Monobank ASA: Profitable growth restored in Q1 2019

Highlights:

• Net profit after tax of NOK 16.1 million vs a deficit of NOK 8.8 million in Q4 2018
  • Net loan balance increased 7.6 per cent vs Q4 2018
  • Net interest income of NOK 100.2 million, up 5.4 per cent vs Q4 2018
  • Net profit after tax of NOK 16.1 million vs a deficit of NOK 8.8 million in Q4 2018
• The proposed merger with BRAbank approved by AGM
  • Transaction expected to be completed in Q2 2019
  • Transaction will exploit significant scalability in Monobank’s business model
• Successful launch of digital consumer finance in Sweden

The first quarter of the year was strategically important and eventful for Monobank. The merger with BRAbank and equity raise will solve the need for additional equity capital. Furthermore, the quarter saw positive operational and financial development with continued growth in net loans and interest income.

Overall, first quarter loans and advances to customers increased 7.6 per cent to NOK 3 988 million (from 3 706 million in Q4’18) excluding provision for loan losses and prepaid agency commissions. Net interest income for the quarter was NOK 100.2 million, an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to the previous quarter (95.1 million). Net profit after tax ended at NOK 16.1 million and the return on equity was 10.1 per cent.

The proposed merger with BRAbank was approved by the AGM on 20 March. The transaction will create a well-capitalized and well-positioned bank with significant growth ambitions in the Nordic consumer finance market and exploit the significant scalability in Monobank’s business model.

The multi country platform that was connected to the deposit provider Raisin in the first quarter 2018 was expanded to Sweden this quarter as Monobank successfully launched its consumer lending activities in the Country. The expansion fits well with BRAbank’s current presence in the Swedish consumer credits market.

“It has been a very exiting quarter for Monobank and a strong foundation has been laid for a positive development going forward. The proposed merger with BRAbank will solve our need for additional capital and we are now fully financed to reach our ambitious financial targets. We continue to deliver on our growth strategy and our entrance into Sweden has been successful”, says Bent Gjendem, CEO of Monobank ASA.

Presentation in Oslo and webcast today Thursday 11 April at 11:00 AM CEST

The company will host a presentation of 1st quarter 2019 results in Oslo Thursday 11 April at 11:00 AM CEST at Felix Conference Center, Bryggetorget 3, 0250 Oslo.

The presentation can be followed through live webcast here: www.monobank.no/ir 

Material
The first quarter report and presentation will also be made available on www.monobank.no/ir and www.newsweb.no.

For further information contact:
Bent H. Gjendem, Chief Executive Officer at Monobank, phone: +47 996 11 996

About Monobank
Monobank ASA a is digital bank focused on consumer finance in the Nordics. Monobank is a cloud based bank with strong focus on customer experience and fintech solutions. Monobank is based in Bergen, Norway and started operation in November 2015. The bank has experienced strong growth and went profitable after only three quarters. The bank offers unsecured lending to qualified private individuals in Norway Finland, and Sweden. The screening process is based on an automated evaluation system. Loans are granted up to NOK 500 000. The bank also offers attractive deposit rates on its savings accounts. Deposits up to NOK 2 million are guaranteed by the Norwegian Banks' Guarantee fund, of which Monobank is a member. Monobank is an independent bank with approximately 1 000 shareholders and was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange's Merkur Market on 16th February 2017 under the ticker symbol MONO-ME. Monobank has been awarded with "Great Place to Work" three times since the start.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

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