FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - Despite incurring high costs for its workforce reduction, Commerzbank has reported a profit just shy of record levels. Germany's second-largest private bank posted a net profit of 2.63 billion euros in 2025, slightly less than in 2024, and now intends to reward shareholders with a higher dividend and an additional share buyback. The DAX-listed group will present its detailed annual figures this Wednesday (7 a.m.), with CEO Bettina Orlopp scheduled to address the press at 10:30 a.m.
In 2024, Commerzbank had achieved the highest profit in its history, at just under 2.7 billion euros. However, there was little time for celebration, as the takeover battle with Unicredit brought turbulent times for the DAX-listed company. To fend off the Italian banking giant's advances, Commerzbank is targeting ambitious returns. In addition, by the end of 2027 it plans to cut around 3,900 full-time positions, 3,300 of those in Germany, and expects to incur one-off costs of 700 million euros for this restructuring.
There has been no movement for months in the standoff with Unicredit. The Italians remain Commerzbank's largest shareholder with just over 26 percent and, through financial instruments, have access to a further three percent of shares. However, Unicredit CEO Andrea Orcel is holding back from making a takeover offer due to the high share price – he would be obliged to do so once the 30 percent threshold is reached. The German government, which holds around 12 percent of Commerzbank shares, opposes a takeover and has stated it does not intend to sell its stake./als/DP/jha
