ZION - Bank OZK Ratings Affirmed by Moody's Amid CRE Concerns | Benzinga
Bank OZK's (NASDAQ: OZK) ratings and outlook have been affirmed by Moody's Ratings, a division of Moody's Corporation (NYSE: MCO). This decision underscores the balance between the bank's strong financial metrics and the risks associated with its substantial exposure to commercial real estate (CRE) loans.
The rating agency has affirmed all the ratings and assessments of Bank OZK, including its long-term local currency deposit rating of A3 and short-term local currency deposit rating of Prime-2. Despite the affirmation, the outlook on the bank's long-term deposit and issuer ratings remains negative.
Key Factors Behind Rating Affirmation
The affirmation of these ratings reflects a mix of positive financial performance and significant risk factors. The primary concerns stem from Bank OZK's high concentration in CRE loans, particularly construction loans, amid a challenging interest rate environment.
CRE Loan Exposure: As of Mar 31, 2024, CRE loans represented 455% of Bank OZK's tangible common equity (TCE). Including unfunded commitments, the total CRE exposure is nearly double this amount. This substantial exposure poses a risk, especially as interest rates remain high, adversely impacting asset quality ...