Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (ADR) (RBS): Is This Your Last Chance to Buy?

RBS shares have take a battering in the last month, falling 13%. After a great 2012, they are down a total of 16% so far this year.

RBS shares have suffered in the aftermath of the crisis in Cyprus. This was followed by the banking regulator announcing that it wants the sector to raise more capital by the end of the year. Bearish sentiments increased further this week as it was announced that investors would be suing the bank regarding a fundraising that it underwent in 2008.

Back in February, shares in Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (ADR) (NYSE:RBS) changed hands for more than 350 pence. I believe that a series of events is about to play out that could see RBS shares return to that level in May.

On 3 May, RBS will announce its Q1 results. I believe this could inspire new confidence in the bank and its ability to generate profits.

In 2012, Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (ADR) (NYSE:RBS) reported a 5.6 billion-pound loss from ongoing operations. This was a result of 5.3 billion pounds of impairment losses, 1.5 billion pounds paying for misdeeds and a 4.6 billion-pound accounting charge (ironically resulting from RBS’s perceived rehabilitation).

If Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (ADR) (NYSE:RBS) can avoid further fines in 2013 and impairments continue to reduce at a similar rate, the company could report an operating profit for the full year of around 2.5 billion pounds.

At the end of 2012, RBS announced a tangible net asset value of 446 pence per share. That’s a long way ahead of today’s share price.

I believe profitable companies should not trade at a discount to their asset value. If RBS can convince the market that it will be profitable again, I expect that discount will narrow.

Furthermore, a profitable bank will likely be increasing its asset value. Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (ADR) (NYSE:RBS)’s May statement could demonstrate that the bank’s shares are currently too cheap by half.