Bandhan Bank stock re-rating candidate, can rally up to 40%: Jefferies

NEW DELHI: Following signs of improvement in Bandhan Bank's asset quality in the December quarter, Jefferies said shares of the Kolkata-based private lender could re-rate as the valuations are now attractive. The global brokerage firm sees an upside potential of up to 40% to Rs 340 on the bank stock in the next 12 months.

In its quarterly update, Bandhan Bank showed a rise in collection efficiency of EEB (Emerging Entrepreneurs Business) loans to 98% in Q3 from 95% in Q2. This adds to the recovery of Rs 9.2 billion from CGFMU scheme and Rs 4 billion as cash from sale of written-off loans to ARC in this quarter, Jefferies said.

"Improving asset quality trends should drive valuation re-rating; we see more over the next 2-3 quarters. Asset growth slowed to 14% YoY (17% in 2Q) and CASA fell by 3% YoY. Valuations are attractive and could re-rate," it said with a buy rating and target price of Rs 340.

Following the report, the stock surged 1.5% to the day's high of Rs 245.90 on Monday. The banking stock has been underperforming since the last one year during which it has lost over 10% of its value.

Domestic brokerage firm Motilal Oswal also noted that the bank reported a stable Q3 with a pick-up in advances growth and improvement in collection efficiency. "Deposit growth was modest led by a sharp increase in bulk deposits while CASA ratio witnessed a decline as customers shifted their SA balance of >INR20m to term deposits. The management indicated that 0+ DPD in absolute terms improved and thus the movement in SMA book would be a key to assess the asset quality and credit cost trajectory," it said.

Out of the 22 analysts with coverage on the stock, only one of them has a sell rating. The average share price target of Rs 313.3 signals an upside potential of over 29% from current market prices.

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