Stock Recommendation | J&K Bank - BUY - Target price : 90

Gross NPLs decline 280 bps qoq; slippages decline sharply to 1.7% of loans
GNPL ratio dropped 280 bps qoq to 9.0% of loans along with reduction in slippages by 370 bps qoq to 1.7% in 2QFY19. It does appear that slippages from restructured loans were negligible and no large corporate slippages reported this quarter as we are closer to the end of the weakness in the corporate NPL cycle.
Restructured loans declined 70 bps qoq to 6.2% of loans with nearly all of these loans coming from within the state of J&K. There have been some more disbursements to the restructured loan portfolio, which could be due to drawdown of existing unutilized credit lines of customers. The portfolio within the state has seen a steady repayment and limited stress so far giving comfort that the risk is probably not as worse as it was initially perceived given the performance of restructured loans in general for the sector.
One of the key positives of the bank is the high coverage ratio it maintains. Reported PCR (including write-offs) stood at ~70%, highest among its peers. Outstanding SDR, S4A and 5/25 dispensations dropped 10 bps qoq to 0.5% (S4A and 5/25 was flat qoq). We forecast GNPL to drop to 6% of loans by FY2021E driven by sharp drop in slippages going forward (2.6% in FY2019E and 1.5% in FY2020E).

Loan growth accelerates to ~24% driven by strong performance in home state
Overall gross advances increased 24% yoy primarily on account strong loan growth within J&K. Loan growth outside J&K was relatively modest at 15% yoy primarily driven by corporate loan book growth at 14% yoy. The share of gross loans outside J&K remained stable at 47%. Overall growth in retail loans was strong at 30% yoy, a trend similar to previous quarters. The growth in retail loans has been strong in home state at 31% yoy while that outside J&K grew 15% yoy. The share of retail loans has increased to ~23% of loan mix. Growth in corporate loans was relatively slower at 12% yoy. SME and agriculture loan growth was robust at 29% yoy and 14% yoy, respectively.
We forecast 15% CAGR in net advances from FY2018-2021E as the management remains positive on growth in advances within the state.

Reported NIM remains stable at 3.7%
Reported NIM remained stable at 3.7% on the back of improvement in lending yields offset by increased cost of funds and drop in investment yields. Reported yield on loans increased 50 bps qoq to 9% on the back of lower interest reversals. There was no relief from cost of deposits, which increased 8 bps qoq to 4.9%.
We expect lending yields to marginally inch up going ahead due to better pricing power. J&K Bank, however, maintains a strong CD ratio, which provides some comfort to the NIM profile. Growth in CASA going and drop GNPL will provide slight comfort to NIM. We forecast NIM (calculated) to drop ~10 bps to 3.5% in FY2019E.
CASA ratio stable qoq to 49%
CASA increased 13% yoy and the ratio was stable qoq at 49%. CASA ratio within J&K was strong at ~54%. Growth in CA maintains momentum at 30% yoy and SA growth rate also picked pace in 2QFY19 recording a 9% yoy increase.
Growth in SA within J&K was modest at 10% yoy in (up 3% qoq). The growth in outside J&K remained muted qoq but recorded a modest increase of 8% yoy. We forecast a modest 12% CAGR in CASA from FY2018-2021E stable CASA ratio of ~50% CASA ratio over the same period.

Other highlights for the quarter
▶ Non-interest income showed a modest increase of 6% yoy on the back of loss of `260 mn in treasury income. Growth in fee income was high at 18% yoy. Insurance distribution income grew 3% yoy.
▶ Cost-income ratio was high at 62% yoy in 2QFY19 driven by sharp rise in employee expenses at 19% yoy in 2QFY19. Operating expenses increased 21% yoy in 2QFY19. Cost-to-income ratio has been high in the range of 55-65% over the past few quarters. We forecast cost to income ratio to moderate to ~56% by FY2021E from 59% in FY2018 driven by modest 9% CAGR in operating expenses from FY2018-2021E.
▶ CAR decreased 40 bps qoq to 12% with tier-I ratio at 10.2%. Given the pace of growth in balance sheet and current CET-1, we do believe that the bank would either need to slow down its balance sheet growth and/or improve profitability if it is not able to raise capital. The bank has got support from the state government in the past which in our view is a source of comfort if the capital consumption continues at the current levels though it is negative for the minority shareholders as the capital infusion would be below reported book value.

Definitions of ratings

Our target prices are also on a 12-month horizon basis.

Other definitions

Coverage view. The coverage view represents each analyst's overall fundamental outlook on the Sector. The coverage view will consist of one of the following designations: Attractive, Neutral, Cautious.

