Commerzbank AG has raised its full-year outlook, bolstered by stronger-than-expected third-quarter results. The Frankfurt-based lender reported a net income of €642 million, exceeding analyst estimates of €550 million. This has prompted the bank to slightly increase its forecasts for income from lending, commissions, and capital strength, while maintaining its guidance for another record profit.
In a move to return value to investors, Commerzbank also announced a €400 million share buyback. CEO Bettina Orlopp is working to reinforce the bank’s independence amid ongoing takeover threats from rival UniCredit SpA, which secured a 21% stake in Commerzbank in September and has indicated that a full acquisition is on the table.
Commerzbank is also focusing on capital efficiency, planning to free up more funds for payouts and investments by curbing growth in risk-weighted assets. This could involve reducing exposure to low-yielding clients and using risk transfers. Orlopp stressed that “capital efficiency is clearly an important point,” and emphasized that the bank is considering further such transactions.
Both Commerzbank and UniCredit have benefitted from rising interest rates in recent years, but with central banks expected to cut rates soon, the impact of higher rates may start to reverse.
Commerzbank now expects net interest income to reach €8.2 billion for the year, up from the previous target of €8.1 billion, and net commission income is projected to grow more than 5%.