Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac shares tumble after conservatorship comments
On Monday, Citi analysts reaffirmed their Neutral rating on UBS AG stock, maintaining a price target of CHF26.90. Trading near $33.62, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is fairly valued. The analysts commented on the Swiss Federal Council’s newly released proposals following the review of the Credit Suisse crisis and the ’too big to fail’ regime.
The proposals include an incremental Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital requirement of $26 billion, which is at the upper end of expectations. However, the minimum transition period of six to eight years from the entry into force provides UBS with a significant lead time to address this requirement. With an overall Financial Health score rated as "GOOD" by InvestingPro, the bank appears well-positioned to manage these requirements.
Citi analysts noted that this extended transition period reduces immediate uncertainty. They believe it should be feasible for UBS to meet the capital shortfall without affecting future dividends and share buybacks.
Despite this, the analysts expressed concerns that the proposals still need to undergo a consultation and legislative process, which could lead to amendments. Additionally, they noted worries about UBS’s consensus earnings momentum, which remains weaker than its peers due to ongoing net interest income softness.
In other recent news, UBS AG has expressed disagreement with the Swiss Federal Council’s proposed capital requirements, which would necessitate the bank to hold an additional $42 billion in Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital by 2027. This includes $24 billion related to new regulatory proposals and $18 billion following the acquisition of Credit Suisse. Despite these challenges, UBS plans to increase its ordinary dividend by 10% and repurchase up to $3 billion in shares in 2025, contingent on maintaining a CET1 capital ratio of around 14%. In a related development, Jefferies has upgraded UBS’s stock rating from Hold to Buy, anticipating a positive shift in capital clarity and projecting a 41% upside to a new price target of CHF37.00. JPMorgan has also maintained an Overweight rating with the same price target, suggesting significant regulatory developments that could require additional capital but potentially lower to $12.8 billion over time. Meanwhile, UBS noted the Swiss National Bank’s substantial foreign exchange interventions, aimed at countering the Swiss franc’s appreciation, which poses a challenge to inflation control. These developments collectively highlight UBS’s strategic maneuvers amid evolving regulatory landscapes and economic conditions.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.