Financials & FinTech research, Galliano’s Financials Research

Victor Galliano

Financials & FinTech research

Financials & FinTech, EM & Developed Markets

Galliano’s Financials Research

Galliano's Financials Research provides fundamental research in Emerging Markets financials, including FinTech, as well as financials in select Developed Markets.

The investment style applied is generally value oriented, although Growth At Reasonable Price (GARP) strategies can also be used where appropriate. 

Our investment research approach aim is often contrarian, looking to capitalise on overly sceptical or optimistic consensus views. In terms of valuation techniques, the focus is on PBV ratio to ROE, PE multiples and dividend yield, as well as the application of PEG ratios and, where appropriate, Sum of the Parts (SOTP) valuations.

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>We update our views on ten Japanese midcap banks focusing on those with large strategic shareholdings relative to market value, as well as beneficiaries of the improving interest rate outlook</li>
<li>Our top-rated pick is <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/iyogin-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:40839:1" rel="noopener">Iyogin Holdings (5830 JP)</a>, with its constructive mix of large strategic holdings, attractive valuations including PTBV ratio and healthy gearing to higher interest rates</li>
<li>We also retain Hokuhoku Financial and Hachijuni Bank as buys; Hokuhoku has yet to realize its large strategic holdings whilst Hachijuni has reached its target level for cross-holdings reduction</li>
</ul>


We update our views on ten Japanese midcap banks focusing on those with large strategic shareholdings relative to market value, as well as beneficiaries of the improving interest rate outlook
Our top-rated pick is Iyogin Holdings (5830 JP), with its constructive mix of large strategic holdings, attractive valuations including PTBV ratio and healthy gearing to higher interest rates
We also retain Hokuhoku Financial and Hachijuni Bank as buys; Hokuhoku has yet to realize its large strategic holdings whilst Hachijuni has reached its target level for cross-holdings reduction


Japanese Midcap Banks – Iyogin Holdings (5830 JP) Is Our Top Pick

IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gunma-bank-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15777:1" rel="noopener">Gunma Bank (8334 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/daishi-hokuetsu-financial-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27533:1" rel="noopener">Daishi Hokuetsu Financial Group (7327 JP)</a>/DHFG have announced an MoU to establish one of the largest regional banks in Japan by 1 April 2027.</li>
<li>The transaction involves delisting Gunma through a share exchange with DHFG. A definitive agreement is expected around March 2026. </li>
<li>The plan is long-dated. The lack of a controlling shareholder necessitates a “fair” exchange ratio. My estimated Gunma/DHFG exchange ratio range is 0.38-0.39x.</li>
</ul>



Gunma Bank (8334 JP) and Daishi Hokuetsu Financial Group (7327 JP)/DHFG have announced an MoU to establish one of the largest regional banks in Japan by 1 April 2027.
The transaction involves delisting Gunma through a share exchange with DHFG. A definitive agreement is expected around March 2026. 
The plan is long-dated. The lack of a controlling shareholder necessitates a “fair” exchange ratio. My estimated Gunma/DHFG exchange ratio range is 0.38-0.39x.


Gunma Bank (8334 JP): Daishi Hokuetsu (7327 JP) Share Exchange to Establish a Top Regional Bank

Research and consultancy, Tabbush Report

Daniel Tabbush

Research and consultancy

Tabbush Report

We provide research and consultancy on Asian banks. Our focus is on what we call “Asian bank research, without the noise.” We are interested in the most critical swing-factors for banks, the NPL and credit cycle, and where we believe there is a gap between perception and reality. We often focus on the less studied components of bank financial statements.  Our research is highly thematic, sometimes examining unlisted banks and companies as a window on mainstream banks. 

Being independent allows us to look at smaller banks, often overlooked by others. Analysis of BIS bank guidelines in the context of Asia, is also a focal point, while we also analyze global banks operating in the region. We use what we believe is the most comprehensive, reliable financials database, SNL Financial. S&P Capital IQ augments our database, with corporate data and CEIC, with economics. 

Asian bank research, without the noise.

<ul>
<li>Chiba Bank shows good gains in net interest income through 1H25 YoY </li>
<li>There should be more of this with rising BOJ rates during 2H25.</li>
<li>Flow through to net profit can be strong, given credit metrics.</li>
</ul>


Chiba Bank shows good gains in net interest income through 1H25 YoY 
There should be more of this with rising BOJ rates during 2H25.
Flow through to net profit can be strong, given credit metrics.


