Nordea Bank Abp: Half-year results 2026 and decision on mid-year dividend
Rhea-AI Summary
Nordea Bank (NBNKF) reported Q2 2026 return on equity of 15.9% and diluted EPS of EUR 0.36, up 3% year on year. Total operating income rose 4% to EUR 3,032m, while the cost-to-income ratio improved to 44.0% from 45.1%.
Net interest income fell 1% year on year but grew 1% quarter on quarter; net fee and commission income increased 11%. Assets under management reached a record EUR 505bn, up 16%. Credit quality remained strong with net loan losses of EUR 61m (6bp). The CET1 ratio was 15.7%, around 1.9 percentage points above the regulatory requirement.
The Board decided on a mid-year dividend of EUR 0.34 per share, about 50% of Nordea Group’s net profit for H1 2026, with record date 6 August 2026 and payment on 13 August or as soon as possible thereafter. Nordea updated its 2026 guidance to a cost-to-income ratio of 44–45% (from around 45%), while maintaining a return-on-equity target above 15%.
Positive
- ROE 15.9% and EPS EUR 0.36, EPS up 3% YoY
- Total income EUR 3,032m, up 4% year on year
- Net fee and commission income +11% YoY to EUR 880m
- AuM EUR 505bn, record level, up 16% year on year
- Corporate lending +9% and mortgage lending +2% year on year
- CET1 ratio 15.7%, around 1.9pp above regulatory requirement
- Mid-year dividend EUR 0.34/share, ~50% of H1 2026 net profit
- 2026 cost-to-income guidance improved to 44–45% from around 45%
Negative
- Net interest income -1% YoY in Q2 2026; -2% for H1 2026
- Operating expenses +2% YoY, excluding regulatory fees
- Regulatory fees +47% YoY in Q2 2026 to EUR 28m
- Net loan losses EUR 61m in Q2 2026 versus a EUR 21m net release in Q2 2025
- Net fair value result -7% for H1 2026 versus H1 2025
- Cost-to-income ratio H1 2026 slightly higher at 44.7% vs 44.4% a year earlier
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Nordea Bank Abp
Half year financial report
16 July 2026 at 7.30 EET
Summary of the quarter
Return on equity
Total iNordeancome up
Business volume growth; AuM at record
Strong credit quality. Nordea's credit quality is very strong, with net loan losses and similar net result amounting to
Continued strong capital generation supporting growth. The CET1 ratio was
Outlook for 2026: return on equity of greater than
(For further viewpoints, see the CEO comment. For further information on capital ratios see page 6, and for definitions see page 54, in the Q2 2026 report.)
Group quarterly results and key ratios1
EURm | Q2 2026 | Q2 2025 | Chg % | Q1 2026 | Chg % | Jan-Jun 2026 | Jan-Jun 2025 | Chg % |
Net interest income | 1,779 | 1,798 | -1 | 1,759 | 1 | 3,538 | 3,627 | -2 |
Net fee and commission income | 880 | 792 | 11 | 842 | 5 | 1,722 | 1,585 | 9 |
Net insurance result | 78 | 58 | 34 | 69 | 13 | 147 | 112 | 31 |
Net fair value result | 281 | 254 | 11 | 226 | 24 | 507 | 543 | -7 |
Other income | 14 | 9 | 56 | 14 | 0 | 28 | 18 | 56 |
Total operating income | 3,032 | 2,911 | 4 | 2,910 | 4 | 5,942 | 5,885 | 1 |
Total operating expenses excl. regulatory fees | -1,335 | -1,314 | 2 | -1,323 | 1 | -2,658 | -2,614 | 2 |
Total operating expenses | -1,363 | -1,333 | 2 | -1,375 | -1 | -2,738 | -2,687 | 2 |
Profit before loan losses | 1,669 | 1,578 | 6 | 1,535 | 9 | 3,204 | 3,198 | 0 |
Net loan losses and similar net result | -61 | 21 | 99 | 38 | 8 | |||
Operating profit | 1,608 | 1,599 | 1 | 1,634 | -2 | 3,242 | 3,206 | 1 |
Cost-to-income ratio2, % | 44.0 | 45.1 | 45.5 | 44.7 | 44.4 | |||
Cost-to-income ratio with amortised regulatory fees, % | 15.9 | 16.2 | 15.4 | 15.7 | 15.9 | |||
Return on tangible equity, % | 18.4 | 18.8 | 17.4 | 17.9 | 18.2 | |||
Diluted earnings per share, EUR | 0.36 | 0.35 | 3 | 0.36 | 0 | 0.73 | 0.70 | 4 |
- Excluding items affecting comparability (
EUR 190m restructuring costs) booked in the first quarter of 2026. See page 5 for further details. - Excluding regulatory fees.
