India's Creditaccess, Ujjivan rise; Investec sees improving asset quality

Investec

09/04/2025 07:51

** The worst appears over for Indian microfinance lenders, says Investec, citing improving asset quality at CreditAccess Grameen CRDE.NS and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank UJJI.NS

** Both stocks are up about 2.1%, outperforming the 0.7% drop in the Nifty 500 index .NIFTY500

** While peers like Equitas Small Finance Bank EQUI.NS face operational challenges such as lower collection efficiency, these two companies are better placed, says Investec

** Brokerage expects only a minimal impact on the two companies from stricter lending norms set to take effect in April

** Reiterates a "buy" rating on both stocks, estimating a 12-month upside of 17.9% for CRDE and 33.2% for UJJI; calls Ujjivan more attractive on valuations

** CRDE and UJJI are up 12.4% and 11% in 2025 so far, outperforming the Nifty 500’s 9% decline

(Reporting by Bharath Rajeswaran in Bengaluru)

((bharath.rajeswaran@thomsonreuters.com; +91 9769003463;))