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Jefferies initiates coverage on Poonawalla Fincorp with Buy rating. Why are analysts bullish?

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Jefferies initiates coverage on Poonawalla Fincorp with Buy rating. Why are analysts bullish?
International brokerage firm Jefferies started coverage on Poonawalla Fincorp with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 490, implying an upside of 23% from current market levels, citing positive levers of growth.

Jefferies says the company is well positioned to accelerate growth under its revamped leadership team, expanding product portfolio, wider distribution network and sharper underwriting practices.

The brokerage expects the company to deliver a 33% AUM CAGR, the fastest among major NBFCs, supported by an improving loan mix, better net interest margins and lower credit costs driven by reduced slippages and a healthier portfolio mix. Analysts also forecast a sharp improvement in profitability, with RoA/RoE expected to expand to 16% by FY29 from 6% in FY26, which it believes should support the stock’s premium valuation multiples.

The brokerage cited the company’s ongoing strategic transformation under CEO Arvind Kapil, former head of retail and mortgage banking at HDFC Bank as a positive. The brokerage highlighted the leadership overhaul, with seven of nine CXOs coming from HDFC Bank, alongside the launch of six new products including prime personal loans, commercial vehicle loans, gold loans and education loans.

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These new segments have already scaled to 14% of AUM within a year and are expected to contribute 34% of AUM over time. Jefferies expects the company to deliver a 33% AUM CAGR during FY26-29, supported by investments in distribution, collections, technology and AI, as well as its AAA credit rating and backing from the Adar Poonawalla Group.


The brokerage expects margins to improve as the company shifts toward higher-yielding products. After contracting by 250 basis points over the past two years due to the run-down of its legacy personal loan portfolio, NIMs are projected to expand by around 70 basis points over FY26-29, aided by growth in products such as prime personal loans and gold loans. At the same time, Jefferies expects cost-to-AUM to improve to 3.9% by FY29 from 4.4% in FY26 on the back of operating leverage.
Asset quality trends have also strengthened, with gross NPAs declining to 1.4% from 1.8% in FY25, supported by tighter underwriting and the reduction of the stressed legacy personal loan book. Jefferies noted that delinquency levels in loans originated after September 2024 are running about 50% lower than the previous 12-month cohort. It expects credit costs to moderate to 2.2% over FY26-29 from 2.7% in FY26, driven by better portfolio quality and a growing share of lower-risk products such as gold and education loans.Following a Rs 2,500 crore capital raise in April 2026, the company’s Tier-1 capital ratio has risen above 19.5%, providing ample room to fund growth. Jefferies forecasts profit after tax to surge to Rs 2,900 crore by FY29 from Rs 540 crore in FY26, while return on assets and return on equity are expected to improve to 2.3% and 16%, respectively, from 1.1% and 6% in FY26. Despite trading at 2.4x FY27 estimated book value and 25x FY27 estimated earnings, the brokerage believes Poonawalla Fincorp’s strong growth trajectory and improving profitability justify premium valuations and could support further re-rating if execution remains robust. Key risks include weaker-than-expected execution, margin pressure and higher credit stress.

In Thursday’s session, shares of the company are down 1.5% to Rs 394 on the BSE. Poonawala Fincorp shares are down 18% in 2026.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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Canadian project to turn spent beer grains into food ingredients

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Canadian project to turn spent beer grains into food ingredients

Protein Industries Canada invests in biotech-brewer partnership.

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McKee Foods launches mocha Swiss rolls

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McKee Foods launches mocha Swiss rolls

Part of Little Debbie brand.

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Can I buy shares in Elon Musk’s SpaceX?

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Can I buy shares in Elon Musk's SpaceX?

SpaceX shares will be traded on the New York technology-focused Nasdaq market, and some of the big global investment institutions are likely to buy shares. But individuals, including in the UK, will also get a chance to buy via certain investment platforms and brokers.

