Bandhan Bank: Concerns on MFI portfolio an overhang

Brokerages have lately turned optimistic though Q4 results hold key for sentiments to improve

The Bandhan Bank stock has gained over 40 per cent in a year, indicating that concerns aired last year — regarding the impact of the lockdown on its business — have subsided to a large extent. 

However, for a full-blown improvement in sentiment, the upcoming March quarter (Q4) results hold key, as asset quality issues have resurfaced, particularly in the microfinance (MFI) business, which accounts for 65 per cent of the total. At over 7 per cent gross NPA ratio, without considering the Supreme Court’s stay on asset classification, Q3 was Bandhan Bank’s worst in years.

The good thing for now is