SpareBank 1 SMN reported a profit of NOK 849 million after tax for the first
quarter of 2026, equating to a return on equity of 11.3 per cent. The quarter
was characterised by strong operations in a challenging market and a
strengthened platform for further growth and profitability.
The bank's Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio equalled 17.1 per cent at
quarter-end, indicating capital adequacy well above both regulatory requirements
and the bank's own targets. This provides a good foundation for further growth.
Lending growth over the past 12 months stands at NOK 11.3 billion, bringing the
bank's total lending volume to NOK 261.3 billion. Lending growth in the first
quarter amounted to 0.9 per cent.
"We aim to strengthen our position in our home market in Central Norway and in
national niches, but are careful to ensure that growth is profitable. We are
very pleased that we have strengthened our position during a period of
considerable uncertainty, particularly for businesses in the region," says Group
CEO Jan-Frode Janson.
SpareBank 1 Regnskapshuset SMN delivered a profit of NOK 46 million in the first
quarter, with an operating margin of 18.3 per cent. The company continues to
grow, and in January this year entered into an agreement to acquire Berg Økonomi
in Nord-Trøndelag. The acquisition consolidates Regnskapshuset's number one
position in the region. The company is now one of Norway's largest accountancy
firms and is undergoing a comprehensive shift from traditional accountancy to a
modern consultancy firm with a particular focus on the SME market.
SpareBank 1 Finans Midt-Norge achieved a profit of NOK 52 million for the
quarter, while EiendomsMegler 1 Midt-Norge generated a pre-tax profit of NOK 9
million. Through EiendomsMegler 1 Midt-Norge, the bank continues to build a
clear and strong position in the commercial real estate market. As the largest
shareholder in Norion Næringsmegling, the group is already the market leader in
Mid- and Nort of Norway and is strengthening its national position further
through the acquisition of SPG Corporate Finance in Oslo.
"Our stated strategy is to be the least interest-rate-dependent bank in the
country. Having a broad revenue base is particularly beneficial during periods
like the present, when the profitability of traditional lending is under
pressure. In addition, our broad product range ensures a better customer
experience and creates significant revenue and cost synergies," says Janson.
Key figures:
(Consolidated figures. Figures in brackets refer to the corresponding period
last year, unless otherwise specified.)
Profit after tax: NOK 849 million (NOK 1,004 million)
Return on equity: 11.3 per cent (14.0 per cent)
Common Equity Tier 1 ratio: 17.1 per cent (18.1 per cent)
Lending growth: 0.9 per cent (0.2 per cent)
Deposit growth: 3.4 per cent (5.2 per cent)
Losses on loans and guarantees: NOK 100 million (NOK 21 million)
Profit per equity certificate: NOK 3.66 (NOK 4.32)
Contacts:
CFO Trond Søraas, tel. +47 922 36 803
Executive Vice President Rolf Jarle Brøske, tel. +47 911 12 475
This information is disclosable pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian
Securities Trading Act.