...Healthy Intrinsic Strength: Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited's (BBL) Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) reflect the bank's standalone financial strength, or Viability Rating (VR). The VR is based on solid capital, sound liquidity, and a hefty loan-loss reserve cushion. The Stable Outlook is based on Fitch Ratings' view that BBL will be able to maintain its credit profile. This is provided that economic and business conditions do not deteriorate more sharply and for a more prolonged period than expected. Slower Growth, Acceptable Performance: Loan growth could slow to the low single digits in 2014 from double digits during the last four years, due to the weak economic outlook. Nevertheless, BBL's performance should remain acceptable over the medium term, supported by its leading domestic franchise in deposits and in corporate lending. Moreover, BBL's solid loan-loss reserve coverage of 210% at end-March 2014, which is the highest among local peers, mitigates provisioning risks. Firm Downside...
