According to PAP, citing Slawomir Skrzypek, acting CEO of PKO BP, the bank will present its strategy for the period of 2007-2013, at the beginning of the year. The strategy will be focused on defending a market leader position in key strategic segments as well as becoming a bank of significant importance in the region.
Our view: The current strategic plan (2006-2008) presented at the end of 2005, in our opinion is unambitious. The bank’s 3-year ROE target of 20% is below the current level of profitability at the bank. In terms of employee restructuring, the bank plans to shed some 4,500 staff (13%) in the 2006-2008 period – this basically amounts to attrition. Finally, concerning regional expansion, even if PKO BP manages to successfully make an acquisition abroad (in Croatia, Serbia, or Ukraine), it is unlikely to add to shareholder value, given its likely to be a keenly priced deal with limited synergy. We believe that it is doubtful that a change in top management will lead to a material shift in strategy (as PKO BP is a state-controlled bank). Additionally, one should expect the strategy to be changed after next elections in 3 years. We do not expect the news to have any impact on the stock price.