Due to the fact that RZB Group is growing faster than the market, it is gaining market share in Austria as well as in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The successful Initial Public Offering of its subsidiary Raiffeisen International Bank-Holding AG (Raiffeisen International) this spring further fuelled the growth momentum. „RZB has a consistent focus on its home markets in Austria and CEE and is strategically well positioned. The repeated record results confirm that we are on the right track”, said Walter Rothensteiner, CEO of RZB.
Total assets expected to increase to € 88 billion
According to the results outlook for the business year 2005, the total assets of RZB Group will increase by about 29 per cent to € 88 billion compared to year-end 2004. The increase is based solely on organic growth. Recently acquired Bank Aval is not included, as its balance sheet according to IFRS is being compiled currently.
Expected Profit before tax of about € 890 million
The RZB Group’s expected profit before tax (excluding Bank Aval) amounts to about € 890 million or 29 per cent more than last year. Profit after tax is expected to increase by 11 per cent to about € 630 million. „RZB’s results are traditionally driven by the corporate business both in Austria and CEE. Also the Treasury segment is a constant income source. Particularly pleasant is the positive development of the retail business”, Rothensteiner stated.
More than € 5 billion in own funds
Total own funds of the RZB Group are expected to increase by approximately 23 per cent to roughly € 5.05 billion. This increase is mainly due to retained earnings and the IPO of Raiffeisen International in April. The excess cover ratio is projected at more than 18 per cent, the own funds ratio will probably reach 9.5 per cent, the core capital ratio 8.5 per cent. Figures relating to the equity already account for the purchase of Bank Aval. The Group’s own funds are therefore more than sufficient.
High Return on Equity in spite of increased own funds
The increased equity brought return on equity before tax down. At 23 per cent (after 29.9 per cent in 2004) it is still a very good ratio. In spite of high investments into the expansion in CEE designed to provide the base for long-term business and profits, the cost/income ratio is expected to improve from 60.5 to approximately 58 per cent. Provisioning for loan losses is projected to be 6 per cent less than in the previous year.
More than 4,000 jobs created
The RZB Group has again recorded a strong increase in staff. As of year-end, approximately 29,700 staff members will be employed, an increase of almost 20 per cent. Including the 17,200 employees of Bank Aval, the RZB Group therefore employs a workforce of 46,900.
Network in CEE further expanded
In 2004, the leading Albanian bank, now Raiffeisen Bank, was acquired. This year, Bank Aval, the second-largest Ukrainian bank, was purchased, making Raiffeisen the largest local banking group. With this deal, Raiffeisen has again underpinned its role as a leading banking group in CEE.
Following the acquisition of Bank Aval, RZB’s banking network now consists of 16 banks, numerous leasing and specialized companies and two representative offices in 17 markets of the region. The Network Banks steered by Raiffeisen International are among the three largest local banks in nine CEE market.
