Top stocks to buy: Recommendations for this week — check list

Stock marketplace recommendations: According to Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, the apical banal picks for the week (starting January 5, 2026) are Max Financials, and Kotak Mahindra Bank. Let’s instrumentality a look:

Max FinancialsMAXF is witnessing aboriginal signs of sustained request successful extortion and recognition beingness post-GST exemption. MAXF delivered a steadfast 2QFY26 performance, with APE/VNB rising 16%/25% YoY to, driving borderline enlargement of 150bp YoY to 25.5%.

The betterment was led by a favorable merchandise mix, with higher contributions from extortion (18%) and non-par savings (35%) segments.The solvency ratio improved to 208%, and AUM grew 9% YoY to INR1.85t. Management maintained its FY26 VNB borderline guidance of 24–25%, supported by operating ratio and dependable maturation crossed proprietary and bancassurance channels. We estimation VNB margins of 25%/26%/26.5% successful FY26/FY27/FY28, arsenic persistence trends strengthened crossed semipermanent cohorts, reinforcing prime growth.Kotak Mahindra BankKotak Mahindra Bank reported an in-line 2QFY26 performance, with NII, PPoP, and PAT broadly gathering expectations. PAT stood astatine ~INR32.5b, portion NII grew 4.1% YoY/0.7% QoQ to INR73.1b. Advances roseate 15.8% YoY/4% QoQ to INR4.63t, supported by beardown maturation successful concern banking, SME, location loans, and firm segments. Deposits grew 14.6% YoY/3.1% QoQ, aided by steadfast CASA maturation of 6.7% QoQ (11.2% YoY), improving the CASA ratio to 42.3%.

Lower treasury income was offset by choky outgo power and little provisions.Asset prime remained unchangeable with declining slippages and a PCR of 77%. NIMs were dependable and are expected to amended with deposit repricing and CRR benefits. The unsecured publication is apt to retrieve arsenic lending conditions improve. We estimation RoA/RoE astatine 2%/12.7% by FY27.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views connected the banal market, different plus classes oregon idiosyncratic concern absorption tips fixed by experts are their own. These opinions bash not correspond the views of The Times of India)