Deutsche Bank reported a soaring fourth-quarter net profit of $1.4 billion, vastly outperforming analyst estimates of $850 million. It announced a further $1.7 billion in shareholder returns for 2024, including $730 million in share buybacks. Deutsche Bank has been at the center of merger rumors due to worries over bank profitability and news of the German government possibly selling its shares in Commerzbank, where it holds a 15% stake. CEO Christian Sewing stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that acquisitions are not a top concern for Germany's largest bank.