UGBP

BNP Paribas’ Shares Could Have Upside Potential

by

BNP Paribas’ shares are trading at a fraction of tangible book. If the bank can contain its cost of risk through this cycle and produce double-digit returns on tangible equity on the other side of this crisis, shareholders would do quite well in such a scenario. That said, we point out that Europe is overtraded when it comes to banking, which pressures earnings power at even the stronger banks like BNP Paribas. We’re paying close attention to the key banking players in Europe to assess the likelihood of a global financial contagion that may accompany the global pandemic that has become COVID-19. By Matthew Warren BNP Paribas SA (BNPQF, BNPZY) reported relatively better results than many large global bank peers, … Read more

Lloyds Banking Group Navigates Competitive Markets

by

Image Source: Lloyds. The UK banking market is highly competitive with too many players, and we think this is the cause for the low returns on capital across the cycle. We’re paying close attention to the key banking players in Europe, including Lloyds Banking Group, to assess the likelihood of a global financial contagion that may accompany the global pandemic that has become COVID-19. By Matthew Warren Lloyd’s Banking Group (LYG) posted a very difficult first quarter, results released April 30, with net income (IFRS equivalent of GAAP revenue) down 11% to GBP 4.0 billion and statutory profit before tax down 95% to GBP 74 million. One can see many of the highlights (or more realistically lowlights) in the graphic … Read more

In the News: Brexit, Unilever Simplification, and Geopolitical Uncertainty

by

Uncertainty related to Brexit continues to loom over the outlooks of multinational companies operating in Europe, and other geopolitical issues are making their presence known on global markets as well. By Kris Rosemann The British pound hit five-week highs against the dollar on the morning of September 11 as EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said it was “realistic” to think the United Kingdom and European Union will reach a Brexit (EWU) deal within two months. The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29, 2019, and Barnier’s comments have helped ease some concerns that the UK would leave the bloc without a formal trading agreement. President Trump’s silence regarding tariffs on the region has also fostered some cautious optimism, but … Read more