Deutsche Bank to Divest $1 billion Shipping Loan Portfolio

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The Deutsche Bank a major portion of its non-performing ship loan portfolio, with face value of $1 billion to Oak Hill Advisors and Varde investors, reports Reuters.

Return to transport lending

Over the years, the bank has trimmed its exposure to shipping and other maritime lending due to a large number of write-downs.

Also, the bank will be selling some performing loans from shipowners as well, as the German lender aims to reenter the transport lending business, Reuters reported.

Post the sale, Deutsche Bank will still be left with a small portion of non-performing ship loans.

Another ship financer takes the space

On the other hand, HSH Nordbank, Germany-based ship financier, is looking to buy performing shipping loans from other banks and make new investments in the industry, after having gone through a lot of trouble over the years on account of its high-risk shipping loan book.

Needs buyers

Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that Deutsche Bank is looking for a suitable buyer for its non-investment grade energy loans portfolio worth nearly $3 billion for which it has already approached its North American and European peers. It expects to sell the portfolio at par value.

Sewing has been undertaking various initiatives aimed at improving financial performance, such as its impressive €2 billion cost savings target.

However, Deutsche Bank’s profitability remains threatened by a stressed operating environment and sluggish growth of the European economy. Also, litigation issues related to past misconducts would have legal costs that might hamper bottom-line growth.

Increasing Stock price

Deutsche Bank currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). In a year’s time, the stock has lost 35.5% on the NYSE versus 1.6% growth recorded by the industry.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Credicorp has been raised nearly 1% for the current year, in the last 60 days. The company’s share price has jumped more than 28% in the past year.

Banco Santander Chile has witnessed stable earnings estimates for 2018, in the last 60 days. Its share price has risen more than 28% in the past year.

Better performers

Some better-ranked stocks in the same space are Credicorp Ltd. BAP , Banco Santander Chile BSAC and The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited NTB . All these stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son’s shares have gained more than 42% in a year. Its earnings estimates for 2018 have moved up 3.5% in the last 60 days.

Good days for DB’s stocks

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Source: Reuters