Introduction:
The Motilal Oswal 2nd Wealth Creation Study, published in 1997, continued the pioneering effort of analyzing India’s stock market. Covering the period from 1992 to 1997, this study delved deeper into identifying companies that excelled in creating long-term shareholder value.
This follow-up study strengthened the concept of focusing on wealth creators and emphasized the importance of aligning investments with emerging economic trends.
Table of Contents
Key Highlights of the Motilal Oswal 2nd Wealth Creation Study:
Focus Area:
- Examined wealth creation in the Indian stock market during the post-liberalization years of 1992–1997.
- Reinforced the importance of identifying businesses with consistent growth and value creation
Top Wealth Creators:
- Hindustan Lever (now Hindustan Unilever): Continued its leadership in the FMCG sector with a strong brand portfolio and market dominance.
- ITC: Leveraged its tobacco presence and expanded FMCG offerings to create value.
- Infosys: Firmly established itself as a front-runner in the IT sector, with robust revenue growth and profitability.
Themes and Trends:
- Rising Consumerism: The study highlighted the growing impact of increased consumer spending due to rising disposable incomes.
- IT Sector’s Emergence: The Indian IT industry showed further momentum, with Infosys and other companies cementing their positions as global players.
- Banking & Financial Services: The financial services sector emerged as a significant contributor to wealth creation.
Lessons for Investors:
Brand Strength Matters:
Companies with strong brands and trusted consumer relationships, such as Hindustan Lever, showed the potential for sustained growth.
Seizing Sectoral Shifts:
Identifying early leaders in sectors like IT and financial services proved highly rewarding.
Consumption as a Catalyst:
Businesses catering to rising consumer demands for lifestyle upgrades and basic needs consistently outperformed others.
Long-Term Vision:
Patience and the ability to spot companies with sustainable earnings growth were critical for wealth creation.
Notable Companies and Sectors:
- Hindustan Lever: Solidified its role as a market leader in the FMCG space, demonstrating the enduring power of branding.

- Infosys: Transitioned from a promising IT company to a global technology player, showcasing the immense potential of the software export industry.

- Sector Highlights: FMCG, IT, and financial services led the charge, driven by macroeconomic tailwinds and shifting consumer preferences.

Conclusion and Learnings:
The Motilal Oswal 2nd Wealth Creation Study reinforced several crucial principles for investors:
- Sustainable Growth Is Key: Companies with the ability to consistently grow earnings remain reliable wealth creators.
- Align Investments with Macro Trends: Capitalizing on consumption-driven growth and the rise of new sectors like IT proved highly lucrative.
- Patience Pays: Long-term investment strategies, supported by identifying early movers in emerging sectors, delivered exponential returns.
Even after decades, the insights from this study remain invaluable, emphasizing the timeless relevance of identifying wealth creators and staying aligned with evolving market trends.
Download the Full Study:
- Access the complete Motilal Oswal 2nd Wealth Creation Study PDF here.