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Lion Finance Group (LSE:BGEO) is without doubt one of the FTSE 250’s prime performers. The inventory has surged because the pandemic and following a dip that befell after Russia invaded Ukraine.
So, what’s Lion Finance Group? Nicely, the corporate was often known as Financial institution of Georgia till February. It just lately determined to vary its title to mirror its geographical presence following its acquisition of Armenia’s largest financial institution, Ameriabank, in 2024.
Extra broadly, its progress story has been extremely spectacular. The inventory has benefitted from the expansion of Georgia’s economic system — the quickest in Europe following the pandemic. And regardless of issues concerning the authorities’s priorities, it has delivered a level of stability amid the battle in Ukraine.
Nonetheless extremely low cost
Probably the most superb issues about this inventory is the truth that it nonetheless seems low cost regardless of surging 490% over 5 years. However that’s as a result of earnings have additionally improved by round 500% versus 2019 ranges. At the moment, the inventory is buying and selling at 4 instances ahead earnings for 2025 and three.6 instances projected earnings for 2026. This represents an outstanding low cost versus the FTSE 250 common and versus UK-listed banking shares.
What’s extra, the dividend yield stays elevated. The present yield is 5.4% and that is anticipated to rise to six.3% in 2026.
And right here’s an vital lesson for buyers primarily based alone experiences. I purchased what was then Financial institution of Georgia inventory for round 900p a share in 2022. Nonetheless, I offered in 2024 amid issues concerning the election that was held within the autumn — it was all the time resulting from be a heated one. Nonetheless, that share sale might have been a mistake as the worth has continued to rise. Extra apparently nevertheless, my preliminary funding would have been yielding round 25%-30% in dividends yearly! That’s as a result of the dividend funds have surged relative to my entry value.
Political issues stay
Since October 2024, Georgia has been engulfed in widespread political protests following disputed parliamentary elections and the ruling Georgian Dream social gathering’s choice to droop EU accession talks till 2028. Demonstrators, demanding new elections and the discharge of unlawfully detained people, have confronted police repression, but protests persist, now coming into their fourth month. The political turmoil has led to worldwide isolation, strained relations with the EU and US, and the introduction of legal guidelines focusing on dissent and civil society.
This instability has considerably impacted Georgia’s monetary markets. Fitch Scores downgraded Georgia’s outlook from Secure to Destructive, reflecting rising investor anxiousness. Given the continuing unrest, political uncertainty, and potential for additional sanctions, the funding local weather stays extremely unstable. What’s extra, banks usually mirror the well being of the economic system. That is why I’m not investing in Georgia right now. The mixture of political instability and market unpredictability makes it a dangerous proposition. Nonetheless, I consider it’s a inventory value watching carefully.
