PACRA Maintains Rating of The Bank of Punjab – TFC I – Tier-II

Lahore, December 30, 2019 (PPI-OT): The ratings reflect improved risk profile of Bank of Punjab (BoP) with an appreciable enhancement in profitability and asset quality over the last few years which supplemented the equity base. Last few years are reflective of this, during 9MCY19, the bank has recorded commendable uptick in revenue base – both interest earned and income from fee and commission. The former is largely attributable to hike in key policy rate as advances witnessed marginal growth. Hence, a rise was witnessed in asset yield.

Resultantly, spread inched up to 5.1% (end-Dec18: 4.6%). Although, the bank performed well, but on the other hand, hike in NPLs led to net provisioning expense being recorded. On the funding side, saving deposits witnessed significant jump. The concentration of government and public sector deposits remain high. The bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) clocked in at 14.66% as at end-Sep19, which is a healthy sign for BoP. Going forward, the bank envisages growth in advances wherein the criteria is higher margins with sustained risk profile. Meanwhile, expansion in deposit base with low cost focus, while attracting a wide customer range, is on the cards.

The ratings are dependent on the financial risk profile of the bank, mainly emanating from sustenance of capital adequacy and continued healthy profitability trend in line with the management’s plans. Meanwhile, improvement in asset quality and upholding better governance standards remain imperative.

For more information, contact:
Analyst,
The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA)
Awami Complex, FB1, Usman Block New Garden Town,
Lahore – Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5869504-6
Fax: +92-42-5830425
Email: hammad.rashid@pacra.com
Website: www.pacra.com