Chiba Bank - Net Interest Income Up, Expect More with BOJ Hike, Credit Metrics Allow Flow Through

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

Travis Lundy

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

<ul>
<li>So far, 10 regional banks have upgraded guidance since Q1 results. One of them (Iyogin) twice. The average gain is +71.7% vs original H1 guidance (if we count Iyogin once).</li>
<li>This week will be the big push for new guidance ahead of a flood earnings reports the following week. Election results will cause concern, and the BOJ meets Thursday.</li>
<li>I expect a move in December (positive for banks), but it may be US Fed and $/¥-dependent. In the meantime banks enjoy tailwinds.</li>
</ul>


So far, 10 regional banks have upgraded guidance since Q1 results. One of them (Iyogin) twice. The average gain is +71.7% vs original H1 guidance (if we count Iyogin once).
This week will be the big push for new guidance ahead of a flood earnings reports the following week. Election results will cause concern, and the BOJ meets Thursday.
I expect a move in December (positive for banks), but it may be US Fed and $/¥-dependent. In the meantime banks enjoy tailwinds.


Japan 2024 H1 Bank Guidance: Interest/Fees ⬆︎, Expenses/Credit Costs⬇︎ - Opportunity Good Still

Hokuhoku Financial Group / Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>We analyse ten Japanese midcap banks to target beneficiaries of the realization of strategic shareholdings, as well as beneficiaries of the improving interest rate outlook</li>
<li>We add Hachijuni Bank and Hokuhoku Financial to the buy list, based on the potential for realization of strategic holdings; these share-holdings are large relative to their respective market capitalizations</li>
<li>We maintain Gunma Bank on the buy list, primarily for its very strong gearing into the rising interest cycle and its attractive PE multiples</li>
</ul>


We analyse ten Japanese midcap banks to target beneficiaries of the realization of strategic shareholdings, as well as beneficiaries of the improving interest rate outlook
We add Hachijuni Bank and Hokuhoku Financial to the buy list, based on the potential for realization of strategic holdings; these share-holdings are large relative to their respective market capitalizations
We maintain Gunma Bank on the buy list, primarily for its very strong gearing into the rising interest cycle and its attractive PE multiples


Japanese Midcap Banks – Three Key Picks

Japan

The 77 Bank, Ltd. is a regional bank in Tohoku area.  The Bank provides general banking services including deposits, loans, and exchange transactions. The Bank also provides others financial services such as securities brokerage, trust banking, letter of credit, leasing, credit cards, and computer services.

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77 Bank Ltd/The (8341 JP)

Japanese Midcap Banks – Iyogin Holdings (5830 JP) Is Our Top Pick

We focus on large cross-holdings and positive interest rate gearing in this report on Japanese midcap banks; Iyogin Holdings is our top pick,...

Victor Galliano

Chiba Bank - Net Interest Income Up, Expect More with BOJ Hike, Credit Metrics Allow Flow Through

Chiba Bank already showing good net interest income gains, and more is likely with rate hike from BOJ, credit metrics appear strong, so better core...

Daniel Tabbush

Japan 2024 H1 Bank Guidance: Interest/Fees ⬆︎, Expenses/Credit Costs⬇︎ - Opportunity Good Still

10 of about 70 Japanese regional banks have revised guidance for the H1 to end-Sep 2024. The average gain is near 70% vs previous guidance. That's...

Travis Lundy

Japanese Midcap Banks – Three Key Picks

We focus on Japanese midcap banks' key shareholder attributes; Hachijuni and Hokuhoku added to buys for their large strategic holdings, while Gunma...

Victor Galliano

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Japanese Midcap Banks – Iyogin Holdings (5830 JP) Is Our Top Pick

We focus on large cross-holdings and positive interest rate gearing in this report on Japanese midcap banks; Iyogin Holdings is our top pick,...

Victor Galliano

Gunma Bank (8334 JP): Daishi Hokuetsu (7327 JP) Share Exchange to Establish a Top Regional Bank

A definitive agreement is expected around March 2026. The lack of a controlling shareholder necessitates a “fair” exchange ratio. My estimated...

Arun George

Chiba Bank - Net Interest Income Up, Expect More with BOJ Hike, Credit Metrics Allow Flow Through

Chiba Bank already showing good net interest income gains, and more is likely with rate hike from BOJ, credit metrics appear strong, so better core...

Daniel Tabbush

Japan 2024 H1 Bank Guidance: Interest/Fees ⬆︎, Expenses/Credit Costs⬇︎ - Opportunity Good Still

10 of about 70 Japanese regional banks have revised guidance for the H1 to end-Sep 2024. The average gain is near 70% vs previous guidance. That's...

Travis Lundy

Japanese Midcap Banks – Three Key Picks

We focus on Japanese midcap banks' key shareholder attributes; Hachijuni and Hokuhoku added to buys for their large strategic holdings, while Gunma...

Victor Galliano