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BJP accuses Kejriwal of sending voters hoax calls to mislead

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BJP accuses Kejriwal of sending voters hoax calls to mislead
New Delhi: The BJP on Sunday accused AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating hoax calls to mislead voters across constituencies, including the New Delhi constituency, claiming that their were “cancelled” by the BJP. Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Parvesh Verma played an audio recording of one such call, in which a person was heard saying, “Your vote has been cut by the BJP. AAP will ensure you get your vote back,” and urged the receiver to support the Aam Aadmi Party.

“Hoax calls are being made to the public, saying that BJP will end all AAP schemes. This is a blatant lie,” he said.

He also wondered how “confidential voter data” was accessed by the party.

“Other than the Election Commission of India, this data is not provided to anyone. How did Kejriwal get the voters’ contact list? This must be inspected,” Verma said.

The BJP’s New Delhi candidate for the Assembly election also alleged the AAP of distributing Rs 500 wrapped in a calendar in the slum areas. He claimed three people were arrested in this regard.

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There was no immediate reaction from the AAP on the allegations, nor from Delhi Police.
He said he has filed a complaint with the Election Commission and his party demands an investigation into the matter. BJP leader and party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, who was also present at the press conference, welcomed the US Supreme Court’s decision to extradite to India Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

“Under Modi’s leadership, the government remains committed to fighting terrorism. The decision to hand over Tahawwur Rana to India is a welcome one for all of us,” Trivedi said.

Trivedi accused the AAP and Congress of supporting activities that indirectly shield terrorism.

“Atishi’s parents were among those seeking a ‘shama yajna’ (forgiveness ritual) for Afzal Guru,” he alleged, referring to the mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attack.

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Frontier taps investors for $110m

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Frontier taps investors for $110m

Frontier Energy executive chair Jamie Cullen says the company’s $110 million capital raise is a pivotal achievement for the company.

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S&P 500 Edges Higher in Quiet Session as Small Caps Lead Market Rotation

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FTSE 100 Surges 0.8% Today as Oil Eases and Markets

NEW YORK — The S&P 500 Index posted a modest gain Thursday, closing at 7,559.91 after advancing 6.23 points, or 0.08%, as investors navigated ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East while rotating capital toward small-cap and value stocks.

The benchmark index showed limited movement in a session marked by sector divergence. While technology shares faced pressure from earlier weakness in chip-related names, gains in financials, industrials and consumer staples helped support the broader market. The advance came after the S&P 500 snapped a longer winning streak earlier in the week amid renewed US-Iran hostilities.

Trading remained relatively contained as participants assessed the latest flare-up in the Middle East. Oil prices rose on supply disruption concerns, yet the impact on equities was muted compared to previous episodes of tension. The S&P 500 has now traded in a narrow range near record levels established in recent sessions.

Market Rotation Gains Traction

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Smaller companies outperformed once again, with the Russell 2000 rising nearly 1%. This shift reflects investor preference for domestically oriented firms less exposed to international supply chain risks and potential tariff developments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also advanced, underscoring strength in more traditional sectors.

The technology-heavy Nasdaq lagged, consistent with recent profit-taking in high-valuation growth stocks. Broadcom’s revenue miss earlier in the week continued to weigh on sentiment in semiconductors, though some recovery appeared in related names.

Analysts note the S&P 500’s composition, with heavy weighting toward a handful of mega-cap names, makes it sensitive to any softening in artificial intelligence spending narratives. However, broader participation across sectors has helped stabilize the index during periods of volatility.

Geopolitical and Economic Backdrop

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Tensions between the US and Iran escalated with fresh airstrikes, pushing oil prices higher and contributing to inflation worries. South Korea’s won weakened to a two-month low against the dollar on similar concerns, illustrating global spillovers. Yet US markets showed resilience, supported by strong corporate balance sheets and expectations of eventual monetary easing.

The Federal Reserve’s policy path remains a key focus. With inflation data mixed and energy costs fluctuating, markets continue pricing in measured adjustments later in the year. Bond yields moved modestly, offering some support outside of growth sectors.

