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Buy Five Star Business Finance; target of Rs 710: Motilal Oswal

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 11:31 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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What is Five Star Business Finance?

Five Star Business Finance is a niche loan‑financing company that caters primarily to micro‑, small‑ and medium‑enterprise (MSME) borrowers across India. Unlike larger banks, FSBF focuses on structured credit products and provides financing through its own loan portfolio and by acting as an agent for other lenders. The company’s revenue streams come from interest income, loan servicing fees, and occasionally from asset‑backed securitization.

FSBF’s business model is anchored in its deep relationships with local lenders and its technology‑enabled underwriting process, which allow it to capture credit opportunities that larger banks often overlook. This focus on the MSME segment, combined with the company’s experience in risk assessment, positions it well for a market that is still under‑penetrated by traditional banks.

Why Motilal Oswal is bullish

1. Robust top‑line growth

The latest earnings report for FSBF shows a 35 % year‑on‑year increase in revenue, driven largely by an expanding loan book and a steady rise in average interest margins. The company has also managed to keep its cost of funds relatively stable, which has helped push net interest income higher. Motilal Oswal points to a trend where the loan portfolio has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 20 % over the last three years.

2. Improved asset quality

A key concern for lenders in India is the level of non‑performing assets (NPAs). FSBF’s NPA ratio has decreased from 6.5 % to 4.7 % in the latest quarter, a notable improvement that reflects tighter underwriting standards and better collection mechanisms. Motilal Oswal interprets this as a sign that the company can sustain its growth trajectory without an erosion in profitability.

3. Strong margin profile

FSBF’s average net interest margin (NIM) sits around 6.8 %, higher than the peer average of 5.9 %. The firm’s cost‑of‑funds-to‑interest-earnings ratio has also improved, indicating efficient capital deployment. Motilal Oswal believes that as the loan book expands, economies of scale will further widen the spread, supporting earnings growth.

4. Valuation upside

At the time of the article, FSBF’s market price was roughly ₹640, which corresponds to a price‑to‑earnings (P/E) multiple of about 24x. Motilal Oswal compares FSBF’s valuation to other niche lenders in the sector, noting that the target price of ₹710 represents a 10‑12 % upside from the current level. The brokerage also highlights the potential for a future IPO or strategic sale, which could further enhance valuation multiples.

5. Sector momentum

India’s MSME sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7–8 % in the coming years, driven by policy initiatives such as the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act and various digital financing platforms. FSBF’s niche positioning allows it to capture a sizable share of this expanding market, a factor that Motilal Oswal cites as a key growth driver.

Risks and caveats

While the outlook is largely positive, the brokerage acknowledges several risk factors that could affect the company’s performance:

• Economic slowdown – A slowdown in the broader economy could reduce demand for working‑capital financing, leading to slower loan growth.
• Regulatory changes – Changes in RBI’s prudential norms or shifts in policy toward the MSME sector could increase compliance costs.
• Credit risk – Although NPAs have improved, a sudden uptick in defaults would erode margins and reduce the loan book.
• Liquidity pressure – If the company’s funding sources become more expensive or less reliable, it could face a liquidity crunch.

Investment takeaway

Motilal Oswal’s “Buy” rating on Five Star Business Finance is based on the company’s solid financial footing, improving asset quality, and attractive valuation multiples. The firm sees significant upside potential as FSBF continues to tap into India’s growing MSME market, while maintaining a disciplined risk management framework. For investors looking to gain exposure to a niche lender that benefits from sectoral tailwinds, the brokerage suggests keeping an eye on FSBF’s quarterly updates and any forthcoming strategic developments that could unlock additional value.

Links cited in the article:

1. Five Star Business Finance Profile – Provides detailed financials, key ratios, and analyst coverage.
2. Motilal Oswal Company Page – Contains background on the brokerage’s research methodology and other equity recommendations.
3. Financial Highlights – A chart that outlines FSBF’s revenue, net interest income, and NPA trends over the past five years.

These sources add depth to the analysis and help contextualize the brokerage’s recommendation within the broader market landscape.