Group 1 - The analysis compares Exor N.V. and Porsche Automobil Holding SE, with a preference for Exor N.V. [1] - Exor N.V. recently reported its half-year results, indicating positive performance [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of fundamental, income-oriented, long-term analysis in investment decisions [1]

Core Viewpoint - KB Financial Group Inc. is considered a quality investment in the financial sector, offering a valuation that appears discounted compared to its peers, indicating a potential value opportunity [1]. Group 1 - KB Financial Group Inc. is listed on the NYSE under the ticker KB [1]. - The company is recognized for its quality play within the financial sector [1]. - The current valuation of KB Financial Group is perceived as undeservedly discounted when compared to its competitors [1]. Group 2 - The analysis is conducted by Labutes IR, a fund manager and analyst with over 18 years of experience in the financial markets [1]. - The author has a background in various types of institutions within the industry, focusing on the buy side and portfolio management [1]. - The analysis is associated with the existing author known as The Outsider [1].

Core Viewpoint - KB Financial Group is identified as a strong value stock, currently holding a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and an A grade for Value, indicating it is likely undervalued in the market [4][9]. Valuation Metrics - KB Financial Group has a P/E ratio of 7.45, significantly lower than the industry average of 10.19, suggesting it is undervalued [4]. - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.63, compared to the industry average of 0.78, indicating favorable growth expectations relative to its price [5]. - KB's P/B ratio stands at 0.78, well below the industry average of 2.27, further supporting the undervaluation thesis [6]. - The P/S ratio for KB is 1.18, compared to the industry average of 1.67, reinforcing its position as a potentially undervalued stock [7]. - The P/CF ratio is 7.50, significantly lower than the industry average of 17.44, highlighting strong cash flow relative to its market value [8]. Earnings Outlook - The strength of KB Financial Group's earnings outlook, combined with its favorable valuation metrics, positions it as one of the market's strongest value stocks [9].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q2 net profit reported at KRW 1,738.4 billion, with first half cumulative profit at KRW 3,435.7 billion, representing a 23.8% year-over-year increase [4][9] - Return on Equity (ROE) stands at 13.03%, with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 13.74% as of June [4][20] - Total shareholder return for 2025 is projected at KRW 3,100 billion, a significant year-over-year increase [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Noninterest income increased by 10.9% year-over-year, driven by higher performance in securities and derivatives [9][15] - First half net interest income posted at KRW 6,368.7 billion, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 1.73% [12][14] - Nonbank operations accounted for 39% of the group's first half net profit, indicating a diversified business portfolio [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bank loans in won reached KRW 372 trillion, growing 2.4% year-to-date and 1.4% quarter-over-quarter [13] - Household loans totaled KRW 181 trillion, with mortgage and unsecured loans growing evenly [13] - Corporate loans reached KRW 191 trillion, primarily driven by large corporates and prime SMEs [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on capital discipline, managing risk-weighted assets (RWA) with greater precision while ensuring shareholder return expansion [7][8] - Emphasis on maintaining a balance between ROE and capital ratio to ensure sustainable growth [8] - Plans to explore new business opportunities and enhance productivity through AI [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects asset quality conditions to improve favorably due to government economic stimulus efforts [18] - Credit cost is anticipated to stabilize in the mid-forty basis points range for the second half of the year [30] - The company is optimistic about achieving meaningful improvements in asset quality by rebalancing nonperforming assets [19] Other Important Information - The company has committed to a proactive buyback strategy, with KRW 300 billion already executed in Q2 [4][5] - G&A expenses for the first half were KRW 3,355.3 billion, reflecting a 4.1% growth year-over-year [16] - The NPL ratio