In a notable surge, Manappuram Finance saw its share price rise by over 5% during morning trading on the BSE on March 21. This increase comes on the heels of an announcement that Bain Capital plans to invest ₹4,385 crore to acquire an 18% stake in the company, thereby gaining joint control through an open offer. The shares opened at ₹226.50, climbing to ₹228.60, just shy of its 52-week peak of ₹230.25, reached last July.
Exciting Developments for Investors
Manappuram Finance’s stock has demonstrated impressive performance, trading 2.23% higher at ₹222.35 around 9:45 AM. The open offer aims to acquire up to 24,42,27,387 fully paid-up equity shares at ₹236 each, representing 26% of the company’s expanded voting share capital. This acquisition will be executed by BC Asia Investments and several Bain Capital funds, as disclosed in a company filing on March 20.
Strong Stock Performance
The non-banking financial company (NBFC) stock has now experienced a winning streak over the past 12 sessions, showcasing a 21% increase for the year, despite challenging market conditions. Impressively, after hitting a 52-week low of ₹138.40 on October 23, Manappuram Finance has rebounded significantly, gaining 65% from that low point.
Analyst Perspectives on Manappuram Finance
In light of Bain Capital’s investment, several brokerage firms have upgraded their outlook on Manappuram Finance. Elara Capital, for instance, has raised its rating from "reduce" to "accumulate" with a target price of ₹250, indicating a 15% upside potential from the previous close of ₹217.50. Elara emphasizes that Bain’s acquisition could be a pivotal moment for the second-largest gold financing leader, enhancing investor confidence in its growth and governance.
- Key Insights from Elara Capital:
- The investment may catalyze a valuation re-rating for the company.
- Structural deficiencies must still be addressed to improve competitiveness.
- The valuation gap compared to market leader Muthoot Finance could remain until these issues are resolved.
Market Trends and Recommendations
Despite the recent gains, some experts are advising caution. Jigar S. Patel, Senior Manager of Equity Research at Anand Rathi, noted that Manappuram’s stock has surged nearly 30% in the last two months and is nearing a critical resistance zone around ₹220-₹225. This area could trigger profit-booking and potential selling pressure.
- Patel’s Recommendations:
- Consider booking profits near the resistance zone.
- Look for a healthy pullback to reassess positions for optimal risk-reward.
As the market evolves, investors are advised to stay informed and strategically align their portfolios. For further insights on market dynamics, you can explore more articles on financial news and investment strategies.
