DBS vs OCBC: Which Bank Stock Looks Stronger After the Fed Rate Cuts?

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts will significantly impact banks, with DBS likely to perform better than OCBC in this new environment [1][6]. DBS Group Holdings Ltd - DBS is the largest bank in Singapore, showing resilience with stable net interest income (NII) despite falling interest rates [2][3]. - For 2Q2025, DBS reported NII of S$3.6 billion, a 2% year-on-year increase, supported by a 4% growth in its deposit book [2][3]. - The net interest margin (NIM) decreased to 1.95% from 2.05%, but NII for 2025 is still expected to be higher year-on-year [3]. - Fee income increased by 10.4% year-on-year to S$1.4 billion, with wealth management contributing significantly [4]. - Dividends remain robust, with a declared S$0.75 per share for 2Q2025, consisting of S$0.60 in ordinary dividends, an 11% increase year-on-year [5]. Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd - OCBC faces more challenges in the new interest rate environment, with NII declining 6% year-on-year to S$2.28 billion for 2Q2025 [6][8]. - The insurance arm, Great Eastern, contributed to volatility, with a 23.1% year-on-year decline in contributions due to lower interest rates [8]. - OCBC's interim dividend for 1H2025 was reduced to S$0.41 per share, a 6.8% decline year-on-year [8]. Comparison: Valuation, Yields, and Exposure - DBS has a trailing price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 2.3 times, significantly higher than its three-year average of 1.57 times, indicating a premium valuation [13]. - OCBC's trailing P/B ratio is 1.30 times, which is more attractive compared to its historical average of 1.1 times [13]. - DBS's annual dividend yield is 4.2%, while OCBC's is higher at 4.8% based on ordinary dividends [9]. - DBS has a diversified exposure with 45% in Singapore, 26.5% in Greater China, and 19.7% in the Rest of the World [10]. - OCBC has a similar exposure to Singapore (42.8%) but greater exposure to Southeast Asia (13.7%) [11]. Investment Implications - DBS offers stronger diversification and resilience due to its fee income growth, particularly in wealth management [14]. - OCBC may appeal to value-seeking investors despite its weaker fundamentals, as it is priced more attractively [15][16]. - The choice between DBS and OCBC depends on investor preference for resilience and growth versus value and insurance exposure [16].