0430 GMT - Westpac's argument that its investment in artificial-intelligence technologies shouldn't be judged solely on performance metrics is accepted at Jefferies. Analyst Andrew Lyons say he agrees with the Australian bank's contention that customer growth, deposit growth, lending growth, productivity and financial performance are the key measures of whether its investments have been worthwhile. Lyons tells clients in a note that focus should shift away from metrics such as employee capacity creation and the number of manual processes eliminated by AI. The primary issue is whether AI capabilities drive stronger growth, faster execution and better business outcomes, he says. Jefferies has a hold rating on the stock and a target price of 34.71 Australian dollars. Shares are flat at A$34.34.