Q4 results preview: Metals, banks may lead profit growth of Nifty firms

Double-digit growth for Nifty 50 firms; software, consumer, auto to remain laggards in Q4

The polarisation of corporate earnings, which became more pronounced in both the September and December 2016 quarters, is likely to continue during the January-March 2017 quarter. A handful of companies are expected to account for most of the incremental growth in net profit, even as the combined net profit of Nifty 50 firms is estimated to grow in high double digits in the fourth quarter (Q4), largely due to a good showing by metal companies and public sector banks. In comparison, export-intensive and domestic manufacturers are likely to report muted revenue and profit growth due to cross-currency headwinds, higher raw