KBC: Net profit of €1.15 billion in Q2, annual guidance raised
KBC Groep published on August 6, 2026 a net profit of €1,152 million for the second quarter of 2026, up from €1,018 million in the same quarter a year earlier and €557 million in the first quarter.
Beyond the quarterly result, the Belgian group raised its guidance for net interest income and total revenue for the year, while confirming the payment of a dividend interim payment.
Half-year result of €1,709 million, up 9% year-on-year
For the second quarter, net profit reached €1,152 million, compared to €1,018 million in the second quarter of 2025. Earnings per share came in at €2.83, compared to €2.50 a year earlier.
Combined, the first two quarters brought the net profit for the first half of 2026 to €1,709 million, an increase of 9% compared to €1,564 million for the first half of 2025. The quarterly result is above the average earnings per share of €2.75 expected by analysts for the period.
By division, Belgium contributed €747 million in the second quarter, the Czech Republic €272 million and International Markets €240 million, with the Group Centre posting a result of -€106 million.
Credit growth and solvency maintained at 14.4%
The credit portfolio advanced 3% organically compared to the previous quarter and 7% year-on-year. Excluding short-term deposits with low margins from KBC Bank's foreign operations, customer deposits increased 2% for the quarter and 4% year-on-year.
Recent acquisitions of 365.bank in Slovakia and Business Lease in the Czech Republic and Slovakia contributed €29 million to the half-year result. The fully loaded common equity Tier 1 ratio according to Basel IV stands at 14.4% at the end of June 2026.
The group also completed its second significant risk transfer (SRT) operation covering a corporate credit portfolio of €1.25 billion, generating savings of €0.7 billion in risk-weighted assets. The LCR ratio stands at 158% and the NSFR at 133%.
2026 guidance raised and interim dividend of €1
KBC raised its guidance for net interest income for 2026 to "approximately €7.05 billion", compared to "at least €6,725 million" previously. The guidance for total revenue for 2026 is raised to "approximately +11.0% year-on-year", compared to "at least +9.9% year-on-year" previously.
In accordance with its dividend policy, the group will pay in November 2026 an interim dividend of €1 per share for the 2026 financial year. Operating income benefited from a marked decrease in credit value adjustments compared to the previous quarter, bringing the credit cost ratio to 11 basis points for the first half of 2026, excluding the reserve for geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties and excluding the recent acquisition of 365.bank.
Equity per share stands at €64.3 at the end of June 2026, compared to €58.9 a year earlier.
