Company Announcement: Pursuit of Additional Share Repurchase and Reiteration of 2025 Goals via Website Declaration Regarding AGM Speeches
Deutsche Bank, one of Europe's leading financial institutions, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing returns for shareholders while investing in growth and client services. In a statement ahead of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 22, 2025, CEO Christian Sewing and Chairman Alexander Wynaendts outlined the bank's plans for the future.
Sewing confirmed that Deutsche Bank is on track to meet its 2025 financial targets, including a return on tangible equity of more than 10 percent and a cost/income ratio of less than 65 percent. The bank reported a 13.8 percent common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio at the end of the first quarter, significantly above its target of around 13.0 percent. To maintain this strong capital position, Sewing reiterated that Deutsche Bank intends to maintain its CET1 ratio within an operating range of 13.5 to 14 percent.
In terms of growth, Sewing stated that Deutsche Bank sees itself as a key player in fulfilling the role of the largest bank in Europe's largest economy. The demand for a European alternative in global banking is increasing, and Sewing believes Deutsche Bank is well-positioned to meet this demand.
Wynaendts emphasised Deutsche Bank's leading position in its home market and its ability to offer capital market expertise and a global network. He believes that higher investments in infrastructure, innovation, or defence require the most efficient possible combination of public and private funds, and Deutsche Bank can bring international investors together with investment opportunities in Germany.
Deutsche Bank's strategic focus on supporting European industrial sectors is evident in its €500 million loan partnership with the European Investment Bank to provide liquidity to SMEs in Europe’s defence supply chain. Sewing added that Deutsche Bank stands ready to support strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities, with a team created to provide dedicated advice and support to clients in the defence sector.
In addition to its growth strategy, Deutsche Bank announced a share buyback program worth 750 million euros. Upon completion, this would bring cumulative capital distributions to shareholders to €5.4 billion since 2022. The bank's existing distribution policy to pay out 50 percent of its net profit attributable to shareholders remains unchanged, with a proposed dividend of 68 cents per share for this year's AGM, a 50 percent increase compared to the previous year.
As Deutsche Bank continues to navigate the current economic uncertainty, Sewing sees the bank as well-suited to supplement government-funded investments with private capital. For precise and up-to-date information on Deutsche Bank’s 2025 financial targets and share buyback initiatives, investors are encouraged to consult Deutsche Bank’s latest official investor relations releases or financial reports.
In the context of Deutsche Bank's future plans, CEO Christian Sewing highlighted the bank's focus on business growth, positioning it as a key player in Europe's largest economy while aiming to meet its 2025 financial targets, including high returns and a strong capital position. Furthermore, the bank's strategic investments in infrastructure, innovation, or defense, along with a dedicated team for the defense sector, signify its commitment to supporting Europe's industrial sectors and enhancing finance-related business opportunities.
