Commerzbank CFO Says Cross-Border Mergers Are Some Time Away

The transcript covers a company's stock performance, dividend plans, client acquisition success, and associated costs. It discusses the impact of negative interest rates, expectations for interest rate changes, and inflation in Germany. The conversation also touches on mergers and acquisitions, market speculation, and the political environment's impact on business stability.

What was the company's strategy for 2017, and what did it achieve?

• Strategy 4.0, achieving 500,000 new clients

• Strategy 3.0, achieving 300,000 new clients

• Strategy 5.0, achieving 1,000,000 new clients

• Strategy 2.0, achieving 200,000 new clients

What is the expected payout ratio for the company's dividends?

• 40% to 50% of net results

• 30% to 40% of net results

• 20% to 30% of net results

• 10% to 20% of net results

What was the main driver of increased costs in the retail segment?

• Investment in digitalization and IT

• Expansion into new markets

• Higher employee wages

• Increased marketing expenses

How much did the negative interest rate environment cost the company in 2017?

• 130 million

• 200 million

• 100 million

• 150 million

What is the company's expectation for interest rate movements in 2018?

• Increase in both short and long-term rates

• Decrease in both short and long-term rates

• No movement on the short-term rates

• Increase in short-term rates only

What is the company's stance on cross-border mergers?

• They are unlikely to happen

• They will come but are still a while away

• They are imminent and will happen soon

• They are not considered at all

Has the lack of a permanent government in Germany affected the company's business?

• No, Germany's stable environment has prevented any impact

• Yes, but only in minor ways

• No, but it has caused some concern

• Yes, it has significantly affected daily operations