REG - Metro Bank PLC - Q1 Trading Update <Origin Href="QuoteRef">MTRO.L</Origin>

Metro Bank HoldingsAnnouncement

26/04/2017 07:06

RNS Number : 3242D
Metro Bank PLC
26 April 2017
Metro Bank PLC
Q1 Trading Update 2017
April 26, 2017
METRO BANK REPORTS 33% QUARTERLY GROWTH IN UNDERLYING PROFIT BEFORE TAX AND RECORD 1.1 BILLION INCREASE IN DEPOSITS
Metro Bank PLC (LSE: MTRO) has delivered a strong trading performance in the first quarter of 2017.
Q1 Highlights 
 Record deposit growth in the quarter which exceeded 1bn for the first time.
 Deposits up 13% quarter-on-quarter to 9.0b ($11.4b) whilst cost of deposits dropped from 66bp in Q4 2016 to 61bp in Q1 2017.
 Record net deposit growth per store per month of 7.4m ($9.3m) in Q1 2017 versus 5.0m ($6.3m) in Q4 2016. Annualised this represents deposit growth per store of 89m ($112m).
 Lending up 11%, quarter-on-quarter to 6.5b ($8.2b)
 Underlying profit before tax1 at 2.0m (1.5m in Q4 2016).
 Record 72,000 increase in customer accounts to 987,000.
Note: All figures contained in this trading update are unaudited. All figures in US$ have been translated at a rate of $1.26 to the . 
1 Underlying profit/(loss) before tax excludes listing related costs, FSCS levy and impairment of property, plant & equipment and intangible assets. The statutory profit after tax in the quarter is set out in the profit and loss account.
Quarter ending
 in millions
31
Mar
2017
31 
Dec
2016
Change
in Quarter
31
Mar
2016
Change
in
Year






Assets
11,624
10,057
16%
7,388
57%
Loans
6,482
5,865
11%
4,129
57%
Deposits
9,010
7,951
13%
5,898
53%
Loan to Deposit ratio
72%
74%

69%







Underlying Profit/(Loss) before tax
2.0
1.5
33%
(9.6)m
n/a
Total Revenue
61.9
57.6
7%
37.7
64%
Net interest margin
2.02%
2.03%

1.96%







Underlying Profit/(Loss) after tax per share - basic
1.9p
1.6p
19%
(13.0)p
n/a
Underlying Profit/(Loss) after tax per share - diluted
1.8p
1.6p
13%
(13.0)p
n/a
Craig Donaldson, Chief Executive Officer at Metro Bank said:
"This is another great quarter for Metro Bank, and the results are a testament to the strength of the model and our focus on the integration of stores and technology to create FANS. We have now delivered three consecutive quarters of profitability and for the first time have exceeded 1 billion net growth in deposits in a single quarter whilst also reducing the cost of those deposits. We have seen double digit growth in lending (11%) and attracted an additional 72,000 accounts, taking us to 987,000 customer accounts across the bank. 
"We continue to grow the business, and remain on track to open a further ten stores before the year end. Our business continues to deliver across all areas - Retail, Business, Commercial and Private - and our model, culture and focus on creating FANS remains a compelling alternative for consumers and businesses alike."
Vernon Hill, Chairman and Founder at Metro Bank, added: 
"What a superb start to the year for Metro Bank. This quarter saw improved performance on every level, across every measure and best of all, we saw many more FANS opening accounts. Our combination of great online and mobile banking and an exceptional in store experience is making a positive difference to our customers. Metro Bank remains a revolution in British banking, championing the right of every customer to receive service and convenience tailored to their needs."
Highlights for the Quarter Ended 31 March 2017
 
As of 31 March total assets were 11,624m, up from 10,057m at 31 December 2016 and 7,388m at 31 March 2016; representing 16% growth in the quarter and year-on-year growth of 57%.
 
The loan to deposit ratio increased year-on-year to 72% (31 March 2016: 69%).
 
Record net deposit growth per store per month of 7.4m ($9.3m) in Q1 2017 versus 5.0m ($6.3m) in Q4 2016, and 6.6m ($8.3m) in Q1 2016 due to an exceptionally strong quarter. This represents annualised deposit growth per store of 89m ($112m). 
 
