Should investors bet on Yes Bank? Ahead of naming of Rana Kapoor's successor, stock keeps soaring

After the shock marching orders for its chief Rana Kapoor from RBI, Yes Bank is waiting for some positive news from the central bank. Not just Yes Bank staffers, but even investors are sitting with bated breath to find out who will be the new Managing Director & CEO. The good news is that the impact of Rana Kapoor's exit has faded in the eye of investors, as is clear from the fact that the bank continues to rally on stock exchanges. This time, the reaction on markets is all about who will be leading Yes Bank going forward. Continuing its positive momentum, Yes Bank today was trading at Rs 182.25 per piece above 1.05% on Sensex at around 11:56 hours. However, the stock has jumped by more than 2.30% in opening session after it clocked an intraday high of Rs 184.50 per piece. 

Notably, Yes Bank shares has already gained nearly 21% last week. 

This follows assurances from Yes Bank that the Search & Selection Committee' ("SSC") and the Board of Directors are on track to complete the said process to name its new chief and that too within the stipulated timelines of the Reserve Bank of India. It has served to reassure investors and made them repose their faith in the stock. 

The bank also mentioned that he SSC has discussed and deliberated on the final shortlisted external and internal candidates presented by Korn Ferry post their comprehensive interviews and assessment.

The SSE will now engage with the candidates over the next few days for finalization. The final recommendation will be submitted to the Reserve Bank of India by the Board of Directors post their next meeting scheduled on January 9, 2019. 

Many experts have speculated the reason behind Kapoor’s exit and mostly it has been ascribed to ongoing divergences of non-performing assets (NPA). Yes Bank’s divergence on NPA is massive. 

Therefore, the topmost question in the minds investors is whether they should invest in Yes Bank. 

Mustafa Nadeem, CEO, Epic Research has this to say on the topic, "Well, we have been bearish on Yes Bank since 190 odd levels given the current news events that are factored in the price. The stock has tested one of the most important supports at 140-150 levels. A new MD and CEO being appointed is going to have an impact as the Stock price is a sum total of many things and leadership is certainly the factor carrying more weight."

Nadeem added, "That is also reflected in price in the last few days in the stock which has rebounded from lower levels gaining +20%."

Nadeem added that this is certainly the time when one can start accumulating at lower levels since the worst case scenario in the stock has been witnessed.

“We may see some consolidation going forward, but yes, buying on dips in this stock is on the cards for the next few weeks for a decent double-digit return,” noted Nadeem. 

On the other hand, Citi Research report stated that, "Stock to remain range bound despite low valuations. Multiple board and management appointments an overhang. Uncertainty around divergence report for FY18 an overhang."

Citi has maintained a neutral outlook on Yes Bank with target price of Rs 215. 

However, even if we look at Citi target on Yes Bank, it is still seen to grow considering currently, the bank is trading below Rs 190-level resulting in short term bets.