Fibank (5F4 BU), 3rd largest bank in Bulgaria, explores strategic options and hired Citigroup Global Markets Limited as a financial adviser, the Company announced in a regulatory filing.

The strategic opportunities include: Entering a strategic partnership and/or consolidation; Attracting new core investors; Raising capital to fund future growth.

No time frame for the initiated exploration process has been provided by the Company. Yet, bank’s management has been in potential investors’ discussions since the autumn of 2016 as mentioned by management at regular minority shareholders meetings.

Fibank following cenral bank’s prescriptions

Fibank had a prescription to increase its capital buffers and de-risk its corporate loan portfolio post the 2016 asset quality review done by the Bulgarian National Bank. April 2017 is the deadline for the recapitalization needed post the AQR.

Fibank passed the 2016 AQR and stress test with the biggest balance sheet correction in the whole Bulgarian banking system – BGN 419m adjustment to Dec. 31 2015 position due to loan provisioning and BGN 285.5m correction after taking into account June 30th 2016 operating results.

Market reaction

The announcement boosted Fibank’s shares up 9% in midday trading on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, which would show investors trust that the bank was serious about propping up its capital buffers following a central bank recommendation last year.

Fibank profit

The forthcoming Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the bank is planned for 29 May 2017. The information to be discussed includes the proposal to include 2016 profit in the bank’s common equity tier 1 capital.

Last year’s net profit was BGN 90,2 million, wrote Capital Weekly, commenting that 2015 profit was BGN 12,5 million. The publication adds that the bank managed last year to improve margins significantly. “Increased revenues from fees, commissions and interest” contributed to the stronger results within the financial statements. Capital also pointed out that in 2016 there was this one-off income at BGN 25 million from a deal with Visa Inc., which purchased Visa Europe from its European member banks.

Ownership

As of 31 December 2016 the main shareholders of Fibank are Tseko Minev and Ivaylo Mutafchiev owning each 42.5% of the capital. The remaining 15% is the free-float traded on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange.

Check the latest equity research reports by ELANA Trading