- Including items affecting comparability.
CEO comment
This was yet another strong quarter for Nordea. We drove good momentum across the business, continued to attract new customers and deepen existing relationships, and achieved high growth in savings and investments – all of which helped us return to year-on-year growth in total income. We are making good progress in implementing our 2030 strategy and it is starting to show through in our performance.
Of course, the world around us remains uncertain. The conflict in the
Nordic corporates continue to invest. During the quarter, we increased both corporate lending and deposits by
Lending to households increased. The Nordic housing markets kept up their gradual recovery, although the pace remains slow. Mortgage volumes were up
Total income grew by
With costs flat year on year excluding foreign exchange effects, we grew income faster than costs, which is always our aim. We continue to drive productivity gains across the business and are further expanding the use of artificial intelligence in our core business processes. At the same time, we are investing substantially in strategic initiatives focused on growth and Nordic scale. In the second quarter the cost-to-income ratio improved to
Credit and asset quality remain very strong. Net loan losses and similar net result amounted to
In Personal Banking we drove solid lending growth and strong fee income. Total lending volumes increased by
In Asset & Wealth Management we continued to drive solid AuM and income growth. Additional investments in our advisory capabilities, brand and digital sales supported another strong quarter in Private Banking, one of our strategic growth areas, where net flows amounted to
In Business Banking we delivered strong volume growth across all home markets, with lending and deposits up
In Large Corporates & Institutions we continued to proactively support customers with their growth plans. Lending remained strong, up
Our capital position is strong, with a CET1 ratio of
We go into the second half of the year with confidence. The business is performing very well and our strategy execution is on course, with visible progress across all initiatives. The Nordic economies are also showing their strength. We are seeing encouraging signs of increased corporate investment and activity across the region, and Nordea is well placed to support customers as they pursue new growth opportunities.
Our strong performance and position are reflected in improved full-year 2026 guidance. We continue to expect a return on equity of greater than
Our ambition is to become the undisputed best-performing financial services group in the Nordics.
Frank Vang-Jensen
President and Group CEO
Outlook (updated)
Financial targets for 2030
Nordea targets a return on equity of greater than
Financial outlook for 20262
Nordea expects a return on equity of greater than
Capital policy
A management buffer of 150bp above the regulatory CET1 requirement.
Dividend policy
Nordea's dividend policy stipulates a dividend payout ratio of 60–
Outlook (previous)
Financial targets for 2030
Nordea targets a return on equity of greater than
Financial outlook for 20262
Nordea expects a return on equity of greater than
Capital policy
A management buffer of 150bp above the regulatory CET1 requirement.
Dividend policy
Nordea's dividend policy stipulates a dividend payout ratio of 60–
- Excluding regulatory fees.
- Excluding
EUR 190m in restructuring costs booked in the first quarter of 2026, which have been treated as an item affecting comparability.
