Consumer Analyst / Channel Surveillance Specialist, Trudence Capital Advisors

Pranav Bhavsar

Pranav Bhavsar & the team at India Independent Insight (Iii), provide research on consumer companies operating or have exposure to in India. The research methodology focuses on carrying out on-the-ground channel surveillance/checks that include supplier/distributor/customer interactions, access to industry experts, and bespoke primary data sources that aid in providing unique insights and counter consensus ideas.  

Leveraging the team's forensic analysis along with channel surveillance, the team at Iii also aids investors in early identification of changing consumer trends, identification and quantification of accounting/governance risks, and the associated impact on the business model of the company.

Pranav has over 15 years of experience in the Indian equity market, and has worked with some of the global activists, long only and PE funds for their India projects. Prior roles also include building and leading an institutional sell-side desk. In his free time, Pranav is a traveler, biker, and a young Indian contributing to the country’s social and economic development.

Consumer Analyst / Channel Surveillance Specialist

Fundamental Shorts - SBI Cards | PVR Inox | Escorts Kubota

Trudence Capital Advisors

Trudence Capital Advisors Private Limited is a SEBI-registered Research Analyst, holding SEBI registration number INH000015747. Our firm is dedicated to providing independent and unbiased research on Indian mid to large-cap companies. Trudence Capital is known for its counter-consensus views, with a focus on forensic research and on-ground primary investigations. Our research approach is thorough, involving detailed analysis of accounting practices and governance, alongside extensive channel checks.

Independent & Unbiased Research

Equity Bottom-Up

SBI Cards & Payment Services / Equity Bottom-Up

SBI Cards & Payment Services (SBICARD IN)

<ul>
<li>Q2 FY26 showed healthy spend growth but structurally weak profitability, with yield compression, elevated credit costs, and higher OpEx offsetting sharp funding-cost relief</li>
<li>Portfolio mix skewed toward transactors and EMI-led spends drove lower interest-earning assets, capping NIM at 11.2% despite a 69 bps QoQ drop in cost of funds.</li>
<li>Credit costs remain materially above historical levels, with heavy write-offs keeping ROE anchored in the low-teens and limiting near-term earnings recovery.</li>
</ul>


Q2 FY26 showed healthy spend growth but structurally weak profitability, with yield compression, elevated credit costs, and higher OpEx offsetting sharp funding-cost relief
Portfolio mix skewed toward transactors and EMI-led spends drove lower interest-earning assets, capping NIM at 11.2% despite a 69 bps QoQ drop in cost of funds.
Credit costs remain materially above historical levels, with heavy write-offs keeping ROE anchored in the low-teens and limiting near-term earnings recovery.


2026 | High Conviction | SBI Cards & Payment Services (SBICARD IN) | Swimming Troubled Waters