We maintain our earnings forecast for FY2013-2015, projecting the average
EPS growth of 13.2% p.a. (CAGR) under an assumption for 2013-2015 net loan
growth of only 8% p.a., which is lower than the bank's target. We estimate
aggressive fee income growth of 14% p.a. and project the expense to
normalize after the investment in K-transformation ends in 2013. All these
factors would help boost net profit growth in the next three years. ROE is
projected high at near 20%.
- Buy. Top pick of the sector
We reiterate BUY and select KBANK as a top pick of the sector due to its
strength as a blue-chip bank with high profitability despite economic
deceleration. 2013 fair value, using 2.31x PBV (GGM) and under long-term ROE
forecast of 21%, is B238.74, which implies 22% upside from the current share price.
|