Senior Bank Analyst - Japanese Banks, Windamee Research

J. Brian Waterhouse

Senior Bank Analyst - Japanese Banks

Windamee Research

Japanese Banks

Equity Bottom-Up

Interim results for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gunma-bank-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15777:1" rel="noopener">Gunma Bank (8334 JP)</a>, the dominant bank in Gunma Prefecture northwest of the Japanese capital Tokyo, comfortably beat the bank’s own guidance despite hefty COVID-19-related loan loss provisioning taken in 1Q.  The bank has left its full-year guidance unchanged, expecting consolidated net profits of ¥20.5 billion, or ¥49/share, with dividends for the year of ¥13/share, suggesting a dividend payout ratio of around 27%.  On a prospective PER (using the bank’s revised guidance) of 7.0x and a low PBR of 0.30x, the stock remains inexpensive against peers despite having risen some 30% since touching a 2020 low in mid-March.  Surprisingly, foreign investors own in aggregate less than 18% of this undervalued Japanese regional bank.  Worth considering.

Interim results for Gunma Bank (8334 JP), the dominant bank in Gunma Prefecture northwest of the Japanese capital Tokyo, comfortably beat the bank’s own guidance despite hefty COVID-19-related loan loss provisioning taken in 1Q.  The bank has left its full-year guidance unchanged, expecting consolidated net profits of ¥20.5 billion, or ¥49/share, with dividends for the year of ¥13/share, suggesting a dividend payout ratio of around 27%.  On a prospective PER (using the bank’s revised guidance) of 7.0x and a low PBR of 0.30x, the stock remains inexpensive against peers despite having risen some 30% since touching a 2020 low in mid-March.  Surprisingly, foreign investors own in aggregate less than 18% of this undervalued Japanese regional bank.  Worth considering.

Gunma Bank (8334 JP):  Hiding in Plain Sight

As we warned in our previous Smartkarma Insight on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hyakujushi-bank-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20502:1" rel="noopener">Hyakujushi Bank (8386 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/hyakujushi-bank-8386-jp-in-the-stocks-with-investors" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42773" rel="noopener">Hyakujushi Bank (8386 JP):  In the Stocks with Investors</a>, the bank has now had to issue a profit warning for both 1H FY3/2021 and FY3/2021, slashing its interim guidance from consolidated net profits of ¥2.3 billion to a consolidated net loss of ¥1.6 billion.  The bank has in addition lowered its full-year guidance by ¥3 billion to just ¥500 million: a reduction of 87.5%.  The problem is burgeoning valuation losses on securities. While the interim dividend of ¥40/share is being maintained despite the likely 1H loss, the final dividend has been cut from ¥40/share to ¥30/share.
Foreign investors continue to own around 11% of outstanding shares despite the bank’s long-standing structural issues, low efficiency, demanding valuations (FY3/2021 PER now exceeds 100x!) and continuing reliance on volatile non-core income sources to prop up flagging revenues.  Caveat emptor!  (May the Buyer Beware!)

As we warned in our previous Smartkarma Insight on Hyakujushi Bank (8386 JP), Hyakujushi Bank (8386 JP):  In the Stocks with Investors, the bank has now had to issue a profit warning for both 1H FY3/2021 and FY3/2021, slashing its interim guidance from consolidated net profits of ¥2.3 billion to a consolidated net loss of ¥1.6 billion.  The bank has in addition lowered its full-year guidance by ¥3 billion to just ¥500 million: a reduction of 87.5%.  The problem is burgeoning valuation losses on securities. While the interim dividend of ¥40/share is being maintained despite the likely 1H loss, the final dividend has been cut from ¥40/share to ¥30/share.
Foreign investors continue to own around 11% of outstanding shares despite the bank’s long-standing structural issues, low efficiency, demanding valuations (FY3/2021 PER now exceeds 100x!) and continuing reliance on volatile non-core income sources to prop up flagging revenues.  Caveat emptor!  (May the Buyer Beware!)

Hyakujushi Bank (8336 JP):  The First Cut Is the Deepest

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented demand from corporate borrowers for loans, but it is suspected that the vast majority of these emergency loans have been made at virtually no profit margin for the banks.  Moreover, most of this money appears to have been redeposited with the banks for safe-keeping until really needed.  Meanwhile, the rise in workers working from home and restrictions on international travel has resulted in substantially lower discretionary spending (such as on holiday travel) and higher levels of saving.
The cash piles are turning into cash mountains at the banks, prompting some banks to withdraw some deposit products and suspend branch counter operations for cash deposits, cash withdrawals and currency exchange.
It’s a whole new world of pain for Japan’s embattled banks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented demand from corporate borrowers for loans, but it is suspected that the vast majority of these emergency loans have been made at virtually no profit margin for the banks.  Moreover, most of this money appears to have been redeposited with the banks for safe-keeping until really needed.  Meanwhile, the rise in workers working from home and restrictions on international travel has resulted in substantially lower discretionary spending (such as on holiday travel) and higher levels of saving.
The cash piles are turning into cash mountains at the banks, prompting some banks to withdraw some deposit products and suspend branch counter operations for cash deposits, cash withdrawals and currency exchange.
It’s a whole new world of pain for Japan’s embattled banks.

