In the third quarter of 2026, NLB Group delivered a net profit of EUR 159.6 million, leading to EUR 412.0 million net profit in the first nine months of 2026. These results reinforce our confidence in achieving the ambitions set out in Strategy 2030, and in creating long-term value for our shareholders. Nevertheless, the challenging business environment requires a strong balance sheet, a flexible approach to emerging growth opportunities, and close relationships with our clients – challenges that NLB Group is actively addressing.
In addition to the strong quarterly growth of 18% in results before impairments and provisions – which are backed by solid loan growth, increasing margins and prudent cost discipline – we further reinforced our robust and healthy balance sheet by successfully issuing EUR 400 million of Tier 2 notes in October. This largest of such transactions from NLB has a record low spread and further strengthens our capital ratios, and positions us to capture further growth opportunities, organic and inorganic alike.
Among the growth opportunities that NLB d.d. in Slovenia is pursuing is the acquisition of a majority stake in Deželna banka Slovenije d.d. (DBS), a Slovenian universal bank with EUR 1.6 billion of total assets (as at year-end 2025), corresponding to a 2.8% market share, and EUR 524 million in RWAs, backed by a strong franchise in retail, SMEs, and the agri-food sectors. In September, NLB Group entered into a share purchase agreement for the acquisition of more than 55% of the voting rights in DBS. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027, after which DBS is expected to become part of NLB Group.
The successful acquisition of DBS would further strengthen NLB’s relationship with clients, especially in the agricultural sector – a segment that has long been understood and supported as an area of broader societal importance through the Group. This, however, is not the only way we continue to build closer relationships with our clients. Ongoing enhancements to the operating platform, together with the adoption of advanced technologies, are accelerating the Group’s transition towards a digital business model. One of the key priorities remains enhancing customer experience, supported by a comprehensive range of secure, user-centric digital services that are available 24/7. In Serbia, ‘Klik,’ the digital banking platform for retail customers, was launched at NLB Banka, Beograd, which has operated under this name since 1 September 2026, following the rebranding of NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd; while the new and enhanced mobile app ‘Klik Business’ has just begun its roll-out to corporate clients in Slovenia.
Systemic banking institutions prove their value especially in turbulent times, when stability and trust matter more than ever. As one of the leading banking groups in our home region, NLB Group has a responsibility to act as a pillar of stability, supporting our clients and contributing to the resilience of the economies and communities of which we are part. Our consistently strong business performance provides a solid foundation for this role, while our progress in delivering on Strategy reinforces our confidence in the Group’s long-term direction. But financial results and strategic achievements are only one part of the story. Equally important is how we build our future with our clients. We believe the future of banking belongs to those who see beyond transactions and understand that, ultimately, banking is about relationships. Our promise to our clients is therefore simple: to be there for them, to understand their needs, and to earn their trust – not just today, but throughout their lives.
The banking industry is undergoing profound structural changes that are reshaping the way financial services are delivered, the competitive landscape, and clients’ expectations. NLB Group is well-positioned to navigate this changing environment, with an openness to embrace new developments, the readiness to adapt, and the ability to turn emerging challenges into opportunities for further growth. Looking ahead, staying relevant will require both the ambition to evolve and the discipline to build on what makes us strong. The Supervisory Board remains focused on ensuring that the Group continues to build sustainable value for its shareholders while maintaining the resilience, responsibility, and long-term perspective expected of a leading banking institution in our region.
For even more information on the results, we kindly invite all interested stakeholders to join the NLB Group’s Third Quarter and the First Nine Months 2026 Earnings Call, hosted by the NLB Management Board. The call will take place on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at 16:00 CEST/15.00 BST and will be available at https://www.nlb.si/ir-events.
Members of the Management Board will, as usual, receive and address your questions live during the webcast. However, if you already know what you wish to ask them, you may submit your questions in advance. If you register for the event, you will be able to send them via the web app, or you may simply send them to the email address IR@nlb.si.
NLB Communications
These are latest news
In mid-December, NLB d.d. Shareholders will convene for the second time this year – at the 47th General Meeting, which will take place on 14th December 2026 at 11 a.m. The gathering will be held both in person at Cankarjev dom in Ljubljana and virtua...
Pursuant to the Rules of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange and Article 158 of the Market in Financial Instruments Act, relating to the Article 17 of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, NLB d.d., Trg republike 2, 1000 Ljubljana announces:...
NLB has successfully completed the bookbuilding for new EUR 400 million Tier 2 bonds, further strengthening its capital position and supporting the Group’s growth ambitions. The transaction drew strong interest from a broad base of institutional inve...
