UniCredit Lifts Profit Outlook as Commerzbank Control Comes Closer

what happened

According to Dow Jones Newswires, the Italian bank now expects 2026 net profit well above 11.5 billion euros before extraordinary charges, up from its earlier forecast of well above 11.0 billion euros. It still targets more than 13 billion euros for 2028 and more than 15 billion euros for 2030.

Third-quarter net profit rose to 3.26 billion euros from 2.63 billion a year earlier, while revenue climbed 12% to 6.90 billion euros. Analysts had expected 2.78 billion euros of profit and 6.48 billion euros of revenue. The interim dividend was lifted to 3.00 euros a share from 1.43 euros.

UniCredit is close to taking control of Commerzbank. The European Central Bank approved the takeover last month, and the bank expects the remaining regulatory approvals this month.

why it matters

The results point to resilient earnings at a large European lender, helped by higher interest and fee income. Completing the Commerzbank deal could reshape the German banking market, so investors are watching the final approvals closely.

market impact

UniCredit and European bank shares: stronger results and a bigger dividend support the stock

• ▲UniCredit shares pressure up — profit and dividend came in above analyst expectations

tags

instruments