India banks' exposure to Adani Group is limited - CLSA, Jefferies

We don't see material risk arising to the Indian banking sector: Jefferies

Indian banks' exposure to the Adani Group is within manageable limits, said brokerage houses CLSA and Jefferies, as the group fends off an attack from well-known short-seller Hindenburg Research.

The U.S. short-seller said it held short positions in the Indian conglomerate, accusing it of improper use of offshore tax havens and flagging concerns about high debt that eroded $11 billion in investor wealth on Wednesday.

"While we watch for developments here, we don't see material risk arising to the Indian banking sector," brokerage firm Jefferies said in a note dated Jan.uary 26.

According to the brokerage, the group's debt accounts for 0.5% of total loans across the Indian banking sector. For public sector banks (PSUs), the debt is at 0.7% of total loans and for private banks, it is at 0.3%.

"Our recent conversation with industry participants also indicated that cash-flows and repayment timelines of debt have been conservatively planned," Jefferies said.

The group comprises the flagship Adani Enterprises Ltd. as well as Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd., Adani Power Ltd., Adani Green Energy Ltd. and Adani Transmission Ltd.

Brokerage CLSA said it estimated the consolidated debt of these five companies at ₹2.1 trillion ($25.73 billion), or at ₹1.9 trillion, excluding inter-group lending.