Economic indicators point to underlying strength. Consumer spending has held up, unemployment remains low, and corporate earnings in non-tech sectors have largely met or exceeded expectations. These factors provide a foundation for the market’s ability to absorb geopolitical shocks.

Earnings Season Progress

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Several companies reported results this week, with mixed reactions. While some tech names disappointed on guidance, others in industrials and financials delivered solid performances. The ongoing earnings cycle will be critical in determining whether the market rotation sustains.

The S&P 500’s year-to-date performance remains robust, up more than 10% despite periodic pullbacks. It has hit multiple record highs in 2026, driven initially by AI enthusiasm and later by broadening participation. Goldman Sachs maintains a constructive outlook, projecting further gains through year-end.

Valuation and Risk Considerations

Valuations in the S&P 500 sit above historical averages, particularly in technology. This has prompted caution among some strategists, who advise diversification as the bull market matures. Small-cap valuations appear more attractive relative to large caps, supporting the ongoing reallocation.

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Risks include prolonged Middle East conflict disrupting energy markets, potential escalation in trade tensions, and any slowdown in AI capital expenditure. Conversely, de-escalation or stronger-than-expected economic data could fuel further upside.

Volume on Thursday was moderate, suggesting repositioning rather than panic selling. Institutional investors appear to be adjusting portfolios for a potentially more balanced market environment in the second half of the year.

Looking Ahead

Markets will turn attention to upcoming economic releases, including jobs data, and the next wave of corporate earnings. The June Russell reconstitution has added technical tailwinds for small caps, with final adjustments expected soon.

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Longer term, many strategists remain optimistic. Strong productivity gains from technology, resilient corporate profits, and potential policy support form a constructive backdrop. However, near-term volatility is likely as investors balance enthusiasm for innovation with geopolitical and valuation realities.

For individual investors, the session reinforced the benefits of diversification. While concentrated tech leadership drove much of the prior rally, 2026 has increasingly rewarded broader exposure. The S&P 500’s modest gain amid crosscurrents highlights the market’s capacity to digest news without sharp moves.

As summer trading approaches, focus will remain on whether small-cap momentum persists and if geopolitical risks subside. The index’s ability to hold near 7,500-7,600 levels suggests underlying buyer interest, even as leadership evolves.

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Transcontinental Inc. (TCL.A:CA) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Operator

Welcome to the TC Transcontinental Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Results Conference Call. [Operator Instructions]

As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. today, June 4, 2026. I would like to turn the conference over to Yan Lapointe, Senior Director, Investor Relations and Treasury. [Foreign Language] Mr. Lapointe, please go ahead.

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Yan Lapointe
Senior Director of Investor Relations & Treasury

Thank you, Joanne, and good morning, everyone, on the call. Welcome to Transcontinental’s Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Call. Before we begin, please note that you can find on our website our quarterly report, including financial statements and related notes as well as the slides supporting management’s remarks. A replay of this conference call will also be available on our website shortly after the call.

We have with us today our Chief Executive Officer, Sam Bendavid; and our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Donald LeCavalieri. As referenced on Slide 2, some of the financial measures discussed over the course of this conference call are non-IFRS. You can refer to the MD&A for a definition and reconciliation of these measures to IFRS. In addition, this conference call might also contain forward-looking statements.

These statements are based on the current expectations of management and

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Education Minister Tony Buti dodges uni merger talks, stresses standards

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Education Minister Tony Buti dodges uni merger talks, stresses standards

Education Minister Tony Buti has cautioned against universities lowering their standards while remaining tight-lipped on potential mergers.

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Energy efficiency heats up at the oven

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Energy efficiency heats up at the oven

Producers are increasingly investing in electric and dual-fuel ovens that boost energy savings.

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BTO: This CEF Is 'Takin' Care Of Business,' Averaging 10% Annual Total Returns

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BTO: This CEF Is 'Takin' Care Of Business,' Averaging 10% Annual Total Returns

BTO: This CEF Is 'Takin' Care Of Business,' Averaging 10% Annual Total Returns

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