Ambit Capital Views on Midcap Banking Sector

ANDHRA BANK

The bank is expected to exhibit a steady business CAGR in the range 23-25% over FY08-FY10E. A low capital adequacy has been constraining the bank’s growth over the last three years. This proved to be a blessing in disguise as the bank boasts of an asset quality among the most superior within the banking system. The bank’s provisioning coverage remains exceptional.

South Indian Bank

The bank remains a fundamentally sound investment idea from the old private sector banking space. We expect business growth in the range 15-18% during FY09E - the bank has already shed Rs 5bn worth of bulk deposits during H1FY09 and is focusing on improving the CASA levels. This, taken alongside the PLR hike to the extent of 100bps during H1FY09, has helped shore up NIMs.