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Commerzbank Boosts Targets, Dividend and Buybacks to Thwart Potential Unicredit Bid

Berlin’s refusal to sell its 12% stake adds a political hurdle to any approach.

Overview

  • After a near‑record €2.6 billion profit for 2025, Commerzbank said it expects to beat its previous €3.2 billion earnings goal for this year.
  • The payout plan lifts the dividend to €1.10 per share and adds up to €540 million in new buybacks, taking total distributions to about €2.7 billion.
  • Management reaffirmed 2028 targets of €4.2 billion in profit and a 50% cost‑income ratio, with greater deployment of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency.
  • Unicredit holds roughly 26% of Commerzbank and has access to about 3% more via instruments, has made no formal offer, and would face a mandatory bid at 30%.
  • FAZ reports Unicredit’s record results could enable a largely share‑financed offer, even as the federal government opposes a sale of its stake.