Trending 
Commerzbank outperformed market expectations in 2025, reporting a net profit of 2.6 billion euros ($3.1 billion).
This robust financial health comes at a strategic moment as Germany’s second-largest lender moves to block a potential hostile takeover by Italy’s UniCredit.
To discourage the acquisition, CEO Bettina Orlopp announced a plan to return 2.7 billion euros to investors.
This includes a significant dividend hike to 1.10 euros per share and a 540 million euro stock buyback intended to inflate the bank’s share price and make a buyout more expensive for the Italians.
UniCredit currently holds a 29% stake in the lender, hovering just below the 30% legal threshold that would trigger a mandatory takeover bid.
While UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel has shown interest in a merger, the move faces stiff opposition from German politicians and labour unions who fear job losses and a loss of national financial autonomy.
Despite the costs associated with ongoing job cuts and restructuring, Commerzbank’s shares rose 1.5% following the announcement, signalling investor confidence in the bank’s independent strategy.
