S&P upgrades OTP outlook to stable

Standard & Poor’s has improved its assessment of Hungary’s OTP Bank and OTP Mortgage Bank, upgrading the banks’ credit rating to “stable” from “negative”. S&P announced Friday that both banks have a ”BB/B” rating.

S&P also said Friday that Hungary’s economy is stabilizing, and the agency has revised up its GDP growth expectations for 2014-2015 to about 2%.

In explaining its improved rating for Hungary’s largest commercial bank, S&P said that “OTP has significant buffers to absorb anticipated asset quality deterioration in some of its overseas operations and further one-time costs in Hungary without it affecting the current ratings”.

Despite the improved rating, analysts believe that the upcoming currency mortgage regulations, now being discussed by Hungary’s governing party Fidesz, could undermine OTP’s profitability. Analysts also speculate that poor relations between Ukraine and Russia might further worsen OTP’s position.

Considering the outlook of the banking sector in Hungary as a whole, experts say that the stable rating of OTP Bank and OTP Mortgage Bank applies to the country as well for the upcoming 12 months.

Automotive

ALD Automotive | LeasePlan Unveils New Global Mobility Brand Ayvens

Government

Orbán: Peak Flood Expected to Leave Hungary by Mid-Next Week

Energy Trade

MVM H1 Revenue Falls 22% Y.O.Y.

EU

EU to Deduct EUR 200 mln Fine From Hungary Funding

SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL

Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For over 30 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.