Weak sentiment continues

STOCK MONITOR

Number of up/down move2/3  Bharti Tele-Ventures was down by 5.41 per cent before closing the week at Rs 142.50. FIIs have been offloading the scrip of late. There are concerns that the FDI hike in telecom sector may be delayed.  One of the main drivers for the rise in Bharti's stock prices in the past few weeks have been the government decision to hike FDI limit in the telecom sector to 74 per cent from 49 per cent.  Stock of the week
 

ZEE TELEFILMS
Last week's close (Rs)	146.28
Prev. week's close (Rs)	131.48
Week's high (Rs)	148.00
Week's low (Rs)	132.30
Last week's ave. daily turnover (Rs cr)	36.37
Prev. week's ave. daily turnover (Rs cr)	18.44
Futures close	NT
Number of up/down move	4/1

 Zee Telefilms was among the biggest gainers last week, advancing 11.26 per cent to close at Rs 146.28.  The counter witnessed strong buying support after the company emerged the biggest bidder - at Rs 1,200 crore - for the telecast rights of international cricket matches, including 12 tests and 48 one-dayers, to be played in India between September 2004 and August 2007.  The company plans to launch an exclusive sports channel next year using the telecast rights as a launching pad.  According to estimates, the channel that gets the rights can earn around Rs 2,000 crore from the telecast of the matches over the period of the contract. Zee TV is expecting to make a profit of Rs 800 crore from the deal.  Stock of the watch
 

JINDAL IRON AND STEEL
Last week's close (Rs)	250.00
Prev. week's close (Rs)	247.55
Week's high (Rs)	258.75
Week's low (Rs)	234.83
Last week's ave. daily turnover (Rs cr)	56.86
Prev. week's ave. daily turnover (Rs cr)	35.40
Futures close	NT
Number of up/down move	1/4

Jindal Iron and Steel (Jisco) is expected to be in spotlight following reports that the company is set to buy a 52 per cent stake in Coimbatore-based Southern Iron Steel Company (Siscol) from Lakshmi Machine Works, the promoters of Siscol.  The acquisition is expected to be made at Re 1 a share, a 90 per cent discount from the current market price of Siscol shares at Rs 13.  At this rate, Jisco's cost for the acquisition of the promoters' share will be around Rs 18 crore.  Jisco is likely to come out with a 20 per cent mandatory open offer to provide an exit option to minority shareholders.  Mid-cap mover
 

RADICO KHAITAN
Last week's close (Rs)	161.05
Prev. week's close (Rs)	151.82
Week's high (Rs)	165.45
Week's low (Rs)	147.53
Last week's ave. daily turnover (Rs cr)	2.46
Prev. week's ave. daily turnover (Rs cr)	3.08
Futures close	NT
Number of up/down move	3/2

 Shares of liquor company, Radico Khaitan were on the rise last week. The scrip gained 6.08 per cent during the week to close at Rs 61.05.  As part of its expansion plan, Radico Khaitan recently acquired Bacardi group's stake in Whytehall India, a 51:49 joint venture between Bacardi and Radico Khaitan.  With the acquisition, Radico Khaitan has completely acquired Whytehall India brands in India along with its malt plant in Rampur.  The company also acquired a bottling plant called Anab-e-Shahi in Andhra Pradesh recently.  It plans to venture into the white spirit market through the launch of vodka and gin brands by October 2004. It is also finalising a Rs 150-crore expansion plan.  Small-cap mover
 

PATEL ENGINEERING
Last week's close (Rs)	388.25
Prev. week's close (Rs)	354.70
Week's high (Rs)	414.85
Week's low (Rs)	354.00
Last week's ave. daily turnover (Rs cr)	0.11
Prev. week's ave. daily turnover (Rs cr)	0.07
Futures close	NT
Number of up/down move	4/1

 Patel Engineering saw buying interest after the company announced issue of bonus shares at 1:1 - one bonus share for every one share held.  The scrip gained 9.46 per cent last week to close at Rs 388.25. The company also decided to split the face value of its shares to Re 1 from Rs 5. Patel Engineering operates in the areas of industrial complexes, building and power projects, dams, bridges and marine works.