The European banking sector has been hit hard by Trump’s tariffs as investors worry about recession, rising bad debts and falling net interest margins.
Even in this market turmoil, one FTSE 100 stock is still up by 25% this year: Lloyds Banking Group LLOY.
In this uncertain period, Lloyds has an advantage in having no US exposure. It’s a pure UK banking play, with 95% of its assets based domestically.
Since Lloyd’s restructuring, which started in 2011, the bank has become a low-risk domestic retail and commercial bank and now operates one of the strongest retail franchises in the country, says Niklas Kammer, equity analyst at Morningstar.
Lloyds has improved its financial advice and wealth management offerings and targeted loan growth in small and medium-sized businesses across the UK.
The bank’s business model is well-positioned for the challenges that the current economic outlook poses, he adds. But recent full-year earnings were mixed: profits dipped and results were overshadowed by a £700 million provision for car finance commissions. But the dividend was also increased and the stock yields nearly 5%.
Key Morningstar Metrics for Lloyds Banking Group LLOY
Analyst: Niklas Kammer, CFA
- Morningstar Rating: ★★★★
- Fair Value Estimate: GBX 78.00
- Economic Moat: Narrow
So is Lloyds Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
According to Morningstar analysis, Lloyds stock is still undervalued, and trading in four-star territory. The stock is also one of Morningstar’s top picks in the European banking sector.
Lloyds’ shares are trading around 68p, below Morningstar’s fair value estimate of 78p.
Its interim management statement is due on May 1 and the final dividend will be paid on May 20.
The author or authors do not own shares in any securities mentioned in this article. Find out about Morningstar's editorial policies.