OTP Bank: positive development of Ukrainian unit

Dmytro Zinkov, the CEO of recently acquired OTP Ukraine, has stated that the bank targets above 40% y/y assets growth in 2007 and to outpace the market. OTP Bank Ukraine plans to set up a financial group, based on the former Raiffeisen Bank Ukraine. OTP’ Ukrainian unit is considering different forms of raising funds, with eurobonds and mortgage bonds among them. The bank plans to raise a syndicated loan of at least USD 50m.

Dmytro Zinkov has also stated that despite ownership changes, Ukrainian unit achieved good results in 2006. Assets were up by 59% y/y to UAH 11.2bn, credit portfolio rose by 63% y/y UAH 9.8bn in 2006. Net profits grew to UAH 320.2m in 2006 compared with UAH 83.8m in 2005. The bank plans to boost its branch network to some 200 in the coming two years from 70 at the moment. Our view: We view the news on good 2006 results as supportive for the stock price yesterday, as the news was up during the session, as the market is watching closely the development of recently acquired foreign subsidiaries.

The development plan of OTP Ukraine has been reported to the market following closing of the transaction of buying Raiffeissen Bank Ukraine. The branch expansion will weigh on costs, thus OTP Bank aims to focus on the acquisition of more profitable, retail costumers, as previously the bank was mostly dedicated to corporate clients.