Gold prices fall as geopolitical tensions ease; U.S. CPI looms
Investing.com -- Metro Bank (LSE:MTRO) shares climbed 3.07% on Thursday after the company reported a significant improvement in net profit for the first quarter.
The bank’s management delivered profitability on both underlying and reported bases, with net profit up "significantly" compared to the £13 million of reported profit before tax in the second half of 2024.
The rise in shares reflects investor confidence in the bank’s ability to sustain its profitability and growth trajectory.
The bank’s annualised loan growth of approximately 1.6% (excluding loan sale) is expected to increase substantially, driven by a strong commercial pipeline.
Despite a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 4% in deposits, the bank has been strategically reducing excess liquidity.
Management has reiterated the short and medium-term guidance provided at the end of the fiscal year 2024.
Metro Bank has showcased strong execution in cost control, achieving a 33% reduction in headcount in fiscal year 2024, underpinning a projected 4–5% cost reduction in fiscal year 2025.
RBC analysts said they had updated their estimates following Metro Bank’s Q1 2025 trading update, while maintaining their 100p price target and Sector Perform, Speculative Risk rating.
"Whilst execution risk remains, if management can deliver and maintain their FY27 guidance of mid- to upper-teens ROTE (RBCe 15.8%), then this stock could materially re-rate," they added.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.