After hitting a peak of ¥535.407 trillion (US$5.10 trillion) in June, overall loan outstandings have started to edge down over the last three months to ¥534.206 trillion (US$5.08 trillion) as of the end of September, albeit by a mere 0.1% month-on-month (MoM).  The major banks have registered the biggest declines of around 0.5% MoM, but they still represent 40% of total bank lending in Japan.  By contrast, both the Japanese Bankers Association and the Bank of Japan reported that lending by the regional and secondary regional banks continues to increase, with YoY growth rates of +5.6% and +7.1%, respectively.  Aggregate lending by the 64 regional banks now represents 42% of total bank lending in Japan, while aggregate lending by the 38 secondary regional banks is around 9.6% of total bank lending.

After hitting a peak of ¥535.407 trillion (US$5.10 trillion) in June, overall loan outstandings have started to edge down over the last three months to ¥534.206 trillion (US$5.08 trillion) as of the end of September, albeit by a mere 0.1% month-on-month (MoM).  The major banks have registered the biggest declines of around 0.5% MoM, but they still represent 40% of total bank lending in Japan.  By contrast, both the Japanese Bankers Association and the Bank of Japan reported that lending by the regional and secondary regional banks continues to increase, with YoY growth rates of +5.6% and +7.1%, respectively.  Aggregate lending by the 64 regional banks now represents 42% of total bank lending in Japan, while aggregate lending by the 38 secondary regional banks is around 9.6% of total bank lending.

Research and consultancy, Tabbush Report

Daniel Tabbush

Research and consultancy

Tabbush Report

We provide research and consultancy on Asian banks. Our focus is on what we call “Asian bank research, without the noise.” We are interested in the most critical swing-factors for banks, the NPL and credit cycle, and where we believe there is a gap between perception and reality. We often focus on the less studied components of bank financial statements.  Our research is highly thematic, sometimes examining unlisted banks and companies as a window on mainstream banks. 

Being independent allows us to look at smaller banks, often overlooked by others. Analysis of BIS bank guidelines in the context of Asia, is also a focal point, while we also analyze global banks operating in the region. We use what we believe is the most comprehensive, reliable financials database, SNL Financial. S&P Capital IQ augments our database, with corporate data and CEIC, with economics. 

Asian bank research, without the noise.

With asset yields under pressure there is no comparable relief on funding. This is due to the nature of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-post-bank-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:838:1" rel="noopener">Japan Post Bank (7182 JP)</a>'s (JPB) high rate it offers on certain deposits. At the same time, there remains ongoing concerns regarding penalties and mis-selling insurance products that can weigh on the bank’s already anemic returns. There are further risks from its significant holdings in US collateralized loan obligations (CLOs).

With asset yields under pressure there is no comparable relief on funding. This is due to the nature of Japan Post Bank (7182 JP)'s (JPB) high rate it offers on certain deposits. At the same time, there remains ongoing concerns regarding penalties and mis-selling insurance products that can weigh on the bank’s already anemic returns. There are further risks from its significant holdings in US collateralized loan obligations (CLOs).

Japan

Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc. is a holding company established through the merger of the Bank of Fukuoka and Kumamoto Family Bank. As a financial group, the Company provides banking services including deposits, loans, foreign currency transactions. The Company also provides other financial services such as credit card, letter of credit, and leasing services.

Concordia Financial Group, Ltd. is a holding company established through the merger of Bank of Yokohama and Higashi-Nippon Bank. The Company provides banking services and other financial services.

The Bank of Kyoto, Ltd. is a regional bank in Kyoto.  The Bank provides banking services including deposits, savings, loans, foreign exchange transactions, and securities investments.  The Bank of Kyoto also provides financial services such as letter of credit, leasing, loans, and credit cards.

Mebuki Financial Group Inc. is a holding company established through the merger of Joyo Bank and Ashikaga Bank. As a financial group, the Company offers deposits, Loans, foreign exchange transactions, commercial and trust banking. Mebuki Financial Group also provides financial services such as letter of credit, credit cards and consulting.

SBI Shinsei Bank, Ltd. provides banking services including deposits, loans, and foreign exchange transaction, as well as investment trust service and issuance of long-term bonds.