Comparative store deposit growth (a measure of deposit growth using deposit numbers from stores that have been operating for more than a full year) is 50%.
 
As of 31 March total deposits were 9,010m, up from 7,951m at 31 December 2016 and 5,898m at 31 March 2016; representing 13% growth in the quarter and year-on-year growth of 53%. Deposits for the first quarter grew by 1.1bn. Deposits from commercial customers represent 50% of 31 March 2017 total deposits (31 December 2016: 50%).
 in millions
31 Mar 2017
31 Dec 2016
Change in Quarter
31 Mar 2016
Change in Year






Demand: non-interest bearing
2,582
2,282
13%
1,587
63%
Demand: interest bearing
4,224
3,513
20%
2,476
71%
Fixed term
2,204
2,156
2%
1,835
20%
Deposits from customers
9,010
7,951
13%
5,898
53%






Deposits from customers includes:





Deposits from retail customers
4,464
3,945
13%
2,775
61%
Deposits from corporate customers
4,546
4,006
13%
3,123
46%



 
Cost of deposits in Q1 was 61bps, a reduction from 66bps in Q4 2016. This reflects management actions with regards to deposit re-pricing, and strong growth in current accounts.
 
Total net loans as of 31 March were 6,482m, up from 5,865m at 31 December 2016 and 4,129m at 31 March 2016; an increase of 11% in the quarter and 57% year-on-year. Loans to commercial customers represent 35% of total lending as of 31 March 2017 (31 December 2016: 36%).
 in millions
31 Mar 2017
31 Dec 2016
Change in Quarter
31 Mar 2016
Change in Year






Gross Loans and advances to customers
6,491
 5,872
11%
4,136
57%
Less: allowance for impairment
(9)
(7)
29%
(7)
28%
Net Loans and advances to customers
6,482
5,865
11%
4,129
57%






Gross loans and advances to customers includes:





Commercial loans
2,276
2,087
9%
1,428
59%
Residential mortgages
4,023
3,604
12%
2,566
57%
Consumer and other loans and advances
192
181
6%
142
35%
 
Asset quality remains strong. Non-performing loans were 0.18% of the portfolio and the loan loss reserve as a percentage of non-performing loans was 77% at 31 March 2017. Cost of risk remained low and stable in Q1 2017 at 0.11% compared to 0.11% in Q4 2016 and 0.10% for the full year to 31 December 2016.
 
Capital ratios remain robust and well above regulatory requirements. Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ("CET1") as a percentage of risk weighted assets is 15.9%. The Regulatory Leverage ratio is 5.6%. A move towards the advanced risk based (AIRB) approach in the medium term presents the opportunity to achieve greater capital efficiency.
 
Customer acquisition continues to be strong. Customer accounts have increased from 915,000 on 31 December 2016 to 987,000 at 31 March 2017; a record quarterly net increase of 72,000 accounts. This represents an increase of 8% in the quarter and 38% year-on-year.
 
Underlying profit before tax has improved by 33% quarter-on-quarter to 2.0m from 1.5m in Q4 2016 (compared to a loss of 9.6m in Q1 2016).
 
Our positive P&L "jaws" continued with Total Revenue up 64% year-on-year and Operating expenses up 26%. 
 
We will strengthen our network with a further ten new stores in 2017 as we continue to in-fill and expand our reach.
We remain confident in our ability to deliver a full year of profitability in 2017 and to achieve our 2020 guidance. Our disruptive model continues to go from strength to strength.
Metro Bank PLC
Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account
(Unaudited)

Annual Growth Rate
2017
2016
Balance Sheet
31-Mar
31-Dec
31-Mar


'm
'm
'm
Assets




Loans and advances to customers 
57%
6,482
5,865
4,129
Treasury assets1

4,637
3,727
2,906
Other assets2

505
465
353
Total assets
57%
11,624
10,057
7,388





Liabilities




Deposits from customers
53%
9,010
7,951
5,898
Deposits from banks

1,235
543
-
Other liabilities

571
759
691
Total liabilities

10,816
9,253
6,589
Total shareholder's equity

808
804
799
Total equity and liabilities

11,624
10,057
7,388

Annual Growth Rate
2017
2016
Profit & Loss Account
Q1
Q4
Q1


'000
'000
'000





Net interest income

50,446
46,651
30,507
Fee and other income

10,892
10,470
7,240
Net gains on sale of securities

598
525
40
Total revenue
64%
61,936
57,646
37,787





Operating expenses
26%
(58,403)
(54,585)
(46,236)
Credit impairment charges

(1,560)
(1,577)
(1,113)





