Bandhan Bank Share Price Surges 9% After Credit Guarantee Payout, New CEO

Bandhan Bank share price soared more than 9% following a significant leadership change as the lender announced the appointment of Partha Pratim Sengupta as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, following approval from the Reserve Bank of India. Sengupta's banking experience spans nearly four decades, including his recent role as MD & CEO of Indian Overseas Bank until December 2022.

The bank also got a positive outlook from Jefferies, which maintained a 'buy' rating with a target price of Rs 240 per share. This indicates a potential upside of 27% from the previous close, boosting investor confidence amid recent developments.

The surge in Bandhan Bank's stock is further supported by the completion of a forensic audit by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company. The bank announced it will receive a payout of Rs 314.68 crore from NCGTC, a revised amount that considers the exclusion of certain adjusted accounts. This decision reflects a conservative approach taken by Bandhan Bank, particularly in light of operational challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic in fiscal 2020-21.

Jefferies highlighted several factors contributing to its optimistic view on Bandhan Bank. The firm noted that the recovery from credit guarantees enhances the bank's credibility, and it expects asset quality to perform better compared to other microfinance institutions. Additionally, Jefferies anticipates a 15% return on equity for the bank, emphasising that its current valuations are attractive at 1.1 times the financial year 2026 price-to-book value.