improved to 0.72%, with an NPL coverage ratio of 138.5% [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Size of second half shareholder return and timing of share buyback - Management confirmed the second half shareholder return size is KRW 850 billion, with excess capital of KRW 190 billion allocated for future returns [22][25] Question: Confusion regarding provisioning levels despite improved asset quality metrics - Management explained that additional provisioning was made to ensure loss absorption capability, particularly in light of potential risks in the real estate sector [23][27] Question: Loan growth guidance in light of government measures to control household loans - Management indicated that household loan growth is expected to decelerate to about 3%, while corporate loans are projected to grow at 6% to 7% [36][37] Question: Potential interim dividend payout from subsidiaries - Management clarified that interim dividends from securities and brokerage subsidiaries are being considered, while insurance subsidiaries may not contribute this year [41] Question: PBR adjustment and its impact on dividend policy - Management stated that they are open to adjusting the mix between cash dividends and share buybacks based on PBR levels, with a range of 0.8x to 1x being considered [42][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q2 net profit reported at KRW 1,738.4 billion, with first half cumulative profit at KRW 3,435.7 billion, representing a 23.8% year-over-year increase [4][9] - ROE for the first half stood at 13.03%, with a CET1 ratio of 13.74% as of June [4][19] - Total shareholder return for 2025 is projected at KRW 3,100 billion, a significant year-over-year increase [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - First half net interest income posted KRW 6,368.7 billion, with a 4.8% quarter-over-quarter decrease due to temporary expenses from consolidated fund liquidation [12] - Noninterest income increased by 10.9% year-over-year, driven by improved performance in securities and derivatives [10][15] - Nonbank operations accounted for 39% of the group's first half net profit, indicating a diversified business portfolio [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bank loans in won reached KRW 372 trillion, growing 2.4% year-to-date and 1.4% quarter-over-quarter [13] - Q2 bank NIM was reported at 1.73%, reflecting a contraction due to market rate cuts [14] - Group NPL ratio improved to 0.72%, with NPL coverage ratio at 138.5%, indicating strong loss absorption capacity [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on capital discipline, managing risk-weighted assets with greater precision, and balancing ROE and capital ratio [7][8] - Emphasis on expanding shareholder returns and maintaining a commitment to transparency in shareholder return plans [6][7] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects asset quality conditions to improve in the second half due to government economic stimulus efforts [18] - The company anticipates credit costs to stabilize and potentially decrease, with a guidance of mid-forty basis points for the second half [30] Other Important Information - The company plans to implement interim dividend payouts from subsidiaries to secure distributable income for the upcoming year [26][42] - The group aims to enhance productivity through AI and explore new business opportunities while rationalizing costs [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Size of second half shareholder return and plans for distributable profit - Management confirmed the second half shareholder return size at KRW 850 billion and discussed options for ensuring ample distributable profit [22][25][26] Question: Provisioning levels despite improved asset quality metrics - Management explained that provisioning levels were increased as a precautionary measure to ensure loss absorption capability [23][28][30] Question: Loan growth guidance in light of government measures - Management indicated that household loan growth is expected to decelerate to about 3%, while corporate loans are targeted for 6% to 7% growth [36][38] Question: Potential interim dividends from subsidiaries - Management clarified that interim dividends from securities and brokerage subsidiaries are being considered, while insurance subsidiaries may not contribute this year [40][42] Question: PBR and dividend policy adjustments - Management stated that adjustments to the cash dividend payout ratio will be considered based on PBR levels, with a range of 0.8x to 1x being discussed [33][43]