Underlying profit/(loss) before tax
n/a
1,973
1,484
(9,562)





Underlying taxation

(485)
(285)
1,617





Underlying profit/(loss) after tax
n/a
1,488
1,199
(7,945)





Listing and related costs

(353)
(568)
(3,107)
FSCS levy (net of tax)

(48)
-
-
Statutory profit/(loss) after tax
n/a
1,087
631
(11,052)
1Comprises investment securities, cash & balances with the Bank of England, and loans and advances to banks
2Comprises property, plant & equipment, intangible assets and other assets
Analyst and investor call 
An analyst and investor call will be held as follows: 
Date: Wednesday 26th April 2017
Time: 2.00pm (BST)
From the UK dial: 0808 237 0030 (Toll Free)
From the US dial: 866 928 7517 (Toll Free)
Participant Pin: 61414746#
URL for other international dial in numbers: http://events.arkadin.com/ev/docs/NE_FEL_Events_International_Access_List.pdf
An operator will assist you in joining the call.
For more information, please contact:
Metro Bank PLC Press Office
Tina Coates
+44 (0) 7811 246016
tina.coates@metrobank.plc.uk
Metro Bank PLC Investor Relations
Jo Roberts
+44 (0) 20 3402 8900 
jo.roberts@metrobank.plc.uk
Martin Pengelley/ Latika Shah
Tulchan Communications 
+44(0)20 7353 4200
metrobank@tulchangroup.com
ENDS


About Metro Bank
Retail banking:
 
7 days a week store banking (8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm Saturday, 11am-5pm Sunday and bank holidays), 362 days of the year. 
 
The ultimate in new account opening convenience, with a rapid opening procedure and on the spot bank cards and cheque books (Account Opening conditions apply. All Metro Bank products are subject to status and approval.)
 
Offering customers their channel of choice - with real time processing enabling real time fulfilment.
 
All stores offer free coin counting, for customers and non-customers alike, with the Metro Bank Magic Money Machine, as well as Safe Deposit Boxes of varying sizes for customers to store their valuables. 
 
A friendly welcome to dogs and their owners, with water bowls and dog biscuits on hand for man's best friend - dogs rule at Metro Bank!
Business and Commercial banking:
 
Metro Bank offers tailored business banking services including a full range of lending and cash management solutions, with customers supported by locally-based relationship, product and credit teams
 
A dedicated team of relationship managers provide industry-specific guidance, with sector experts covering healthcare; hospitality and leisure; property; charities and not-for-profit; inwards investment; and financial services
 
Forward thinking combined with traditional banking values gives customers a single point of contact to support them with all their banking needs
 
Simple and transparent lending means customers have direct access to the bank's underwriters
Private banking:
 
Private by name, personal by nature: Metro Bank Private Banking provides bespoke banking solutions for customers' personal and commercial interests
Metro Bank PLC. Registered in England and Wales. Company number: 6419578. Registered office: One Southampton Row, London, WC1B 5HA. 'Metrobank' is the registered trade mark of Metro Bank PLC. 
We're authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Most relevant deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. For further information about the Scheme refer to the FSCS website www.fscs.org.uk.
All Metro Bank products are subject to status and approval. 
Forward looking statements 
This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements typically use terms such as "believes", "projects", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "will", "would", "could" or "should" or similar terminology. Any forward-looking statements in this announcement are based on the Company's current expectations and, by their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that could cause the Company's actual results and performance to differ materially from any expected future results or performance expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. As a result, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Past performance should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future results, and no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding future performance.
No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements in this announcement will be realised. The Company undertakes no obligation to release the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements in this announcement that may occur due to any change in its expectations or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement and the Company disclaims any such obligation.

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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