** Shares of India's Aavas Financiers AVAS.NS jump as much as 2.92%, last up 0.73% at 1,456.50 rupees
** Affordable housing finance co's fourth-quarter profit climbs 18.2% y/y, revenue up 12.33% y/y
GROWTH MOMENTUM, ASSET QUALITY IMPROVEMENT LIFT SENTIMENT
** Citi ("buy"; TP: 2,100 rupees) says improving asset quality and lower credit costs supported Q4 earnings
** Expects medium-term growth to remain strong with 20% AUM expansion target
** Jefferies ("buy"; TP: 1,750 rupees) says stronger disbursements, stable asset quality indicate growth recovery is underway, which could support re-rating
** Motilal Oswal ("neutral"; TP: 1,565 rupees) says Q4 disbursement momentum was encouraging, but sustained execution will be key to maintaining growth and margins
** Ambit Capital ("sell"; TP: 1,485 rupees) flags competitive pressure and narrowing spreads despite improving growth momentum
(Reporting by Surbhi Misra in Bengaluru)
((Surbhi.Misra@thomsonreuters.com | X: https://twitter.com/SurbhiMisra_ |;))