
Greek banks continued to show progress in optimizing NPEs, capital formation and capital buffers in the first quarter of 2022, delivering better than expected results, according to a report from Goldman Sachs, which also predicted that the strong trends will continue in Q2 2022.
The authors of the report point out that the degree of macroeconomic uncertainty has increased over the past three months: Greek inflation accelerated to 12% in June 2022 while mean GDP projections fell to 3%.
The 10-year Greek government bond yield reacted to these macroeconomic developments, rising to around 3.5%-4% in July 22, while in 2021 it averaged around 1%.
The impact
The US bank also says that its commodity analysts recently revised their natural gas price forecasts (TTF) to reflect a weighted scenario regarding Nord Stream 1 flows after the completion of maintenance projects – specifically, they raised forecasts for Q1 2022/Q4 2022/Q1 2023/Summer 2023 to 153/121/77/138 euros/MWh respectively from 104/105/76/75 euros previously.
Goldman Sachs in its report analyzes the impact of accelerating inflation, an aggressive interest rate environment and increases in natural gas prices on Greek banks. While pointing to strong bank-specific trends in Greece, increased macroeconomic uncertainty translates into more conservative cost of equity (COE) assumptions (mainly resulting from a 300bp discount on Greek 10-year bond yields to 2021) and to lower estimates (on average lowering EPS estimates by 9% in 2023-24, reflecting the effects of higher inflation and commodity prices).
Investment recommendations and target – prices
National Bank
Goldman Sachs restores a buy recommendation on the stock with a 12-month price target of €3.95 (up 33% from the July 13 close). Goldman lauds the progress made by National’s management in consolidating NPEs, creating reserve provisions, recovering ROTE and restoring capital buffers over the past three years. “We see the National Bank as relatively well positioned in the current uncertain macroeconomic environment, thanks to a ‘defensive’ combination of a relatively high CET1 ratio and a higher NPE coverage ratio,” the bank noted.
Eurobank
The bank reset the recommendation to neutral from buy, adding that it still expects Eurobank to have the highest ROTE within the coverage of Greek banks and to be one of the first Greek banks to reach average European levels in CET1/NPE ratios. In their analysis, Eurobank is relatively well positioned in the current uncertain macroeconomic environment, thanks to the combination of a relatively high CET1 ratio, an NPE coverage ratio of 82 and strong organic capital generation.
While they acknowledge Eurobank’s strong progress on key operational metrics, they note that Eurobank already trades at the highest valuation multiples within its coverage of Greek banks. The revised 12-month ROTE/COE price target is €0.92 (from €1.50).
Alpha
Goldman Sachs maintains its buy recommendation. According to the analysts, Alpha offers the best risk-reward profile in the coverage of Greek banks. The revised share price target based on ROTE/COE is €1.07 (from €1.74).
Piraeus Bank
Goldman Sachs is maintaining the consistency at neutral. It positively assesses the progress made by the Piraeus bank’s management in reducing the NPE balance, creating reserve provisions, recovering ROTE and restoring capital buffers. The new target price is at 0.84 euros, from 1.80 euros.


Latest News

Cost of Living: Why Greece’s 3% Inflation Is Raising Alarm
Greece appears to be in a more difficult position when it comes to price hikes, just as we enter the era of Trump’s tariffs.

Fitch Ratings Upgrades the Four Greek Systemic Banks
NBG’s upgrade reflects the bank’s ongoing improvements in its credit profile, Fitch notes in its report, including strong profitability, a reduction in non-performing exposures (NPEs), and lower credit losses

Trump to Announce Sweeping New Tariffs Wednesday, Global Retaliation Expected
With Trump's announcement just hours away, markets, businesses, and foreign governments are bracing for the fallout of one of the most aggressive shifts in U.S. trade policy in decades.

Inflation in Greece at 3.1% in March, Eurostat Reports
Average inflation in the eurozone settled at 2.2%, compared to 2.3% in February

Greece’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.6% in February
Despite the overall decline, unemployment remains higher among women and young people.

Jerry Kalogiratos Highlights Key Role of Energy Transition and Data Demand in LNG Outlook
Energy transition and the prospects of LNG were discussed at Capital Link’s 19th Annual International Maritime Forum, during a panel discussion with Jerry Kalogiratos (Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp.)

Santorini Safe and Ready for a Dynamic Tourism Season
Authenticity, cultural heritage, and genuine experiences at the center of Santorini's new promotional campaign

Electricity Bills: Greece Announces Reduced Tariffs Schedule
Greece will now offer lower electricity rates between 11:00-15:00 and 02:00-04:00

Chevron Confirms Eyeing Natural Gas Exploration South of Crete
Chevron recently declared its intent to explore a third area, south of the Peloponnese.

Evangelos Marinakis: A time of change from which shipping can benefit
Speaking at the 19th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum Evangelos Marinakis stressed the challenges that shipping faces today