Guide to Top Indian Companies Listing in the US: Investment Logic Behind 5 ADR Stocks

Want to bet on India’s growth in the US stock market? Instead of messing around with ETFs or international accounts, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) offer investors a shortcut—trade top Indian companies directly on Nasdaq or NYSE, avoiding currency exchange hassles and time zone issues.

Why are India’s prospects looking good now?

India’s economy is growing steadily at over 7%, making it the only trillion-dollar country among the top five fastest-growing economies worldwide. Morgan Stanley predicts that by 2027, India’s total market capitalization will soar from $2.3 trillion in 2017 to $6.1 trillion—this figure alone highlights the market’s potential. Coupled with digital transformation, demographic dividends, and government support policies, India is becoming a new favorite among global investors.

Overview comparison of the 5 major Indian ADR stocks

The number of Indian stocks tradable in the US market is limited, but that’s actually an advantage—only companies that pass strict regulatory scrutiny can list on NYSE or Nasdaq, which is a mark of quality.

1. HDFC Bank (HDB) — India’s financial giant

Market Cap: $84 billion

This is India’s largest bank by market value. HDFC’s stock surged 67.55% in 2017, with FY2018 revenue reaching $14.8 billion. The bank’s operations cover both urban and rural areas, with a balanced retail and wholesale customer base. This structural advantage enhances its resilience through economic cycles. As of FY2018, assets grew from $151.2 billion to $172.5 billion, showing strong momentum.

2. ICICI Bank (IBN) — India’s first bank to go public in the US

Market Cap: $27.3 billion

Founded in 1999, it was the first Indian bank to list on NYSE, and the first non-Japanese Asian bank to do so. Despite facing non-performing loan controversies in 2018, its stock still rose 46.87% in 2017. Over the past five years, revenue increased from $13.3 billion to $17.46 billion, with assets surpassing $172.5 billion in 2018. Its subsidiaries in securities, asset management, and private equity are robust.

3. Infosys (INFY) — Leader in IT services

Market Cap: $37.8 billion

Founded in 1981 starting at $250, Infosys is a legendary company—India’s first IT firm to list on a US exchange (1999). In FY2018, revenue was $10.94 billion, up 7.2% year-over-year, with net profit of $2.45 billion, up 16.2%. The company projects a steady growth of 6%-8% in FY2019 in constant currency, demonstrating solid growth expectations.

4. Wipro (WIT) — Emerging tech services star

Market Cap: $20.4 billion

Listed on NYSE in 2000, Wipro’s FY2018 revenue was $8.4 billion, with net profit of $1.2 billion. Recognized as an AI partner by Intel and winner of the Global Logistics Excellence Award for Best Blockchain Application, its technological innovation is notable. Its stock price increased by 19.95% in 2017, with stable growth.

5. Tata Motors (TTM) — Global automaker

Market Cap: $15 billion

Part of the $100 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors is a leading global car manufacturer, having acquired Jaguar Land Rover and South Korea’s Daewoo Commercial Vehicles. Revenue in FY2017 was $42.04 billion. In April 2018, global wholesale sales reached 102,297 units, a 40% increase year-over-year. Listed on NYSE in 2004 and also on Luxembourg Stock Exchange in 2009.

Investment highlights

These top 5 companies in india’ ADR stocks each have their own features: the financial twins (HDFC and ICICI) offer financial exposure, the IT giants (Infosys and Wipro) tap into global outsourcing demand, and Tata Motors represents manufacturing industry upgrades. All have undergone rigorous listing reviews, with high financial transparency, making them suitable for traders with international investment needs.

In 2017, these stocks performed impressively—HDFC up 67.55%, ICICI up 46.87%, Infosys up 9.39%. As India’s economy continues to expand, the growth stories of these leading companies are just beginning.

Data as of May 2018. Investment involves risks; please conduct your own research. This is not investment advice.