Shares of Muthoot Finance, a gold loan NBFC, fell more than 8% on Friday due to weak operational performance in the March quarter. Concerns arose over decreasing customer numbers and increasing impairments despite strong profit growth. The stock on the BSE dropped by 8.12% to reach an intraday low of Rs 3,242.20 per share.
In its quarterly financial report, Muthoot Finance noted a 2% decline in active customers compared to the previous quarter. This decline in the low-ticket borrower segment marked the second consecutive quarter of weakness. Additionally, the quantity of gold pledged by customers, known as gold tonnage, decreased by 4% sequentially to 196 tonnes during the quarter.
Following the results, global brokerage Jefferies reduced its target price on the stock by 8% or Rs 400 to Rs 4,350 from Rs 4,750. Despite operational concerns, the company showcased robust financial performance during the quarter with standalone net interest income reaching Rs 5,194 crore and net profit at Rs 3,086 crore.
Gold loan assets under management (AUM) saw a significant 50% year-on-year increase to Rs 1,54,084 crore. The net interest margin also improved sequentially to 13.38% from 12.77%. However, asset quality concerns persisted during the quarter. The stock has faced pressure this year, declining by more than 10% year-to-date and around 8% in the past month.
Muthoot Finance hit a 52-week high of Rs 4,149 and a low of Rs 2,028.10 on the BSE. In April, the company approved its highest-ever interim dividend of Rs 30 per equity share for FY26. The board of directors sanctioned an interim dividend at 300%, translating to Rs 30 per equity share for the financial year 2025-26.
