RTE.ie·2026-02-05 07:51Core Viewpoint - BNP Paribas has increased its 2028 profitability target and announced further cost-cutting measures after reporting a better-than-expected fourth quarter profit, despite a lackluster performance in its investment banking division [1][2]. Financial Performance - The bank reported a net income of €2.97 billion for Q4, representing a 28% year-on-year increase and surpassing the average estimate of €2.84 billion from 16 analysts [2]. - The investment banking division's revenues rose 1% year-on-year to €4.58 billion, marking a record quarter, although trading revenue in fixed income, currencies, and commodities grew only 0.8% [4]. Profitability Targets - BNP Paribas is targeting a return on tangible equity (ROTE) of over 13% by 2028, an increase from the previous target of 13%, but still lower than many European competitors [2]. - The bank aims to reduce its cost-to-income ratio to below 56% by 2028, down from an earlier target of around 58% [2]. Growth Projections - The bank anticipates average annual net income growth of over 10% from 2025 to 2028, with cost reduction as a key driver [3]. - Additional cost-saving measures of approximately €600 million are planned for 2026, raising total recurring cost savings for 2022-2026 to €3.5 billion, exceeding the initial projection of €2.9 billion [3]. Share Performance - BNP Paribas shares have rebounded significantly from lows of around €65 in early November to approximately €91, reflecting a roughly 40% gain [6]. - However, over the longer term, the bank's shares have underperformed compared to peers, gaining about 110% in the past five years, which is less than half of the wider European sector's performance [7]. Dividend Policy - The bank has maintained its dividend policy, announcing a cash dividend of €5.16 per share for 2025, with a final payment of €2.57 to be distributed in May [8].