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Amit Kasat
Standard
Chartered Bank
First-place appearances: 1

Total appearances: 1

Analyst debut: 2013

Standard Chartered Bank’s Amit Kasat earns an impressive first-place debut. The 38-year-old researcher, who holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and an MBA from the University of Pune, joined the firm in 2010 from Anand Rathi Securities, where he followed the autos and metals sectors. “Amit works harder than any other analyst on the Street,” attests one client. He also has managed some impressive stock calls. In April, Kasat downgraded Ashok Leyland from outperform to in-line, citing the Chennai-based bus and truck manufacturer’s margin erosion and declining sales volumes, revenues and exports. Through mid-October the shares dropped 22.8 percent, to 16.55 rupees. Also in April margin improvements for Tata Motors — thanks in part to its increased penetration into Brazil, China and Russia — prompted Kasat to upgrade the Mumbai-based carmaker from in-line to outperform. By mid-October its stock had bolted 44.4 percent, to 388.85 rupees, besting the sector by 26.4 percentage points. He continues to recommend Tata Motors. The researcher also favors Amara Raja Batteries, a Tirupati-based producer of lead-acid batteries. Crediting the company’s robust earnings growth and negligible leverage, he upgraded Amara Raja from in-line to outperform in May. Through mid-October the shares jumped 21.2 percent, to 308.95 rupees, and paced the sector by 14.3 percentage points. Kasat monitors 14 names with what another investor terms “great, seasoned knowledge.” — Ben Mattlin