public banks underscores a “profound leap” in financial inclusion, while Antique eyes metals and realty’s rebound. But what makes these stocks to buy in 2025 shine for long-term holders?
In this deep dive, we’ll unpack each stock’s story: from robust balance sheets to sector tailwinds. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or dipping toes into long-term plays, expect actionable insights—like diversification tips and risk checks. Ready to build wealth that lasts? Let’s explore why these five could supercharge your 2025 portfolio. For more on market trends, check our guide to Best Mutual Funds for 2025.
Why These Sectors Dominate Long-Term Picks in 2025
Before zooming into the stocks, context is king. India’s economy is a powerhouse in 2025, with RBI’s steady repo rate at 6.5% supporting credit growth amid easing inflation. Banking, metals, and real estate— the homes of our five picks—account for over 30% of BSE Sensex weightage, per NSE data.
- Banking Boom: Post-merger efficiencies and digital lending are driving NPAs down to historic lows (under 3%). Expect 15-20% loan book expansion.
- Metals Momentum: Global supply crunches and infra spends (hello, Rs 11 lakh crore budget) lift aluminum players like NALCO.
- Realty Revival: Urbanization and RERA compliance are unlocking Rs 50,000 crore in projects, benefiting developers like Oberoi.
A 2025 Motilal Oswal report flags these sectors for 12-15% CAGR through 2030. But returns aren’t guaranteed—factor in geopolitical risks and monsoons. For long-term success, aim for a 5-10 year horizon, reinvesting dividends. Question for you: Are you overweight in banks, or diversifying into cyclicals?
This backdrop sets the stage for our curated list, drawn from fresh brokerage calls. Here’s a snapshot table for quick scans:
| Stock | Sector | Current Price (Sept 19, 2025) | Target Price | Potential Return | Brokerage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICICI Bank | Banking | Rs 1,419 | Rs 1,740 | 22% | Nomura |
| SBI | Banking | Rs 824 | Rs 980 | 18% | Nomura |
| Axis Bank | Banking | Rs 1,104 | Rs 1,400 | 26% | Nomura |
| NALCO | Metals | Rs 216 | Rs 262 | 21% | Antique |
| Oberoi Realty | Real Estate | Rs 1,640 | Rs 2,269 | 38% | Antique |
These aren’t fly-by-night suggestions; they’re backed by Q2 2025 earnings and macro models. Now, let’s dissect each.
ICICI Bank: The Private Banking Powerhouse
ICICI Bank, India’s second-largest private lender, is a cornerstone for stocks to buy in 2025. With a market cap north of Rs 10 lakh crore, it’s synonymous with innovation—from UPI dominance to sustainable finance arms.
Nomura’s Buy rating hinges on 22% upside to Rs 1,740. Why? Q2 FY26 net interest margins (NIMs) hit 4.3%, up 20 bps YoY, fueled by low-cost CASA deposits at 42%. Loan growth? A brisk 16% in retail (home, auto) segments, outpacing peers. ROE stands at 18.5%, signaling efficient capital use.
Long-term tailwinds include digital transformation: ICICI’s iMobile app boasts 80 million users, cutting acquisition costs by 30%. Analysts project EPS growth to Rs 65 by FY27, supporting dividend yields of 1.2%. Risks? Regulatory tweaks on unsecured loans could pinch, but ICICI’s 1.2% PCR buffers it.
Actionable insight: Allocate 20-25% of your banking bucket here. Pair with SIPs in ICICI Pru funds for compounded gains. As one X user quipped post-earnings, “ICICI isn’t banking—it’s future-proofing.” For similar picks, see Top PSU Stocks 2025.
In a portfolio, ICICI offers stability with growth—ideal for conservative long-haulers eyeing 15-20% annualized returns.
SBI: The Public Sector Giant with Turnaround Mojo
No list of SBI long term stocks is complete without State Bank of India, the behemoth serving 50 crore customers. At Rs 824, Nomura sees 18% pop to Rs 980, a nod to its post-merger renaissance.
SBI’s Q2 shone: 14% deposit growth to Rs 48 lakh crore, with NIMs steady at 3.4%. Asset quality improved—GNPA dipped to 2.5%—thanks to Rs 15,000 crore in recoveries. Government recapitalization (Rs 20,000 crore infused) bolsters Tier-1 capital to 12.5%, enabling aggressive lending in MSMEs and infra.
Forward-looking, SBI’s YONO platform rivals fintechs, with 70 million active users driving 25% fee income surge. Brokerages forecast 12% revenue CAGR through 2028, propelled by rural expansion. Dividend? A juicy 1.5% yield, paid semi-annually.
Caveats: Bureaucratic lags could slow agility, but CEO Dinesh Khara’s reforms are game-changers. Pro tip: Buy on dips below Rs 800; use stop-loss at Rs 750. As per a recent ET poll, 65% of analysts rate it Accumulate for 2025.
SBI embodies value—undervalued at 1.4x book value—making it a bedrock for diversified stocks to buy in 2025.
