Max Financial Services Q4FY25: Steady Growth, Confident Forecasts
Max Financial wrapped up Q4FY25 with a calm, confident performance. The headline numbers may not scream "breakout," but underneath lies steady growth in value of new business, expanding margins, and bullish forward guidance from management.
What’s Working Well?
Let’s start with the positives that shaped the quarter:
- Value of New Business (VNB) grew 4% YoY in Q4FY25.
- Embedded Value (EV) rose to ₹25,200 crore (up from ₹19,500 crore in FY24).
- Operating RoEV came in strong at 19%, a clear sign of capital efficiency.
- Par and protection segments delivered a robust 34–81% YoY growth, fuelling Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) performance.
- Management remains optimistic, guiding for:
o 16% APE growth, and o Margin expansion to 25–26%, up from 24% in FY25.
So while not flashy, the foundation is clearly strengthening—and that matters in financial services.
What Needs Attention?
There were a couple of soft spots:
- Non-par product growth declined 17% YoY in Q4FY25.
- Proprietary and Axis Bank channels saw only ~3% YoY growth, which is modest.
- The strategic stance of Axis Bank (as a partner) continues to be a variable in the equation.
These are key levers in Max Financial’s growth journey, so any shifts here could influence near-term dynamics.
Key Numbers Snapshot
| Metric | Q4FY25 |
|---|---|
Value of New Business (VNB) | +4% YoY |
Embedded Value (EV) | ₹25,200 crore (↑ from ₹19,500 cr) |
Operating RoEV | 19% |
Par & Protection Segment Growth | 34–81% YoY |
Non-Par Growth | ↓ 17% YoY |
Axis/Proprietary Channel Growth | ~3% YoY |
FY25 Margin | 24% |
FY26 Margin Guidance | 25–26% |
Outlook: What’s in Store?
Looking ahead, the forecast is upbeat:
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Management expects 17% VNB CAGR between FY25 and FY28E.
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They continue to toggle across product mixes and expand partnerships, while maintaining strong capital discipline.
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The revised fair value is now ₹1,540, up from the previous level—backed by improving earnings quality and future visibility.
At a CMP of ₹1,338, the stock is attractively placed relative to its future potential. The long-term strategy is unfolding steadily, and despite occasional volatility in product or channel performance, the underlying trend remains upward.
Verdict: BUY. Stay invested for compounding through stability.
Disclaimer & Full Report
This feature is based on a synopsis of a research report issued by Kotak Securities Limited. For the full story (and disclaimers), make sure to check out the original sources:
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. This information is purely backed by KSL research analyst based on research recommendation. Kotak Securities Ltd has registration granted by SEBI, Enlistment as RA and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Registered Office: 27 BKC, C 27, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai 400051. SEBI Registration No. INZ000200137 (Member of NSE, BSE, MSE, MCX & NCDEX), Member Id: NSE-08081; BSE-673; MSE-1024; MCX-56285; NCDEX-1262. Research Analyst INH000000586; BSE Enlistment No: 5035 for compliance T&C and disclaimers, Visit https://ddei5-0-ctp.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2flongdisc&umid=818E14E7-34FE-7906-906B-8F0B1C42A394&auth=d2c41a7df2e2ef1fca42bbbefb1c825d24cf1548-36f3d1caa4f5ef82b030dac05eca909befcec775,
