0208 GMT - KakaoBank could see stronger earnings in 2026 as loan growth and net interest income recover, say KB Securities analysts Kang Seung-gun and Lee Gwang-jun. The South Korean internet-based lender affiliated with mobile internet giant Kakao is expected to post annual net profit of 650 billion won, up 34.2% from KB's earlier estimate. The bank's 4Q earnings beat, driven by policy loans and financing for self-employed businesses, has eased concerns about growth over South Korea's tight household lending rules, the analysts say. KB upgrades KakaoBank to buy from hold and raises its target price by 18% to 300,000 won. Shares are 11% higher at 27,800 won.(kwanwoo.jun@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 04, 2026 21:08 ET (02:08 GMT)
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