The market capitalization of most Public Sector Banks (PSUs) has reached an all-time high during the current market rally. However, despite this remarkable growth, the share prices of many state-owned banks have not reached their peak levels. Let’s delve into the factors contributing to this discrepancy and explore the implications for the banking sector.
Government Injections Boost Market Capitalization:
The surge in market capitalization for state-owned banks can be attributed to the government’s injection of cash into the banking sector by issuing fresh shares. This influx of capital has made these banks appear highly valuable in terms of market capitalization. From 2010 to 2019, the government injected approximately Rs 3.12 lakh crore into the banking sector. An additional Rs 22,000 crore was infused since 2020, but there have been no further injections since 2022.
Share Prices Yet to Reach Peak Levels:
Despite the impressive market capitalization growth, the share prices of several public sector banks are still significantly below their record levels. Some banks have experienced declines of over 80 percent from their peak valuations. For instance, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, and Union Bank of India have seen a decline of over 80 percent from their all-time highs. Similarly, Uco Bank, Punjab National Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and Canara Bank are currently 60-78 percent away from their record highs. Indian Bank is 28 percent away from its peak, while State Bank of India, the most valued state-owned lender, is approximately 6 percent away from its all-time high.
Factors Influencing Market Capitalization and Share Prices:
According to Devarsh Vakil, deputy head of retail research at HDFC Securities, the decline in market capitalization for these banks can be attributed to lower profitability, higher non-performing assets, and derating on the valuation front. To regain their past all-time highs and trade beyond those levels, these banks need to focus on consistent profitability, growth in their business, and managing the new credit cycle while minimizing non-performing assets.
Thriving Banking Sector Amid the Rally:
In contrast, the current rally in the banking sector has outperformed the one witnessed during the 2007-2010 period of the US recession. This time, the entire banking sector is thriving, with public sector banks collectively recording a net profit of Rs 1.05 lakh crore in FY23. State Bank of India and other banks reported their highest-ever earnings, and all public sector banks saw a decline in both gross and net bad loans, as a percentage of loans and in absolute terms.
Concerns Regarding Expected Credit Loss Provisioning Norms:
However, there are concerns surrounding state-owned banks as the Reserve Bank of India plans to implement Expected Credit Loss provisioning norms for banks in the financial year 2024. While the implementation will occur over five years, analysts believe that this move might impact public sector banks negatively, given their generally lower levels of floating provisions. Floating provisions act as a buffer to absorb potential losses, and lower levels of these provisions might pose challenges for the banks in the future.
Conclusion:
The Market Capitalization of PSU Banks hitting an all-time high is undoubtedly a positive sign for the Indian economy. However, the lagging share prices raise concerns and warrant deeper analysis to understand the underlying factors at play. As investors, it’s crucial to equip ourselves with the right knowledge and skills to navigate the intricacies of the stock market and make informed decisions.
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FAQ:
Q1: Why are the share prices of PSU banks not reaching their peak levels despite the market capitalization being at an all-time high?
The share prices of PSU banks have not reached their peak levels due to several factors, including lower profitability, higher non-performing assets, and derating on the valuation front.
Q2: Which public sector banks have achieved a 52-week high amid the market rally?
Canara Bank, Indian Bank, and Bank of Baroda have achieved a 52-week high during the current market rally.
Q3: What factors are needed for PSU banks to regain their past all-time highs?
To regain their past all-time highs and trade beyond those levels, PSU banks need to focus on consistent profitability, business growth, and effective management of the new credit cycle while minimizing non-performing assets.
Q4: How does the current rally in the banking sector compare to the one during the 2007-2010 US recessions?
The current rally in the banking sector has surpassed the one witnessed during the 2007-2010 US recession. Public sector banks have collectively recorded a net profit of Rs 1.05 lakh crore in FY23, indicating a thriving performance.
Q5: What concerns are surrounding state-owned banks regarding the implementation of Expected Credit Loss provisioning norms?
The implementation of Expected Credit Loss provisioning norms might impact public sector banks negatively, as they generally have lower levels of floating provisions. Lower levels of these provisions could pose challenges for the banks in the future.