Mid-year dividend
Based on the authorisation granted by the Annual General Meeting of 24 March 2026, the Board of Directors decided on 16 July 2026 on the distribution of a mid-year dividend of
The mid-year dividend will be paid to those shareholders who, on the record date for the dividend (6 August 2026), are recorded in Nordea's shareholders' register maintained by Euroclear Finland Oy in
Income statement
Excluding items affecting comparability1
EURm | Q2 2026 | Q2 2025 | Chg % | Q1 2026 | Chg % | Jan-Jun 2026 | Jan-Jun 2025 | Chg % |
Net interest income | 1,779 | 1,798 | -1 | 1,759 | 1 | 3,538 | 3,627 | -2 |
Net fee and commission income | 880 | 792 | 11 | 842 | 5 | 1,722 | 1,585 | 9 |
Net insurance result | 78 | 58 | 34 | 69 | 13 | 147 | 112 | 31 |
Net result from items at fair value | 281 | 254 | 11 | 226 | 24 | 507 | 543 | -7 |
Profit from associated undertakings and joint ventures accounted for under the equity method | 2 | -1 | 1 | 3 | -4 | |||
Other operating income | 12 | 10 | 20 | 13 | -8 | 25 | 22 | 14 |
Total operating income | 3,032 | 2,911 | 4 | 2,910 | 4 | 5,942 | 5,885 | 1 |
Staff costs | -818 | -809 | 1 | -811 | 1 | -1,629 | -1,601 | 2 |
Other expenses | -356 | -354 | 1 | -357 | 0 | -713 | -713 | 0 |
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges of tangible and intangible assets | -161 | -151 | 7 | -155 | 4 | -316 | -300 | 5 |
Total operating expenses excl. regulatory fees | -1,335 | -1,314 | 2 | -1,323 | 1 | -2,658 | -2,614 | 2 |
Regulatory fees | -28 | -19 | 47 | -52 | -46 | -80 | -73 | 10 |
Total operating expenses | -1,363 | -1,333 | 2 | -1,375 | -1 | -2,738 | -2,687 | 2 |
Profit before loan losses | 1,669 | 1,578 | 6 | 1,535 | 9 | 3,204 | 3,198 | 0 |
Net loan losses and similar net result | -61 | 21 | 99 | 38 | 8 | |||
Operating profit | 1,608 | 1,599 | 1 | 1,634 | -2 | 3,242 | 3,206 | 1 |
Income tax expense | -376 | -378 | -1 | -390 | -4 | -766 | -751 | 2 |
Net profit for the period | 1,232 | 1,221 | 1 | 1,244 | -1 | 2,476 | 2,455 | 1 |
- Excluding the following item affecting comparability booked in the first quarter of 2026: a
EUR 190m expense related to restructuring costs (EUR 144m after tax). Of this,EUR 168m comprised staff costs,EUR 19m comprised other expenses andEUR 3m comprised depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges of tangible and intangible assets.
Ratios and key figures1
Excluding items affecting comparability2
Q2 2026 | Q2 2025 | Chg % | Q1 2026 | Chg % | Jan-Jun 2026 | Jan-Jun 2025 | Chg % | |
Diluted earnings per share (DEPS), EUR | 0.36 | 0.35 | 3 | 0.36 | 0 | 0.73 | 0.70 | 4 |
EPS, rolling 12 months up to period end, EUR | 1.43 | 1.39 | 3 | 1.42 | 1 | 1.43 | 1.39 | 3 |
Share price3, EUR | 16.60 | 12.61 | 32 | 14.68 | 13 | 16.60 | 12.61 | 32 |
Potential shares outstanding3, million | 3,403 | 3,470 | -2 | 3,412 | 0 | 3,403 | 3,470 | -2 |
Weighted average number of diluted shares, million | 3,398 | 3,467 | -2 | 3,411 | 0 | 3,404 | 3,473 | -2 |
Return on equity with amortised regulatory fees, % | 15.9 | 16.2 | 15.4 | 15.7 | 15.9 | |||
Return on equity, % | 16.0 | 16.3 | 15.2 | 15.6 | 15.8 | |||
Return on tangible equity, % | 18.4 | 18.8 | 17.4 | 17.9 | 18.2 | |||
Return on risk exposure amount, % | 3.0 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 3.1 | |||
Cost-to-income ratio4, % | 44.0 | 45.1 | 45.5 | 44.7 | 44.4 | |||
Net loan loss ratio, incl. loans held at fair value, bp | 6 | -2 | -10 | -2 | 0 | |||
Net interest margin, % | 1.54 | 1.63 | 1.57 | 1.55 | 1.66 | |||
Number of employees (FTEs)3 | 28,412 | 29,844 | -5 | 28,747 | -1 | 28,412 | 29,844 | -5 |
- For more detailed information regarding ratios and key figures defined as alternative performance measures, see https://www.nordea.com/en/investor-relations/reports-and-presentations/group-interim-reports.
- Excluding the following item affecting comparability booked in the first quarter of 2026: a EUR 190m expense related to restructuring costs (
EUR 144m after tax). Of this,EUR 168m comprised staff costs,EUR 19m comprised other expenses andEUR 3m comprised depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges of tangible and intangible assets. - End of period.
