By Ndindi Nyoro
Results today recording a Ksh 32.3Bn PAT. Equity Group released the same earlier in the week recording a Net Profit of Ksh 33Bn. Growth is being fueled by regional Subsidiaries like DRC etc.
Interestingly, KCB's shareholders Funds are now over Ksh 300Bn while the market Capitalisation is at Ksh 158.5Bn by the close of the market today. The bank is therefore trading at around 0.52 Price to Book value.
Equity Bank's Shareholders Funds are at Ksh 274Bn and Market Capitalisation of 205Bn. The share is therefore trading at 0.75 to Book value.
Several things.
1. The current trend of the Stock market is dividend driven. Shareholders are not necessarily interested in growth strategy but by the bottom line that end in the pocket.
2. Both banks are trading at around discount. Below 1 to Book value.
3. Both companies are now singularly almost as Profitable as Safaricom PLC. They are peers on profitability. However with a market cap of Ksh 1Trillion, Safaricom is valued 5 times more than either.
4. KCB has an asset Base of Ksh 2Trillion. Equity Bank has Assets of 1.8 Trillion.
What should happen - Own Opinion.
With growth being fueled by the regional Subsidiaries and expansion probably either of the bank should attempt a takeover on the other or they both agree to merge. Below are the reasons;
1. A KCB - Equity Group would optimise of cost especially in regards to branch network, IT etc.
2. The combined group would increase margins especially in regional markets like DRC where they are number 1 and 2. Why compete when they can take low lying fruits?
3. The group would form the largest Bank in Africa outside of South Africa.
4. The group would literally run the Financial sector in Africa.
5. With a combined asset Base of Ksh 3.8 Trillion and capital base of over Ksh 580 Billion it would be a consequential group to lend to huge development projects including lending to sovereigns.
6. With a Net Profitability of over Ksh 120Bn a year, the group would have enough muscle to even take on South African banks like Standard Bank further entrenching dominance. Especially through serious acquisitions. One year profit would be enough to buy out Access Bank - Nigeria's largest Bank or almost enough to buy UBA Bank.
7. The group would place Kenya as a very serious economy especially in the financial sector. And then to other sectors.
Bottom line - Dr James Mwangi or Mr Paul Russo must do something to make this happen. It would be superb for our Country in the African map. We can deal with competition issues later. For now, give Kenyans a KCB - Equity Group.
Congratulations to both great Kenyans. They are already doing great for the Kenyan Economy.
We are African and Africa is our Business..
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