Report, BFSI News, ET BFSI

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-By Ishwari Chavan

The Indian banking sector is likely to witness a fresh phase of consolidation over the medium term, between FY22 and FY24, primarily driven by large private sector banks, according to a report by Acuite Ratings and Research.

Given the current buoyancy in equity markets, there is now a significant opportunity for large Indian private banks for inorganic growth through acquisition of smaller private banks that continue to face headwinds or even public sector banks where the government is considering a disinvestment, the report said.

The banking sector saw its first phase of consolidation involving public sector banks over the period 2017-20, with an intent to enhance their competitiveness, capital position and operational efficiency. Post this, there are twelve PSBs, including seven large ones and five smaller ones against 27 in 2017.

Market share

While PSBs have been enjoying a dominant market share since nationalisation of banks in 1969, they have witnessed a steady drop in both credit and deposit market share over the last one decade, the report said.

This was further accelerated over the last five years, with the impact of the Asset Quality Review (AQR) and the subsequent spike in NPAs in the banking sector.


Share of Public Vs Private Sector Banks in Outstanding Credit
Source: Acuite Ratings and Research

Over the last five years, the market share of state-owned banks has dropped by around 10% in both deposits and advances due to asset quality, resultant profitability and capital challenges.

This market share has been largely taken over by private banks, who have cemented their market position through easier access to capital, along with technological initiatives.


Share of Public Vs Private Sector Banks in Outstanding Deposits
Source: Acuite Ratings and Research

Domination of large private banks

Given investors’ confidence, large as well as some select mid-sized private banks have been able to raise funds through capital markets.

Despite repercussions from COVID, larger and few mid-sized private banks have been able to raise capital through equity (QIP) snd Tier I/II bonds in FY21 and H1FY22.

Large banks have been reporting double-digit growth rates on an average over the last five years due to a comfortable capital cushion, which can shield them from any asset quality stress.

Despite some improvement in profitability during FY21, small-size private banks continue to have low return on assets, reflecting their vulnerability in a challenging environment. These banks have also been facing difficulties in raising capital.

Furthermore, their ability to bring about a structural improvement in their lending and deposit profile is uncertain due to limitations in their geographical franchise, the report said.


Size Wise ROAA Trend of PVBs
Source: Acuite Ratings and Research



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Morgan Stanley, BFSI News, ET BFSI

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The debate in Indian banks has quickly shifted from impaired loans to growth. Stocks have done well over the past week to three months and are likely pricing in some growth recovery. Growth momentum is strong, and it is believed that the next leg of returns will be driven by valuation re-rating to much above-average valuations.

According to the report, the balance sheets at large private banks are among the strongest ever post any crisis with strong capital ratios with high non-specific loan provisions and significant liquidity. Loan growth has surprised positively with 70% incremental market share during F9M21. As the economy improves, it is expected to see significant earnings acceleration.

Morgan Stanley raises price targets to factor in 10-15% above-mean valuations at HDFC Bank and Axis Bank. ICICI’s valuation is well above mean levels given significantly higher profitability compared to past levels. A combination of valuation re-rating and strong earnings compounding drives 30-40% upside for the group.

“Our top picks are ICICI, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank. IndusInd Bank should also benefit from the cyclical tailwinds. The questions that we are being asked include why buy the Indian Financial stocks incrementally and can the stocks continue to do well: We believe this cycle is likely to be similar to the one in the early 2000s. Balance sheets at private banks are the best ever in terms of capital, provisions and liquidity. This will help them gain market share at an accelerated pace” said the report.

Profitability is high, helped by strong improvement in loan spreads in recent years as well as lower tax rates. Consequently, return ratios are also expected to reach or cross previous cycle peaks. With strong digital capabilities, and given the different evolution and regulatory dynamics in Large Indian private banks, it is believed that the risks are manageable.

Asset quality trends have surprised positively at large private banks

Indian Private Banks are exiting the cycle with strong excess provisions and asset quality trends have been much better than expected. Impaired loan formation was expected to pick up as the moratorium ended in August,2020 and restructuring window for corporate and retail loans ended in December, 20.

However, the trends surprised positively – impaired loan formation was 1.8-2.4% in F9M21 Vs 1.7-3.4% in F9M20. While unsecured retail and CV NPL formations have been high, corporate asset quality and secured retail have surprised positively with the stress largely being in disproportionately affected segments CVs, MFI, real estate, travel,etc.

Digital adoption has picked up sharply; will continue to improve:
Large private banks have done well on digitization and have improved significantly. Product offerings, where delivery and convenience can match better than that of the fintechs, this has helped them tie up with new players efficiently. Distribution capabilities have improved whereas speed, accessibility and cost of delivery has reduced.

Underwriting practices with new datasets are now originating because of which the ability to underwrite has improved and costs have lowered since.



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