Deutsche Bank AG(DB) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of EUR 32 billion for 2025, representing a compound annual revenue growth of 6% since 2021, within the target range of 5.5%-6.5% [2] - Pre-tax profit reached EUR 9.7 billion, and net profit was EUR 7.1 billion, with a post-tax return on tangible equity of 10.3%, meeting the full-year target of above 10% [3] - The cost-income ratio was 64%, in line with the target of below 65%, and credit loss provisions decreased to EUR 1.7 billion, down year-on-year [2][3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Corporate Bank delivered revenue growth of over 40% since 2021, benefiting from a normalized interest rate environment and increased fee income [6] - The Investment Bank saw a 5% year-on-year increase in revenues for the fourth quarter, driven by strength in Fixed Income and Commodities (FIC) [26] - The Private Bank achieved a post-tax return on tangible equity of 10.5% for the full year, with revenues of EUR 2.4 billion, including a 10% year-on-year growth in net interest income [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong CET1 ratio of 14.2% at year-end, despite capital headwinds, and maintained a liquidity coverage ratio of 144% [3][16] - The asset management arm, DWS, attracted EUR 85 billion of net new assets over the last four years, with assets under management surpassing EUR 1 trillion in 2025 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to scale its global house bank model, focusing on growth, capital discipline, and a scalable operating model [11][12] - The strategic roadmap includes increasing post-tax return on tangible equity from 10% in 2025 to greater than 13% by 2028, and improving the cost-income ratio to below 60% [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong start to 2026 and the ability to deliver on the 2028 agenda, aiming to become the European champion in banking [12][36] - The company expects full-year revenues to increase to around EUR 33 billion in 2026, supported by growth in net interest income and net commission income [34] Other Important Information - The company proposed a EUR 1 dividend per share and a EUR 1 billion share buyback, with total distributions for 2025 reaching EUR 2.9 billion, exceeding the original target of EUR 8 billion for cumulative distributions from 2021 to 2025 [4][10] - The transition to the new CFO, Raja Akram, was noted as seamless, with management expressing gratitude for the outgoing CFO, James von Moltke's contributions [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for revenue growth in 2026? - The company expects full-year revenues to increase to around EUR 33 billion, aided by banking book net interest income growing to EUR 14 billion [34] Question: How is the company addressing cost management? - The company maintained strict cost discipline, with non-interest expenses expected to increase slightly above EUR 21 billion in 2026, including incremental investments to unlock growth [36]