Metro Bank shares slide despite best ever half-year profit Proactive uses images sourced from ShutterstockMetro Bank Holdings PLC (LSE:MTRO) shares fell 9.3% to 162.93p on Tuesday, despite the challenger bank reporting its most profitable half-year and reaffirming guidance for the full year and beyond. Core lending increased 43% from a year earlier as Metro Bank said it gained market share. Metro Bank maintained its target for the measure to exceed 13% in the fourth quarter, before rising above 15% in 2027 and 18% in 2028. Chief executive Daniel Frumkin said: "The first half of the year has been another period of strong momentum and strategic delivery for Metro Bank." Metro Bank is also investing in its branch network, having signed leases for three new stores, and is adding products and services in response to customer demand.