
Dolly Khanna, born in 1965, is a prominent Indian investor renowned for her astute stock-picking skills, particularly in small and mid-cap companies. Residing in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, she manages her investment portfolio alongside her husband, Rajiv Khanna, an alumnus of IIT Madras and a seasoned businessman
Early Life and Career:
She began investing in the Indian stock market in the late 1990s alongside her husband, Rajiv Khanna. Born in 1965, she would have been in her early to mid-30s when they transitioned from entrepreneurship to stock market investments.
Dolly Khanna holds a background in science and an MBA in finance. She began her entrepreneurial journey with “Kwality Milk Foods,” an ice cream venture that she and her husband sold to Hindustan Unilever in 1995.
IPO Central Following this, the couple transitioned into the stock market in the late 1990s, with Rajiv Khanna playing a pivotal role in managing their investments.
Dolly Khanna and her husband, Rajiv Khanna, sold their company, Kwality Milk Foods, to Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) in 1995. However, the specific financial details of this transaction, including the sale price, have not been publicly disclosed.
Kwality Milk Foods was known for its dairy products, including ice creams, and its acquisition allowed HUL to expand its presence in the Indian dairy and ice cream market. Over the years, HUL has continued to develop its ice cream business, with brands like Kwality Wall’s, Cornetto, and Magnum.
In recent developments, HUL has been restructuring its ice cream segment, including the incorporation of a new subsidiary, Kwality Wall’s (India) Ltd, for the proposed demerger of its ice cream business.
While the exact sale price of Kwality Milk Foods remains undisclosed, the strategic acquisition played a significant role in shaping HUL’s ice cream portfolio in India.
Investment Philosophy:
Dolly Khanna’s investment strategy centers on value investing, focusing on identifying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals and growth potential. She emphasizes thorough research, sectoral diversity, and a long-term investment horizon. Her portfolio spans various sectors, including fertilizers, chemicals, sugar, textiles, cement, and more.
Notable Investments:
As of September 2024, Dolly Khanna’s portfolio comprised 19 stocks valued at over ₹509 crores. Some of her significant holdings include Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd., J Kumar Infraprojects, Prakash Pipes Ltd., and Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd.
Here are some of her notable holdings:
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd. – Holding approximately 1.09% of the company’s shares, valued at around ₹152.66 crore
Prakash Pipes Ltd. – Holding about 2.87% of the company’s shares, with an investment valued at approximately ₹31.55 crore
J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd. – Holding around 1.06% of the company’s shares, valued at about ₹70.03 crore
Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. – Holding approximately 1.39% of the company’s shares, with an investment valued at around ₹21.12 crore
Talbros Automotive Components Ltd. – Holding about 1.23% of the company’s shares, valued at approximately ₹25.56 crore
According to the most recent ownership pattern report, Khanna purchased 6,23,464 shares of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys, representing a 1.16% stake in the firm. She also purchased 3,54,541 Stove Kraft shares, representing a 1.07% position in the kitchen and home appliance manufacturer.
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Influence and Legacy:
Dolly Khanna’s investment choices are closely monitored by retail investors and analysts, often influencing market trends. Her success has made her a respected figure in the Indian stock market, inspiring many aspiring investors.
For a more in-depth understanding of Dolly Khanna’s investment journey and strategies, you might find the following video insightful: