JP Morgan starts on India's Astral, Supreme Industries; shares climb

** JP Morgan initiates coverage on Indian pipe makers Astral ASTL.NS and Supreme Industries SUPI.NS with "overweight," price targets at 1,700 rupees and 4,930 rupees, respectively

** Shares of ASTL up 2.1% to 1,470.1 rupees, SUPI climbs 2.2% to 4,448.1 rupees

** PTs at ~18%, ~13% premium on last close of ASTL and SUPI, respectively

** JP Morgan sees India pipe majors nearing demand recovery, on the back of strong real-estate construction activity, higher water infrastructure spends and favorable channel inventories

** Expects double-digit volume growth for ASTL, SUPI in FY25-28 vs an 8% rise in the broader industry

** Upbeat on ASTL's leadership position in the chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipes - a type of thermoplastic pipes - segment; see SUPI's scale and distribution edge as a key positive

** Both stocks rated "buy" on avg, median PTs at 1,494.5 rupees, 4,490 rupees, respectively - data compiled by LSEG

** YTD, ASTL, SUPI down ~11%, ~5%