• Operating result of 2.7 billion euros
• NPL ratio remains at historically low level of 2.0%
• Strong capitalization: CET1 ratio rises to 14.9%
• Deposit growth outpaces loan demand
• Intended dividend of 2.70 euros per share for 2023

Erste Group Bank AG reported an operating result of 2.7 billion euros for the first half of 2023. This year-on-year increase of 44.5% was driven by favorable developments across all earnings components, including the net trading result and net interest income. Erste Group's net profit amounted to 1.49 billion euros (H1 2022: 1.13 billion euros). The cost/income ratio improved to 47.9% (55.1%). The volume of loans to customers increased to 204.9 billion euros (+1.4% year-to-date), with around one billion euros in new green loans extended during the reporting period. Deposits increased by 7.6% to 241.1 billion euros. Despite the challenging stock market environment, the number of securities savings plans increased by 18.3% year-on-year to over one million for the first time.