Deutsche Bank Reports 36% Profit Decline but Remains Optimistic for 2025

Legal costs and legacy issues drove 2024 profit drops, yet the bank projects improved returns and increased shareholder payouts this year.

Deutsche Bank's net profit attributable to shareholders fell 36% in 2024 to €2.7 billion, impacted by €1.7 billion in legal costs, including a €900 million settlement with former Postbank shareholders.
Despite the profit decline, the bank increased its dividend to €0.68 per share, up from €0.45, and announced a €750 million share buyback program for 2025.
CEO Christian Sewing reaffirmed the bank's goal of achieving over 10% return on tangible equity in 2025, up from 4.7% in 2024, citing reduced non-operational costs and improved operational efficiency.
Total revenues rose by 4% to €30.1 billion in 2024, with significant growth in the investment banking division, offsetting increased provisions for credit losses.
The bank is revising its cost-efficiency target for 2025, aiming for an expense-to-revenue ratio below 65%, compared to the previous goal of 62.5%.