Other ratings/identifiers

Copyright 2018 Kotak Institutional Equities (Kotak Securities Limited). All rights reserved.
1. Note that the research analysts contributing to this report may not be registered/qualified as research analysts with FINRA; and
2. Such research analysts may not be associated persons of Kotak Mahindra Inc and therefore, may not be subject to NASD Rule 2711 restrictions on communications with a subject company, public appearances and trading securities held by a research analyst account.
3. Any U.S. recipients of the research who wish to effect transactions in any security covered by the report should do so with or through Kotak Mahindra Inc and (ii) any transactions in the securities covered by the research by U.S. recipients must be effected only through Kotak Mahindra Inc at vinay.goenka@kotak.com.
This report is distributed in Singapore by Kotak Mahindra (UK) Limited (Singapore Branch) to institutional investors, accredited investors or expert investors only as defined under the Securities and Futures Act. Recipients of this analysis / report are to contact Kotak Mahindra (UK) Limited (Singapore Branch) (16 Raffles Quay, #35-02/03, Hong Leong Building, Singapore 048581) in respect of any matters arising from, or in connection with, this analysis / report. Kotak Mahindra (UK) Limited (Singapore Branch) is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Kotak Securities Limited established in 1994, is a subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. Kotak Securities is one of India's largest brokerage and distribution house.
Kotak Securities Limited is a corporate trading and clearing member of Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE), National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India Limited (MSE). Our businesses include stock broking, services rendered in connection with distribution of primary market issues and financial products like mutual funds and fixed deposits, depository services and Portfolio Management.
Kotak Securities Limited is also a depository participant with National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL). Kotak Securities Limited is also registered with Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority as Corporate Agent for Kotak Mahindra Old Mutual Life Insurance Limited and is also a Mutual Fund Advisor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). We are registered as a Research Analyst under SEBI (Research Analyst) Regulations, 2014.
We hereby declare that our activities were neither suspended nor we have defaulted with any stock exchange authority with whom we are registered in last five years. However SEBI, Exchanges and Depositories have conducted the routine inspection and based on their observations have issued advise/warning/deficiency letters/ or levied minor penalty on KSL for certain operational deviations. We have not been debarred from doing business by any Stock Exchange / SEBI or any other authorities; nor has our certificate of registration been cancelled by SEBI at any point of time.
We offer our research services to clients as well as our prospects.
This document is not for public distribution and has been furnished to you solely for your information and must not be reproduced or redistributed to any other person. Persons into whose possession this document may come are required to observe these restrictions.
This material is for the personal information of the authorized recipient, and we are not soliciting any action based upon it. This report is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would be illegal. It is for the general information of clients of Kotak Securities Ltd. It does not constitute a personal recommendation or take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs of individual clients.
We have reviewed the report, and in so far as it includes current or historical information, it is believed to be reliable though its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Neither Kotak Securities Limited, nor any person connected with it, accepts any liability arising from the use of this document. The recipients of this material should rely on their own investigations and take their own professional advice. Price and value of the investments referred to in this material may go up or down. Past performance is not a guide for future performance. Certain transactions -including those involving futures, options and other derivatives as well as non-investment grade securities - involve substantial risk and are not suitable for all investors. Reports based on technical analysis centers on studying charts of a stock's price movement and trading volume, as opposed to focusing on a company's fundamentals and as such, may not match with a report on a company's fundamentals.
Opinions expressed are our current opinions as of the date appearing on this material only. While we endeavor to update on a reasonable basis the information discussed in this material, there may be regulatory, compliance or other reasons that prevent us from doing so. Prospective investors and others are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not predictions and may be subject to change without notice. Our proprietary trading and investment businesses may make investment decisions that are inconsistent with the recommendations expressed herein.
Kotak Securities Limited has two independent equity research groups: Institutional Equities and Private Client Group. This report has been prepared by the Private Client Group. The views and opinions expressed in this document may or may not match or may be contrary with the views, estimates, rating, target price of the Institutional Equities Research Group of Kotak Securities Limited.
