Analysts said the surge in earnings was mainly led by a reversal in tax and noted that operating performance for the quarter was fairly weak, with pre-provision operating profit falling 27 per cent YoY due to a 25 per cent decline in net interest income (NII).
Slippages were elevated at about Rs 9,080 crore, which were 5.4 per cent of loans, even as higher recoveries and upgrades helped the bank report a 70 basis points fall in gross NPA at 13.6 per cent.
Motilal Oswal Securities noted that the bank’s domestic margins also fell 36 basis points sequentially to 2.45 per cent due to an interest reversal of Rs 620 crore and few corporate loans being repriced at lower rates. Fee income fell 21 per cent sequentially. “PNB’s asset quality remained largely stable despite elevated slippages, supported by higher recoveries and upgrades. However, the bank’s restructured portfolio increased to 3.1 per cent of loans, for which it is carrying mere 10 per cent provisions. Also, SMA overdue stood at 3.7 per cent of loans, making us watchful of PNB over the near term,” Motilal Oswal said.
Emkay Global has retained its sell call on the stock due to slower growth, ongoing concerns around asset quality and subpar return ratios when compared with other public sector banks. It has valued the stock at Rs 35. “Credit growth was weak at 3 per cent YoY but PNB expects the growth run rate to improve to 6-8 per cent YoY by the end of FY22, aided by healthy growth in retail and some back-end support from corporates as well. That said, we believe overall NIMs are likely to remain under pressure due to slower growth and interest reversals on NPAs,” Emkay said.
Edelweiss shared similar concerns. It said asset quality shows persistent challenges, with slippages in excess of 5 per cent (annualised) and SMA-2 + restructuring at 2 per cent level. Soft business momentum reflected in a 30 per cent YoY dip in core profitability. “Still evolving stress and low provision stock forebodes elevated credit costs going forward, keeping us on guard. High stress, lower buffer, challenges on business and risk of subsequent Covid waves indicate that transition will be arduous and normalisation is still awaited,” said the brokerage. It has a hold rating on the stock with a target of Rs 42.
PNB closed at Rs 42.10 a piece on Friday, suggesting no upside.