- Excluding regulatory fees.
Business volumes, key items1
EURbn | 30 Jun 2026 | 30 Jun 2025 | Chg. % | 31 Mar 2026 | Chg. % |
Loans to the public | 395.6 | 368.0 | 8 | 390.2 | 1 |
Loans to the public, excl. repos/securities borrowing | 356.6 | 335.2 | 6 | 353.6 | 1 |
Deposits and borrowings from the public | 255.7 | 237.2 | 8 | 241.2 | 6 |
Deposits from the public, excl. repos/securities lending | 231.6 | 218.6 | 6 | 220.0 | 5 |
Total assets | 712.4 | 636.8 | 12 | 679.0 | 5 |
Assets under management | 504.7 | 435.5 | 16 | 464.3 | 9 |
- End of period.
Income statement
Including items affecting comparability
EURm | Q2 2026 | Q2 2025 | Chg % | Q1 2026 | Chg % | Jan-Jun 2026 | Jan-Jun 2025 | Chg % |
Net interest income | 1,779 | 1,798 | -1 | 1,759 | 1 | 3,538 | 3,627 | -2 |
Net fee and commission income | 880 | 792 | 11 | 842 | 5 | 1,722 | 1,585 | 9 |
Net insurance result | 78 | 58 | 34 | 69 | 13 | 147 | 112 | 31 |
Net result from items at fair value | 281 | 254 | 11 | 226 | 24 | 507 | 543 | -7 |
Profit from associated undertakings and joint ventures accounted for under the equity method | 2 | -1 | 1 | 3 | -4 | |||
Other operating income | 12 | 10 | 20 | 13 | -8 | 25 | 22 | 14 |
Total operating income | 3,032 | 2,911 | 4 | 2,910 | 4 | 5,942 | 5,885 | 1 |
Staff costs | -818 | -809 | 1 | -979 | -16 | -1,797 | -1,601 | 12 |
Other expenses | -356 | -354 | 1 | -376 | -5 | -732 | -713 | 3 |
Regulatory fees | -161 | -151 | 7 | -158 | 2 | -319 | -300 | 6 |
Total operating expenses excl. regulatory fees | -1,335 | -1,314 | 2 | -1,513 | -12 | -2,848 | -2,614 | 9 |
Regulatory fees | -28 | -19 | 47 | -52 | -46 | -80 | -73 | 10 |
Total operating expenses | -1,363 | -1,333 | 2 | -1,565 | -13 | -2,928 | -2,687 | 9 |
Profit before loan losses | 1,669 | 1,578 | 6 | 1,345 | 24 | 3,014 | 3,198 | -6 |
Net loan losses and similar net result | -61 | 21 | 99 | 38 | 8 | |||
Operating profit | 1,608 | 1,599 | 1 | 1,444 | 11 | 3,052 | 3,206 | -5 |
Income tax expense | -376 | -378 | -1 | -344 | 9 | -720 | -751 | -4 |
Net profit for the period | 1,232 | 1,221 | 1 | 1,100 | 12 | 2,332 | 2,455 | -5 |
Ratios and key figures
Including items affecting comparability2
Q2 2026 | Q2 2025 | Chg % | Q1 2026 | Chg % | Jan-Jun 2026 | Jan-Jun 2025 | Chg % | |
Diluted earnings per share (DEPS), EUR | 0.36 | 0.35 | 3 | 0.32 | 13 | 0.68 | 0.70 | -3 |
EPS, rolling 12 months up to period end, EUR | 1.38 | 1.39 | -1 | 1.37 | 1 | 1.38 | 1.39 | -1 |
Share price2, EUR | 16.60 | 12.61 | 32 | 14.68 | 13 | 16.60 | 12.61 | 32 |
Equity per share2, EUR | 9.17 | 8.78 | 4 | 8.85 | 4 | 9.17 | 8.78 | 4 |
Potential shares outstanding2, million | 3,403 | 3,470 | -2 | 3,412 | 0 | 3,403 | 3,470 | -2 |
Weighted average number of diluted shares, million | 3,398 | 3,467 | -2 | 3,411 | 0 | 3,404 | 3,473 | -2 |
Return on equity with amortised regulatory fees, % | 16.0 | 16.2 | 13.6 | 14.8 | 15.9 | |||
Return on equity, % | 16.0 | 16.3 | 13.4 | 14.7 | 15.8 | |||
Return on tangible equity, % | 18.5 | 18.8 | 15.4 | 16.9 | 18.2 | |||
Return on risk exposure amount, % | 3.0 | 3.1 | 2.7 | 2.9 | 3.1 | |||
Cost-to-income ratio excluding regulatory fees, % | 44.0 | 45.1 | 52.0 | 47.9 | 44.4 | |||
Cost-to-income ratio, % | 45.0 | 45.8 | 53.8 | 49.3 | 45.7 | |||
Net loan loss ratio, incl. loans held at fair value, bp | 6 | -2 | -10 | -2 | 0 | |||
Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio2,3, % | 15.7 | 15.6 | 15.7 | 15.7 | 15.6 | |||
Tier 1 capital ratio2,3, % | 17.7 | 17.5 | 17.7 | 17.7 | 17.5 | |||
Total capital ratio2,3, % | 20.9 | 20.0 | 20.4 | 20.9 | 20.0 | |||
Tier 1 capital2,3, EURbn | 28.7 | 27.7 | 4 | 28.6 | 0 | 28.7 | 27.7 | 4 |
Risk exposure amount2, EURbn | 162.5 | 158.6 | 2 | 162.1 | 0 | 162.5 | 158.6 | 2 |
Net interest margin, % | 1.54 | 1.63 | 1.57 | 1.55 | 1.66 | |||
Number of employees (FTEs)2 | 28,412 | 29,844 | -5 | 28,747 | -1 | 28,412 | 29,844 | -5 |
Equity2, EURbn | 31.1 | 30.4 | 3 | 30.1 | 3 | 31.1 | 30.4 | 3 |
- For more detailed information regarding ratios and key figures defined as alternative performance measures, see https://www.nordea.com/en/investor-relations/reports-and-presentations/group-interim-reports.
- End of period.
- The second quarter of 2026 includes net profit for the period net of a dividend deduction of
70% (the upper range under Nordea's dividend policy). For regulatory purposes, Nordea will report CET1 capital ofEUR 24,986m and a CET1 ratio of15.4% (compared with a regulatory requirement of13.8% ) to the competent authority, reflecting European Central Bank expectations, with a corresponding effect on the other regulatory capital levels and ratios (including the MREL).
This release is a summary of Nordea's Q2 results for 2026. The complete report is attached to this release and can also be found on our website via the link below.
A webcast will be held on 16 July at 11.00 EET (10.00 CET), during which Frank Vang-Jensen, President and Group CEO, will present the results. This will be followed by a Q&A audio session for investors and analysts with Frank Vang-Jensen, Ian Smith, Group CFO, and Ilkka Ottoila, Head of Investor Relations.
The event will be webcast live and the recording and presentation slides will be posted on www.nordea.com/ir.
For further information:
Frank Vang-Jensen, President and Group CEO, +358 9 4245 1006
Ian Smith, Group CFO, +455 547 8372
Ilkka Ottoila, Head of Investor Relations, +358 9 5300 7058
Ulrika Romantschuk, Head of Brand, Communication and Marketing, +358 1 0416 8023
The information provided in this stock exchange release was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contacts set out above, at 07.30 EET (06.30 CET) on 16 July 2026.
Nordea is a leading Nordic financial services group and the preferred choice for millions of customers across the region. For more than 200 years, we have proudly served as a trusted financial partner for individuals, families and businesses – enabling dreams and aspirations for a greater good. Our vision is to be the best-performing financial services group in the Nordics, accelerating through our scale, people and technology. The Nordea share is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki, Nasdaq Copenhagen and Nasdaq Stockholm exchanges
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
https://news.cision.com/nordea/r/half-year-results-2026-and-decision-on-mid-year-dividend,c4375152
The following files are available for download:
https://mb.cision.com/Public/434/4375152/a0ac0fcc07b2354b.pdf | Q2 2026 Interim Report ENG |
https://mb.cision.com/Public/434/4375152/aff416d5ec799e1b.pdf | Q2 2026 Investor presentation for web |
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SOURCE Nordea