Accumulate PNB; target of Rs 140: Prabhudas Lilladher

PNB’s Q2FY17 performance was better than expectations with PAT of Rs 5.5 bn. The bog positive came in from slippages rate trending downward coupled with strong efforts on recovery/upgrades beginning to pay off while keeping the asset quality stable. 

Provisions continued to remain high but were offset by higher treasury gains during the quarter. Recoveries continued to be from small/medium accounts with management guiding for recovery of another Rs 100 bn in H2FY17 v/s Rs 107 bn in H1FY17. 

We have slightly fine tuned our estimates on equity infusion by GOI of Rs 21.0 bn, while also adjusted movement of NPA. Strong recovery/upgrades especially from large a/c can provide delta on asset quality, while operational improvement seems to be on track. We are Upgrading to Accumulate with revised PT of Rs 140 (from Rs 80).