Kasikorn Securities notes that second-quarter 2026 banking group profit came in slightly above expectations, driven by wealth management and FVTPL gains. Combined profit for the seven banks under coverage was 50.4 billion baht, down 1% quarter-on-quarter and 3% year-on-year, but 4% above forecasts. The outlook for the second half of 2026 is expected to improve, supported by stable net interest margins, corporate loan growth, and lower expected credit losses after heavy provisioning in the first half. The research team maintains a positive view on the banking sector but emphasizes greater stock selectivity, recommending KKP, KTB, and CREDIT as top picks on expectations that second-half 2026 earnings will improve as expected credit losses decline.
Thai Credit PclKKP is a top pick; analyst expects improved H2 earnings as credit losses decline.
Kiatnakin Phatra Bank Public Company LimitedKTB is a top pick; analyst expects improved H2 earnings as credit losses decline.
Krung Thai Bank Public Company LimitedCREDIT is a top pick; analyst expects improved H2 earnings as credit losses decline.