Citi raises Kotak Bank shares target to INR 1,905, keeps neutral rating By Investing.com

On Monday, Citi updated its stance on Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (KMB:IN), increasing the price target to INR 1,905 from INR 1,720. The firm has decided to maintain a Neutral rating on the stock. The adjustment follows Kotak Mahindra Bank’s recent financial performance, which included robust growth in advances and controlled operational expenditures that supported its earnings despite some areas not meeting expectations.

Kotak Mahindra Bank’s core Return on Assets (RoA) was reported at 2.38%, surpassing Citi’s estimates. Although the Net Interest Margin (NIM) and Net Interest Income (NII) fell short of projections, the bank saw a strong quarter-over-quarter advance growth of 4%.

The growth was mainly attributed to activities in corporate, mortgage, and business banking sectors. However, unsecured lending remained unchanged from the previous quarter, which the bank attributed to regulatory constraints.

The bank experienced a change in its financial mix and deposit repricing, leading to a greater than 25 basis points quarter-over-quarter decline in NIMs to 5.02%. Additionally, certain one-time factors such as the divestment of Kotak General Insurance (KGI) and revised investment norms positively impacted the bank’s net worth.

Citi’s revised outlook also takes into account the expectation of upward growth and moderation in operational expenses, leading to an approximate 2% revision in earnings forecasts for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The new price target of INR 1,905 is based on assigning 2.2 times multiple to the bank’s core banking book for the fiscal year 2026. Furthermore, Citi has introduced its estimates for the fiscal year 2027 while maintaining its Neutral rating on the stock.

InvestingPro Insights

In light of Citi’s updated stance on Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., it’s worth noting that the bank has been recognized for its consistent dividend increases, having raised its dividend for four consecutive years. This is a testament to its commitment to returning value to shareholders and could be a reassuring sign for investors looking for stable income. Additionally, Kotak Mahindra Bank is a significant entity within the Banks industry, which positions it as a prominent player to watch in the financial sector.

InvestingPro data indicates that Kotak Mahindra Bank is trading at a low P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth. This could suggest that the stock is undervalued considering its earnings potential. Moreover, while analysts anticipate a sales decline in the current year, they also predict the company will remain profitable this year. This mixed outlook highlights the importance of closely monitoring the bank’s performance metrics and market conditions.

For those interested in a deeper analysis, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available that provide more insights into Kotak Mahindra Bank’s financial health, including its cash burn rate and gross profit margins. To access these tips and enhance your investment strategy, consider using the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription at InvestingPro.

The bank’s performance in the last twelve months has been profitable, which aligns with the positive aspects of Citi’s report. However, investors should be aware of the broader financial context, as net income is expected to drop this year, which may influence long-term investment decisions. With six additional InvestingPro Tips available, investors can gain a more comprehensive understanding of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s position in the market.

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