Financials

Report by AlphaMena

The bank is improving in all of its core businesses - NII (+7% Y/Y in Q1), Islamic financing (+49%) and investment income more than doubled. FAB’s capital ratios are also in a good position with a Tier 1 ratio and ROTE of 15.40% and 17.40%, respectively. In addition, it is benefiting from a healthy asset quality given its cautious loans’ granting policy despite high exposure to the corporate / private sector. The share price has fallen YTD on geopolitical concerns, but AlphaMena believes the stock deserves more attention given its sound fundamentals and its intent to implement a value-added expansion into one of the largest economies like India (FAB is interested in buying SBI’s 25% stake in Yes Bank).

Financials

Report by Galliano's Financials Research

Victor Galliano identifies 3 banks that can weather the expected worsening of credit quality in the coming quarters - he highlights Axis Bank as a restructuring and earnings recovery story and HDFC Bank for its high quality balance sheet and premium returns, which are not yet fully reflected in valuations. Victor also considers State Bank of India as an attractive value play, despite its lighter core capital ratio. Banks to avoid - Canara Bank (value trap) and Bandhan Bank (large micro-finance and SME credit risk exposure).