Investing.com -- Shares of Banco BPM SpA (MIL:BAMI) climbed 2% following the announcement of their latest financial results, which showcased a net profit surpassing expectations and an increased bid for Anima.
The Italian bank reported revenues that were 4% higher than both their own projections and the consensus, with pre-provision income coming in 10% ahead and net profit 16% higher than anticipated.
The bank's non-interest income (NII) saw a slight decline of 1% quarter-on-quarter but still managed a 2% increase compared to the Visible Alpha consensus. Fee income exhibited growth, with traditional banking fees rising by 3% year-on-year (YoY) and market fees increasing by 11% YoY. Operating expenses were reported to be 3% better than expected.
Asset quality and capital metrics revealed mixed results. Loan loss provisions were 10% better than Banco BPM's expectations and 5% ahead of the consensus.
However, the non-performing loan (NPL) coverage ratio slightly decreased to 44.6% in December from 46.7% in September, although the gross NPL ratio improved to 2.8% from 3.1%. The bank's CET1 fully loaded ratio decreased by 50 basis points quarter-on-quarter to 15.0%.
Looking ahead, Banco BPM has set ambitious targets for 2027, including a net income goal of €2.15 billion, which would represent approximately a 30% upside compared to current consensus expectations. For 2025, the bank forecasts net income to exceed the adjusted 2024 figure of €1,691 million, which is about 15% higher than the consensus estimate.
Core revenues are projected to reach €6.24 billion, assuming a Euribor rate of 200 basis points, with a cost-to-income ratio of 44% and a cost of risk (CoR) at 40 basis points. The bank also plans for distributions above €7 billion and aims to maintain a CET1 ratio above 14%.
Additionally, Banco BPM has raised its offer for asset manager Anima to €7.00 per share, up from the previous bid of €6.20. A shareholder meeting is scheduled for February 28 to approve the increased offer and to consider waiving certain conditions related to the bid. With the support of Poste and FSI, which intend to tender their shares, Banco BPM's ownership in Anima could exceed 43%.
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