KBC Group (OTCMKTS:KBCSY) Sees Large Volume Increase – Still a Buy?

Shares of KBC Group SA (OTCMKTS:KBCSY) saw unusually-high trading volume on Monday. Approximately 68,140 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 139% from the average daily volume of 28,459 shares. The stock last traded at $64.0980 and had previously closed at $63.66.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

KBCSY has been the topic of several recent research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a “sector perform” rating on shares of KBC Group in a research report on Monday, August 10th. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on KBC Group in a report on Wednesday, September 16th. They issued a “buy” rating on the stock. Finally, Citigroup raised KBC Group from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 22nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Hold”.

KBC Group Stock Performance

The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $71.46 and a 200 day moving average price of $68.59. The stock has a market cap of $55.56 billion, a PE ratio of 12.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 0.67.

KBC Group (OTCMKTS:KBCSY) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 6th. The company reported $1.64 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.59 by $0.05. KBC Group had a return on equity of 13.42% and a net margin of 15.58%. The firm had revenue of $3.96 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.83 billion. On average, equities research analysts forecast that KBC Group SA will post 5.58 earnings per share for the current year.

About KBC Group

KBC Group is a Belgian financial services group headquartered in Brussels. It operates as an integrated bank-insurance organization, combining banking and insurance activities through closely connected distribution networks and digital channels.

The group provides retail, business and private banking services, including current and savings accounts, lending, payments, investment products, asset management and financial advice. Its insurance operations offer life and non-life coverage, including products for individuals, families and businesses.

KBC serves customers primarily in Belgium and selected Central and Eastern European markets, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria.