0758 GMT - There is much to like in UniCredit's standalone strategy despite the missed strategic opportunity in Italy, Equita says in a research note. The lender withdrew its takeover bid for peer Banco BPM after encountering government opposition. "We continue to appreciate UCG's standalone strategy, capital strength and strong visibility on both earnings and distributions," analyst Andrea Lisi writes. BPM had been trading at a premium to UniCredit's implied offer price. Separately, UniCredit reported better-than-expected second-quarter net profit and lifted its guidance to account for higher earnings and the consolidation of its stake in Germany's Commerzbank. UniCredit rises 2.6% while BPM is down 3.2%. (elena.vardon@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 23, 2025 03:59 ET (07:59 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Comments