Westpac

Gail Kelly, the chief executive of Westpac (WBC) claimed that the worldwide financial meltdown is over. Her declaration came after Westpac- one of the largest banks of Australia saw its cash profit climbing up 33 percent to as much as $1.6 billion for the first quarter due to a sharp fall in bad debts. In her statement Mrs. Kelly said, it seems the worst of the financial crisis is over although the company is monitoring the development closely.

Gail Kelly, the CEO of Westpac (WBC) has sold more than $7 million worth of shares this month which is believed to be an attempt to clear up some debt. However, Mrs. Kelly still obtains shares in her bank that worth as much as $32 million. According to the bank, Mrs. Kelly had dumped 300,000 of her shares in the bank. While talking about the issue, Westpac stated that Mrs. Kelly sold her shares to deal with her personal financial matters.

The chief executive of Westpac (WBC), Gail Kelly today stated that Westpac has started for the financial year 2010 strongly and the company is current in a good position in the industry as the economy continues to recover itself from the massive financial crisis. Ms. Kelly in her presentation also mentioned that a strong household sector was playing a key role in the recovery of the Australian economy.

Westpac Banking Corporation (WBC), a multinational financial service company, is expected to save $400 million by 2011 as a result of acquiring St George Bank (SGB). The bank estimated that it would gain $365 million in the next three years due to 20-25% of cost reduction and this figure has been upgraded because of the takeover. It is also expected that, about 2000 staffs will be sacked in this merge.

As the Westpac's deal foresees counter bid from other banks, trading of bank stocks have plummeted over the last week. The Big Four banks have rallied and the five biggest players have touched their record high. The Westpac deal with St. George has renewed interest in bank stocks which are usually taken as safe haven. According to portfolio manager, Matthew Kidman from Wilson Asset Management, "For 10 years everyone has said that banks are a safe haven -- and they're definitely not that because they're highly geared and we've seen the share prices get thumped."

National Bank of Australia is planning to offer a counter bids on St. George. The Chief Executive of NAB commented that his bank is looking at options to run numbers on St George bank takeover. "We look at all opportunities and in due course we will look at this transaction, but just now we're literally on the sidelines watching with interest what is happening," said Mr. Stewart at the National Press Club lunch in Canberra.