Arion banki hf. – Valuation as of 1 Jan 2026
Valuation Summary
- The value per share as of 1 January 2026 is estimated at ISK 264.3.
- The valuation is based on a ten-year forecast using the residual income method, with a 10% nominal required return on equity and a 4% terminal growth rate (1% real).
- The increase in value from the prior valuation reflects 2025 performance and updated assumptions in the new forecast regarding net interest margin, cost ratios, and impairments.
Key Assumptions
- Net interest margin on total assets is 3% in 2026, declining to 2.8% from 2028 onwards and remaining at that level through the forecast period.
- Net fee and commission income grows by an average of 5.7% per year.
- Insurance revenue grows by an average of 5.7% per year.
- The combined ratio in the insurance operations is 93%.
- Bond portfolio returns amount to 6,5-7,5% per year, of which 0,5% is recognised as a fair value change under net financial income. The interest component of bonds is recognised under net interest income.
- The average annual return on shares is 12% over the forecast period.
- Cost-to-income ratio (operating expenses/core income) averages 45%.
- Impairment charges amount to 0.3% of loans per year.
- Corporate income tax is 20% (excluding earnings from associates and equities); the financial activities tax is 6% of taxable profit above ISK 1 billion; and the special tax on financial institutions is 0.145% of total liabilities above ISK 60 billion.
- Loans to customers grow on average by 5.7% per year.
- The dividend payout ratio is 49% in 2026 (based on the previous year’s owners’ total comprehensive income) and 65% for the remainder of the forecast period.
- Minority interests are immaterial and therefore excluded.
Below you can access the full forecast and valuation.
Arion banki hf. – Financial forecast 2026-2035 and valuation as of 1 Jan 2026 (pub. 19 Feb 2026)
