Kasikornbank (KBANK) is a historically sound and profitable bank.

Capitalisation is strong and the bank has among the highest CASA ratios in the banking sector. Asset quality took a surprise turn for the worse in 4Q22 due to its larger SME exposure and the bank has since focused on de-risking its portfolio. Credit costs are improving but remain elevated.

Margins are high compared to most other Thai banks we cover as a result of its strong SME franchise, but the shift in growth focus to the safer but lower yielding segments has diminished its margin lead.

Loan growth has been middling across the Thai banks due to a focus on quality amid the current backdrop. A pickup in economic momentum is hoped for in 2025, but we remain cautious of another year of disappointing growth and uneven recovery, particularly with risks from potential US tariffs.

We expect NIMs at the Thai banks to see a further decline this year on the back of policy rate cuts. KBANK’s switch to focus on safer segments is also weighing on the NIM, though it currently remains higher compared to most of its peers.

Credit costs remain elevated compared to peers due to the soft macroeconomic backdrop and challenged SMEs, given KBANK’s larger SME and restructured book. KBANK’s higher NIM and low-40%s cost-income ratio however provide comfortable room to absorb its higher credit costs and maintain a similar level of returns as peers, and the focus on safer segments seems is also helping to stabilize credit costs. Its prolonged balance sheet cleanup has concluded at YE24 and management guided for credit costs to return to a normalized 140-160 bp range this year.