Edelweiss Financial Services Limited

Edelweiss Financial Services reported a steady Q2 FY26, with underlying businesses growing 15% Y-o-Y in H1 FY26 and achieving a 24% PAT CAGR over the last two years. The company's three key priorities include scaling up underlying business profits, aiming for 20-30% annual growth, and reducing corporate net debt, which has decreased by 10% over two years. Management expects INR 500 crores in annual dividends from businesses over the next three years to further aid debt reduction.

The EAAA business demonstrated strong performance, with AUM growing at a 21% CAGR and PAT at a 68% CAGR over the past four years. The company raised INR 5,000 crores in H1 FY26, including INR 2,000 crores in Q2, indicating strong fundraising momentum. Edelweiss aims for 20% ARR AUM growth, 25% profit growth, and a 30% ROE for EAAA. The IPO for EAAA is targeted for April 2026, with all necessary work in progress, aiming for institutionalization and capital raising.

The company has completed the merger of ECL Finance and ERFL, streamlining its NBFC operations. The focus has shifted from wholesale to retail and MSME credit, with MSME disbursements growing 2.5x Y-o-Y in Q2 FY26 to INR 168 crores. Housing finance disbursements also saw significant growth, doubling Y-o-Y to INR 564 crores in Q2, with a current run rate of approximately INR 2,000 crores. The NBFC maintains a strong Capital Adequacy Ratio of 33.5% and a Debt to Equity ratio of 1.2x, providing ample capacity for growth.

The Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) recovered INR 1,225 crores in Q2 FY26. Management noted that the ARC acquisition cycle is starting to pick up again for the industry, particularly in retail and mid-market corporate segments (INR 20-200 crores). In Q2, ARC acquired INR 356 crores of retail assets, marking one of its highest quarterly acquisitions. The business is inherently cyclical, with 5-7 year cycles for acquisitions and resolutions.

Both general and life insurance businesses are on track to breakeven by FY27. The general insurance business, primarily focused on auto, was minimally impacted by recent GST changes. However, the life insurance business's profitability was affected by the GST rule changes, a challenge faced by all insurers. Management is actively working on mitigation strategies, including adjustments to product portfolios and distribution costs, to offset this impact.

Edelweiss is actively pursuing strategies to reduce corporate debt. The company has already reduced corporate net debt by INR 2,200 crores (17% Y-o-Y). The INR 450 crore stake sale in Edelweiss Mutual Fund to WestBridge Capital, which recently received SEBI approval, will contribute to debt reduction. Additionally, the company is exploring a stake sale in its housing finance business within the next 6-8 months to further bolster capital and reduce debt.