January 21, 2026, is here, and if you’re scanning the market for your next smart move, you’re not alone. The perennial question on every investor’s mind is simple yet critical: what are the best stocks to buy today? Fortunately, Mehul Kothari of Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers has just dropped his latest list of top picks, and it’s a compelling trio: Bajaj Auto, Balkrishna Industries, and Tata Elxsi .
But a recommendation is just a starting point. Before you hit that buy button, you need to understand the *why* behind each pick—the underlying fundamentals, the technical setup, and the potential risks. In this deep dive, we’ll go beyond the headlines to give you the actionable insights you need to navigate these opportunities with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Why Bajaj Auto is a Top Stock to Buy Today
- Balkrishna Industries: The Export Powerhouse
- Tata Elxsi: Riding the Wave of Digital Innovation
- The Bottom Line: Making Your Informed Decision
Why Bajaj Auto is a Top Stock to Buy Today
Anand Rathi’s call on Bajaj Auto is framed as a classic technical play: a “Pullback After Major Trendline Breakout” . This suggests the stock has recently broken through a significant resistance level on its chart, a bullish signal for momentum traders, and is now offering a second chance to enter on a minor dip.
The technical view is backed by solid fundamentals. The auto sector is expected to report strong Q3 FY26 earnings, with brokerages predicting a 27% year-on-year net profit increase for major OEMs, supported by stable margins and a favorable product mix . Bajaj Auto itself has been a consistent performer; in Q2 FY26, it reported a 24% YoY jump in standalone net profit, landing at ₹2,480 crore .
Furthermore, the company’s strategic focus on exports and its stronghold in the premium bike segment continue to be key growth drivers. With its Q3 results on the horizon (scheduled for January 30, 2026 ), the market is positioning itself for another strong showing. For investors, this represents a potential confluence of positive technical and fundamental factors.
Balkrishna Industries: The Export Powerhouse
If Bajaj Auto is a domestic giant with global reach, Balkrishna Industries (BKT) is a true global champion from India. The company is a world leader in the off-highway tyre (OHT) market, with a commanding presence in Europe, which accounts for nearly half of its export revenue .
What makes BKT a standout stocks to buy today candidate is its unique business model. A staggering 71% of its revenues come from exports , making it a direct play on global industrial and agricultural demand. The company holds a 5-6% market share in the global specialty OHT market and has ambitious plans to grow that to 8%, and eventually 10% [[25], [27]].
This aggressive expansion is backed by capacity increases, which should fuel future revenue growth. Anand Rathi’s recommendation likely hinges on this robust international footprint and the company’s ability to command premium pricing in its niche, insulated from much of the domestic market volatility.
Tata Elxsi: Riding the Wave of Digital Innovation
Rounding out the list is Tata Elxsi, a company that embodies the future of engineering and design. Far from a traditional manufacturer, Tata Elxsi provides cutting-edge digital solutions to global giants in automotive, healthcare, and media .
The company’s recent performance is a testament to its resilience and strategic focus. In its latest Q3 FY26 results, Tata Elxsi reported a 3.9% quarter-on-quarter growth in revenue from operations, accompanied by a significant 220 basis point improvement in its EBITDA margin . This margin expansion was driven by “strong operational discipline and better utilisation,” according to management .
Its growth is being primarily fueled by its transportation business, which is benefiting from the rapid shift towards software-defined vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) . For investors looking for exposure to the long-term megatrends of digital transformation and AI in engineering, Tata Elxsi offers a high-quality, albeit premium, entry point. You can learn more about investing in the tech sector in our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:investing-in-indian-tech-stocks].
The Bottom Line: Making Your Informed Decision
Mehul Kothari’s list of stocks to buy today presents a well-balanced portfolio of themes: a value-driven auto play with Bajaj Auto, a global cyclical leader in Balkrishna Industries, and a high-growth digital innovator in Tata Elxsi. Each pick caters to a different risk appetite and investment horizon.
However, it’s crucial to remember that all investments carry risk. These are short-term trading calls based on current market conditions. Always conduct your own due diligence, consider your personal financial goals, and never invest more than you can afford to lose. For a broader perspective on market health, the Investopedia guide on stock market indices is a great resource.
In summary, while the market offers these three compelling opportunities today, your best investment is always a well-informed one.
Sources
- [[1], [3]] Times of India. “Top stocks to buy today: Stock recommendations for January 21.” January 21, 2026.
- [[13], [14]] Economic Times. “Auto Q3 FY26 preview: Brokerages see strong earnings.” January 8, 2026.
- Bajaj Auto Ltd. “Q3 FY26 Results Conference Call Announcement.” January 14, 2026.
- [[23], [25], [27], [29]] Company Reports & Investor Presentations, Balkrishna Industries Ltd. Various dates.
- [[36], [38], [39]] Tata Elxsi Ltd. “Q3 FY26 Earnings Release and Conference Call Transcript.” January 13, 2026.
- Tata Elxsi Official Website. “About Us.” Accessed January 2026.