Key Points

PNB Housing Finance experienced a significant stock market reaction after CEO Girish Kousgi's unexpected resignation. The company's shares tumbled 16% during trading, reflecting investor uncertainty about future leadership. Despite the setback, PNB Housing Finance reported robust Q1 financial results with 23% year-on-year profit growth. The board has assured shareholders of a transparent selection process to identify a new leader who can maintain the company's strategic trajectory.

Key Points: PNB Housing Finance Stock Crashes After Girish Kousgi Exit

  • CEO Girish Kousgi resigns after delivering strong Q1 financial performance
  • Stock drops 16% during intra-day trading
  • PNB becomes largest shareholder with 28.1% stake
  • Company promises strategic continuity
2 min read

PNB Housing Finance stock tanks 16 pc after CEO resigns

PNB Housing Finance shares plummet 16% following CEO Girish Kousgi's resignation, sparking market speculation about company's future.

"We are confident of identifying a suitable professional soon - R Chandrasekaran, Nomination Committee Chairman"

Mumbai, Aug 1

After the PNB Housing Finance board approved resignation of its MD and CEO Girish Kousgi, the company's shares fell by 16 per cent during the intra-day trade on Friday.

The shares touched the lower band at Rs 838.3 per share on BSE and got locked in the lower circuit. At 9.28 am, PNB Housing shares were trading 10 per cent lower at Rs 887.6 per share.

In the earnings call after the June quarter results, Kousgi said PNB Housing Finance was confident in achieving a higher NIM guidance of 3.7 per cent in ongoing fiscal, up from 3.6-3.65 per cent, with affordable and emerging segments adding to margins.

Already, in Q1 FY26, PNB Housing Finance had a 23 per cent year-on-year growth in net profit to Rs 534 crore. Strong loan expansion, a 3.74 per cent net interest margin (NIM), and improved asset quality drove this growth.

Many brokerages gave this credit to the CEO and had already noted that his resignation will act as headwind for the shares. The board said it will "immediately" commence a search for a "seasoned professional with proven expertise and industry experience".

Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee of PNB Housing Finance, R Chandrasekaran said, "The Board will initiate a rigorous, transparent and merit-based selection process to appoint a new leader who will further enhance the legacy of PNB Housing Finance. We are confident of identifying a suitable professional soon, who will further accelerate our strategic direction and long-term value creation."

Kousgi announced his resignation on October 28 to pursue career goals outside the company. Before his resignation shares were trading at Rs 947 a piece. However the current level of shares is also far from its 52 week low of Rs 746.

PNB Housing Finance, promoted by Punjab National Bank, is India's third-largest housing finance company under Girish Kousgi. On May 2, 2025, the Carlyle Group exited its stake, and PNB became its largest shareholder with about 28.1 per cent holding. PNB Housing Finance said on August 1 that the strategic priorities, business focus and growth trajectory will remain 'firmly intact', building on the foundation by Kousgi.

The mid-cap housing finance company has delivered an average Return on Equity (ROE) of 11.6 per cent over the past three years. Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 10.5 and the Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio is at 1.27.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Typical Indian market overreaction! The fundamentals are still strong - 23% profit growth and improved NIMs. This could be a good buying opportunity for long-term investors. #StayCalm
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Arjun K
Why do CEOs always leave at crucial growth phases? First Carlyle exits, now CEO resigns - looks like PNB Housing can't retain top talent. Board needs to introspect about work culture.
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Sarah B
As an NRI investor, I'm watching this closely. The ROE of 11.6% is decent for housing finance sector. Might average down my position if falls further. Any views on who might replace Kousgi?
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Vikram M
The affordable housing segment is booming in India. Even with CEO change, PNB Housing has strong parentage (PNB Bank) and good fundamentals. Market will stabilize in 2-3 weeks max.
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Nisha Z
Disappointed with the communication gap here. Why didn't they announce succession planning along with resignation? Retail investors deserve better transparency from financial institutions.

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