UniCredit S.p.A ("UniCredit", "The Company") has received ECB authorization for the execution of the 2022 share buy-back programme for a maximum of Euro 3,343 million. This approval was based on financial information provided by the Company that exhibited significant strength in its capital levels and best-in-class organic capital generation. Combined with the robustness of the liquidity position, these ensure that the business can weather stress scenarios from a position of strength.
The assessment took into account a capital trajectory under conservative assumptions and updated macroeconomic scenarios. Additionally, it considered the historical performance of the bank, which is operating at a new profitability floor; a new run-rate for earnings and distribution from which the business can grow further and continue to deliver strong results for all stakeholders.
Together with the proposed dividend this leads to a total 2022 distribution of Euro 5.25 billion: an increase of 40% versus 2021. This underlines UniCredit's commitment to attractive and sustainable shareholder returns while maintaining robust capital. Proforma for this distribution UniCredit's CET1 ratio is 14.9% as at 2022 year end and is expected to increase further in 1Q 2023.
Commencement of the buy-back programme, as well as the dividend for a maximum of Euro 1,906,562,000, is dependent upon the approval by shareholders of the Company at the Shareholders' Meeting convened on 31 March 2023 for which a Notice of Call was published on 28 February 2023. Please refer to the Company website for further details. We aim to execute the share buyback in two tranches, the first one of circa €2.34 billion to commence as soon as possible post the AGM approval, while the second tranche of circa €1.0 billion is expected to commence during the second half of 2023, shortly after the completion of the first tranche.
Milan, 28 March 2023
Contacts
Media Relations: e-mail: MediaRelations@unicredit.eu
Investor Relations: e-mail: InvestorRelations@unicredit.eu