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Commerzbank Lifts 2026 Profit Target, Boosts Payouts in Push to Fend Off UniCredit

UniCredit controls just under 30% of the bank, a level that would trigger a mandatory offer if crossed.

Overview

  • Commerzbank reported €2.63 billion net profit for 2025 and proposed a €1.10 dividend alongside an immediate share buyback of up to €540 million.
  • Guidance for 2026 was raised to above €3.2 billion in net profit, with a path reaffirmed to €4.2 billion by 2028 on stronger net interest income and tighter costs.
  • The bank is executing a restructuring program targeting about 3,900 job cuts by 2027 with roughly €700 million in one‑off charges to lift efficiency.
  • Other updates included a further €52 million write-down on the Aquila stake in Q4 (total 2025 impairments €117 million) and news that risk chief Bernd Spalt will depart at year‑end.
  • UniCredit posted €10.6 billion profit for 2025, set aggressive return and payout goals (€30 billion over three years; €50 billion over five), and says any full bid depends on conditions as German officials oppose a sale.