BAWAG Group (BG AV) Austria
Financials
Fighting Financials reinitiates coverage of BG with a Buy rating, after first recommending the bank at €66 in Jul 24 and removing it from their active buy list at €98 in Mar 25. They highlight a supportive macro backdrop for NIM-sensitive banks, with sticky inflation and low unemployment in Europe. While BG stands out for the fundamental quality of its business and undemanding consensus expectations. Key risks include potential Austrian bank taxes and legal challenges over retail processing fees. Nevertheless, BG is one of the best positioned names to navigate said challenges given its high level of profitability and substantial excess capital (>6% of the group’s m/cap is available for M&A or special dividends / buybacks).
Edition: 210
- 02 May, 2025
BAWAG (BG AV) Austria
Financials
Anas Abuzaakouk (CEO since 2017) purchases €2.2m of stock at €66.96. He has been a regular buyer with 22 previous purchases and while the size of this latest buy is in line with his history, it is notable given his good track record and the fact that he is buying into strength. He last bought shares at €40.72 in Oct 23 and he is now paying a price more than 50% higher. Furthermore, Guido Jestädt (Chief Admin Officer since 2021), who boasts a better than average record when it comes to share purchases, has also increased his stake in the company. As a result, Smart Insider ranks the stock +1 (highest rating).
Edition: 191
- 26 July, 2024