According to global brokerage Bernstein, Indian telecom stocks have outperformed regional peers and remain among the most defensive sectors in the current volatile market environment. The brokerage notes that Bharti Airtel shares are up 10.1% year-to-date, while Indus Towers has gained 8.6%, defying broader weakness seen across Asian telecom names.
In comparison, most Asian telecom peers have declined between 5% and 30% YTD, making Indian telecom stocks relative outperformers. Bernstein attributes this strength to strong domestic fundamentals, improving operational metrics, and potential tailwinds from a likely tariff hike, which could improve revenue visibility for the sector.
Bharti Airtel remains Bernstein’s top pick in the telecom space, offering what the brokerage calls “strong defensive characteristics” amid ongoing global and domestic market volatility.
Bernstein expects Indian telcos to continue benefiting from stable subscriber additions, robust ARPU trends, and consolidation-led pricing power.
Disclaimer: The above brokerage view is for informational purposes only. Investors should consult a certified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
