Banca Ifis' Board of Directors met today under the chairmanship of Sebastien Egon Fürstenberg and approved the Group's financial results for the first nine months of 2017. The Veneto-based bank ended the first nine months of the year with a margin of intermediation of 371,3 million, an increase of 56,2% compared to the same period of 2016, a net result of financial management of 391,7 million (+79,5%) and a net profit for the period of €149,1 million, up 125% on the period to September 2016.
The ratio of net non-performing loans/lending to businesses is 1,6% compared to 1,2% at the end of 2016, the coverage ratio of gross non-performing loans to businesses is 89,3% (92%). Consolidated shareholders' equity stands at 1.338,7 million compared to the corresponding values as answered on the 1.228,6 million at the end of 2016. As for the indicators, at the end of September 2017 the Cet1 was 17,4% (15,82% at 1 January 2017).
“We have worked with determination and dynamism to position the bank on the path of sustainable development. The market is difficult and zero rates don't help. To compete in this context it is necessary to activate high energies on the part of all the people in the group – he comments Giovanni Bossi, managing director of Banca Ifis – A commitment that exists and which enhances the expertise of the resources in the various businesses, but which requires at the same time great flexibility in facing new targets and market repositioning while always keeping in mind the objectives of the period and of the three-year strategic plan. An outcome that leads me to say not only that the integration roadmap of the former Interbanca Group is respected, but that it is a completed process, which now becomes growth and development to all intents and purposes”.
“An acceleration of digital development awaits us – continues the CEO – which in the last part of the year sees the release of two portals for our two types of customers, businesses and households. We say no to digital as a fashion and an end in itself, we say yes to digital which enables and improves the user experience in dialogue with the Bank”.
After the publication of the accounts, Banca Ifis shares lost more than 3% on the Stock Exchange. at €40,65 per share. Less than a month ago, the stock had reached its all-time high, reaching almost 50 euros per share.
LEASE – For the first time, the bank also disclosed the results of the Leasing business unit, which is aimed at small professionals and businesses through financial leasing and operating leasing solutions, recorded a very positive performance, testifying to the new path begun by Banca Ifis, which in November 2016 – through the acquisition of the former Interbanca Group – entered this market.
During 2017, internal processes were simplified in the name of speed, communication and transparency and a more immediate and quality service was provided to customers, a central element of the bank's business model. New products have been developed on the basis of active listening to the market, aimed at supporting an offer aimed at the world of work and production.
Thanks also to the development of the 'Leasing Academy' programme, the dedicated team and the know-how of the structure were strengthened, both with new entries and with new skills in the Milan and Mondovì areas. Grafts aimed at guaranteeing customers constant consultancy, in-depth knowledge of the product and an accessible and present commercial force. These actions were accompanied by dedicated customer care and growing attention to the web channel, to ensure maximum operational efficiency.
The totality of these ingredients has allowed Banca Ifis to increase its market share in the leasing segment, above all by supporting the competitiveness of the country's companies in renewing their instrumental fleet.
As a partner of the Italy that produces, in the first nine months of 2017 the Leasing business unit recorded an increase in volumes of 27% compared to the same period of 2016, growing more than the market (+7,9%). The performance recorded by the instrumental sector was significant (+58,5%); car leasing was also positive, continuing to register a trend in line with expectations (+10,0%), always higher than the average growth of the market (+8,2%).
The intermediation margin is equal to 46,5 million euro and is reflected in an increase in the market share (3,6%). The contribution to the margin of finance leasing amounted to 33,9 million euro and that of operating leasing to 12,6 million.
