+
Consumer Tech, Renewables Top Themes as M&A Activity Picks Up
ECONOMY & POLICY

Consumer Tech, Renewables Top Themes as M&A Activity Picks Up

Consumer technology, renewable energy, and healthcare sectors are expected to dominate investment banking activities in 2025, even as a slowdown in earnings growth over the next two quarters, driven by weakening demand, may lead to corrections in equity valuations, according to Pramod Kumar, CEO of Barclays India.

The UK-based bank, which derives more than half of its revenue from investment banking in India, remains cautious about lending to non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) until the sector increases its provisions.

"The biggest risk to current valuations is likely to come in the next couple of quarters. Earnings growth could disappoint due to inflation, leading to a slowdown in demand... However, we won’t see a significant drop in markets, given the strong economic growth and large domestic inflows that are supporting them," Kumar said.

Barclays' total assets in India remained stable at Rs 53,910 crore for the fiscal year ending March 2024. However, it reduced its loan book by approximately 5% to Rs 9,026 crore from Rs 9,467 crore, while increasing its cash balances with the central bank by 68% to Rs 1,030 crore, reflecting increased risk aversion. The bank’s investments, on the other hand, grew by 13% to Rs 33,137 crore from Rs 29,425 crore in March 2023.

Kumar mentioned that Barclays reduced its exposure to NBFCs amid early signs of stress in the sector, focusing instead on larger NBFCs. He expects merger and acquisition (M&A) activity to rise in 2025, following a period of subdued deal-making.

"M&A activity was somewhat muted this year, primarily due to stretched valuations. However, with a reduction in US interest rates, the dollar bond market could become active, and we may see more inbound strategic interest into India," Kumar said.

Consumer technology, renewable energy, and healthcare sectors are expected to dominate investment banking activities in 2025, even as a slowdown in earnings growth over the next two quarters, driven by weakening demand, may lead to corrections in equity valuations, according to Pramod Kumar, CEO of Barclays India. The UK-based bank, which derives more than half of its revenue from investment banking in India, remains cautious about lending to non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) until the sector increases its provisions. The biggest risk to current valuations is likely to come in the next couple of quarters. Earnings growth could disappoint due to inflation, leading to a slowdown in demand... However, we won’t see a significant drop in markets, given the strong economic growth and large domestic inflows that are supporting them, Kumar said. Barclays' total assets in India remained stable at Rs 53,910 crore for the fiscal year ending March 2024. However, it reduced its loan book by approximately 5% to Rs 9,026 crore from Rs 9,467 crore, while increasing its cash balances with the central bank by 68% to Rs 1,030 crore, reflecting increased risk aversion. The bank’s investments, on the other hand, grew by 13% to Rs 33,137 crore from Rs 29,425 crore in March 2023. Kumar mentioned that Barclays reduced its exposure to NBFCs amid early signs of stress in the sector, focusing instead on larger NBFCs. He expects merger and acquisition (M&A) activity to rise in 2025, following a period of subdued deal-making. M&A activity was somewhat muted this year, primarily due to stretched valuations. However, with a reduction in US interest rates, the dollar bond market could become active, and we may see more inbound strategic interest into India, Kumar said.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Cabinet Clears Rs 15.07 Bn Greenfield Airport Project in Kota-Bundi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an estimated cost of Rs 15.07 billion.Kota, located on the banks of the Chambal River, is widely recognised as the industrial capital of Rajasthan and a prominent educational coaching hub. To support the region’s growing needs, the Government of Rajasthan has handed over 440.06 hectares of land to AAI for the project.The new Greenfield Airport will be designed to handle oper..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt may extend MSME NPA classification period to 180 days

The Union government is considering a proposal to extend the non-performing asset (NPA) classification period for loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the existing 90 days to 180 days, according to a senior government official who requested anonymity.“The proposal to extend the loan default period for MSMEs from 90 days to 180 days is likely to be taken up by the Cabinet soon,” the official said.The move is expected to provide relief to cash-strapped MSMEs, especially against the backdrop of steep US tariffs, giving them more time to regularise their loan repayments.Ne..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

FedEx, IIT Madras Launch SMART Centre for Sustainable, AI-led Logistics

FedEx has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to inaugurate the SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) on the institute’s campus. The facility will drive innovation in sustainable and AI-driven logistics solutions. Backed by a five-year $5 million grant from FedEx, the SMART Centre aims to combine advanced research, digital technologies, and industry expertise to transform supply chains with a focus on agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility.The centre will also spearhead interdisciplinary projects in ar..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?