Asian Brokers: A Competition Between Value and Growth

Equity L/S Analyst | Forensic Accounting | India, Yellowstone Equity

Ankit Agrawal, CFA

Equity L/S Analyst | Forensic Accounting | India

Equity Bottom-Up

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/angel-broking-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33510:1" rel="noopener">Angel Broking (ANGELBRK IN)</a>'s stock has risen &gt;4x over the last four months on the back of strong growth in the digital broking industry in India. However, we think the stupendous growth of &gt;17x in Angel's active client base over the past couple of years may not sustain. While the shift to digital and discount broking is inevitable, the recent growth seems to be temporary and will likely reverse led by high customer churn. Cyclicality and heightened competition in the sector will further adversely impact the fundamentals and lead to de-rating of the stock once the euphoria in the sector subsides. The market is also pricing in high optimism around Angel's potential to be a fintech platform. We again differ here based on our insights into Angel's customer base, competitive scenario and nascent track record of Angel in the quasi-passive quant-based asset management and wealth management space.  </p>

Angel Broking (ANGELBRK IN)'s stock has risen &gt;4x over the last four months on the back of strong growth in the digital broking industry in India. However, we think the stupendous growth of &gt;17x in Angel's active client base over the past couple of years may not sustain. While the shift to digital and discount broking is inevitable, the recent growth seems to be temporary and will likely reverse led by high customer churn. Cyclicality and heightened competition in the sector will further adversely impact the fundamentals and lead to de-rating of the stock once the euphoria in the sector subsides. The market is also pricing in high optimism around Angel's potential to be a fintech platform. We again differ here based on our insights into Angel's customer base, competitive scenario and nascent track record of Angel in the quasi-passive quant-based asset management and wealth management space.  

Angel Broking: Riding the Digital Broking Wave in India, But It May Slip

Angel One

Angel Broking: Riding the Digital Broking Wave in India, But It May Slip