Emkay Broker Research reports

L&T Finance (LTF) reported a weaker than estimated set of numbers, with changing asset composition and interest-rate cuts in MFI causing NIM compression (35bps QoQ).

Firstsource (FSOL) reported inline operating performance in Q4 – revenue grew 2.1% QoQ CC; EBITM expanded by 10bps QoQ to 11.2%. Growth was broadbased across verticals, except Diverse industries that saw seasonal weakness.

Poonawalla reported another patchy quarter (Q4) with elevated credit cost (3.03% of AUM) and opex (4.6% of AUM) pushing profitability materially lower (RoA of 0.76%).

MSIL reported ~9% YoY/5% QoQ lower EBITDA on Kharkhoda plant costs, higher advertising, and lumpy other expenses; margins declined by 113bps QoQ to 10.5%, with underlying margins adjusted for lumpy expenses at ~11.4% (~5% miss vs Consensus).

RBL continued with its clean-up drive in Q4 as it fully provides for the MFI NPA portfolio leading to historically lower NNPA at 0.3%. However, the bank utilized its contingent provision buffer of Rs2.7bn which along with nearly flat margins and strong card fees helped manage profitability, albeit negligible at Rs0.7bn.

SHFL’s Q4FY25 results were mixed – credit cost was elevated causing a PBT miss, which was offset by lower tax rate that led to in-line PAT.

DLPL reported a steady Q4, with EBITDA beating street/our estimates by 6% and adj PAT improving 34% on YoY basis. Strong performance in core markets (Delhi NCR), buoyed by network expansion, offset the persistent muted performance of Suburban (mid-single digit revenue growth).

Cyient reported weak operating performance in DET, in Q4. DET revenue degrew 3.0% QoQ (1.9% cc) to USD170mn. DET EBITM declined by 48bps QoQ to 13.0%, lower than our estimate.

PSYS reported a robust operating performance in Q4. Revenue growth of 4.5% QoQ CC was in-line, while EBITM of 15.6% was ahead of our estimate. Growth was predominantly led by BFSI and Hi-Tech while HLS stood flat.

We retain REDUCE on Nestlé India and Mar-26E TP of Rs2,300, on 60x P/E. We see demand stress persisting in a major part of the portfolio, with demand for milk products continuing to see impact of healthy price hikes (amid inflation) and competitive pressure in prepared dishes.