We and our affiliates/associates, officers, directors, and employees, Research Analyst(including relatives) worldwide may: (a) from time to time, have long or short positions in, and buy or sell the securities thereof, of company (ies) mentioned herein or (b) be engaged in any other transaction involving such securities and earn brokerage or other compensation or act as a market maker in the financial instruments of the subject company/company (ies) discussed herein or act as advisor or lender / borrower to such company (ies) or have other potential/material conflict of interest with respect to any recommendation and related information and opinions at the time of publication of Research Report or at the time of public appearance. Kotak Securities Limited (KSL) may have proprietary long/short position in the above mentioned scrip(s) and therefore may be considered as interested. The views provided herein are general in nature and does not consider risk appetite or investment objective of particular investor; readers are requested to take independent professional advice before investing. This should not be construed as invitation or solicitation to do business with KSL. Kotak Securities Limited is also a Portfolio Manager. Portfolio Management Team (PMS) takes its investment decisions independent of the PCG research and accordingly PMS may have positions contrary to the PCG research recommendation. Kotak Securities Limited does not provide any promise or assurance of favourable view for a particular industry or sector or business group in any manner. The investor is requested to take into consideration all the risk factors including their financial condition, suitability to risk return profile and take professional advice before investing.
The analyst for this report certifies that all of the views expressed in this report accurately reflect his or her personal views about the subject company or companies and its or their securities, and no part of his or her compensation was, is or will be, directly or indirectly related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.
No part of this material may be duplicated in any form and/or redistributed without Kotak Securities' prior written consent. Details of Associates are available on www.kotak.com
Research Analyst has served as an officer, director or employee of subject company(ies): No
We or our associates may have received compensation from the subject company(ies) in the past 12 months.
We or our associates have managed or co-managed public offering of securities for the subject company(ies) in the past 12 months: No
We or our associates may have received compensation for investment banking or merchant banking or brokerage services from the subject company(ies) in the past 12 months. We or our associates may have received any compensation for products or services other than investment banking or merchant banking or brokerage services from the subject company(ies) in the past 12 months. We or our associates may have received compensation or other benefits from the subject company(ies) or third party in connection with the research report. Our associates may have financial interest in the subject company(ies).
Research Analyst or his/her relative's financial interest in the subject company(ies): No
Kotak Securities Limited has financial interest in the subject company(ies) at the end of the month immediately preceding the date of publication of Research Report: Yes
Our associates may have actual/beneficial ownership of 1% or more securities of the subject company(ies) at the end of the month immediately preceding the date of publication of Research Report.
Research Analyst or his/her relatives has actual/beneficial ownership of 1% or more securities of the subject company(ies) at the end of the month immediately preceding the date of publication of Research Report: No.
Kotak Securities Limited has actual/beneficial ownership of 1% or more securities of the subject company(ies) at the end of the month immediately preceding the date of publication of Research Report: No
Subject company(ies) may have been client during twelve months preceding the date of distribution of the research report.
"A graph of daily closing prices of securities is available at https://www.nseindia.com/ChartApp/install/charts/mainpage.jsp and http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/stock-quotes. (Choose a company from the list on the browser and select the "three years" icon in the price chart)."
Kotak Securities Limited. Registered Office: 27 BKC, C 27, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai 400051. CIN: U99999MH1994PLC134051, Telephone No.: +22 43360000, Fax No.: +22 67132430. Website: www.kotak.com/www.kotaksecurities.com. Correspondence Address: Infinity IT Park, Bldg. No 21, Opp. Film City Road, A K Vaidya Marg, Malad (East), Mumbai 400097. Telephone No: 42856825. SEBI Registration No: NSE INB/INF/INE 230808130, BSE INB 010808153/INF 011133230, MSE INE 260808130/INB 260808135/INF 260808135, AMFI ARN 0164, PMS INP000000258 and Research Analyst INH000000586. NSDL/CDSL: IN-DP-NSDL-23-97. Our research should not be considered as an advertisement or advice, professional or otherwise. The investor is requested to take into consideration all the risk factors including their financial condition, suitability to risk return profile and the like and take professional advice before investing. Investments in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. Derivatives are a sophisticated investment device. The investor is requested to take into consideration all the risk factors before actually trading in derivative contracts. Compliance Officer Details: Mr. Manoj Agarwal. Call: 022 - 4285 8484, or Email: ks.compliance@kotak.com.
In case you require any clarification or have any concern, kindly write to us at below email ids:
● Level 1: For Trading related queries, contact our customer service at 'service.securities@kotak.com' and for demat account related queries contact us at ks.demat@kotak.com or call us on: Toll free numbers 18002099191 / 1800222299, Offline Customers - 18002099292
● Level 2: If you do not receive a satisfactory response at Level 1 within 3 working days, you may write to us at ks.escalation@kotak.com or call us on 022-42858445 and if you feel you are still unheard, write to our customer service HOD at ks.servicehead@kotak.com or call us on 022-42858208.
● Level 3: If you still have not received a satisfactory response at Level 2 within 3 working days, you may contact our Compliance Officer (Mr. Manoj Agarwal) at ks.compliance@kotak.com or call on 91- (022) 4285 8484.
● Level 4: If you have not received a satisfactory response at Level 3 within 7 working days, you may also approach CEO (Mr. Kamlesh Rao) at ceo.ks@kotak.com or call on 91- (022) 4285 8301.
First Cut notes published on this site are for information purposes only. They represent early notations and responses by analysts to recent events. Data in the notes may not have been verified by us and investors should not act upon any data or views in these notes. Most First Cut notes, but not necessarily all, will be followed by final research reports on the subject. There could be variance between the First cut note and the final research note on any subject, in which case the contents of the final research note would prevail. We accept no liability for the contents of the First Cut Notes. For further disclosure please view https://kie.kotak.com/kinsite/index.php