BPER posts record H1 profit of €1.32 bn, raises 2028 payout target to €7.5 bn

BPER reported a record net profit of €1.32 billion for the first half of 2026, a 14.7% increase over the previous year. Core revenues reached €3.56 billion, driven by a 1.4% rise in interest margin and a 4.8% increase in net fees. The bank’s capital position remains strong, with a CET1 ratio of 15% and organic capital generation of €1.3 billion.

The board announced a new shareholder remuneration plan, targeting a total payout of at least 85% of earnings, amounting to roughly €7.5 billion between 2025 and 2028 through a mix of cash dividends and share buy‑backs. Forecasts project net profit of about €2.7 billion and total revenue of €8 billion by 2028, with the CET1 ratio expected to stay above 14.5%.

CEO Gianni Franco Papa highlighted the successful integration of Banca Popolare di Sondrio and said the bank is ready to seize further growth opportunities, including a potential acquisition of parts of Monte dei Paschi di Siena pending regulatory approval. Capital expenditures are planned at €600 million for 2026‑2028, and the bank is also exploring a non‑binding interest in BFF Bank’s payments and custodial business.