Commerzbank doubles quarterly profit, helped by higher interest rates

By Tom Sims and Frank Siebelt

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Germany’s Commerzbank (ETR:) said on Wednesday that net profit nearly doubled in the first quarter, a better-than-expected result helped by higher interest rates.

The bank said it sees “upside potential” in net interest income this year, and raised its forecast to 7 billion euros ($7.7 billion) from a previous 6.5 billion euros. The bank’s shares were indicated to open 2.5% higher.

Net profit of 580 million euros in the first quarter compares with a profit of 298 million euros a year earlier. Analysts had on average expected profit of 481 million euros, according to a consensus forecast published by Commerzbank.

Commerzbank, one of Germany’s best-known banks, is in the middle of a major overhaul, cutting thousands of workers and hundreds of branches to save on costs and lift profits.

Many banks have reported increases in revenue and profit for the first quarter on the back of higher interest rates.

Last year, Commerzbank booked a second consecutive year of profit, and the bank rejoined the prestigious of blue-chip companies.

It is still partially owned by the government following a bailout during the financial crisis more than a decade ago, and analysts have said that it is vulnerable to soaring inflation, a slower economy and potential soured loans.

“Commerzbank is in good shape. Our transformation is making good progress and is increasingly paying off,” said Chief Executive Officer Manfred Knof.

($1 = 0.9084 euros)

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