Acquisitions drive Bancorp to 40% rise
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JOHN WILLCOCK
Financial Correspondent
NatWest Bancorp, the US retail subsidiary of NatWest Group, increased profits by over 40 per cent in the first six months. The figures were boosted by two acquisitions, where Bancorp has already made big cost savings.
City analysts said that while Bancorp had aimed to cut costs by 30 per cent when it bought Citizens First Bancorp last October and Central Jersey Bancorp this January, the British bank was in fact heading for savings of 35-40 per cent.
Bancorp made pre-tax profits of $217.5m for the six months, against $153m last time. The tax charge rose from $2.8m to $81.9m, however, sending net profits down 15 per cent to $118.5m.
The subsidiary cut 500 jobs in the first quarter, nearly 6 per cent of its US workforce, incurring a $10m charge. Bancorp is merging back- office operations and closing branches.
John Tugwell, Bancorp chairman and chief executive, said profit growth was driven by the two acquisitions and growing income from mortgages, retail branch banking and financial markets operations.
"NatWest Bancorp's broad-based presence in its marketplace now enables us to serve a growing customer base in a manner which is more convenient for them and more cost-efficient and productive for us," Mr Tugwell said.
Bancorp's key cost/income ratio fell slightly from 67 per cent, relatively high for a UK bank, to 64 per cent.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments