NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings has today assigned the following ratings to Banco de la Nacion (BN):
--Long-term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) 'BBB-';
--Short-term foreign currency IDR 'F3';
--Long-term local currency IDR 'BBB';
--Short-term local currency IDR 'F3';
--Individual rating 'C/D';
--Support rating '2';
--Support floor 'BBB-'.
The Rating Outlook is Positive.
Banco de la Nacion's (BN) Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) reflect the support it would receive from its owner, the Republic of Peru, should it be required. The Rating Outlook on BN's IDRs is aligned with the Sovereign rating of Peru. The individual ratings consider its solid capital base, good asset quality, ample reserves, sound margins, moderate but steady profitability and high liquidity. Fitch's view on BN's individual rating is tempered by the potential political influence on the bank's operations, the high exposure to the government on both sides of the balance sheet, the dependence of operating revenues on government sources, narrow product offering and aging IT platform.
Besides BN's key role within the government's operations, its status as an autonomous government agency and an explicit provision in its inception law states that the bank enjoys the full faith and credit of the Republic of Peru; this underpins the bank's support and support floor ratings. The ability of the government to provide such support is reflected in Peru's sovereign ratings 'BBB-' long-term foreign currency and 'BBB' long-term local currency with a Positive Outlook.
BN's IDRs would be upgraded if Peru's sovereign ratings are upgraded, and they would move in line with sovereign ratings; hence, downward risk for BN's IDRs is limited given Peru's economic prospects but its individual rating could be pressured by dismal results, weak asset quality or significantly lower capital levels.
BN's performance during 2010 was driven by strong loan growth and improving non-interest revenues but declining margins, which nevertheless remain well above the industry average, contributed to a slight decline of operating revenues. Operating costs declined while credit cost increased but remained moderate thus allowing BN to improve its efficiency and profitability. ROAA improved to 1.85% at end 2010 (1.75% in 2009) while ROAE reached 22.3% at the same date (20% a year earlier), a very good level that compares well to its regional peers. Deposits are a key, low cost source of funds but are quite concentrated; regulatory capital is comfortably high (BIS: 31%) as it benefits from the low risk weight of government securities.
With the Peruvian economy growing at full steam and government demand for credit picking up, BN will likely grow its loan portfolio moderately during 2011-2012. Fitch expects loan growth along with raising interest rates and improving non-interest revenues to underpin operating revenues while operating costs stabilize and loan loss provisions grow in line with loans. Hence, the bank could improve its efficiency and profitability, but gains are not expected to be rapid. Profitability will likely improve moderately with an ROAA of about 1.9%-2.1% and an ROAE at around 20%. Even if BN's short-term performance appears stable, the incoming government should appoint a new board and CEO, which will likely expand BN's role in the economy. The scope and depth of these changes are yet to be seen.
BN is Peru's financial agent and largest government-owned commercial bank that offers banking services to government agencies and public servants.
Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'.
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
--'Global Financial Institutions Rating Criteria' (Aug. 16, 2010).
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
Global Financial Institutions Rating Criteria
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=547685
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