Axis Bank: The Agile Challenger in Private Banking
Rounding out the banking trio, Axis Bank at Rs 1,104 targets Rs 1,400 (26% upside, Nomura). It’s the “challenger” bank—sleek, tech-savvy, and laser-focused on high-margin segments.
Q2 metrics dazzle: 18% YoY loan growth to Rs 10.5 lakh crore, with retail comprising 55%. NIMs expanded to 4.1% via premium current accounts. ROA hit 1.7%, edging peers, while slippages fell 15% on proactive NPA management.
Nomura loves Axis’s moat: Partnerships with Google Cloud for AI lending models predict defaults with 95% accuracy. Long-term, expect 20% EPS CAGR as it scales wealth management (AUM up 30% to Rs 3 lakh crore). Risks include merger integration hiccups from erstwhile Freecharge, but that’s priced in.
Investor hack: Track quarterly CD ratios—if above 80%, it’s a buy signal. Axis suits growth-oriented portfolios, complementing ICICI’s scale. Recent sentiment on forums? “Axis is the Tesla of Indian banks—disruptive and rewarding.”
With banking reforms in play, Axis could deliver 25%+ compounded over five years.
NALCO: Riding the Metals Wave for Steady Gains
Shifting gears to cyclicals, National Aluminium Company (NALCO) at Rs 216 eyes Rs 262 (21% upside, Antique). As a PSU metals play, it’s leveraged to global aluminum prices, hovering at $2,500/tonne amid supply deficits.
Q2 FY26 was stellar: 12% volume growth to 3.5 lakh tonnes, with EBITDA margins at 28%—boosted by cost controls (bauxite at Rs 1,200/tonne). Govt’s PLI scheme injects Rs 5,000 crore for capex, targeting 5 MTPA capacity by 2030.
Antique’s thesis: Infra boom (roads, EVs) demands 10% annual aluminum hike. NALCO’s green edge—80% hydro-powered—aligns with ESG funds, drawing FII inflows (up 15% QoQ). Dividend yield? 3.2%, a rarity in metals.
Watch for: LME price volatility; hedge with gold ETFs. Action step: Enter at Rs 210-220; it’s undervalued at 8x FY26 PE. For metals enthusiasts, NALCO pairs well with Commodity Investments 2025.
This pick adds diversification—balancing banks with commodity exposure for resilient stocks to buy in 2025.
Oberoi Realty: The Realty Rocket with Urban Upside
Capping our quintet, Oberoi Realty at Rs 1,640 rockets to Rs 2,269 (38% upside, Antique)—the highest potential here. Mumbai’s premier developer is synonymous with luxury, from high-rises to malls.
Q2 highlights: Pre-sales surged 40% to Rs 2,200 crore, driven by Thane projects. Debt-equity? A pristine 0.1x, funding Rs 10,000 crore pipeline without dilution. Margins? 35% EBITDA, thanks to vertical integration.
Antique bets on urbanization: India’s Rs 1 lakh crore housing corpus by 2027 favors Oberoi’s 20 msf inventory. RERA compliance and green certifications lure HNIs, with 25% revenue from rentals (stable cash cow). Risks: Interest rate sensitivity, but falling EMIs aid affordability.
Smart move: Monitor quarterly bookings—if over Rs 1,500 crore, add aggressively. Oberoi’s 1% yield plus capital appreciation screams long-term winner. As urban India booms, this could be your 30%+ annualizer.
Building a Balanced Portfolio: Risks, Strategies, and Beyond
These five stocks to buy in 2025—ICICI Bank, SBI, Axis Bank, NALCO, Oberoi Realty—offer a blended 25% average return potential, but smart investing demands strategy.
- Diversification: 40% banks (stability), 30% metals (growth), 30% realty (upside). Rebalance quarterly.
- Risk Management: Set 10% stop-losses; monitor macros like Fed rates impacting rupee.
- Tax Smarts: Hold over a year for LTCG at 12.5%; use ELSS for deductions.
- Tools: Apps like Groww for tracking; set alerts on targets.
What does this mean for programming jobs? Wait, no—scratch that. For investors: In a 7% GDP world, these align with Nifty’s 15% projected return. Original take: This “basket” accelerates wealth like AI did code—efficient, scalable.
Broader implications? Banking picks signal credit cycle peak; metals/realty tap infra. A 2025 Crisil study predicts 18% sector ROIs. But remember: Past performance isn’t future-proof. Consult advisors; this isn’t advice.
Conclusion
As 2025 unfolds, stocks to buy in 2025 like ICICI Bank and SBI headline a lineup primed for 18-38% gains—blending Nomura’s banking bets with Antique’s cyclical calls. From ICICI’s digital edge to Oberoi’s skyline ambitions, these aren’t gambles; they’re calculated strides toward financial freedom.
We’ve crunched the numbers, spotlighted catalysts, and armed you with plays. The question: Will you act? Share your top pick in comments—ICICI for safety or Oberoi for thrill? Subscribe for weekly stock alerts, or start with Demat Account Guide. Invest wisely; the market rewards the bold.
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