Financial Performance Highlights - KB Financial Group's 1H25 net profit reached ₩3.436 trillion, a 23.8% year-over-year increase[12, 17] - The Group's ROE for 1H25 was 13.03%, a 2.23%p increase year-over-year[8, 14] - Non-bank subsidiaries contributed 39% to the Group's net profit[16, 17] Shareholder Returns - The company plans a total shareholder return of ₩1.15 trillion, including a ₩850 billion share buyback and cancellation[8] - A proactive return of ₩300 billion was implemented in 2Q25[8, 11] - The CET-1 ratio as of June 2025 reached 13.74%[8, 11] Financial Analysis - Group net interest income slightly decreased by 0.4% year-over-year to ₩6.3687 trillion[24] - Group net non-interest income increased by 10.9% year-over-year to ₩2.7233 trillion[29] - Group G&A expenses increased by 4.1% year-over-year to ₩3.3553 trillion[35] Asset Quality - The Group's NPL ratio was 0.72%, with an NPL coverage ratio of 138.5%[48] - Provision for credit losses totaled ₩1.3107 trillion in 1H25, a 33.6% increase year-over-year[41] Subsidiary Performance - KB Kookmin Bank reported a net profit of ₩2.1876 trillion and an ROE of 11.63%[84] - KB Securities recorded a net profit of ₩338.9 billion and an ROE of 10.10%[87] - KB Insurance's net profit was ₩558.1 billion with an ROE of 20.51%[90]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of timing and sustainability in stock trends for successful short-term investing, highlighting the need for strong fundamentals to maintain momentum [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - KB Financial (KB) has shown a solid price increase of 36.5% over the past 12 weeks, indicating strong investor interest [4]. - The stock has also increased by 5.7% in the last four weeks, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [5]. - Currently, KB is trading at 85.5% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout [5]. Group 2: Fundamental Strength - KB Financial holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises [6]. - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is a useful tool for identifying stocks like KB that are on an uptrend supported by strong fundamentals [3]. - The article suggests that there are other stocks passing through this screen, providing additional investment opportunities [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of timing and sustainability in stock trends for successful short-term investing, highlighting that sound fundamentals and positive earnings revisions are crucial for maintaining momentum in stock prices [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - KB Financial has shown a solid price increase of 47.2% over the past 12 weeks, indicating strong investor interest and potential upside [4]. - The stock has also increased by 9.3% in the last four weeks, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [5]. - Currently, KB Financial is trading at 91.2% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout [5]. Group 2: Fundamental Strength - KB Financial holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises [6]. - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is a useful tool for investors to identify stocks like KB Financial that are on an uptrend supported by strong fundamentals [3]. - The article suggests that there are several other stocks passing through this screen, providing additional investment opportunities for trend-focused investors [8].

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1][2]. Company Overview: KB Financial - KB Financial currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook for the stock [3][12]. - The stock has shown significant price performance, with a 4.29% increase over the past week, compared to a 0.88% increase in the Zacks Banks - Foreign industry [6]. - Over the past month, KB Financial's shares have increased by 17.55%, outperforming the industry's 2.79% [6]. - In the last quarter, KB Financial shares have risen by 42.35%, and over the past year, they have gained 37.52%, while the S&P 500 has only moved 8.49% and 13.75%, respectively [7]. Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for KB Financial is 173,812 shares, which serves as a baseline for price-to-volume analysis [8]. Earnings Outlook - Recent earnings estimate revisions have been positive, with one estimate moving higher for the full year, increasing the consensus estimate from $10.40 to $10.67 over the past 60 days [10]. - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has also moved upwards, with no downward revisions during the same period [10].

Core Insights - KB Financial (KB) is currently rated 2 (Buy) by Zacks, indicating a strong earnings estimate revision trend, while Nu Holdings Ltd. (NU) is rated 4 (Sell), suggesting a less favorable analyst outlook [3] - Value investors typically assess various traditional metrics to identify undervalued stocks, including P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share [4] Valuation Metrics - KB has a forward P/E ratio of 6.73, significantly lower than NU's forward P/E of 22.20, indicating that KB may be undervalued relative to NU [5] - The PEG ratio for KB is 0.55, while NU's PEG ratio is 0.66, suggesting that KB offers better value when considering expected earnings growth [5] - KB's P/B ratio stands at 0.67, compared to NU's P/B of 6.71, further highlighting KB's relative undervaluation [6] - Based on these valuation metrics, KB holds a Value grade of A, while NU has a Value grade of D, making KB a more attractive option for value investors [6]