Deutsche Bank AG(DB) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues grew 6% year on year to €16.3 billion in Q2 2025, aligning with the full-year target of approximately €32 billion [4] - Non-interest expenses decreased by 15% year on year to €10.2 billion, resulting in a cost-income ratio of 62% [5] - Return on tangible equity (RoTE) was 11% in the first half of the year, consistent with the target of over 10% [5] - The CET1 ratio stood at 14.2%, allowing for capital deployment to support business growth and shareholder returns [5][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Corporate Bank maintained a leading market position in Germany, with expectations for revenue momentum to increase due to government investments [8] - The Investment Bank focused on strengthening its European FICC franchise, with a 3% year-on-year revenue increase, driven by an 11% rise in FICC revenues [31] - The Private Bank achieved a 10% operating leverage and a 56% increase in profit before tax, with net interest income growing by 5% year on year [33] - Asset Management reported a 9% revenue increase, with assets under management exceeding €1 trillion [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank's diversified business model allowed it to navigate elevated market volatility effectively, with strong performances across various segments [4][19] - The Corporate Bank's revenues were impacted by adverse FX movements but showed growth in net commission and fee income [29] - The Investment Bank's origination and advisory revenues were lower due to market uncertainty, but the pipeline for the second half remains encouraging [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering year-end targets while preparing for the next phase of its strategy to enhance returns and value generation beyond 2025 [5][15] - The "Made for Germany" initiative aims to prioritize growth and competitiveness, reflecting a commitment from both government and industry [15] - The bank is investing in defense financing and infrastructure, anticipating significant opportunities from government spending [10][88] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the €32 billion revenue target, citing strong performance in fixed income and a robust financing pipeline [46][50] - The impact of the German fiscal stimulus is expected to be more pronounced in 2026, with positive sentiment observed among corporate clients [51][54] - The bank anticipates a reduction in provisioning levels in the second half of the year, despite ongoing pressures in commercial real estate [39] Other Important Information - The bank has achieved around 90% of its €2.5 billion target for operational efficiencies, with a cumulative total of €30 billion in capital efficiencies [13] - The bank's liquidity coverage ratio was 136%, and the net stable funding ratio was 120%, indicating a strong capital position [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Revenue outlook and distribution policy - Concerns were raised about achieving the €32 billion revenue target, especially with a potential slowdown in Corporate Bank revenues [43] - Management reassured that the bank's diversified model can compensate for weaker segments and highlighted a strong pipeline for the second half [46][50] - The distribution policy allows for a payout ratio of 50%, with excess capital above a 14% CET1 ratio potentially distributed [44][59] Question: Output floor and CLP outlook - Clarification was sought on the output floor mitigation measures and their impact on capital relief [63] - Management expressed confidence in reducing the output floor impact significantly and provided guidance for credit loss provisions for the full year [67] Question: Stress test implications and cost run rate - Concerns were raised about the potential impact of stress test results on capital distributions [71] - Management indicated that stress test results would not significantly affect regulatory views and confirmed a cost run rate of approximately €20.1 billion for the full year [72][78]