Rakuten Bank, Ltd. operates as an Internet based bank. The Company provides banking services including deposits, loans, exchange transactions, and other services. Rakuten Bank also provides financial services including investment trusts, securities, credit and cash cards, lottery tickets, and others.

The Gunma Bank, Ltd. is a regional bank based in Gunma Prefecture.  The Bank provides banking services such as deposits, loans, and foreign exchange transaction.  The Gunma Bank also provides financial services such as leasing, credit cards, letter of credit, and investment advisory, and develops information systems.

The Hachijuni Bank, Ltd. is a regional bank based in Nagano Prefecture. The Bank provides banking services such as deposits, loans, foreign exchange transactions, and trust accounts. The Bank also provides financial services such as leasing, credit cards, credit guarantee, debt recovery, trading, and venture capital and operates branches overseas.

Kyushu Financial Group, Inc. is a holding company established through the merger of Higo Bank and Kagoshima Bank.  The Bank provides banking services such as deposits, loans, and exchange transactions.  Kyushu Financial Group also provides other financial services including security brokerage, credit cards, leasing, and letters of credit.

Aozora Bank, Ltd. provides banking services including deposits, savings, loans, foreign exchange transactions, and securities investments. Aozora Bank also provides services such as trust account, resolution and collection, and venture capital.

Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited provides various banking and financial services including commercial, consumer, credit card, and mortgage lending, international trade financing, investment banking, and securities services.

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. is a holding company for Pinnacle National Bank. The Bank operates as a community bank emphasizing personal banking relationships with individuals and businesses located in its primary service area, which is comprised of the metropolitan Nashville, Tennessee area and surrounding counties.

Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited is a state-owned commercial bank offering various banking and financial services including commercial, consumer, credit card, and mortgage loans, as well as provident fund management, foreign exchange, and international trade financing services.  The Bank is majority owned by the Financial Institutions Development Fund.

Wintrust Financial Corporation is a multi-bank holding company providing community-based banking services in various suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.  The Banks provide a variety of commercial and personal financial services to individuals, businesses, local governmental units, and institutions.  Wintrust also has a financing services subsidiary and a trust subsidiary.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company offers commercial and investment banking services. The Bank's business activities include borrowing and lending, trade finance, remittances, treasury, investment banking and savings.

Bank of India, through its subsidiaries, provides corporate, commercial, personal banking, retail, rural, and development banking.  The Group specializes its services towards corporate and medium businesses, in addition to upmarket retail customers.

Central Bank Of India is a full service commercial bank. The Bank's services include taking deposits, lending services, and investing. Central bank operates branches throughout India.

Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank For Industry and Trade accepts deposits and offers commercial banking services.  The bank offers corporate and consumer loans; insurance; securities and derivatives brokerage; lease financing; money transfer; credit cards; and other services

Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank For Industry and Trade (CTG VN)

Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank For Industry and Trade

Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank Co.,Ltd. provides various types of personal and corporate banking and financial services.  The Company's services including deposits, loans and bonds, domestic clearing, bank card, bill discounting, agent distribution, cashing and underwriting government bonds, guarantees, and payments and insurance agency .

Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank (3618 HK)

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for Prosperity Bank. The Bank attracts deposits from the general public and uses those funds to originate a variety of commercial and consumer loans. Prosperity Bank operates in the greater Houston metropolitan area and neighboring counties in Texas.

The Chiba Bank, Ltd. is a regional bank based in Chiba Prefecture. The Bank offers general banking services including deposits, loans, and foreign exchange transactions. The Chiba Bank also develops software and provides financial services such as leasing, securities brokerage, letter of credit, and credit cards.

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Chiba Bank (8331 JP)

Gunma Bank (8334 JP): Hiding in Plain Sight

On a PER of 7.0x and a PBR of 0.30x, the stock remains inexpensive against peers despite being up some 30% since touching a low in mid-March. This...

J. Brian Waterhouse

Hyakujushi Bank (8336 JP): The First Cut Is the Deepest

The bank has slashed its interim guidance to a Y1.6bn consolidated net loss, cut its FY3/2021 NP guidance by 87.5% to just Y500mn and cut the...

J. Brian Waterhouse

Japanese Banks: Mountains of Money

The cash piles at the banks are turning into cash mountains, prompting some to withdraw some deposit products and suspend counter operations for...

J. Brian Waterhouse

Japanese Bank Lending: Flatlining

Loan and deposit data for Japanese banks released by both the BoJ and the JBA for September 2020 confirm that the ‘dash for cash’ by major...

J. Brian Waterhouse

Japan Post Bank – Structural Decline

With asset yields under pressure there is no comparable relief on funding. This is due to the nature of Japan Post Bank (7182 JP)'s (JPB) high rate...

Daniel Tabbush

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