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National Bank Of Greece Declares €200 Million Interim Dividend Amid Strong Growth

Robust Dividend Announcement

The National Bank of Greece (NBG) has confirmed the distribution of an interim dividend for the 2025 financial year. Following meetings of its Board of Directors on September 18 and October 22, 2025, the bank will disburse a total gross cash dividend of €200 million, equating to €0.2186 per share. After adjustments for shares held by the bank, the final gross dividend is set at €0.2210 per share.

Tax Implications And Key Dates

A 5% withholding tax will apply, resulting in a net dividend of €0.2100 per share for eligible shareholders, in accordance with Article 64 of Law 4172/2013, except where specific provisions under Articles 46, 48, and 63 alter the outcome. The ex-dividend date is scheduled for Monday, November 10, 2025, with shareholders needing to be registered in the Dematerialised Securities System (DSS) managed by Hellenic Central Securities Depository S.A. (ATHEXCSD) by Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Dividend payments will be processed on Friday, November 14, 2025, through NBG’s designated paying bank via participant banks and brokerage firms, as stipulated by ATHEXCSD regulations.

Impressive Financial Performance

NBG’s first nine months of 2025 have underscored its robust performance. The bank reported net profits of approximately €1 billion, with earnings per share meeting the annual target at €1.40. Furthermore, the return on tangible equity (RoTE) was recorded at 15.6% on a normalized basis, while the reported figure hit 16.1%, comfortably surpassing the year-end goal of over 15%.

Solid Capital Foundation And Expanding Credit Portfolio

The bank has maintained a strong capital position, with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 19.0%—well above its 2025 target of 18%—and a total capital adequacy ratio of 21.8%. This solid base supports its strategic flexibility, including a planned total dividend payout of 60% of 2025 profits alongside the €200 million interim dividend. Additionally, credit growth has been notable with performing loans increasing by 12% year-on-year to €34.7 billion, alongside a non-performing exposure ratio of 2.5% and coverage at 101%.

Strategic Digital And Customer Initiatives

NBG continues its robust digital transformation efforts. Its migration to a new Core Banking System, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026, and the launch of its AI-powered digital assistant, “Sophia,” are expected to further enhance operational efficiency and customer service. Digital engagement remains strong with over 4.4 million subscribers to its online channels, complemented by significant increases in both deposits and funds under management.

Commitment To Sustainability And Social Responsibility

The bank is also dedicated to sustainability and social impact initiatives. It is actively financing projects that aid Greece’s green transition and supports societal causes such as upgrading public school infrastructure through the “Marietta Giannakou” programme, along with providing aid to the National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAB) and communities affected by disasters in Chios.

Future Outlook And Leadership Commentary

Chief Executive Officer Pavlos Mylonas remarked, “The Greek economy has shown remarkable resilience amid global pressures, with robust domestic investment and record tourism projections underscoring our growth potential.” Mylonas highlighted that favourable labour market conditions, coupled with supportive fiscal and monetary policies, fortify Greece’s economic outlook. He also noted that the bank’s strong capital position and steady dividend commitment ensure enhanced shareholder value and support for strategic investments.

Conclusion

NBG’s interim dividend announcement and impressive financial metrics reflect its strategic positioning for continued growth. With a clear focus on digital innovation, sustainable investments, and maintaining a robust capital structure, the bank remains well-equipped to navigate the evolving economic landscape while delivering value to its shareholders and supporting Greece’s broader economic development.

AI Spending Is Complicating The Fed’s Fight Against Inflation

Silicon Valley leaders have long argued that artificial intelligence will make technology and services dramatically cheaper. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has described a future where intelligence becomes extremely inexpensive, while Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has predicted that AI and robotics will create greater abundance and drive down costs.

So far, those benefits have yet to materialise at scale. AI adoption remains relatively slow, while the enormous investment needed for data centres and AI infrastructure is putting pressure on electricity prices, supply chains and other costs. For the Federal Reserve, this creates a difficult balancing act: AI could eventually boost productivity and reduce inflation, but its current buildout is contributing to higher prices.

OpenAI chief economist Ronnie Chatterji said AI needs to be adopted by organisations and generate measurable value before its broader economic impact becomes visible in productivity statistics.

AI Adoption Remains Uneven

Capital spending on AI infrastructure in the U.S. is expected to reach $581 billion this year, according to Goldman Sachs Research, with global investment potentially reaching $1 trillion.

Despite the scale of spending, adoption remains far from universal. A May survey by the U.S. Census Bureau found that 17% to 20% of U.S. businesses reported using AI, with adoption significantly higher among large companies.

Companies that have implemented AI at scale also highlight the challenges. Julie Averill, former CIO of Lululemon, said successful deployment requires changes in employee behaviour and trust in the technology. OpenAI has observed a similar divide: its most advanced business users deploy AI at around eight times the rate of average companies.

Why Productivity Gains May Take Time

Economists point to the limits of automation. AI can perform individual tasks effectively, but many jobs combine tasks that are difficult to automate.

Stanford professor Charles Jones refers to these as “weak links”. Radiology, for example, involves interpreting scans but also communicating with patients and working with colleagues. AI can automate part of the job without eliminating the profession itself.

As a result, the full economic impact of AI may not become clear until businesses adopt the technology more broadly and reorganise their operations around it.

AI Adds To The Fed’s Policy Challenge

AI’s economic impact has become part of the Federal Reserve’s policy debate. Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh has argued that AI could eventually become a significant disinflationary force by increasing productivity and strengthening U.S. competitiveness.

Other officials are more cautious. In July, the Fed kept interest rates at 3.5% to 3.75%, while some officials expressed concern that AI infrastructure spending could add to inflationary pressures.

Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari pointed to massive data-centre investment as a new source of demand. Household electricity prices rose 10% in the two years through July, compared with a 6.2% increase in overall consumer prices. Meanwhile, shortages of chips and other AI components are pushing up costs. JPMorgan Chase estimates that DRAM prices could rise 400% by the end of 2026 compared with 2024.

Warsh has consequently adopted a more cautious tone, saying that while AI investment is laying the groundwork for future growth, the timing and scale of its economic effects remain difficult to predict.

For the Fed, the challenge is clear: AI could eventually deliver major productivity gains, but the cost of building that future is already showing up in the economy.

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