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Here's Why You Should Hold Itau Unibanco (ITUB) Stock Now
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We issued an updated research report on Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. (ITUB - Free Report) on Dec 28. The company’s diversified and strong funding base, along with declining debt level, keeps it well poised for growth. Also, inorganic growth strategies aid in expanding footprint and bolster its performance.
However, expenses are rising owing to investment in digitization, which might hurt profitability. Also, competition from other big Brazilian banks remains a concern.
The company’s Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has been revised nearly 3% upward over the past 30 days. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Shares of Itau Unibanco have lost 33% year to date compared with the 15.1% decline of the industry.
Itau Unibanco’s strategy to expand its operations in Brazil and internationally is encouraging. Also, ongoing investments in technology will aid in the improvement of processes, reduce costs and increase productivity gains. In March 2020, the company acquired Zup IT Servicos, aiding the development of digital transformation projects, is and offering new functionalities and digital products to its customers.
Further, the company’s benefits from diversified and strong funding base, as is evident from rising deposits and assets under administration. Notably, it had a debt level of $113.7 billion as of Sep 30, 2020, which has been decreasing over the past few quarters. Therefore, we believe Itau Unibanco has less likelihood of default of interest and debt repayments if the economic situation worsens.
Also, Itau Unibanco’s credit quality has been improving. Its total delinquency ratio (transactions more than 90 days overdue) has been shrinking for the past three years. We believe that the company is poised to improve the default rate due to its strategy that is largely focused on change to a more conservative credit profile of its portfolio.
However, general and administrative expenses have flared up over the past few years. Moreover, the company’s ongoing investment in digitization of its services and focus to enhance customers’ satisfaction will likely keep the expenses elevated. Continuation of such a trend will pose a hindrance to bottom-line growth in the near term.
Also, Itau Unibanco faces intense competition from other large Brazilian and international banks. This, along with new regulations issued by the National Monetary Council, which facilitates the customers’ ability to switch business between banks, is likely to have detrimental effects on the lending volumes and margins of the company.
UBS Group AG (UBS - Free Report) has been witnessing upward estimate revisions over the past 60 days for the ongoing year. The company’s shares have gained 22% over the past six months. It carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce’s (CM - Free Report) has been witnessing upward estimate revisions for the past 60 days. Additionally, the stock has jumped 27.8% in the past six months. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
Just Released: Zacks’ 7 Best Stocks for Today
Experts extracted 7 stocks from the list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys that has beaten the market more than 2X over with a stunning average gain of +24.4% per year.
These 7 were selected because of their superior potential for immediate breakout.
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Here's Why You Should Hold Itau Unibanco (ITUB) Stock Now
We issued an updated research report on Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. (ITUB - Free Report) on Dec 28. The company’s diversified and strong funding base, along with declining debt level, keeps it well poised for growth. Also, inorganic growth strategies aid in expanding footprint and bolster its performance.
However, expenses are rising owing to investment in digitization, which might hurt profitability. Also, competition from other big Brazilian banks remains a concern.
The company’s Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has been revised nearly 3% upward over the past 30 days. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Shares of Itau Unibanco have lost 33% year to date compared with the 15.1% decline of the industry.
Itau Unibanco’s strategy to expand its operations in Brazil and internationally is encouraging. Also, ongoing investments in technology will aid in the improvement of processes, reduce costs and increase productivity gains. In March 2020, the company acquired Zup IT Servicos, aiding the development of digital transformation projects, is and offering new functionalities and digital products to its customers.
Further, the company’s benefits from diversified and strong funding base, as is evident from rising deposits and assets under administration. Notably, it had a debt level of $113.7 billion as of Sep 30, 2020, which has been decreasing over the past few quarters. Therefore, we believe Itau Unibanco has less likelihood of default of interest and debt repayments if the economic situation worsens.
Also, Itau Unibanco’s credit quality has been improving. Its total delinquency ratio (transactions more than 90 days overdue) has been shrinking for the past three years. We believe that the company is poised to improve the default rate due to its strategy that is largely focused on change to a more conservative credit profile of its portfolio.
However, general and administrative expenses have flared up over the past few years. Moreover, the company’s ongoing investment in digitization of its services and focus to enhance customers’ satisfaction will likely keep the expenses elevated. Continuation of such a trend will pose a hindrance to bottom-line growth in the near term.
Also, Itau Unibanco faces intense competition from other large Brazilian and international banks. This, along with new regulations issued by the National Monetary Council, which facilitates the customers’ ability to switch business between banks, is likely to have detrimental effects on the lending volumes and margins of the company.
Stocks to Consider
Bank of Montreal (BMO - Free Report) has been witnessing upward estimate revisions for the past 60 days. Moreover, this Zacks #2 Ranked (Buy) stock has gained nearly 43% in the past six months. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
UBS Group AG (UBS - Free Report) has been witnessing upward estimate revisions over the past 60 days for the ongoing year. The company’s shares have gained 22% over the past six months. It carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce’s (CM - Free Report) has been witnessing upward estimate revisions for the past 60 days. Additionally, the stock has jumped 27.8% in the past six months. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
Just Released: Zacks’ 7 Best Stocks for Today
Experts extracted 7 stocks from the list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys that has beaten the market more than 2X over with a stunning average gain of +24.4% per year.
These 7 were selected because of their superior potential for immediate breakout.
See these time-sensitive tickers now >>