0711 GMT - Commerzbank's upside and downside risks are more balanced now after UniCredit bought a 9% stake in the German lender, Barclays says in a research note. "With the CBK's upcoming share buyback equal to circa 5% of its market cap between November 2024 and March 2025, we find limited downside risks to the share price," analysts Krishnendra Dubey and Flora Bocahut write. The 24% boost to shares since the strategic stake-purchase announcement should also provide near-term support, they add. Relative to the sector however, Commerzbank's valuation remains less attractive and the equity story still faces risks from potential M&A developments and interest-rate moves. Barclays raises its rating on the stock to equalweight from underweight and lifts its target price to 16 euros from 12 euros. (elena.vardon@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 18, 2024 03:11 ET (07:11 GMT)
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