Four things to watch out for in Metro Bank’s results
Metro Bank’s quarterly results this evening come after a torrid spell for the high street lender.
In the last eight months the bank has suffered crashing profits, a failed bond issue and a senior shake-up of management, following the discovery of a major accounting issue in January.
Today’s quarter three statement will be the latest sign of how the bank has fared in the wake of its recent troubles. Here is what to look out for:
Change of direction?
Investors will be looking out for any indication of where Metro Bank plans to take its business strategy.
The firm’s emphasis on customer service has helped it stand out since being founded almost a decade ago. Bowls for dog food, prolonged opening hours and new high street designs all added to Metro’s image after trust in the traditional banks was rocked by the financial crash.
However, as AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould points out: “For some customers this was ideal but, for one thing it costs a lot of money and for another, an increasing number of people just want fast convenient online banking.”
He added: “The company may have raised funds at the second attempt to shore up its capital position earlier this month but it will be interesting to see if Hill’s departure leads to a change of approach for the business going forward.”
The balance sheet
Profit (or the lack of) and money flows will be front and centre in tonight’s news headlines.
In July the firm revealed an 84 per cent plunge in profits for the first half of this year, with customers withdrawing £2bn.
The lender blamed “intense speculation” for the outflow of cash, but this evening investors will be finding out how much that continued in the last three months.
Shore Capital banking analyst Gary Greenwood suspects the focus “will be on the extent of any further net interest margin pressure given the competitive environment, and whether there have been any further deposit outflows”.
New boss in town?
Ahead of this evening’s results, Metro Bank surprised the City by revealing that its colourful co-founder was heading for the exit even earlier than expected.
Chairman Vernon Hill is stepping down with immediate effect.
“It’s a wonder Mr Hill managed to survive this long in his role, but when it comes to the departure, it’s better late than never. The group needs to overhaul its senior management to shake-off the immense reputational damage it has endured,” said David Madden, market analyst at CMC Markets.
Replacing Hill on an interim basis is Michael Synder, a senior independent director at the firm, but analysts and journalists alike will be looking out for any indication on who will replace Hill on a permanent basis.
Share price volatility
Today’s results come after the bell, so shares will not be traded immediately.
But tomorrow morning will be an important moment to see how investors have reacted to the latest set of quarterly results.
Metro’s share price over the last year has collapsed by more than 90 per cent.
Trading at more than 2,500p this time last year, the stock is now going for less than 200p.
Today’s update on Vernon Hill’s departure has at least bumped shares up by one per cent, but any real movements are likely to come tomorrow morning after the City has digested what chief executive Craig Donaldson has to say today.