Commerzbank profits and revenues slump weeks after Deutsche Bank merger talks collapse
Commerzbank has reported sliding revenue weeks after merger talks with rival Deutsche Bank fell apart.
The figures
Revenue fell 2.8 per cent year-on-year to €2.16bn in the first quarter of 2019, from €2.22bn in 2018, driven by exceptional items.
Read more: Deutsche Bank slashes revenue target after Commerzbank talks collapse
Profit before tax plummeted 25.3 per cent from €301m in the first three months of 2018 to €225 this year.
Group operating profit was €244m, down from €258m, driven by taxes and discontinued business. Operating costs also fell from €1.63bn to €1.56bn.
Earnings per share was €0.10 in the first quarter and the bank added 123,000 new customers.
Why it’s interesting
Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank abandoned merger talks last month after they determined there were too many risks attached to the deal.
The merger, which was backed by the German government, would have created the Eurozone’s second largest lender.
Following the collapse of the talks, Deutsche Bank cut its revenue target.
Read more: Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank merger talks collapse
Commerzbank is aiming to turn itself around with its Commerzbank 4.0 strategy, which is focused on boosting client numbers and increasing revenue. However, in February the bank removed the 2020 target outlined in the strategy.
What Commerzbank said
Commerzbank chief financial officer Stephan Engels said: “Business with our clients remains on a positive track. Even in a very competitive environment, the first quarter is proof of the resilience of our corporate clients business and an example of what is possible.
“The challenge now is to build on this progress. We are continuing to implement cost reductions despite further increases in compulsory contributions and ongoing strategic investments. Our cost targets remain unchanged.”