In a male dominated space that the stock market investment community is, a few women investors are making big moves and carving a niche for them, with strong returns and picks backed by some solid research. Here are the top picks of 2 such Women Warren Buffetts of India.
It should not come as a surprise to anyone when it is said that the Indian stock market, is a male-dominated space. With names like Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and Radhakishan Damani frequently dominating headlines.
However, if one slightly deviates from the mainstream media, they will learn about a powerful, and often overlooked, force: the astute investment acumen of women. A cohort of women investors that is quietly amassing significant wealth and influence, demonstrating a keen understanding of market dynamics and a knack for identifying lucrative opportunities. These women, which we dub “India’s Women Warren Buffetts,” are not merely following trends; they are setting them.
Their strategies, though diverse, share a common thread: a focus on long-term value, rigorous research, and an unwavering commitment to their investment philosophies. Unlike the often-flashy, high-risk approach sometimes associated with day trading, these investors demonstrate patience and discipline, carefully selecting companies with strong fundamentals and sustainable growth potential. They are not chasing quick gains; they are building lasting legacies.
Let us look at 2 of such women Warren Buffetts and their latest big bets…
Sangeetha S – Patspin India Ltd (PIL)
Sangeetha S noted investor known for her diverse and strategic stock selections, making her a respected figure in the financial markets. Sangeetha’s investment strategy emphasizes long-term growth and diversification across various sectors.
This approach helps mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities, ensuring sustained portfolio growth and resilience against market volatility.
As per trendlyle.com, she currently holds 111 stocks with a net worth of Rs 566 cr.
Sangeetha has bought a 3.9% stake worth Rs 1.6 cr in Patspin India Ltd as per exchange filings made for the quarter ending December 2024.
PIL with a market cap of Rs 41 cr, manufactures and exports of cotton yarn in medium, fine and superfine combed yarns. The company has reduced its overall debt by 60% in the last 5 years from Rs 181 cr to Rs 73 cr.
What is surprising is that this stake at PIL by Sangeetha comes in at a time when the financials for the company look shaky.
The sales have taken a fall from Rs 548 cr in FY19 to Rs 43 cr in FY24, which is a drop of 92%.
The company has also been seeing consistent losses since FY18. They reported a loss of Rs 6.65 cr in FY24.
As for EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization), the company has once again saw some solid degrowth as it has fallen from 34 cr in FY19 to a negative Rs 3.71 cr in FY24.
The share prices however have grown from Rs 5 in January 2020 to its current price of Rs 13.2 (as on 21st Jan 2025), which is a growth of 164%.
The company’s P/E is currently negative. The industry average is however 23x.
Apart from Sangeetha, the HDFC Pharma and Healthcare Fund has also invested in the company. It had 1.31% stake at the end of the quarter of September 2024 which it raised to 1.64% as per the filings made for the quarter ending December 2024.
Sangeetha has also taken up fresh stakes in the following shares as of the quarter ending December 2024:
Hilton Metal Forging Ltd (1.48%), Pakka Ltd (2%), Super Tannery Ltd (1.23%) and Star Delta Transformers Ltd (2.52).
Vanaja Sunder Iyer – Bajaj Healthcare Ltd
A well-known name in the investment circles, Vanaja Sunder Iyer has led multiple companies in senior roles, proving her expertise in business leadership. With a current portfolio of 11 stocks, her total stock holdings are worth Rs 750 cr as per trendlyne.com.
As per the exchange filings made for the quarter ending December 2024 Vanaja bought a 2.1% stake in Bajaj Healthcare Ltd, worth Rs 39.2 cr. The company’s market cap is Rs 1,925 cr.
Bajaj Healthcare Ltd manufactures a wide range of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Formulations.
The sales for Bajaj Healthcare jumped by 28% from Rs 370 cr in FY19 to Rs 473 in FY24.
Net profits went from Rs 16 cr in FY19 to Rs 43 cr in FY23. However, the company reported a loss of Rs 84 cr in FY24, which was a drop of almost 50% from the previous year.
This indicates that the company was not able to convert revenue to profits. As per the company’s last annual report, increased overhead, and finance costs further pressured profitability. This could include expenses related to operations, administration, and interest payments on debt.
The EBITDA grew at a compounded rate of 12% from Rs 43 cr in FY19 to Rs 76 cr in FY24.
The stock prices jumped from Rs 120 in January 2020 to the current price of Rs 610 (as on closing 21st January 2025). That is a jump of a huge 408%.
For valuations, the company has a current PE of 56x while the industry average is 33x. The 10-year median PE for the company is 19x, and the industry’s10-year median is 27x.
Apart from Bajaj Healthcare Ltd, Vanaja has also bought a fresh stake in Stove Kraft Ltd of 1.4% and has raised her stake in Indraprastha Medical Corporation Ltd from 1.64% as on end of September 2024 to 1.95% as per the filings made for the quarter ending December 2024.
Let the women Warren Buffetts lead?
Let us not forget that these two are not the only 2 women Warren Buffetts of India. There are many that investors should keep in their watchlists. While Vanaja and Sangeetha are well known names in the investor community, not many common investors are aware of the type of picks and returns these women Warren Buffetts are clocking.
While some of their picks might not have the strongest financial numbers as of now, let’s not forget that these ace investors we are talking about that have an ultra-strong portfolio and even stronger track record under their belts.
These women Warren Buffetts are very much capable of giving the men in the male dominated space a run for their money.
So, keeping a vigilant eye on their stock or portfolio movements might not be such a bad idea.
Disclaimer
Note: We have relied on data from http://www.Screener.in throughout this article. Only in cases where the data was not available, have we used an alternate, but widely used and accepted source of information.
The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educative purposes only.
Suhel Khan has been a passionate follower of the markets for over a decade. During this period, He was an integral part of a leading Equity Research organisation based in Mumbai as the Head of Sales & Marketing. Presently, he is spending most of his time dissecting the investments and strategies of the Super Investors of India.
Disclosure: The writer and his dependents do/do not hold the stocks discussed in this article. The website managers, its employee(s), and contributors/writers/authors of articles have or may have an outstanding buy or sell position or holding in the securities, options on securities or other related investments of issuers and/or companies discussed therein. The content of the articles and the interpretation of data are solely the personal views of the contributors/ writers/authors. Investors must make their own investment decisions based on their specific objectives, resources and only after consulting such independent advisors as may be necessary.
