SaarLB in financial year 2025: Well-positioned in a chal-lenging market environment

SaarLB looks back on an overall challenging financial year 2025. In a still difficult economic environment along with a highly competitive market, the Franco-German bank demonstrated its robust position. Although earnings growth slowed compared to the very strong previous year, SaarLB’s robust capital base, resilient customer business, disciplined risk management and solid market position underscore its resilience and its long-term business strategy.

KEY FIGURES AT A GLANCE (31 Dec. 2025):

• The customer loan portfolio stood at EUR 14.4 billion, which represents a slight increase.
• Earnings before taxes stood at EUR 30.0 million, compared with EUR 65.0 million in the previous year.
• Operating profit amounted to EUR 152.1 million, with administrative expenses of EUR 88.0 million.
• The common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio stood at 16.7%, which was significantly higher than the previous year’s level.

“2025 presented SaarLB with various challenges, which we successfully overcame. What is important is that we have demonstrated our resilience and ability to take action, even in a challenging environment. Our strategic positioning, our strong presence in the Greater Saarland Region and our Franco-German focus continue to bear fruit,” said Dr Jochen Sutor, Chairman of the Board of Management, commenting on the performance for financial year 2025.

Performance during the financial year was characterised in particular by increased loan loss provisions, restrained investment activity, lower margins, regulatory burdens and the persistently difficult macroeconomic environment. Against this backdrop, SaarLB considers the result achieved to be robust given the prevailing conditions.

“Particularly in a market environment characterised by significant geopolitical uncertainties, reluctance to invest and fierce competition, our long-standing focus on prudent management, customer proximity and sustainable business relationships is paying off. This stability is a key foundation for our future development,” Dr Jochen Sutor continued.

The balance sheet value of the customer loan portfolio grew moderately, standing at EUR 14.4 billion at the end of the year. This enabled SaarLB to maintain its position in its core markets. At the same time, the distribution remained balanced across regions and segments.

SaarLB’s capital base also remains at a very solid level. With a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 16.7%, the Bank is well above the regulatory requirements. This lays a solid foundation for future business and for supporting its customers in their respective core segments.

“Our focus remains clear: We want to ensure that SaarLB remains fit for the future, even in a challenging environment. “This includes a consistent focus on the customer, disciplined risk management and targeted investment in our strategic strengths,” says Dr Jochen Sutor.

FURTHER KEY FIGURES AT A GLANCE (31 Dec. 2025):

Operating income

Administrative expenses

Earnings before taxes

Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1 ratio)

Note: Rounding differences are not regarded.

LBS Saar, as a subsidiary of SaarLB, reports positive results for 2025. Last year, the volume of home savings loans disbursed amounted to approximately 106 million euros. This represents a 10.4 percent increase over the previous year. New loan approvals also showed an overall positive trend: they rose to around €215 million, which was 13 percent higher than the figure for 2024. This continues the upward trend of recent years, during which significant increases in loan disbursements and new approvals had already been achieved.

Looking ahead to 2026, SaarLB continues to anticipate a challenging environment. At the same time, thanks to its stable capital base, clear strategic focus, strong market position and conservative risk policy, the Bank considers itself well-positioned to capitalise on opportunities in its core markets in Germany and France.

Financial Report 2025