Dalal Street

Citigroup just a while ago in a research report revised the target price for UTI-Axis Bank to Rs 675 with Outperform rating.

UTI Bank has now formally changed its name to Axis Bank. Citi raised target price to Rs675 (Rs560), on the back of a] new capital and rolling forward valuation benchmark valuations to FY09 (FY08); b] revised earnings (up 5%-2% FY08E-FY09E); c] relatively higher loan and fee growth momentum. Bank is expected to have higher asset growth momentum and broader business mix, through new initiatives in credit cards, international, wealth, distribution businesses and forays in private equity and institutional broking.

On the flip side, AXBK is more than doubling its capital base; but will it add value? – Returns on shareholder equity – No. Axis Bank has pulled back after a sharp 44% move over the quarter and capital raising. Returns over the next 12 months is expected to be moderate with a price target of Rs 675.

Citigroup research has revised the target price of Aban Offshore from Rs 2850 to Rs 3530. Deficits in several international markets should, however, result in absorption of newbuilds entering the market over the next 9-12 months without impacting day rates. The long-term outlook for the sector remains solid, with steadily rising long-term oil price expectations.

Citi has revised FY08E EPS downwards by 21% to factor in delays to the drilling schedules of a couple of rigs. FY09E EPS remains relatively unchanged, while they have modestly increased our FY10E EPS forecasts by 5%. Aban’s EPS is expected to be Rs 101 and Rs 354 for FY08 and FY09 respectively.

Citigroup analyst has maintained a BUY on HCL Technologies with a target price of Rs 400. HCL Tech’s Q4FY07 results were in-line with expectations – higher than expected revenue growth (+9.2% qoq in US$-terms) but lower than expected margins (~170bp qoq) resulted in EBITDA of $85m (as against expectation of $86m). Margins were lower on account of INR – net income was significantly higher due to forex gains.

Infrastructure services reported another strong quarter with revenues growing 18% qoq. IT Services reported sequential growth of 7.6% qoq. Volume growth was 6.5% qoq.

HCL Tech management guided to ~30% growth for FY08 and indicated that margin expansion should continue. HCL Tech now has ~Rs.33 per share of cash and dividend yield of 2.5%. EPS growth over the next two years is likely to be very modest and the company is expected to report and EPS of Rs 18.34 and Rs 21.85 for FY08 and FY09 ending in June, respectively.