Shares of HDFC Asset Management Co Ltd. fell the most in three months, snapping a five-day winning streak, even as it reported a net profit of Rs 350 crore, in line with street estimates.
Operating revenues also met forecast, up 23% to Rs 510 crore. The company’s higher employee expenses (ESOPs) and higher other income offset each other.
Jefferies maintained its ‘buy’ rating on the asset management company citing healthy SIP flows in the first quarter of the fiscal year at around Rs 980 crore despite the disruptions due to Covid-19. It said that HDFC AMC’s improved digital capabilities helped and that it expects a 16% CAGR in net profit over FY22-24. It set a target price of Rs 3,500 on the stock.
Jefferies noted that though HDFC AMC has been ceding market share, it could recoup gains through style diversification and new launches. “Management reiterated its focus on style diversification and indicated a good response to its recent new fund offerings. More NFOs (multi cap, sectoral, thematic, international) are in the pipeline and should further aid flows and help in diversification too. These measures coupled with strong distribution heft and brand pull should help in improving its market share gradually,” it said in its note.
Shares fell as much as 4% to Rs 2,971, the most since April 19, 2021. Of the 23 analysts tracking the stock, 14 have a ‘buy’ rating, seven suggest a ‘hold’ and two recommend a ‘sell’, according to Bloomberg data. The average of 12-month consensus price targets implies an upside of 5.8%.