Monte Paschi restarts with profit and dividend (after 13 years)

Monte Paschi starts again with profit and dividend (after 13 years).
After a long process of restructuring and repositioning on the market, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS) has finally reported positive results in its accounts for the fiscal year 2023.
This marks an important milestone for the historic Italian banking institution, which has struggled to emerge from a series of financial and operational challenges.
The return to profits is a sign of "rebirth" for MPS – as underlined by the CEO, Luigi Lovaglio – with significant impacts not only for the company itself but also for the entire national banking sector.
Furthermore, the proposal to distribute dividends after 13 years represents a moment of satisfaction for shareholders and suggests greater confidence in the future of the bank.
2023 Accounts The 2023 financial results for Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena indicate a notable improvement compared to previous years.
After years of losses and challenges, MPS finally reported a significant net profit.
Corporate restructuring, cost cuts and greater operational efficiency contributed to this positive result.
Here is a summary table with the key numbers of Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena's financial accounts in 2023: Aggregate data Value Primary intermediation margin 3.61 billion euros Interest margin 2.92 billion euros Total revenues 3.8 billion euros Net operating result 1.51 billion euros Net profit 2.05 billion euros Loans to customers 76.8 billion euros Gross impaired exposures 3.5 billion euros Net exposure in impaired loans 1.8 billion euros Percentage coverage of impaired loans 49.1% Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio 18.1% Total Capital Ratio 21.6% Shareholders' equity approximately 10 billion euros Securities assets 17.3 billion euros Proposed dividend for 2024 0.25 euros per share (315 million euros) These positive results should strengthen investor and stakeholder confidence in MPS's ability to generate value in the long term.
Dividend 2024 Another significant announcement by Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena concerns the distribution of dividends for 2024.
After a long pause lasting 13 years, the bank has declared its intention to distribute part of the profits (equal to 315 million euros) to shareholders in the form of dividends, two years ahead of the objectives of the industrial plan.
The coupon of 0.25 euros per share will be detached on Monday 20 May 2024.
Based on the closing price of MPS in the session of 6 February, the dividend yield is 7.4%.
This decision was welcomed with enthusiasm by investors, who have waited a long time to see a return on their shares.
The resumption of dividends is a sign of confidence in the financial strength and long-term sustainability of MPS.
However, the bank is likely to take a cautious approach in determining the level of dividend payout, considering the need to reinvest a portion of profits to support future growth and further strengthen its balance sheet.
Capital ratios at the end of 2023 A key element to consider in assessing the financial strength of Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena are its capital ratios at the end of 2023.
These indicators provide an overview of the bank's ability to withstand any financial shocks and maintain a level adequate capital to support its activities.
At the end of 2023, MPS reported an improvement in its capital ratios compared to previous years.
The ratio between net worth and total assets, for example, has increased, indicating greater capital strength: the Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio is at 18.1% (from 15.6% in 2022).
This is a positive sign for investors, who are looking for guarantees on the financial stability of banking institutions.
However, it is important to note that MPS may face additional challenges in further strengthening its capital ratios to ensure a strong and resilient financial position over the long term.