Bullish indicating open at $55-$60, IPO prices at $37
Investing.com - BofA Securities upgraded KBC Group (BR:KBC) (OTC:KBCSY) from Neutral to Buy and raised its price target to EUR115.00 from EUR88.00, citing expectations for accelerating revenue growth. The stock, currently trading near its 52-week high of $57.98, has delivered impressive returns with a 63.74% gain over the past year. According to InvestingPro data, two analysts have recently revised their earnings estimates upward for the upcoming period.
The firm noted that KBC Group delivered decent revenue growth in the first half of 2025, with further acceleration expected in the second half. BofA Securities projects full-year 2025 net interest income to reach €6 billion, exceeding KBC’s guidance of €5.85 billion. The $46.4B market cap bank maintains a healthy P/E ratio of 11.55 and offers an attractive dividend yield of 4.07%.
Strong lending and deposit growth, both exceeding 6% year-over-year, are driving the positive outlook, with potential upside if Ukraine reconstruction efforts materialize. The bank’s fourth quarter 2025 exit revenue level of €1.57 billion positions it well for continued growth in 2026-2027.
BofA Securities highlighted improving margins resulting from customer shifts from term deposits to savings accounts due to more rational competition and lower interest rates. The significant volume of term deposits maturing in the next two quarters is expected to largely transfer to current accounts, savings accounts, and mutual funds.
Higher reinvestment yields in KBC’s replication portfolio provide an additional tailwind for the bank’s financial performance, according to the research firm’s analysis. InvestingPro analysis reveals the bank maintains a "GREAT" overall financial health score, with particularly strong momentum metrics. Subscribers can access 10+ additional ProTips and comprehensive financial analysis in the Pro Research Report.
In other recent news, Barclays (LON:BARC) has downgraded KBC Groep’s stock rating from Overweight to Equalweight. This adjustment reflects Barclays’ evaluation concerning KBC’s trapped excess capital, which has influenced its equity narrative. The financial institution’s story is now seen as partially reliant on mergers and acquisitions, particularly the potential acquisition of the state-owned company Ethias. Barclays has maintained a price target of EUR102.00 for KBC Groep. These developments are part of the recent financial landscape surrounding the company.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.