EXIMBANK KAZAKHSTAN JSC informed about ASSIGNment of the RATINGS B2/NP/E+ TO the bank by MOODY'S agency
23.07.07 20:29
/KASE, July 23, 07/ - Eximbank Kazakhstan JSC (Alamty), whose securities
are traded in the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange's (KASE) offical list under
category "A", had spread the press-release in which the following is
announced:
Begging of Citation
Moscow, July 17, 2007 - Moody's Investors Service today assigned the
following global scale ratings to Eximbank Kazakhstan ("Eximbank"): B2
long-term and Not-Prime short-term foreign and local currency deposit
ratings and an E+ bank financial strength rating ("BFSR"). All of the bank's
ratings carry a stable outlook.
According to Moody's, Eximbank's E+ BFSR, which translates to a Baseline
Credit Assessment of B2, is based on the bank's fundamental credit strength,
which, in Moody's view, is underpinned by the bank's strong capitalization,
but constrained by its weak franchise and significant concentrations on both
the asset and liability side of the balance sheet.
The bank's B2 Local and Foreign Currency Deposit ratings do not factor in
any systemic support in the event of a stress situation, based on the bank's
very low national market share and relative importance to the country's
banking system. Although support from the bank's shareholders cannot be
ruled out, its extent and timeliness are somewhat uncertain. Consequently
the long-term deposit ratings are at the same level as the bank's B2 Baseline
Credit Assessment.
The bank's majority shareholder CAEC (68.9% of total shares at Q12007) is
a holding company with investments in electricity generation and distribution,
chemical production, transport and other areas. Eximbank's weak franchise
is characterised by its very low market share and the geographical
concentration of the bank's business in Kazakhstan. The bank has targeted
SME and retail lending markets and is in the process of expanding its
distribution network.
Eximbank's strong capitalization with Tier 1 ratio of 40% at YE2006 provides
some cushion for the bank's rapid asset growth in the near term.
In Moody's view, Eximbank's ratings could be upgraded if it succeeds in
materially reducing loan book concentration while reporting strong capital
adequacy, and delivering a satisfactory operating performance.
The following ratings were assigned:
Eximbank Kazakhstan: BFSR at E+; local currency long-term deposit Rating
at B2; foreign currency long-term deposit Rating at B2; local currency short-
term deposit rating at Not Prime; foreign currency short-term deposit rating at
Not Prime.
Based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Eximbank reported total IFRS consolidated
assets and net income of US$172 million and US$16.2 million, respectively,
at YE2006 (US$76 million and US$9.9 million, respectively, one year
previously).
London
Adel Satel
Managing Director
Financial Institutions Group
Moody's Investors Service Ltd.
JOURNALISTS: 44 20 7772 5456
SUBSCRIBERS: 44 20 7772 5454
Moscow
Armen L. Dallakyan
Analyst
Financial Institutions Group
Moody's Eastern Europe
Telephone: +7 495 641-1881
Facsimile: +7 495 641-1897
End of Citation
[2007-07-23]