Deutsche Bank posted its highest ever second-quarter profit, reporting profit after tax of €1.9 billion for the three months to end-June, up 10% year on year, with a 19% surge in investment banking revenue with the Frankfurt-based lender reporting revenue growth across all four of its businesses. The result defied analysts' expectations for a drop in Deutsche Bank's quarterly profit, Reuters reported.
Profit before tax reached €2.7 billion, up 11% year on year, while net profit attributable to shareholders was €1.64 billion, up from €1.49 billion a year earlier, Reuters reported. Diluted earnings per share came in at €0.57, up 19% year on year.
INVESTMENT BANK LEADS THE CHARGE
The Investment Bank's 19% revenue rise produced its highest-ever second-quarter revenues, the bank said. The release showed record revenues in Fixed Income & Currencies and 36% growth in Investment Banking & Capital Markets.
The bank also reported a record first-half after-tax profit of €4.1 billion, up 9% year on year.
SHAREHOLDER RETURNS IN FOCUS
Deutsche Bank announced a new €500 million share buyback programme from 2026 net income, to follow completion of its current €1 billion programme, and reported a CET1 capital ratio of 13.9%.
In the results release, chief executive Christian Sewing said the record results 'were driven by powerful growth momentum and cost discipline', adding that the bank's record performance in 2026 to date reinforced its confidence that it had upside to its 2028 targets.