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Muthoot Finance, the country's largest NBFC specialising in gold loans, continues to present a strong case for investment. With over 6,759 branches across India, Muthoot offers a range of financial products beyond gold loans, including various types of loans, insurance services, and money transfer solutions. Geojit Financial Services has projected positive future growth for Muthoot, recommending that investors accumulate shares with a target price of ₹2,140. For those looking to invest in stocks, this forecast highlights a potential long-term opportunity.

Growth in AUM and profits

Geojit forecasts Muthoot's loan assets under management (AUM) to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% during FY24-FY26E. This growth will likely be fuelled by increasing gold prices and a reduction in competition within the gold loan sector. Additionally, the rising credit risks in unsecured lending are expected to further shift demand towards gold loans. As yields are projected to stabilise at around 18%, Muthoot aims to capitalise on higher AUM and operational efficiencies, expecting profits to grow at a 19% CAGR over the same period. If you're planning to invest in stocks, especially in those backed by robust financial strategies, this is an encouraging sign of potential returns.

Expanding branch network

Muthoot Finance's strategic focus on expanding its branch network will likely play a key role in its future success. Management has outlined plans to open 150-200 new branches each year, which will drive customer acquisition and boost loan growth. This network expansion ensures that Muthoot stays ahead of the competition and continues to serve a larger portion of the market. If you're considering investing in stocks, especially in companies with aggressive growth strategies, Muthoot's expansion plans provide an added layer of confidence.

Risk management and asset quality

Muthoot Finance stands out for its conservative approach to risk management. The company holds higher provisions than its competitors, thanks to a more cautious auction policy designed to maintain strong customer relationships. Its loan-to-value (LTV) ratio remains low, with Q1FY25 reporting an LTV of around 63%. Combined with the ongoing rally in gold prices, this positions Muthoot with a relatively low asset quality risk. For those looking to invest in stocks that prioritise customer relationships and risk management, Muthoot Finance offers a compelling option.

Premium valuation and future outlook

Geojit Financial Services highlights gold's stability as a reliable asset class, which adds to Muthoot Finance's long-term appeal. The brokerage also expects the company's return on equity (ROE) to improve by FY26, warranting a premium valuation for its stock. Based on its sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) valuation method, Geojit has assigned a target price of ₹2,140 and an "accumulate" rating. This outlook makes Muthoot Finance an attractive choice for those seeking to invest in stocks that offer strong growth potential and a stable asset-backed portfolio.

Conclusion

In summary, Muthoot Finance's solid financial performance, risk-conscious management, and ambitious expansion plans present a strong case for accumulation. Geojit's target price of ₹2,140 further supports this outlook. For investors aiming to invest in stocks with a proven track record in gold loans and a promising future, Muthoot Finance stands as a key contender.