While markets grappled with global uncertainty and macroeconomic headwinds in CY26, retail investors quietly placed their bets on a select group of companies. A scan of the BSE 500 universe shows that retail investors increased their holdings in nearly 176 stocks during the March quarter. Narrowing the lens further, 73 of these companies, excluding banking and financial stocks, reported healthy net profit margins of over 10%.Interestingly, despite strong profitability, most of these stocks have delivered negative returns so far in CY26 as market sentiment remained under pressure. Yet, a handful of names managed to defy the trend. We highlight 11 standout stocks that surged 10–40% in CY26, even as broader markets struggled. What makes them noteworthy is that retail investors, defined as individual shareholders holding up to Rs 2 lakh in nominal share capital, steadily increased their stakes in these companies during the March quarter, signalling growing confidence ahead of their strong run-up. (Data Source: ACE Equity
Adani Green Energy
In CY26 so far, the stock has surged 40%, rising from Rs 1,015 to Rs 1,423. Retail investor holding increased to 3.21% in the March 2026 quarter from 3.14% in the December 2025 quarter. The company reported a net profit margin of 12% in the March 2026 quarter.
Lloyds Metals & Energy
In CY26 so far, the stock has gained 35%, advancing from Rs 1,322 to Rs 1,780. Retail investor holding rose to 6.86% in the March 2026 quarter from 6.51% in the December 2025 quarter. The company posted a net profit margin of 25% in the March 2026 quarter.
Sai Life Sciences
In CY26 so far, the stock has climbed 28%, moving up from Rs 907 to Rs 1,160. Retail investor holding increased to 4.12% in the March 2026 quarter from 3.43% in the December 2025 quarter. The company recorded a net profit margin of 17% in the March 2026 quarter.
Aurobindo Pharma
In CY26 so far, the stock has rallied 24%, rising from Rs 1,181 to Rs 1,464. Retail investor holding edged up to 5.35% in the March 2026 quarter from 5.03% in the December 2025 quarter. The company reported a net profit margin of 10% in the March 2026 quarter.
Navin Fluorine International
In CY26 so far, the stock has gained 20%, increasing from Rs 5,920 to Rs 7,092. Retail investor holding rose to 15.74% in the March 2026 quarter from 15.43% in the December 2025 quarter. The company posted a net profit margin of 23% in the March 2026 quarter.
Zydus Lifesciences
In CY26 so far, the stock has advanced 19%, moving from Rs 915 to Rs 1,085. Retail investor holding increased marginally to 4.80% in the March 2026 quarter from 4.78% in the December 2025 quarter. The company reported a net profit margin of 18% in the March 2026 quarter.
AIA Engineering
In CY26 so far, the stock has risen 14%, climbing from Rs 4,024 to Rs 4,590. Retail investor holding increased to 2.15% in the March 2026 quarter from 2.12% in the December 2025 quarter. The company posted a net profit margin of 30% in the March 2026 quarter.
NMDC
In CY26 so far, the stock has gained 14%, rising from Rs 83 to Rs 95. Retail investor holding increased to 8.59% in the March 2026 quarter from 8.44% in the December 2025 quarter. The company reported a net profit margin of 18% in the March 2026 quarter.
Kajaria ceramics
In CY26 so far, the stock has advanced 13%, moving up from Rs 968 to Rs 1,095. Retail investor holdings rose to 8.46% in the March 2026 quarter from 8.05% in the December 2025 quarter. The company posted a net profit margin of 11% in the March 2026 quarter.
Transformers & Rectifiers (India)
In CY26 so far, the stock has climbed 11%, increasing from Rs 285 to Rs 318. Retail investor holding rose to 21.90% in the March 2026 quarter from 20.75% in the December 2025 quarter. The company reported a net profit margin of 12% in the March 2026 quarter.
Caplin Point Laboratories
In CY26 so far, the stock has gained 9%, rising from Rs 1,841 to Rs 2,015. Retail investor holding increased to 12.17% in the March 2026 quarter from 11.81% in the December 2025 quarter. The company posted a net profit margin of 29% in the March 2026 quarter.
