Commerzbank on track for record profit after strong third quarter

German lender Commerzbank remains on track for a record annual profit after reporting a rise of more than 45% in third-quarter net profit on Thursday.

Germany's second-largest listed bank said it made €859 million ($967 million) in net profit between July and September.

"Our strong business performance demonstrates Commerzbank's potential," chief executive Bettina Orlopp said.

Net profit for the first nine months of 2026 climbed more than 40% to around €2.7 billion, the bank's best result for the period in its history.

Commerzbank continues to target a record annual profit of at least €3.4 billion.

The strong results come as Italian rival UniCredit moves closer to a potential takeover, having secured access to nearly half of Commerzbank's shares.

Orlopp recently called for the two banks to work together to determine the best way forward.

UniCredit, which already operates in Germany through HypoVereinsbank (HVB), sees potential for billions in cost savings. Its chief executive Andrea Orcel wants to scale back Commerzbank's international network.