The Indian stock market witnessed a mild decline on November 18, 2025, ending a six-session winning streak. The Nifty50 closed at 25,910, while the Sensex ended at 84,673, slipping by nearly 278 points. Losses were primarily driven by weakness in the metals and financial sectors, with major stocks like Tech Mahindra and Bajaj Finance dragging the indices lower.
Adding to the cautious sentiment, India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to a record USD 41.68 billion in October, driven by higher gold imports and weaker export activity—raising concerns over the country’s external stability. Analysts expect continued market volatility, influenced by global macroeconomic challenges and the ongoing India–US trade negotiations.
Against this backdrop, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. stands out as a stock to track today due to its defensive nature, strong balance sheet, and a major fund-raising development that positions it for long-term capacity expansion.
Below is the curated stock to watch for today’s trading session:
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. [NSE: POWERGRID]
Power Grid remains a notable defensive pick in a volatile market—supported by its stable cash flows, crucial role in India’s transmission network, and recent strategic fund-raising initiatives.
The company recently announced board approval to raise up to ₹3,800 crore through bond issuance (base issue: ₹1,000 crore; green shoe: ₹2,800 crore). These bonds, redeemable over 10 equal annual instalments, will help Power Grid finance ongoing and upcoming transmission projects. Importantly, the company has no delays or defaults on existing debt, reinforcing its financial discipline and credibility.
Operationally, Power Grid posted a 6% YoY drop in Q2 FY26 consolidated net profit to ₹3,566 crore, while revenue grew 1.8% YoY to ₹11,476 crore. Despite margin pressures—EBITDA slipped 6% YoY—the company continues to benefit from its position as India’s largest power transmission utility, handling almost half of the electricity generated nationwide.
From an investment standpoint, Power Grid’s steady revenue visibility, government backing, and strategic capital infusion make it an attractive consideration, especially for investors seeking defensive exposure with stable long-term growth potential.
Power Grid – Key Market Data
| Metric | Value |
| Previous Close (as of November 18, 2025) | ₹274.20 |
| Day Range | ₹272.50 – ₹276.00 |
| 52-Week Range | ₹247.30 – ₹345.40 |
| Market Cap | ₹2.54 lakh crore |
| P/E Ratio | 16.72 |
| Dividend Yield | 3.29% |
| Avg. Trading Volume | 11.57M |
| Company Type | Large Cap Stock |
| Beta | 1.03 |
Why We Recommend Power Grid Today
- Bond fund-raise strengthens growth visibility: The ₹3,800 crore fund infusion supports long-term transmission expansion and modernisation.
- Stable defensive play in a volatile market: In periods of macro uncertainty, Power Grid’s regulated returns model offers predictable earnings.
- Attractive valuation relative to peers: A P/E of 16.72 remains reasonable for a Maharatna PSU with strong asset backing.
- Steady dividends: At a 3.29% dividend yield, the stock continues to reward income-focused investors.
- Market positioning: Despite recent corrections from yearly highs, the stock trades near its support range, offering a potential accumulation opportunity.
Conclusion
While equity markets are likely to stay volatile due to global uncertainties and domestic macro pressures, defensive and fundamentally strong names like Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. offer stability and long-term resilience.
Investors should continue focusing on companies with solid balance sheets, predictable earnings, and sectoral relevance—especially in critical infrastructure areas like power transmission.
For beginners or seasoned traders, having a well-defined risk strategy remains essential. Use stop-loss levels, monitor market triggers, and stick to your investment plan to make informed decisions.
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