Credit Agricole's profit falls 39% on Banco BPM charge, higher costs

Core Viewpoint - Credit Agricole experienced a 39% decline in fourth-quarter profit, primarily due to a one-off charge associated with its increased stake in Italy's Banco BPM, alongside rising costs and losses in its operations [1] Financial Performance - The bank reported a significant drop in profit for the fourth quarter, with a 39% decrease compared to previous periods [1] - The decline in profit was influenced by a one-off charge related to the acquisition of a larger stake in Banco BPM [1] Operational Challenges - Rising operational costs have contributed to the overall decline in profitability for Credit Agricole [1] - The bank is facing losses in its various business segments, which further exacerbates the financial challenges [1]